Training Log Archive: AC

Ile-de-France Long Distance Championships. H55. 5th place. After fairly disappointing runs in the last few O races I have done, I was hoping for something akin to a return to form on this occasion. The signs were positive, with some good runs in the last few weeks plus a decent O training on Easter Monday last week. Probably could have done without the bike ride yesterday, but it was too nice a day to pass it up! A good field was assembled and a tough map in terms of lots of green and quite flat, making it potentially something of a treasure hunt if the planner is so inclined.

Turned out to be a good, fair course with some tricky controls in green but nothing outrageous. Started out quite well and was in the lead through to the 4th control, running comfortably and navigating well. The green was not too bad at this time of year with no leaves on, so it was mostly just closely spaced trees to have to work through. Started to slow up a little on the uphill leg to #5 and then started out on the 2km long leg from the bottom to the top of the map. It was a long track run but with several options. I thought I chose wisely, but it turns out the fastest was a route I didn't even consider, which took an even wider berth but was faster than me by about 2 1/2 mins. Started to flag a bit in the legs but still going okay-ish. Then bizarrely missed 3 mins on #9, one of the easiest controls on the course. It was tucked right into a pit in a clear forest, but I ran fairly close to it without spotting it. Went too far past it before correcting and heading back. Lost another 1m30s on #10 then had the fastest split on #11 before my legs just packed it in and I barely jogged the last few controls to the finish.

Wound up a good 8+ mins behind the winner, most of which is down to running fitness. Good fun race and disappointing to not have been able to run hard all the way and finish in the medals. But heading in the right direction!

Yesterday’s start to the spring season continued and it was a gloriously warm day with a bit of high cloud. Couldn’t resist going out for a spin on the road bike, even though I should probably have been more sensible and saved my legs for tomorrow’s Ile-de-France O Championships. But too nice a day to pass up and so went down to Longchamp for a cruise around. Jumped into a few passing packs and then jumped out of each after a lap or two as was starting to crunch my legs. Good workout though and lovely day to be on the bike.

Well, spring has suddenly arrived in Paris and the temperature has jumped to 19 degrees with beautiful blue skies! Too good a day for staying indoors, so headed out with Jon for a steady run around the Bois. Good to chat and catch up. Great day for it!

Busy day looming and managed to get out for a morning run. Feeling pretty tired after a series of late nights but got into the swing of things after a couple of km. Electric Light Orchestra was the album du jour, listening to one of their greatest hits collections.

Easter Monday and headed out to Foret des Fausses Reposes for some O training. The forest has been undergoing quite a bit of work and it is quite grotty underfoot. But good training. Headed up as many hills as possible - legs quite tired towards the end.