Training Log Archive: Gswede

Wanted to get one last mountain run in before heading up north. This was fun. I took it pretty easy the whole time...except for when there were two mastiffs chasing me UPHILL! I was expecting them to quit earlier. But they were dedicated.

Terrain running on the north face of the sierra. Such beautiful woods there. Followed by 90 pushups, 20xpedestal, and 5 minute plank.

Recovery run in the lower peaks around Valdemanco.

A climb up to Mondalindo and back down with Richi. I haven't done a straight climb like this in a while. Happy with how well my body handled it. Was climbing pretty easily, could probably take 5 minutes or so off. Really windy at the top. So windy that I got cold waiting for Richard.

A rerun of the classic middle which I MPed a bit more than a month ago in 45:15.

This time it went well and interestingly I didn't really remember the course. Too much orienteering between then and now I suppose.

My legs didn't feel weak from the stomach bug anymore, but they did feel tired from the long run.

Today's course is the purple and blue line.
https://goo.gl/photos/6HEfgRRJQQbWLzNA7

Followed by 90 pushups, 20xpedestal, and 5 minute plank.

Did this later in the day to get groceries. Damn it's hot.

My attempt at the long from Peguerinos to La Jarosa. The total includes the run to the start and back from the finish. I did about 2:30 for the course. I decided not to go through Valle de los Caídos because I wasn't in the mood for getting crap while training.

My body wasn't really recovered from the stomach bug. As soon as I started to climb up to 11 I knew that it was going to be a long day. My legs were shot after climbing 50 meters and I had to climb back up the ridge and then run back to the house. I ran out of water at 13, and, while the sun was hidden behind the mountain ridge, it was still 30°. So, with weak legs and a dehydrated mind, I hauled my body up and did as much of the course as I could before I ran out of sunlight.

To sum it up, loads of things went not according to plan, but this was damn fun.

https://goo.gl/photos/fHZVYHvarXMoNpqZ9

So, as I have had more time to train the way I love to (lots and in the heart of nature), I've also had time to reflect on why training, racing, and physical challenges have engaged me to this extent. Many people would be content to exercise for the purposes of a sound bill of health, but that hasn't been it for me.

It would be no surprise if the members of our niche community of orienteers felt the same way, but, after meditating on it, I've come up with two major drivers of my athletic career: the adventure and the state of oneness.

The adventure seems to be equal parts external, barreling down a hillside in search of a small marker, and internal, going to one of the most exclusive locations--my body's physical and mental limits.

The state of oneness is much calmer, and more difficult to reach. It's the flow that we often talk about in this sport; that time when all the gears are changing smoothly and our minds are fully present. Oftentimes, I get distracted with various thoughts when I'm orienteering, a song, what I should have said in that disagreement the other day, and so forth. But really fun orienteering is when you can flow.

It's easy to find adventure; I'm able to have an adventure everyday to a greater or lesser extent. But the oneness, that's the difficult one. That's the one that is seems elusive as Mew in Pokémon go. To that end, I've started trying to meditate daily to practice it in relaxed conditions. Time will tell where it takes me.

Post-illness shake out. Legs were still a little achy from the fever. But tomorrow I'll be ready to conquer some hills.

Followed by 90 pushups, 5 minute plank, and 20xpedestal.