Training Log Archive: SarahD

Jukola 3rd leg for Maroc 2nd team. So happy just to be here and runnng after the last 6 weeks.
Made a possibly foolish decision to dump my big head torch by handing it to Ali at the handover. Had seen a few folk going out without torches, so just strapped the mini one to my wrist to read the map, but as soon as I set off and saw the lights in the forest I realised this was probably a mistake. No point in worrying though - it would soon get light. Had to slow down a bit more than normal to try and read the detail on the map, but that was probably no bad thing. Got away with a lot of simplification due to the elephant tracks everywhere. Race actually went really well technically, with my biggest mistake being ~1' and only a couple of other hesitations. Was very aware that everyone was moving faster than me, but by the end of the leg I'd only dropped a few places, so they must have been coming past me multiple times. Pleased with the way I used the tracks but still managed to do my own thing a few times when the tracks weren't going the right way. Was flagging by the last wee loop, but managed to hold it together.
Dead chuffed with 2nd team performance at 503/1600, but disappointed for the 1st team after a really impressive team effort that should have seen them finish ~255.
Awesome!

Chilling out before the big race and watching Venla live.

Another session at Laitilanniemi on the southern half of the map. Some even lovelier rocky moss-covered ridges. Still clicking well with technique.

Training on southern part of event area - Kielletty Allue. Too soon after lunch, everything seized up after the morning session and knee giving me some gyp. Hence didn't enjoy it as much, and didn't feel I clicked so well with the map. kept it short.

Stretch out in the army tent. Bit space limited!

Jukola training at Laitilanniemi. Tough forest but really lovely. Navigating well and feeling well tuned in to the map.

Travelling to Helsinki for Jukola 2014

Busy. Good to give knee a couple of days recovery.

Knee sore this morning and should have been giving it a complete rest today, but it was a lovely morning and I'd taken the day off because of the school holiday, so seemed criminal not to go out and play on my new toy. With E, from T of Ess up the track to the high point above the Guard, then along the side of the hill above Glen T to junction above ospreys. Carried straight on, then turned down the diagonal track through the plantation, then back along the bottom past Faerie Loch.
Great morning and a fab ride. Had a few wee rests on the climbs but we both managed to ride just about all of it. Cool.