Training Log Archive: rcroIn the 31 days ending Aug 31, 2018:
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Friday Aug 31, 2018 #
Note
(rest day)
Thursday Aug 30, 2018 #
Event: Summer Street Challenge
6 PM
Orienteering - Urban (Pittville Park) 41:26 [3] 8.72 km (4:45 / km) +55m 4:36 / km
slept:4.5 (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Street O based at Pittville Park in Cheltenham.
Some quite involved legs but was planning ahead well and no stops for navigation. Think the routes were ok. Significant tailing off of speed after 5k - but to be honest wasn't particularly quick before. Quite tired anyway and had 1 hr standing on a train (had reserved a seat but no way of getting into the carriage to claim it...) and 2 mile walk with heavy bag.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1808041007
Some quite involved legs but was planning ahead well and no stops for navigation. Think the routes were ok. Significant tailing off of speed after 5k - but to be honest wasn't particularly quick before. Quite tired anyway and had 1 hr standing on a train (had reserved a seat but no way of getting into the carriage to claim it...) and 2 mile walk with heavy bag.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1808041007
Wednesday Aug 29, 2018 #
Running 28:48 [3] 5.04 km (5:43 / km) +95m 5:13 / km
slept:4.5 (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Slow paced recovery jog to keep legs moving after yesterday. Wouldn’t have wanted to go faster. Got an email today confirming I did sign up for the AXA 5 - so that will be my first road race since the last time I did it... (not counting the FoD trails HMs)
Tuesday Aug 28, 2018 #
6 PM
Running intervals (Track) 1:10:52 [5] 8.72 km (8:08 / km) +10m 8:05 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Return to Coleford to pick up my new vest - bit of a weird cut if you have a thin body.
10x 400m alternating between "5k" pace and "1 mile pace" - but in practice it was "quite fast" and "as fast as possible". Good news is that the consistency was there with the slower ones all in range 1:26-1:27, and the fast ones 1:14-1:15. Interesting to compare versus track 400s with Lliswerry (on a proper surfaced track...) a few years ago - which was consistent 1:18s. Again a mystery as to where this improvement in speed has come from.
Actually a really nice group to train with, helped by a few more under 30s doing this session vs last week. Made it much more enjoyable than it would have been. Given the aim for this season is racing, may make an effort to come up more often in the winter in preference to some of the less nice/convenient MDCs.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1803693041
Appointment with doctors was cancelled by them at 8.30 this morning - less than 2 hours notice (leaving me with a wasted day off work). That's 50% of GP appointments and 90% of dentist appointments I've had booked in the last 18 years that they have cancelled. Whilst there are undoubtedly many people who go above and beyond in the NHS, there are also quite a few who aren't in the business of treating patients.
10x 400m alternating between "5k" pace and "1 mile pace" - but in practice it was "quite fast" and "as fast as possible". Good news is that the consistency was there with the slower ones all in range 1:26-1:27, and the fast ones 1:14-1:15. Interesting to compare versus track 400s with Lliswerry (on a proper surfaced track...) a few years ago - which was consistent 1:18s. Again a mystery as to where this improvement in speed has come from.
Actually a really nice group to train with, helped by a few more under 30s doing this session vs last week. Made it much more enjoyable than it would have been. Given the aim for this season is racing, may make an effort to come up more often in the winter in preference to some of the less nice/convenient MDCs.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1803693041
Appointment with doctors was cancelled by them at 8.30 this morning - less than 2 hours notice (leaving me with a wasted day off work). That's 50% of GP appointments and 90% of dentist appointments I've had booked in the last 18 years that they have cancelled. Whilst there are undoubtedly many people who go above and beyond in the NHS, there are also quite a few who aren't in the business of treating patients.
Monday Aug 27, 2018 #
1 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
3 PM
Running - off road race (Machen Mountain Race) 39:28 [4] 7.09 km (5:34 / km) +370m 4:25 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Another mystery success. Hadn't planned to run this at all, and legs didn't feel up to racing. Only came as the intended explore around Wigpool was postponed and spending a day at home without talking to people isn't really a good idea at the moment.
Jog to start went badly, but started steadily - past by a few, and then overtaking along the gradual down to railway line, holding and gaining places on the way up to be in 7th place coming on to the fell. Breathing wasn't fantastic, but some of that may be linked to trying hard - I didn't start walking until the steep climb near the mast.
The most surprising aspect of this was that I was still in 7th place at the finish. Paul Dodd was just in front at the trig, and of course shot off as I took descent more gingerly and I never saw anyone again with no-one in sight in front or behind. Made for a fairly stress free descent, just running at a natural pace and being able to see where my feet were landing.
Over 2 min improvement on my PB for this course - and I don't consider myself to be in peak health/fitness/freshness at all. Maybe technique has improved? I really don't know where the speed has come from (excluding whilst properly ill)
MDC 3rd and 7th, but incredibly poor showing from the club meant Gareth was third counter and lost an easy team prize to Mynydd Du (5th, 10th-ish and 20th-ish)
https://www.strava.com/activities/1801000821/overv...
Run today has helped dry the shoes out a bit. Started out pretty sodden.
Jog to start went badly, but started steadily - past by a few, and then overtaking along the gradual down to railway line, holding and gaining places on the way up to be in 7th place coming on to the fell. Breathing wasn't fantastic, but some of that may be linked to trying hard - I didn't start walking until the steep climb near the mast.
The most surprising aspect of this was that I was still in 7th place at the finish. Paul Dodd was just in front at the trig, and of course shot off as I took descent more gingerly and I never saw anyone again with no-one in sight in front or behind. Made for a fairly stress free descent, just running at a natural pace and being able to see where my feet were landing.
Over 2 min improvement on my PB for this course - and I don't consider myself to be in peak health/fitness/freshness at all. Maybe technique has improved? I really don't know where the speed has come from (excluding whilst properly ill)
MDC 3rd and 7th, but incredibly poor showing from the club meant Gareth was third counter and lost an easy team prize to Mynydd Du (5th, 10th-ish and 20th-ish)
https://www.strava.com/activities/1801000821/overv...
Run today has helped dry the shoes out a bit. Started out pretty sodden.
Sunday Aug 26, 2018 #
10 AM
Orienteering (Llandynidr) 2:05:47 [3] 11.38 km (11:03 / km) +395m 9:25 / km
slept:5.0 weight:74.5kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Giving Henry some navigation training practice before he heads off to Sandhurst next month, running my course from JK on Llangynidr, in hideous weather...
Needless to say it didn't all go to plan but plenty of lessons learned, and, all told, did find all the sites we went for (as confirmed by comparing GPS plot with the race). No repeat of my big mistake on 1, but almost exactly did same thing on 3-4, with us opting for the "head north until the hill ends" technique to get out of having lost track of exact location. Pure chance that we hit on the exact right feature to hide from the weather!
Bailed out at 8 and went back as both Henry and Ben needed to be in showered and cleaned and in Gloucester for 3.30 - and we were pretty cold and miserable. Generally, they were doing OK, and Ben seemed a lot more confident with going ahead. I wasn't fully in the zone as putting my attention into making sure they knew what they were doing and balancing against getting too cold.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1798423656
First time trying a new meeting place in Raglan - think I saw Ifor's mum getting into her car.
Needless to say it didn't all go to plan but plenty of lessons learned, and, all told, did find all the sites we went for (as confirmed by comparing GPS plot with the race). No repeat of my big mistake on 1, but almost exactly did same thing on 3-4, with us opting for the "head north until the hill ends" technique to get out of having lost track of exact location. Pure chance that we hit on the exact right feature to hide from the weather!
Bailed out at 8 and went back as both Henry and Ben needed to be in showered and cleaned and in Gloucester for 3.30 - and we were pretty cold and miserable. Generally, they were doing OK, and Ben seemed a lot more confident with going ahead. I wasn't fully in the zone as putting my attention into making sure they knew what they were doing and balancing against getting too cold.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1798423656
First time trying a new meeting place in Raglan - think I saw Ifor's mum getting into her car.
Saturday Aug 25, 2018 #
9 AM
Running - off road (Newent Parkrun) 20:28 [4] 5.0 km (4:06 / km) +60m 3:52 / km
slept:4.0 weight:74.4kg (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Didn’t have a good night and got quite worked up on the drive over so was feeling absolutely terrible when I parked - to the point that even standing and walking was a struggle.
For all that, the run went surprisingly well with my fastest time in this (normal) direction, and fastest on the revised course. Basically spent the whole run within 8s of Henry and was closing back up to Ben near the end.
Glad the run went well as was worried the day was going to be hell.
For all that, the run went surprisingly well with my fastest time in this (normal) direction, and fastest on the revised course. Basically spent the whole run within 8s of Henry and was closing back up to Ben near the end.
Glad the run went well as was worried the day was going to be hell.
10 AM
Running - off road 43:37 [3] 6.89 km (6:20 / km) +290m 5:14 / km
(sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Moved on down to Glasshouse to get a second run in whilst over here - up May Hill. Not confident of the way, and started right down the bottom by the pub so not competing for Ben’s slow segment. Views pretty good from the top and the sun was shining for half of it.
As part of Monmouth traffic busting dropped into Garway after to see the Jacks Dash race. Not really my thing but may give it a try one day.
As part of Monmouth traffic busting dropped into Garway after to see the Jacks Dash race. Not really my thing but may give it a try one day.
5 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
Friday Aug 24, 2018 #
5 PM
Running 42:51 [3] 7.63 km (5:37 / km) +270m 4:46 / km
slept:5.0 weight:74.4kg (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Struggling through the afternoon so left early - which had the benefit of getting me out ahead of the rainstorm. Often when I feel like this I beast myself until I'm an even more miserable wreck so suppose it's a good sign that I kept the pace comfortable. Tedious route, but didn't feel tedious.
6 PM
S&C 35:00 [3]
(sick)
Thursday Aug 23, 2018 #
6 PM
Running - off road (Whitecroft) 1:12:04 [3] 10.87 km (6:38 / km) +290m 5:51 / km
slept:3.0 weight:74.4kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Social run with Mark Matthews and Scott Berry from Whitecroft. Taking in most of the edge of Kidnalls and visiting some bits of forest I’ve not been in before. Nice route but pretty brambly and overgrown in places. Saw two boar rummaging around the houses as we came back into valley at the end.
Feeling fairly fragile today - but ok until driving home. Didn’t stay at the pub as it looked a bit weird and wanted to get back and hopefully sleep tonight.
Feeling fairly fragile today - but ok until driving home. Didn’t stay at the pub as it looked a bit weird and wanted to get back and hopefully sleep tonight.
Wednesday Aug 22, 2018 #
5 PM
Running 44:37 [3] 6.9 km (6:28 / km) +220m 5:35 / km
slept:4.0 weight:74.4kg (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Head not into this today after yet another day trying (and failing) to hold everything together. Slow recovery jog on an undulating route - feeling pretty miserable.
Tuesday Aug 21, 2018 #
6 PM
Running intervals 1:02:52 [5] 10.8 km (5:49 / km) +110m 5:32 / km
slept:5.5 weight:75kg (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
To the surprise of many people (me included), actually turned up to an intervals session with my new running club. I think just two more attendances and I’ll equal the number of Wendesdays per year I was free and Lliswerry weren’t doing stupid sprints on the track... My new clubmates seem to think I’m a good signing - and the fact I am at least acquainted with many means I do feel a bit more engaged than with Lliswerry.
Nominally hills session, 5 lots of 2 mins up, 90s down, 90s between each up and down. In practice not so clear cut slope and undulating.
Found it really hard work but apart from the 2nd down was breathing ok - so a very positive sign. As most of the fast people were either injured or tapering for races meant it was between me and Ben for fastest - and a pretty close match.
Found the downhill bits harder than the ups, and really wasn’t adjusting to the flattening out after down in the 90s direction. As I know, don’t accelerate as quickly as some, but good to confirm pace is good when I get there.
Worthwhile session, but won’t be repeating often as most of the time is on the track and MDC is more appealing. Couldn’t get must enthusiasm for Llangatwg (although in hindsight looks a nice route) with the pub in the wrong direction and traffic bad at Newbridge. Normally in the office on a Tuesday and not home until 4.30 anyway...
GP was pretty uninterested, didn’t know the cause of my illness but disagreed with what the hospital had guessed. Told me to rest and relunctantly agreed to another blood test.
Nominally hills session, 5 lots of 2 mins up, 90s down, 90s between each up and down. In practice not so clear cut slope and undulating.
Found it really hard work but apart from the 2nd down was breathing ok - so a very positive sign. As most of the fast people were either injured or tapering for races meant it was between me and Ben for fastest - and a pretty close match.
Found the downhill bits harder than the ups, and really wasn’t adjusting to the flattening out after down in the 90s direction. As I know, don’t accelerate as quickly as some, but good to confirm pace is good when I get there.
Worthwhile session, but won’t be repeating often as most of the time is on the track and MDC is more appealing. Couldn’t get must enthusiasm for Llangatwg (although in hindsight looks a nice route) with the pub in the wrong direction and traffic bad at Newbridge. Normally in the office on a Tuesday and not home until 4.30 anyway...
GP was pretty uninterested, didn’t know the cause of my illness but disagreed with what the hospital had guessed. Told me to rest and relunctantly agreed to another blood test.
Sunday Aug 19, 2018 #
1 PM
Running (FoD) 1:07:36 [3] 14.11 km (4:47 / km) +155m 4:32 / km
slept:3.0 (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Physically, at least, feeling good. Nothing else on so stuck to plan of some form of effort on the tracks in the Forest. Didn’t think intervals was a good idea so instead went for a fast paced run.
A lot hotter and sunnier than forecast, and I found running at this pace much harder than expected. Became quite a mental struggle with wanting to abandon the run from Spruce Ride onwards - with these feelings getting stronger at Lightmoor and Drybrook Road - with significant slowing at the latter.
Managed to force myself to carry on and it did get easier once the downhill gradient became sharper. Restarting from the road crossing was tough and having been counting down to 14k for a long time wasn’t able to go much further.
Maybe not ready for this level of effort yet. Definitely will take it easy during the week to continue recovery. Really do want to start training properly again though!
A lot hotter and sunnier than forecast, and I found running at this pace much harder than expected. Became quite a mental struggle with wanting to abandon the run from Spruce Ride onwards - with these feelings getting stronger at Lightmoor and Drybrook Road - with significant slowing at the latter.
Managed to force myself to carry on and it did get easier once the downhill gradient became sharper. Restarting from the road crossing was tough and having been counting down to 14k for a long time wasn’t able to go much further.
Maybe not ready for this level of effort yet. Definitely will take it easy during the week to continue recovery. Really do want to start training properly again though!
Saturday Aug 18, 2018 #
9 AM
Running - off road (FoD Parkrun ) 23:44 [3] 5.0 km (4:45 / km) +30m 4:37 / km
slept:6.0 (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Didn’t make sense to come out early but just had to to give me something to do. Pace was kept slow so that I didn’t push myself too hard. Surprisingly overtaking the whole way round despite the consistent slow pace.
10 AM
Running (Kerne Bridge) 37:08 [3] 5.37 km (6:55 / km) +130m 6:10 / km
(sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
A lot of time to fill so stuck with the plan and joined up Coppet Hill to everything else. Slow, and going worse than earlier, but feel a lot better after. Didn’t really know where I was going early on. Added a bit of hill at the end to get to 5k and gave me a bit of practice at breathing heavily again.
Followed up with too much lunch in Ross, a little bit of surveying and more time sat on a bench in a new quiet park next to the bypass. Only another 2 hours of so to kill.
Followed up with too much lunch in Ross, a little bit of surveying and more time sat on a bench in a new quiet park next to the bypass. Only another 2 hours of so to kill.
4 PM
Orienteering - Urban (Maze Orienteering) 1:02:01 [4] 9.62 km (6:27 / km)
weight:75.1kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Really shouldn't have won this - says more about the competition than me as not running at full speed and navigation was poor making many more mistakes than previous years.
1. 15 mins odd/even score. 2.68km, 16:55.
Aim to explore the map rather than maximise score. Inefficient route and some wrong turns on the even side - with c.60s loss near the end coming out. Surprised to win by 2 points - not deserved.
2. 20 min score. 2.16km, 13:59.
A lot very similar to first score. Big mess on the control in the wrong place, then from this did the next few in a silly order. Cleared all in more than a minute less than Tom C.
3. Linear 2. 2.43km, 14:27.
Generally went ok but there were faster routes. Won by about 90s.
4. Linear 1. 2.35km, 13:40.
Generally went badly with lots of little mistakes. Shouldn't have won but 90s ahead of 2nd.
Feels like it has been a hard day.
1. 15 mins odd/even score. 2.68km, 16:55.
Aim to explore the map rather than maximise score. Inefficient route and some wrong turns on the even side - with c.60s loss near the end coming out. Surprised to win by 2 points - not deserved.
2. 20 min score. 2.16km, 13:59.
A lot very similar to first score. Big mess on the control in the wrong place, then from this did the next few in a silly order. Cleared all in more than a minute less than Tom C.
3. Linear 2. 2.43km, 14:27.
Generally went ok but there were faster routes. Won by about 90s.
4. Linear 1. 2.35km, 13:40.
Generally went badly with lots of little mistakes. Shouldn't have won but 90s ahead of 2nd.
Feels like it has been a hard day.
Friday Aug 17, 2018 #
Note
(sick) (rest day)
Virus more obvious. Been a bad week all round - a lot more negativity has crept in whilst being unable to do the things I wanted.
Thursday Aug 16, 2018 #
5 PM
Running 15:31 [3] 3.23 km (4:48 / km) +45m 4:29 / km
slept:5.0 (sick) shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
A run!
Short tester to see if I will be ok to do something at the weekend. Reasonable effort and quicker than I normally am from home - and felt hard as went out almost straight from the train and hadn't prepped/salted/drunk beforehand (other than eating a banana). Went quite well with just one cough - so better than I have been for some time.
Looks good for restarting at the weekend, but still likely to tone it down a bit on what I had originally intended. TBC.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1776446623
Also ends the running drought that started the day I joined a new running club... Welsh Athletics seem happy that the paperwork is ok this time but don't appear to have finalised it yet.
Short tester to see if I will be ok to do something at the weekend. Reasonable effort and quicker than I normally am from home - and felt hard as went out almost straight from the train and hadn't prepped/salted/drunk beforehand (other than eating a banana). Went quite well with just one cough - so better than I have been for some time.
Looks good for restarting at the weekend, but still likely to tone it down a bit on what I had originally intended. TBC.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1776446623
Also ends the running drought that started the day I joined a new running club... Welsh Athletics seem happy that the paperwork is ok this time but don't appear to have finalised it yet.
Wednesday Aug 15, 2018 #
Note
slept:6.0 (sick) (rest day)
Working from home today - but laptop not exactly working and now very definitely do have a virus so gave up at 1pm and went to bed and slept until 5. Think all this resting and eating is helping to fight it - but it's incredibly boring. Plan is to try and go into work tomorrow, possibly for a shorter than usual day.
Tuesday Aug 14, 2018 #
6 PM
Walking 1:00:00 [3] 5.0 km (12:00 / km) +235m 9:43 / km
slept:3.0 (sick) shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Day spent mostly eating and resting (sadly not sleeping) to rebuild - and it’s really boring. Wanted to get out to MDC run to talk to people and used the opportunity to walk slowly to test out how I’m feeling.
Plan was a mile or so but ended up going out for 30 mins then turning around. Reasonable pace and kept breathing under control all the time - even up the hill, which is quite steep. Gives some confidence that there shouldn’t be a repeat of yesterday. Tired towards the end - but think it was a bit too much.
Thanks to Mark (and Clare) for making sure I was ok last night. Less thanks for Clive although he is very nice :-)
Plan was a mile or so but ended up going out for 30 mins then turning around. Reasonable pace and kept breathing under control all the time - even up the hill, which is quite steep. Gives some confidence that there shouldn’t be a repeat of yesterday. Tired towards the end - but think it was a bit too much.
Thanks to Mark (and Clare) for making sure I was ok last night. Less thanks for Clive although he is very nice :-)
Monday Aug 13, 2018 #
Note
slept:5.0 (sick) (rest day)
Went to doctors to book appointment re: breathing problems. Given Tue 21st as non urgent.
Walked home up the hill and was struggling for breath at walking pace. Got home, fired up laptop to tell work I was going to stay at home tomorrow and try and get an urgent appointment. By the time it was sent I still was struggling to breathe, had bad pins and needles and no movement in my hands and arms.
Managed to get as far as bottom of stairs before collapsing. Turns out that it’s hard to call an ambulance on a touch screen without being able to bend fingers... going through lots of tests but at least feeling mostly normal now (3 hours on)
Walked home up the hill and was struggling for breath at walking pace. Got home, fired up laptop to tell work I was going to stay at home tomorrow and try and get an urgent appointment. By the time it was sent I still was struggling to breathe, had bad pins and needles and no movement in my hands and arms.
Managed to get as far as bottom of stairs before collapsing. Turns out that it’s hard to call an ambulance on a touch screen without being able to bend fingers... going through lots of tests but at least feeling mostly normal now (3 hours on)
Sunday Aug 12, 2018 #
Event: NGOC League 6
11 AM
Running - off road (Black Mountains) 2:59:48 [3] 22.04 km (8:09 / km) +770m 6:57 / km
slept:3.0 weight:73.5kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Did beat myself up a bit in the end. On the plus side, do seem to be losing weight again and I think today the lightest I've been this year.
Out in the Black Mountains with Ben - with the aim to be getting Ben practice with navigating - but that's quite hard to test when it's all clearly defined linear ridges, but did get him to think a bit. Will need to take him out orienteering for a proper test.
Up through the woods and along the ridge Pen Twyn Mawr, PYGF and Waun Fach - moving a lot more quickly uphill then we did down last time here when it was waist deep snow. At Waun Fach became obvious the loop would be a couple of k further than we thought so cut short from there and got an explore of the east side, which was nice if a little/lot rough.
Back along ridge by Llanthony and showed Ben the right way down for the BM race. The stream wasn't so nice today and had most of a dead horse in it.
Picked the direction so the climbs would not be severe and able to run within my means without overdoing it - and we ran all the way to Waun Fach (when moving). If anything, I was the stronger along the last ridge as hadn't tired significantly and still able to jog the hills. Fairly soft underfoot so shouldn't have caused much impact on joints but starting to notice things after Bal Mawr.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1767307396
Hopefully will be able to sleep tonight :-)
Still have to find a GP though tomorrow :-(
Out in the Black Mountains with Ben - with the aim to be getting Ben practice with navigating - but that's quite hard to test when it's all clearly defined linear ridges, but did get him to think a bit. Will need to take him out orienteering for a proper test.
Up through the woods and along the ridge Pen Twyn Mawr, PYGF and Waun Fach - moving a lot more quickly uphill then we did down last time here when it was waist deep snow. At Waun Fach became obvious the loop would be a couple of k further than we thought so cut short from there and got an explore of the east side, which was nice if a little/lot rough.
Back along ridge by Llanthony and showed Ben the right way down for the BM race. The stream wasn't so nice today and had most of a dead horse in it.
Picked the direction so the climbs would not be severe and able to run within my means without overdoing it - and we ran all the way to Waun Fach (when moving). If anything, I was the stronger along the last ridge as hadn't tired significantly and still able to jog the hills. Fairly soft underfoot so shouldn't have caused much impact on joints but starting to notice things after Bal Mawr.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1767307396
Hopefully will be able to sleep tonight :-)
Still have to find a GP though tomorrow :-(
Saturday Aug 11, 2018 #
1 PM
Running - off road warm up/down 15:00 [3] 1.8 km (8:20 / km) +100m 6:31 / km
shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Warm up with Ben - up a lot of the hill and back down, then out towards the castle as had plenty of time left. Most of it GPSed.
2 PM
Running - off road race (Coppett Hill) 48:59 [5] 8.45 km (5:48 / km) +360m 4:47 / km
slept:1.0 weight:74.4kg (sick) shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
A nice race route executed incredibly badly - with no stamina, then significant breathing problems leading to having to walk long sections, and stitch later on. Really wanted to retire after the second climb. Ended 35th/96, and well over 4 mins and 20 places behind where I should have been.
Without doubt my worst racing performance ever. After several days of feeling really crap don’t want to end up beating myself up over this too, but almost certainly will :-(
Without doubt my worst racing performance ever. After several days of feeling really crap don’t want to end up beating myself up over this too, but almost certainly will :-(
6 PM
Note
Think the breathing problem could be asthma. Amount of second hand smoke from parents was considerable and used to be short of breath climbing stairs as a child.
Friday Aug 10, 2018 #
8 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
slept:2.0
Not been feeling good today but survived 8.5 hours at work then went straight to bed at 5. Early breakfast at 8pm
Thursday Aug 9, 2018 #
7 PM
Orienteering - Urban (Lydney Maprun) 48:27 [3] 10.3 km (4:42 / km) +135m 4:25 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Had a bit of a bad turn after lunch so head not really in for trying - but had a rough route planned out that I thought was quite efficient. Regardless of route it was significantly underplanned so not a case of how many, but how long.
Pace was slow but consistent and only mistake was turning too early off the main road just after the level crossing. Glad to get the hill out the way early as meant the last half, and control pick at the end was quite easy and over quickly. Surprisingly took the win, by nearly 2 minutes.
Good to see a few FoDAC came out and enjoyed it and liked the tech.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1761196296/overv...
Pace was slow but consistent and only mistake was turning too early off the main road just after the level crossing. Glad to get the hill out the way early as meant the last half, and control pick at the end was quite easy and over quickly. Surprisingly took the win, by nearly 2 minutes.
Good to see a few FoDAC came out and enjoyed it and liked the tech.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1761196296/overv...
Wednesday Aug 8, 2018 #
6 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
7 PM
Running 37:09 [3] 6.1 km (6:05 / km) +120m 5:33 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Considered a rest day but didn't feel like it. Very easy pace planning a road loop but decided to go on the Gaer instead. May be running harder tomorrow.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1759072236/overv...
https://www.strava.com/activities/1759072236/overv...
Tuesday Aug 7, 2018 #
6 PM
Running - off road (MDC Hafodyrynys) 1:14:55 [3] 11.39 km (6:35 / km) +340m 5:43 / km
slept:4.5 shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
MDC south from Hafodyrynys onto Mynydd Maen common. Despite one questionable path with a dodgy fence crossing - turned out to be quite a nice run and some good views north with a bit of the Black Mountains, and south to the blackened mountain.
Not a huge amount of pace in my legs so took the initial climb fairly easy whilst talking to Alex about shoes.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1756700707
Not a huge amount of pace in my legs so took the initial climb fairly easy whilst talking to Alex about shoes.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1756700707
Monday Aug 6, 2018 #
6 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
8 PM
Running 30:23 [3] 5.19 km (5:51 / km) +90m 5:23 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: Asics Gel-Cumulus 19
Got the new shoes now. They are very big on the outside, but despite going 1/2 size up, no larger than the mizunos inside. I'm not 100% a fan but they are definitely cushioned, and should last me until I can get some more mizunos at a sensible price. Need new shoes for commuting and that might what's destined for these!
5k loop to see how they feel. Watch crashed whilst still saving, so the run isn't in the watch history - but doing a wired sync seems to have got it onto Garmin Connect and strava. Weird.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1754505241
Spent a lot more of today going through Welsh/UK Athletics rules and forms. I don't think anyone really knows how to do anything, Welsh/UK Athletics included... Cautiously optimistic that I can get my paperwork sorted and approved before October, hopefully first time!
5k loop to see how they feel. Watch crashed whilst still saving, so the run isn't in the watch history - but doing a wired sync seems to have got it onto Garmin Connect and strava. Weird.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1754505241
Spent a lot more of today going through Welsh/UK Athletics rules and forms. I don't think anyone really knows how to do anything, Welsh/UK Athletics included... Cautiously optimistic that I can get my paperwork sorted and approved before October, hopefully first time!
Sunday Aug 5, 2018 #
10 AM
Running - off road (To Marshalling) 1:04:25 [3] 9.38 km (6:52 / km) +440m 5:34 / km
slept:4.0 shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
From Talybont reservoir to the trig by Torpantau pass - faster than I would have liked as was late getting my racetek refresher briefing. Very hot and struggling with it.
Making use of my new Harveys map of east Beacons/Black Mountains and useful for getting through the woods - though the path up wasn't as runnable as I would have liked due to rocks.
Fairly unusual kit for marshalling - phone, 2L water, a tub of sun-cream - so if I was struggling, no wonder some of the runners found it harder given few had more than 1L on them.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1751060864
EDIT: now looking at strava website, appear to have got KOM number 38 up the unrunnable path... Take that Mynydd Du!
Making use of my new Harveys map of east Beacons/Black Mountains and useful for getting through the woods - though the path up wasn't as runnable as I would have liked due to rocks.
Fairly unusual kit for marshalling - phone, 2L water, a tub of sun-cream - so if I was struggling, no wonder some of the runners found it harder given few had more than 1L on them.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1751060864
EDIT: now looking at strava website, appear to have got KOM number 38 up the unrunnable path... Take that Mynydd Du!
12 PM
Running - off road (From Marshalling) 1:20:49 [3] 10.74 km (7:31 / km) +380m 6:24 / km
shoes: inov8 Mudclaw300 Dayglo/Blk
Runners all much slower than anticipated due to heat. The leader was a bit surprised when I told him he was only 10-15 mins clear of the cut off as advertised (though Gary very appropriately relaxed this)
Packed up so that I could leave just behind the sweeper and overtook the last two runners on my way down to the road. Then cut well short and up by the waterfalls and back along the Waun Rydd ridge as per the race. Heat really difficult now and there was no way I could run much of the up. Once turned to head over to the beehive it was much easier, and stopped off to talk to Martin and Kay who were wondering where all the runners were.
Don't like the descent down here but kept chugging away and made it to the end to claim the "victory" - with the race winner actually 30 mins behind. A very hard day for them.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1751433319
Packed up so that I could leave just behind the sweeper and overtook the last two runners on my way down to the road. Then cut well short and up by the waterfalls and back along the Waun Rydd ridge as per the race. Heat really difficult now and there was no way I could run much of the up. Once turned to head over to the beehive it was much easier, and stopped off to talk to Martin and Kay who were wondering where all the runners were.
Don't like the descent down here but kept chugging away and made it to the end to claim the "victory" - with the race winner actually 30 mins behind. A very hard day for them.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1751433319
Saturday Aug 4, 2018 #
9 AM
Running - off road race (FoD Parkrun) 21:06 [3] 5.0 km (4:13 / km) +20m 4:08 / km
slept:4.0 shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Stuck to plan of taking it easy today - talking with Mark for the first lap before speeding up a bit and tagging onto Marcus for lap 2. A few people I wanted to catch up with out today so well worth the trip out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1748454853
https://www.strava.com/activities/1748454853
10 AM
Running - off road (Soudley Ponds) 55:41 [3] 8.45 km (6:35 / km) +275m 5:40 / km
shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Post parkrun explore of Soudley Ponds and Blaze Bailey as I've never been up this side of the road before. Some really lovely woods, even in the middle of summer.
A few problems early with the route as the only public footpath on the run didn't actually exist. At least all the non-footpaths were ok. Some trouble with a little yappy dog that it's owners were failing to control for some time near the end, and came very, very close to getting booted deep into the forest.
https://www.strava.com/athletes/387384
A few problems early with the route as the only public footpath on the run didn't actually exist. At least all the non-footpaths were ok. Some trouble with a little yappy dog that it's owners were failing to control for some time near the end, and came very, very close to getting booted deep into the forest.
https://www.strava.com/athletes/387384
Friday Aug 3, 2018 #
8 PM
S&C 5:00 [3]
slept:4.0
Wanted to go out for an easy jog to test out the new shoes - but stuck in work late, and shoes didn’t turn up at work until after 8pm so saw little benefit if legs are already tired. Old trainers really are at the point where need retiring and had to give up waiting for anyone to have the Mizunos or Sauconys in stock in my size (have been looking for 2 months and nothing at all at market price)
Thursday Aug 2, 2018 #
6 PM
S&C 40:00 [3]
Wednesday Aug 1, 2018 #
6 PM
Running (Malpas and Betws) 1:29:53 [3] 16.45 km (5:28 / km) +265m 5:03 / km
slept:5.0 shoes: Mizuno Wave Rider 20
Eaten a lot of sweets and cakes again today so option was long run or intervals, and preferred the long run as ankles feeling sore.
Over Brynglas, across the dual carriageway and through middle of Bettws then over to Henllys and through the woods back to Rogerstone and home. Some fairly good paths in the woods that sadly ended up in dead ends so third time stuck to paths I knew went through.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1743246304
Over Brynglas, across the dual carriageway and through middle of Bettws then over to Henllys and through the woods back to Rogerstone and home. Some fairly good paths in the woods that sadly ended up in dead ends so third time stuck to paths I knew went through.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1743246304
8 PM
S&C 7:00 [3]