Training Log Archive: PG

At Beech Hill, reasonably unsatisfying. Missed 2 or 3 minutes (#3 and 5 in particular), not good, not bad, but seemed to have a hard time moving though the terrain. Frustrating. Back still sore, but actually better when I'm running than when sitting around.

One bad spill near the end, cracked a knee pretty good and jammed my big toe again, just enough of an excuse not to run Sunday in the cold rain!

Also, a very fine NEOC 30th birthday party Saturday night. Many old friends, lots of good memories.

blue - Splits

Up N. Mt., back Middle Mt. Good pace, legs felt ok.

Been suffering the past few days from a sore lower back, maybe caused by a fall at the BG, maybe just sleeping wrong. A little better today, so I ventured out for a run before the storm comes. Hopefully I won't pay for it later.

Up to the power line and back at a pretty decent pace, quicker than I intended. Legs felt surprisingly good (a sign that I didn't overly exert myself yesterday, even though the cool weather may have played a role as well). Big toe, the bionic one, a bit sore but not too bad.

Billgoat at Blue Mt. Not so bad, all things considered.

Downside -- still can't run up any hills, though I think that's partly because I just don't put out as much effort as I used (thinking I'll croak if I work too hard); also one bad fall, lucky I didn't do serious damage; also busted my compass on another fall heading down the hill to 15; also, should have skipped 1 instead of 3.

Upside -- enjoyed the weather (started to rain and got cooler about 20 minutes in); didn't mind having company the whole way; really enjoyed the last 20 minutes or so, runnning better and orienteering well; Bernie and Tim Good and Daniel were kind enough not to pass me in the chute; and ending up first over 40 (all 20 ahead of me were under 40 -- who says this has become an old man's sport).

Another downside (though not of my doing) -- the very bad form, or bad "style" as we used to call it, by the gang from CSU, not staying around for the awards. Make that really really bad form. All were roundly booed at the awards. Kenny may have had the fastest time, but Graeme Ackland is certainly the year's top Goat.

And, to balance that off, another upside -- the fine hospitality of Charlie and Rhonda Deweese the night before, allowing some old and getting-old fogies (Bob Lux, Steve Tarry, Jeff Saeger, JJ, me and Gail, George and Lyn Walker, plus Charlie and Rhonda of course) to sit around Friday evening telling old tales and reminiscing about how good we used to be. As usual, facts were never allowed to interfere with a good story.

One last upside -- a fine course by Bob Bullions!

- Splits

Sugar-Gunn loop, relaxed pace, earlier in the day when not so hot.

Up to the top of Toby, walking all the steep part, back via the S curves and the power line. Very hot, low 90s, taking it easy.

Warm-up/down, and in-betweens (very slow).

8x400 (87,88,90,90,90,88,88,86),leisurely 200s in between. Outdoor track for the first time. Warm.

Up to the power line, easy pace.

Warm-up jog to start.

Red course at Wolf's Den (final time included 2:07 map copying). A couple of crappy controls. Varied between running ok and feeling pooped (ok on a couple of uphills, worthless on a couple others). Warm (about 70?).

Green course at Wolf's Den after a break of 15 minutes. Orienteering ok. Running ok first half, feeble second half. (Time does not include 1:50 copying map).

Red - Splits

On Mt. Toby. Legs a little heavy/sore, didn't push it, but still moving ok.

Sugar-Gunn loop, steady base. Seem to be running better this week. Don't know if it's just an illusion.

Robert Frost loop. Nice steady pace, felt a little better on the uphills. Perfect day, 50s, sunny.

Warm-up/down/in between. Feeling tired from the weekend.

4x400 (86,84,84,83), then 2x200 (38,37) just for the hell of it (that's as fast as I can run these days). Felt surprisingly ok.

Day 2 at Bull Pond. Nicer woods, better effort, more fun.

RedX day 2 - Splits

RedX course at Turkey Mt., West Point. Basically miserable day, not up to dealing with the brush, rocks, and deadfall in any aggressive way. Walked a whole lot. Oh yeah, no mistakes; if you're going slow enough the navigation is pretty easy.

RedX day 1 - Splits

Up to the power line and back.

Up to the power line, then up to the top the direct way via N. Mt. trail. Working hard on the climb (even though walking the steep parts), then shooting back down, so the legs were quite wobbly the last 10 minutes.

Warm-up, down.

3 x 1600, 800 jog. Miles in 6:15, 6:20, 6:25. Recovery at 8:50 pace. A good effort.