Training Log Archive: rcroIn the 31 days ending Mar 31, 2018:
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Saturday Mar 31, 2018 #
12 PM
Running - off road race (Llanbedr-Blaenavon) 3:03:00 [3] 24.87 km (7:21 / km) +1420m 5:43 / km
slept:5.5 weight:75kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
Stuck to my plan of taking it easy today rather than racing. Conditions underfoot by some margin the worst I've seen it - deep mud, slippery rocks etc, tweaked ankle was really unhappy on anything rough, and easterly wind to fight against up the first two hills - so was never going to be a PB race.
Good job I wasn't "racing" as was waiting a lot of time to get through the 3 stiles at the start, then generally was losing places up Crug Mawr, and losing a lot more going down (it was rough and wet). Making excuses to stop or slow down a lot of the time - jacket off, stuff into/out of bum bag, shoe laces, toilet... so even for the effort I was actually putting in could have knocked a couple of minutes off - so really surprising to only be a personal worst by 4 minutes! (and I went the right way [longer] up Sugar Loaf this year too...)
Passed a lot up Sugar Loaf, and this felt much easier than previous two times. Probably because I wasn't trying very hard. Passed by a lot going down - even the lovely track was barely runnable - mud and rocks above ankle deep. Horse field at bottom even worse. Fairly gentle through Abergavenny and next group had caught up by Llanfoist. Then came the Blorenge and they all fell a long way back.
As expected, passed a LOT up here and was the fastest person on the hill at the time (note - 22nd fastest split time Llanfoist-Blorenge out of 116 survivors). Saw Ollie for first time as I crossed stile onto fell and overtook him just as it started steepening 2/3 up. The steep bit was probably the only point where I went outside of "comfortable" in terms of effort.
Got a stitch along the top so a sitting duck along the path down to Blaenavon - but only one passed me, and I regained the place (and another) in the town by knowing the best way into the finish. Finish took at least 10s to register.
End result 45th - which isn't bad for being some way from full effort. Shows I'm a must stronger endurance runner than I was 2 years ago. Of course, taking it mostly easy doesn't mean I'm not feeling it now - Blorenge is a killer!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1481759257
https://www.racetek-live.co.uk/website/public_resu...
Note - a few worries on way down from Sugar Loaf, and on the way up the Blorenge, where I was taking it so easy that my HR was dropping to 0. Did a lot of fiddles with it to try and get it to read properly, assuming an error but in total was clinically dead for about 8 minutes.
Good job I wasn't "racing" as was waiting a lot of time to get through the 3 stiles at the start, then generally was losing places up Crug Mawr, and losing a lot more going down (it was rough and wet). Making excuses to stop or slow down a lot of the time - jacket off, stuff into/out of bum bag, shoe laces, toilet... so even for the effort I was actually putting in could have knocked a couple of minutes off - so really surprising to only be a personal worst by 4 minutes! (and I went the right way [longer] up Sugar Loaf this year too...)
Passed a lot up Sugar Loaf, and this felt much easier than previous two times. Probably because I wasn't trying very hard. Passed by a lot going down - even the lovely track was barely runnable - mud and rocks above ankle deep. Horse field at bottom even worse. Fairly gentle through Abergavenny and next group had caught up by Llanfoist. Then came the Blorenge and they all fell a long way back.
As expected, passed a LOT up here and was the fastest person on the hill at the time (note - 22nd fastest split time Llanfoist-Blorenge out of 116 survivors). Saw Ollie for first time as I crossed stile onto fell and overtook him just as it started steepening 2/3 up. The steep bit was probably the only point where I went outside of "comfortable" in terms of effort.
Got a stitch along the top so a sitting duck along the path down to Blaenavon - but only one passed me, and I regained the place (and another) in the town by knowing the best way into the finish. Finish took at least 10s to register.
End result 45th - which isn't bad for being some way from full effort. Shows I'm a must stronger endurance runner than I was 2 years ago. Of course, taking it mostly easy doesn't mean I'm not feeling it now - Blorenge is a killer!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1481759257
https://www.racetek-live.co.uk/website/public_resu...
Note - a few worries on way down from Sugar Loaf, and on the way up the Blorenge, where I was taking it so easy that my HR was dropping to 0. Did a lot of fiddles with it to try and get it to read properly, assuming an error but in total was clinically dead for about 8 minutes.
Friday Mar 30, 2018 #
12 PM
Running 35:04 [3] 7.12 km (4:56 / km) +40m 4:47 / km
slept:5.5 shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Mark P wimped out of going outside to "work" instead - so went to Risca for a change of scenery and be convenient for going shopping after.
Risca was miserable so it wasn't a hugely long run. Pissing down all day and finished comprehensively wet - but dryer than yesterday. Again, pace quick for the effort put in - maybe Newport's just slow compared to everywhere else?
https://www.strava.com/activities/1479648259
Risca was miserable so it wasn't a hugely long run. Pissing down all day and finished comprehensively wet - but dryer than yesterday. Again, pace quick for the effort put in - maybe Newport's just slow compared to everywhere else?
https://www.strava.com/activities/1479648259
Thursday Mar 29, 2018 #
5 PM
Running 28:05 [3] 5.2 km (5:24 / km) +105m 4:54 / km
slept:4.5 shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Recovery on road. Cold but dry until got back to the Handpost then soaked to the bone in last 200m
Wednesday Mar 28, 2018 #
Event: After Dark 6
7 PM
Orienteering - Urban race (Llandaff Street O) 59:06 [3] 12.08 km (4:54 / km) +110m 4:41 / km
slept:4.5 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
SWOC street-o in Llandaff. As per usual not taking this hard so opted for a social run with Mark.
Route S-30-17-27-13-23-9-29-19-15-25-1-21-20-24-8-18-26-28-2-22-12-F. 480 points.
Complete opposite to last week as control flow was good and barely stopped at all. Generally discussing and working out the answers before we got there so just looking for the right number to come up - with the only surprises being 25 and 24. Routes planned ahead and dropping controls so that would finish in time and get all the high scores. Only real mistake was navigating to a contour near the end when I thought it was a path.
Route pretty good but with hindsight should have dropped 13 and got 14, 16 and probably more for the same speed/effort. Of course, should have been able to get 16 if just ran a bit harder for the bit we were with Gary :-)
Think it was a comfortable joint win, with Gary and Martyn on 430 - not sure where Mark S placed.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1476926983
Great hosting from Chris and Duncan with hot soup, drinks and cake after.
Route S-30-17-27-13-23-9-29-19-15-25-1-21-20-24-8-18-26-28-2-22-12-F. 480 points.
Complete opposite to last week as control flow was good and barely stopped at all. Generally discussing and working out the answers before we got there so just looking for the right number to come up - with the only surprises being 25 and 24. Routes planned ahead and dropping controls so that would finish in time and get all the high scores. Only real mistake was navigating to a contour near the end when I thought it was a path.
Route pretty good but with hindsight should have dropped 13 and got 14, 16 and probably more for the same speed/effort. Of course, should have been able to get 16 if just ran a bit harder for the bit we were with Gary :-)
Think it was a comfortable joint win, with Gary and Martyn on 430 - not sure where Mark S placed.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1476926983
Great hosting from Chris and Duncan with hot soup, drinks and cake after.
Tuesday Mar 27, 2018 #
6 PM
Running - off road (MDC Blaenavon) 1:18:28 [3] 11.87 km (6:37 / km) +295m 5:53 / km
slept:4.0 shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
MDC run from Blaenavon. Loop around the hill east of the town and up the really boggy and rough path to the masts, returning along L-B race route.
A couple of new people tonight so stuck towards the back of group to make sure not left behind. Similarly, long wait on edge of Blaenavon at end to make sure Gary came off the fell in one piece after taking a "short cut".
Should have skipped the pub as it was "disappointing". It's a little known fact that the well known phrase containing "piss up" and "brewery" was first coined in Abergavenny.
The new Morrisons is quite nice and well laid out with both the bakery and deli counter right at the entrance. Treated myself to a two-course meal for just £1.23 - and didn't have to wait at all! Cafe must surely be cheaper and faster than Waitrose (which was sold to them by, er, Morrisons...) so will have to come back in day time to try it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1475203019
A couple of new people tonight so stuck towards the back of group to make sure not left behind. Similarly, long wait on edge of Blaenavon at end to make sure Gary came off the fell in one piece after taking a "short cut".
Should have skipped the pub as it was "disappointing". It's a little known fact that the well known phrase containing "piss up" and "brewery" was first coined in Abergavenny.
The new Morrisons is quite nice and well laid out with both the bakery and deli counter right at the entrance. Treated myself to a two-course meal for just £1.23 - and didn't have to wait at all! Cafe must surely be cheaper and faster than Waitrose (which was sold to them by, er, Morrisons...) so will have to come back in day time to try it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1475203019
Sunday Mar 25, 2018 #
9 AM
Running 1:02:39 [3] 13.36 km (4:41 / km) +95m 4:32 / km
slept:3.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Last join of the weekend...
Road run around worcester - town, up to county hall and return through Warndon.
Despite previous days runs seemed to be going quite well and pace was quicker than I’ve run since the autumn half. Putting in some effort up to Red Hill but could have gone harder. Struggling though past County Hall and Nunnery Wood and then against wind from the hospital pretty much until the end.
Uncharacteristicly nice weather for here - so good views of the various hillforts by home and also the golf balls on Titterstone.
Since warm and sunny for the first time in 6 months was a good excuse to spend an hour cooling down and stretching in the park.
Road run around worcester - town, up to county hall and return through Warndon.
Despite previous days runs seemed to be going quite well and pace was quicker than I’ve run since the autumn half. Putting in some effort up to Red Hill but could have gone harder. Struggling though past County Hall and Nunnery Wood and then against wind from the hospital pretty much until the end.
Uncharacteristicly nice weather for here - so good views of the various hillforts by home and also the golf balls on Titterstone.
Since warm and sunny for the first time in 6 months was a good excuse to spend an hour cooling down and stretching in the park.
Saturday Mar 24, 2018 #
10 AM
Running (Malvern to worcester) 1:58:31 [3] 21.42 km (5:32 / km) +110m 5:24 / km
slept:3.5 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Next joins on list Malvern/Old Hills/Worcester.
Feeling more tired today and was struggling on way out of Malvern. Things got better after Powick and feeling ok so started adding distance to get to HM length by the end.
Old Hills mud impossible to stay upright on in trainers. Don’t know how I’d managed to do cross country here.
Feeling more tired today and was struggling on way out of Malvern. Things got better after Powick and feeling ok so started adding distance to get to HM length by the end.
Old Hills mud impossible to stay upright on in trainers. Don’t know how I’d managed to do cross country here.
Friday Mar 23, 2018 #
11 AM
Running - off road (Whitbourne to worcester) 1:55:56 [3] 18.85 km (6:09 / km) +310m 5:41 / km
slept:3.0 (sick) shoes: Salomon Speedcross 4
Getting a rather awkward run done as there’s now only one bus a day that will get me out before 3pm.
Mostly off road run from Whitbourne across to mum’s house. Pretty sluggish today and not going well. Fields were soggy and hard work too.
Conquered the west face of Ankerdine and just 14s off the KOM so an obvious one to come back to on a different day.
From Broad Green to Broadheath signage was poor and many of the stiles had seen better days so was very stop start working out where to go. Faster from Broadheath onwards as mostly downhill and 2k of tarmac too.
Pitchcroft was more wet than damp and possibly unwise to go straight across the middle.
Mostly off road run from Whitbourne across to mum’s house. Pretty sluggish today and not going well. Fields were soggy and hard work too.
Conquered the west face of Ankerdine and just 14s off the KOM so an obvious one to come back to on a different day.
From Broad Green to Broadheath signage was poor and many of the stiles had seen better days so was very stop start working out where to go. Faster from Broadheath onwards as mostly downhill and 2k of tarmac too.
Pitchcroft was more wet than damp and possibly unwise to go straight across the middle.
Thursday Mar 22, 2018 #
Event: Night Street Event
7 PM
Orienteering - Urban (Cheltenham street o) 1:00:35 [4] 12.08 km (5:01 / km) +50m 4:55 / km
slept:4.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Cheltenham street o. Running with phone only rather than pen and paper which turned out was a big hindrance.
Got a reasonably route and making fair progress for not trying *very* hard. Paul had similar idea so we were together most of the time but maybe I was executing routes better.
Unfortunately, roughly 4.5 mins was spent standing at checkpoints waiting for the phone app to accept I was there - with waits anything up to 30s. This, of course, had a huge impact on my result and meant I couldn’t do the far south east loop.
I think the problem is the level of tolerance for the iphone app (everyone else on android and no issues) - so if the feature or dot on the 1:10000 map is slightly out of place to be equivalent of 2 or 3 m on the ground then it’s not going to register. Frustrating.
Got a reasonably route and making fair progress for not trying *very* hard. Paul had similar idea so we were together most of the time but maybe I was executing routes better.
Unfortunately, roughly 4.5 mins was spent standing at checkpoints waiting for the phone app to accept I was there - with waits anything up to 30s. This, of course, had a huge impact on my result and meant I couldn’t do the far south east loop.
I think the problem is the level of tolerance for the iphone app (everyone else on android and no issues) - so if the feature or dot on the 1:10000 map is slightly out of place to be equivalent of 2 or 3 m on the ground then it’s not going to register. Frustrating.
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018 #
6 PM
Running 31:37 [3] 5.62 km (5:38 / km) +70m 5:18 / km
slept:4.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Easy jog from home. May be doing a lot of road over the next few days, mostly easy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1464607947
https://www.strava.com/activities/1464607947
Tuesday Mar 20, 2018 #
6 PM
Running - off road (MDC Cwmcarn) 1:13:17 [3] 9.88 km (7:25 / km) +360m 6:16 / km
slept:3.5 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
MDC run from Cwmcarn - last in the dark but fairly good turnout.
Legs still struggling so not going very well - and the bike tracks were rough. Smart enough to stay at the back going up so that could sacrifice the rest to be run over before me. Turned light on early when feet started struggling with rocks. Struggling with the steep climb to top of Twmbarlwm (EDIT -ignoring what Strava says turns out this was my fastest time up here by about 8s, and I was trying hard last year).
Pretty gentle on the descents to protect ankle - looking forward to daylight and no snow when I should be more confident. Had hoped the faster ones would peel off and do an extra loop allowing me to cut back with Mark and bloody Alice but everyone cut back together.
Demonstrates I'm well off pace on hills as thought. Have a long weekend free to get some longer runs in but, again, doesn't seem like anyone else is free to join so will probably end up less adventurous than I want.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1462999955
Legs still struggling so not going very well - and the bike tracks were rough. Smart enough to stay at the back going up so that could sacrifice the rest to be run over before me. Turned light on early when feet started struggling with rocks. Struggling with the steep climb to top of Twmbarlwm (EDIT -ignoring what Strava says turns out this was my fastest time up here by about 8s, and I was trying hard last year).
Pretty gentle on the descents to protect ankle - looking forward to daylight and no snow when I should be more confident. Had hoped the faster ones would peel off and do an extra loop allowing me to cut back with Mark and bloody Alice but everyone cut back together.
Demonstrates I'm well off pace on hills as thought. Have a long weekend free to get some longer runs in but, again, doesn't seem like anyone else is free to join so will probably end up less adventurous than I want.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1462999955
Sunday Mar 18, 2018 #
12 PM
Running 47:20 [3] 7.26 km (6:31 / km) +190m 5:46 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
Fell race cancelled as expected - but not much snow here. Stayed in hoping for the promised heavy snow but it never came so had to venture out in what there was - which wasn't good. Roads clear but pavements pretty much equal split 25% each of thin snow, slush, ice, and clear so moving very cautiously.
Took a route that allowed me to run on the grass more, and this was more variable and having to be a bit careful when crossing tarmac paths. Snow mostly 3-4 inches deep off the roads, so nothing to write home about.
Wind was pretty strong, and against it on the way back. Otherwise would have said it's warmer today than yesterday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1459291474
Took a route that allowed me to run on the grass more, and this was more variable and having to be a bit careful when crossing tarmac paths. Snow mostly 3-4 inches deep off the roads, so nothing to write home about.
Wind was pretty strong, and against it on the way back. Otherwise would have said it's warmer today than yesterday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1459291474
Saturday Mar 17, 2018 #
9 AM
Running - off road race (FoD Parkrun) 21:49 [3] 5.0 km (4:22 / km) +40m 4:12 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
In the snow, again.
Keen to get out and do this as expecting most things tomorrow to be cancelled. About 0 C but didn't feel so cold - apart from when heading straight into the wind/snow. I've said it a lot, but ground conditions about the worst I've seen - mud incredibly slippery and quite a bit of going sideways on sharp corners, over bumps and right along by the sawmills.
Started quite gently and again got stuck in traffic on the out. Had a couple of people (both "tourists" I think) weaving around to block me from passing and the man made it quite clear he wasn't happy when I did get to cut him on the inside. I finished over 2 mins ahead of him... As per the last time I ran at Newport - why are people so anal about it?
Second lap went well and passed Tim who was struggling with conditions. Past Mark at the 2 mile point as usual, and as I didn't want to sprint Oli to the line stuck behind him to get my usual finish token (7).
Most people around 2 mins off their FoD PB so my time reasonably good. Still in winter mode so coping better the temperature today than on Thursday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1457523958
Keen to get out and do this as expecting most things tomorrow to be cancelled. About 0 C but didn't feel so cold - apart from when heading straight into the wind/snow. I've said it a lot, but ground conditions about the worst I've seen - mud incredibly slippery and quite a bit of going sideways on sharp corners, over bumps and right along by the sawmills.
Started quite gently and again got stuck in traffic on the out. Had a couple of people (both "tourists" I think) weaving around to block me from passing and the man made it quite clear he wasn't happy when I did get to cut him on the inside. I finished over 2 mins ahead of him... As per the last time I ran at Newport - why are people so anal about it?
Second lap went well and passed Tim who was struggling with conditions. Past Mark at the 2 mile point as usual, and as I didn't want to sprint Oli to the line stuck behind him to get my usual finish token (7).
Most people around 2 mins off their FoD PB so my time reasonably good. Still in winter mode so coping better the temperature today than on Thursday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1457523958
10 AM
O - Planning 2:00:00 [3] 8.0 km (15:00 / km) +100m 14:07 / km
shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 19
Map updates for Ross and checking control sites. River pretty high and very wet feet and lots of jumping over standing water on the meadows. Some of the paths very slippery - recommendation based on *current* conditions is wear fell shoes and bring a snorkel.
5 layers was about right but hands got very cold when I took gloves off to make notes. All my pens gave up after the first hour, fortunately had done the fiddly bits by then.
5 layers was about right but hands got very cold when I took gloves off to make notes. All my pens gave up after the first hour, fortunately had done the fiddly bits by then.
Thursday Mar 15, 2018 #
7 PM
Running 43:20 [3] 6.9 km (6:17 / km) +135m 5:43 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Very easy paced recovery run, ticking off quite a lot of Ridgeway roads.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1454888231
https://www.strava.com/activities/1454888231
Wednesday Mar 14, 2018 #
7 PM
Running - off road race (Blorenge Night Race) 1:04:13 [4] 9.64 km (6:40 / km) +505m 5:17 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
Working from home whilst new shower fitted so very little opportunity to walk around.
Race didn't go well. Not feeling 100%, and didn't attempt to put in 100% of what I could most of the time - result 5 mins slower than last year. Calf not great going up, but pace off as very slippery through the woods, and no wish to overtake Dan Sandford. Pace didn't really pick up on the fell - about this time when the calf started kicking off.
Most of the flatter tramway spent running in the reeds alongside as smoother under foot, similar on the very rocky track up - made good progress and overtook a few.
As per last year, struggled on the rocks on the flat - but it wasn't until turning into the wall of wind that I started getting passed by people of smaller surface area. The flat on the top was harder work than any of the uphill...
Putting in more effort heading down and having been caught by the ponds quickly dropped by running fast up the hill and gave more than enough gap for me to slip my way back down through the woods without being overtaken.
Segments say my best splits were the ones I was trying least hard at. Well down on the main climb and descent as expected, but where not wind affected wouldn't have expected to be too far off.
Doing a lot of selling MDC to a guy from Penarth. Where was the rest of the club tonight?
https://www.strava.com/activities/1453369094
Race didn't go well. Not feeling 100%, and didn't attempt to put in 100% of what I could most of the time - result 5 mins slower than last year. Calf not great going up, but pace off as very slippery through the woods, and no wish to overtake Dan Sandford. Pace didn't really pick up on the fell - about this time when the calf started kicking off.
Most of the flatter tramway spent running in the reeds alongside as smoother under foot, similar on the very rocky track up - made good progress and overtook a few.
As per last year, struggled on the rocks on the flat - but it wasn't until turning into the wall of wind that I started getting passed by people of smaller surface area. The flat on the top was harder work than any of the uphill...
Putting in more effort heading down and having been caught by the ponds quickly dropped by running fast up the hill and gave more than enough gap for me to slip my way back down through the woods without being overtaken.
Segments say my best splits were the ones I was trying least hard at. Well down on the main climb and descent as expected, but where not wind affected wouldn't have expected to be too far off.
Doing a lot of selling MDC to a guy from Penarth. Where was the rest of the club tonight?
https://www.strava.com/activities/1453369094
Tuesday Mar 13, 2018 #
3 PM
Note
slept:5.0 (sick) (rest day)
Complete lack of motivation - bored of running on my own around Newport now. Add to it legs are still struggling with tightness, “race” tomorrow and that my shower currently isn’t working - ends up as another no run. Training through this winter hasn’t been nearly as good as last year.
Monday Mar 12, 2018 #
Note
slept:6.0 (sick)
Stuck in work late and then trains all messed up. What evening I did have spent planning Ross race as running out of time available to sort out map updates.
Sunday Mar 11, 2018 #
11 AM
Running 59:13 [3] 11.07 km (5:21 / km) +140m 5:02 / km
slept:9.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Another easy road run to do a bit of joining, around Pontypridd and Treforest. Just today felt like less effort and was boiling hot.
Apart from the two runs have been pretty unwell and spent most of the weekend lay up in bed. Pretty certain I ran past a tree in Ponty carved into the shape of a man having a wank - but possible I was hallucinating as it was towards the end of the run.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1447384416
Apart from the two runs have been pretty unwell and spent most of the weekend lay up in bed. Pretty certain I ran past a tree in Ponty carved into the shape of a man having a wank - but possible I was hallucinating as it was towards the end of the run.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1447384416
Saturday Mar 10, 2018 #
11 AM
Running (Swansea) 1:34:56 [3] 16.52 km (5:45 / km) +215m 5:24 / km
slept:5.5 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Joining up run in Swansea.
Very hard place for running as (1) 90% of people are so fat it is not possible to pass them, no matter how wide the pavement, (2) the remaining 10% have eyes for decoration only, (3) it takes about 20 minutes wait to cross any road, including at signl controlled pedestrian crossings. And that's before the "occassional showers".
Singleton Park, Clyne Gardens and back along the cycle path. Legs struggling still from seizing up on train on Thursday.
Finished up Constitution Hill at about 80-90% effort. Not full effort on very wet surface and carrying a bag - but still so far down on the segments that I can't believe *all* are genuine.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1445528553
Very hard place for running as (1) 90% of people are so fat it is not possible to pass them, no matter how wide the pavement, (2) the remaining 10% have eyes for decoration only, (3) it takes about 20 minutes wait to cross any road, including at signl controlled pedestrian crossings. And that's before the "occassional showers".
Singleton Park, Clyne Gardens and back along the cycle path. Legs struggling still from seizing up on train on Thursday.
Finished up Constitution Hill at about 80-90% effort. Not full effort on very wet surface and carrying a bag - but still so far down on the segments that I can't believe *all* are genuine.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1445528553
Thursday Mar 8, 2018 #
6 AM
Running (York 2) 33:24 [3] 7.1 km (4:42 / km) +50m 4:33 / km
slept:3.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Early morning run still in York. Was going to do some intervals but heavy rain from the start meant the motivation just wasn't there. A faster paced run instead.
Heavy rain meant pavements were a bit slippery, and particularly cautious up and down to Clifford's Tower (nice GPS blip puts me 9th overall...). Got alongside the river and it started snowing, heavily, so confirmed any thoughts to keep short.
Snow was settling by the time I got by the racecourse and was sliding around all the way back. Good to get out and do something though!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1441920999
Heavy rain meant pavements were a bit slippery, and particularly cautious up and down to Clifford's Tower (nice GPS blip puts me 9th overall...). Got alongside the river and it started snowing, heavily, so confirmed any thoughts to keep short.
Snow was settling by the time I got by the racecourse and was sliding around all the way back. Good to get out and do something though!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1441920999
7 AM
Spinning 22:00 [3]
Just because there's a "gym" in the hotel and nobody in it.
7 PM
Note
Tescos still don’t have anything *at all* on their shelves so fortunate I got the early train home as almost too knackered to drive. Fortunately the “snow” doesn’t seem to have hit Aldi’s deliveries or prices, know which my first choice supermarket is now!
Wednesday Mar 7, 2018 #
5 PM
Running (York 1) 26:48 [3] 5.3 km (5:03 / km) +5m 5:02 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
In York for work. Adhoc run with Paul along the river for 2.5k and back.
Reasonably easy pace, but very flat and pretty firm underfoot, even after the tarmac ended.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1441043310
Amazingly both trains up were on time - and despite spending *quite* a lot of time sat "in" the Lugg and yet another car driving into a level crossing gate. Had to share my table between Huddersfield and Leeds, quite a shock to the system after the TWO tables I had to myself all the way up from Newport
Reasonably easy pace, but very flat and pretty firm underfoot, even after the tarmac ended.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1441043310
Amazingly both trains up were on time - and despite spending *quite* a lot of time sat "in" the Lugg and yet another car driving into a level crossing gate. Had to share my table between Huddersfield and Leeds, quite a shock to the system after the TWO tables I had to myself all the way up from Newport
Tuesday Mar 6, 2018 #
6 PM
Running - off road (MDC Ty Nant) 1:19:30 [3] 9.51 km (8:22 / km) +365m 7:01 / km
slept:6.0 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
MDC run from the Ty Nant. Usual route to the Garth and back via Gwaelod. Not moving quickly confirms:
(1) I have pulled something in my foot on Friday/Saturday that is causing some discomfort. Not to do with the ankle but all feels very weak - didn't notice anything happen other than some slides contouring in the snow.
(2) generally my legs have seized up and contracted from several days sat at home without moving much, and the cold. Left ITB rubbing a bit.
(3) I'm still far from recovered from being ill two weeks ago.
Looking forward to summer and hopefully having some enthusiasm to get out again!
Suunto Movescount down again, apparently planned this time. I can understand why so many people (British and Americans I guess) moan and have given up with Polar and Suunto because of their lack of urgency to resolve faults and provide a service that people have paid for. I don't think you would see this with Garmin. In their defence, appears Suunto are at least making some effort to respond rather than remaining completely silent. All a bit of a shame as both of my last two watches have been really good, only let down by the back end.
Similar unwillingness to provide service to customers from Tesco. Despite the main roads being clear since Saturday (4 days ago) - shelves are all still empty.
(1) I have pulled something in my foot on Friday/Saturday that is causing some discomfort. Not to do with the ankle but all feels very weak - didn't notice anything happen other than some slides contouring in the snow.
(2) generally my legs have seized up and contracted from several days sat at home without moving much, and the cold. Left ITB rubbing a bit.
(3) I'm still far from recovered from being ill two weeks ago.
Looking forward to summer and hopefully having some enthusiasm to get out again!
Suunto Movescount down again, apparently planned this time. I can understand why so many people (British and Americans I guess) moan and have given up with Polar and Suunto because of their lack of urgency to resolve faults and provide a service that people have paid for. I don't think you would see this with Garmin. In their defence, appears Suunto are at least making some effort to respond rather than remaining completely silent. All a bit of a shame as both of my last two watches have been really good, only let down by the back end.
Similar unwillingness to provide service to customers from Tesco. Despite the main roads being clear since Saturday (4 days ago) - shelves are all still empty.
Monday Mar 5, 2018 #
6 PM
Running 32:13 [3] 6.29 km (5:07 / km) +105m 4:44 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
A jog to make up for yesterday. Still feeling ill and snow on the ground in places so keeping stride short so I could see what was beneath me. Reasonable pace for the effort but legs struggling after a few days mostly sat down at home.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1437943732
After spending most of yesterday comprehensively rewriting the Welsh League scoring spreadsheet to work and be about 2 hours quicker to update per race, somewhat amusing (if not disappointing) for it to be pointed out I've scored incorrectly, for example, the Black course at Pembrey as, er, a "Black" course rather than split all the classes out and score as "M21" with different weighting... Hopefully common sense will step in as what's seems to be being asked for will take a couple of hours work just for Pembrey, plus a full evening's coding. To me all seems a bit unfair that Alice should be penalised for entering "Blue" instead of "W40" or whatever yet running exactly the same course!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1437943732
After spending most of yesterday comprehensively rewriting the Welsh League scoring spreadsheet to work and be about 2 hours quicker to update per race, somewhat amusing (if not disappointing) for it to be pointed out I've scored incorrectly, for example, the Black course at Pembrey as, er, a "Black" course rather than split all the classes out and score as "M21" with different weighting... Hopefully common sense will step in as what's seems to be being asked for will take a couple of hours work just for Pembrey, plus a full evening's coding. To me all seems a bit unfair that Alice should be penalised for entering "Blue" instead of "W40" or whatever yet running exactly the same course!
Sunday Mar 4, 2018 #
Note
(sick) (rest day)
Don’t like resting at the weekend but as at 3pm roads are 30% covered in slippery slush, 70% clear. And, despite a few days to demonstrate how you don’t need to drive your car everywhere all of the time, there are lots of pillocks on the road driving inappropriately - 4 instances where I thought I’d get hit whilst walking down the carriageway on Caerau Road :-(
Should our road clear by 6 may venture out for a jog.
--
Not cleared but probably ok to have run, just concerned about where it had drifted. Instead spent the day sorting out NGOC Club Champs and Welsh League spreadsheets.
Should our road clear by 6 may venture out for a jog.
--
Not cleared but probably ok to have run, just concerned about where it had drifted. Instead spent the day sorting out NGOC Club Champs and Welsh League spreadsheets.
Saturday Mar 3, 2018 #
Event: NGOC League 3
1 PM
Running - off road (Snow II) 1:16:37 [3] 10.44 km (7:20 / km) +240m 6:35 / km
slept:7.0 weight:75kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
Took some motivation to get out today, but actually pavements a lot less slippery than I expected.
A mostly off road loop taking in the Ridgeway, High Cross and Gaer Fort. Thaw has definitely started but still deep enough to be hard work off road - well above ankle deep all the time and many patches where could be anything between 1 and 3 ft deep.
About 4 million people sledging off the Ridgeway, but only 1 on the field with the footpath, so really nice snow and did a few loops, really struggling heading up hill as was actually quite deep. The bottom field was hard for contouring and did quite a bit of sliding.
Along the canal, a hungry thrush tried to befriend me. It failed... Very few appeared to had walked this way so again nice underfoot - only had to be careful on the humped back bridges. Field at High Cross was remarkably un-sledged and not very snowy at the top, but bloody tough to contour the bottom - up to waist deep. Similar story on Gaer Fort with a battle to get up and then grass and mud - no snow - on the top.
An enjoyable outing. Rate of thawing means I might be able to get the car out tomorrow if I want (which I don't, yet) - need to find something to do, want to do a road run in Swansea at some point but no trains until Monday...
https://www.strava.com/activities/1434147973
A mostly off road loop taking in the Ridgeway, High Cross and Gaer Fort. Thaw has definitely started but still deep enough to be hard work off road - well above ankle deep all the time and many patches where could be anything between 1 and 3 ft deep.
About 4 million people sledging off the Ridgeway, but only 1 on the field with the footpath, so really nice snow and did a few loops, really struggling heading up hill as was actually quite deep. The bottom field was hard for contouring and did quite a bit of sliding.
Along the canal, a hungry thrush tried to befriend me. It failed... Very few appeared to had walked this way so again nice underfoot - only had to be careful on the humped back bridges. Field at High Cross was remarkably un-sledged and not very snowy at the top, but bloody tough to contour the bottom - up to waist deep. Similar story on Gaer Fort with a battle to get up and then grass and mud - no snow - on the top.
An enjoyable outing. Rate of thawing means I might be able to get the car out tomorrow if I want (which I don't, yet) - need to find something to do, want to do a road run in Swansea at some point but no trains until Monday...
https://www.strava.com/activities/1434147973
Friday Mar 2, 2018 #
8 AM
Running - off road (Snow) 46:56 [3] 6.46 km (7:16 / km) +185m 6:21 / km
slept:5.0 weight:75kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Blk/Gn1
Commute to work a bit warm and dry - and snow had stopped and wind died down, so added a short loop on to the morning to run in the snow before everyone else starts compacting it.
For 24 hours continuous snow, not sure where most of it went. Generally a blanket 6-12 inches on the ground with 2ft where drifted. Stuck to going through the drifts where possible as more guarantee of being soft and not slippery.
Isolated patches where deeper - towards top of Gaer was hard work and waist deep at the end on Spencer Road/Caerau Road and was a struggle. Great to get out ahead of the hoards of kids!
Saw about 10 cars moving (including 2 ambulances), and 4 cars stuck. All of the latter were invincible 4x4s.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1432334646/overv...
For 24 hours continuous snow, not sure where most of it went. Generally a blanket 6-12 inches on the ground with 2ft where drifted. Stuck to going through the drifts where possible as more guarantee of being soft and not slippery.
Isolated patches where deeper - towards top of Gaer was hard work and waist deep at the end on Spencer Road/Caerau Road and was a struggle. Great to get out ahead of the hoards of kids!
Saw about 10 cars moving (including 2 ambulances), and 4 cars stuck. All of the latter were invincible 4x4s.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1432334646/overv...
4 PM
S&C 1:00:00 [3]
Digging a way out of the house