Training Log Archive: Dooby

Event: Munster League, Rossbeigh Sand Dunes
 

Thought the flight back was earlier but didn't land until around 5 so wasn't home until 7. Too late then and too tired to think about getting out the door.

Quieter day today, less walking. Although some slow walking following a band do a tour of the local fountains for a festival. A few lads playing 2 instruments at the same time, a drum and a recorder like instrument.

Circuit du Malavan

Had nearly 2km on roads to get to the start of this loop and then the first couple of km and at least the last km of the loop was also tarmac.

Moving nicely enough on the flat. Then came the big climb but no idea it was going to be a 13 minute climb based on Strava. Also hadn’t sussed the segments.

Start of the climb was road and then had to find s small path to get me to a track, some forest here to get through as 4 barking dogs on the road which I don’t think I wanted to take anyway. The path was tough before this, steep and mucky but grip ok.

Got to the Chapelle St Raphaelle and took a few photos. Some ups and down after that as I followed the side of the valley in and then back out.

More road after a while and then had a small path to take to get me down to a lower road. This path was rocky and slippy so was careful. Some flat contouring before the last big descent, pretty much straight down on tarmac, had the brakes on.

Then back home the same way I got to the start taking an extra bit of distance in to get over 12k. Another run where physically I felt good. Didn’t think that would be the case this evening after a lot of pushing a buggy around Cannes earlier.

Legs tired today with left knee a small bit sore. Will be fine to run again tomorrow. Difficult choice to make though for that run, which pair of shoes gets its last run. Bought new running and trail shoes in Decathlon so the Brooks and Inov8s won’t be on the plane home.

Erik heard that Decathlon was worth a trip so I had to oblige him. Did consider buying one of those baby rucksacks but decided against it, put the money towards a running buggy instead.

C • Running buggy 5

From Vence up into the hills and back. Another loop.

From my research I knew there were a few Strava segments along the way where a top 10 was doable. Got a 2nd on the first segment. It was tough. But probably the easiest since I knew it was straight uphill between roads. The others were in the hills so harder to know what was coming.

The route up to Baou des Blancs was tough going, rocky, like a French version of cardiac hill. Couple sitting on a bench at the top said hello but a conversation not possible due to the language barrier.

After that it was more gentler climbs in the cloud. Lots of limestone too so the paths were still rocky.

Descended then to the main road from Mangia Pan. Another small trail to the left and then crossed to one on the right. This may have been a Roman road.

Back onto streets then into Vence and home.

Body felt strong today.

Good bit of walking today. Took the bus down to Nice and walked around the old town, then over to a restaurant in the port for lunch (gluten free restaurant), then spotted a playground on the map which was uphill, Erik needed some time out of the buggy, then back down to the old town and the bus stop.

Would recommend the Nutella Pizza for dessert. It was described as a mini pizza so my expectations were small. I was wrong to underestimate what I got, about the size of a dinner plate! The cheek of the waiter too to bring out a 2nd plate, he was quickly told to take it away. If Mary wants dessert there’s a menu to choose from, not taking mine.

C • Nutella pizza 3

Holiday mode this week whilst trying to train.

Will try to run today, Wednesday & Friday. And do something, hopefully, Sunday evening when I get home.

Run from the apartment this evening and I’ve been eyeing up a 1000+ metre peak nearby.

Loop from Vence to St Paul de Vance and back. Some road and some trail. Lots of steep downhills which I didn’t kill myself on, particularly the one on the rocky path.

Stopped a few times to check my map/phone to make sure I was heading the right direction.

The paths were quiet to run on but roads did have traffic. The forest parts were good to be in too.

Added a bit extra once back in Vence to take in some more climb to finish up with.

Wet evening after a nice day. Had our breakfast outside on the terrace, as one should do on their holidays.