Training Log Archive: AndreM

A bit of a race into a strong headwind down from Bells to the highway, cross to West Swan road and on to Grant's. I fell to the rear with low energy, having run out of food towards the end of the hike. We stopped to tie the empty water cans to Mark and Tim's packs while Janet and Grant continued to make some ground ahead. Back to Grant's finally for a cold drink and chicken sandwich thanks to Janet. Made it back at 2:19am, nice and close to our 2am planned finish. Another good session completed, probably the last and only big one.

Out on Grant and Pete's sevvy's with canadian paddles again. Me with Grant in front, and Tim and Janet. I noticed a definite improvement for this session. Starting to feel more comfortable and in control. In fact it's easier to control, steer and keep to a bearing than using the canadian paddles than a double bladed paddle (perhaps a secret weapon to bring to the Boundless race).

Explored Bennet Brook, nearly lost my sunnies in some murkey water. We went as far as we could before the tree fall became too much. Pity, as I see it finishes at a lake ahead and we got about halfway through.

GZ training night, part 1, mtb from Grant's via John Forrest NP, up to Avon Valley. 8 of us, Grant, Mark, Jason, Tim, Janet, Shane, Robbie and I. Everyone on the ball with equipment and nutrition - mostly loaded. I had most of my pack going, except a lot of food and a few small things, but all the big items. Back was a bit stiff at the end. The bike performed really well again - in good control going up and down steep and difficult tracks. First outing with new map board and it performed flawlessly, although I need to tighten the top board screw as it started rotating a bit loose.

We had a good mix of nav, forrest, road and really steep rough tracks up and down. Many thanks to Wil for providing us with excellent maps at short notice, which I got printed into 3 copies of 2 A3's.

We reached Bells Rapids and Jason's water drop around 1020pm, a bit later than my planned approx 9pm+ start of the hike. Crossed over the river at the bridge and reassessed the plan of riding over Jumbuck hill to the start of the orienteering map. Given how time was going we decided to ride up the track a bit and find a place to drop the bikes and start the hike.

Transitioned to the hike, walked up the hill and located the beginning if the O map, and then went about starting a clockwise loop of the hill finding controls along the way. Went pretty well finding the correct control locations and encountered some fairly dense bush and rough country. Got to the far end, climbed up to the ridge again and then decided given the time that it's best to walk back up and over on the track and return to the bikes. The bush bashing was fine for a while, but we didn't need to do it all night. Also, our 2am finish was starting to be pushed out.

Long trail run again with Wil. I was hoping for 22k and less hills given my plans tomorrow but Wil came up with a new route and we had a go at it. Great to see different areas. We spent very little time on the Bibb this time. Felt fine for most of the run. Back a bit stiff from the paddling yesterday. Feeling a bit battered at the moment.

Sevvy with canadian paddles, Grant in front.

Ascot Wed night race. Started in the first wave. Held on to the front group from this lot until just before halfway, when the second wave who started 3 mins behind started appearing. Fell off badly around 3/4 mark and then picked it up again when I could see the island for the finish loop. Finished just before a kid in a kayak who I kept pace with throughout.