Training Log Archive: rcro

Back in the MonRoss team for the second incarnation of the virtual 15 hour relay. Since June, I’ve done a lot of miles with no structured training and no rest, just going off feel - and Strava has been pretty adamant that my “fitness” have halved in that time. Aim was to at least match distance from early June (14.53km), but one of the earlier runners (also not of 100% MonRoss pedigree) did 9.17 miles so if things went well I’d try and beat that.

Started from the sea wall at Goldcliff as still had 2 squares to run in here (done - just 3 left in Redwick before I officially run out!) revisiting some of the lanes from last week and a few new bits. Started at 4 min/k pace into a strong breeze and held it the whole way round! Was struggling with the wind a bit near Broadstreet and was tiring a bit but pulled through. 20s delay around the 6k mark as lots of cattle being herded the other way (so another cow run! I was doing a better job controlling the cattle than the farmers were) took away a lot of my contingency time but was still averaging 4 min/k to then.

Wind behind me more so on the way back, and I assume particularly for last 3k although didn’t feel it. Managed to regain the cow time to hit 15k just before the end. Mentally was looking forward to the end for the last 3k but knew the pace was good and not long time wise left, and that if I kept going the next time I would look at the watch another 45s would have passed and I’d be even closer the end.

It’s the first time I’ve held sub-4 min/k pace for longer than 10k - and appreciably so. Physically am confident I could have done another 2 or 3 k without problem but mentally I’m not so sure.

I wore my basic-but-more-racy Pegasuses today (£65) rather than my 850 mile Mizunos (£55). The step up in pace for effort compared to normal was obvious so it backs up my theory that you get better training effort in slower shoes - and that you are just cheating yourself doing day to day training in high-energy-return Novablasts (£120) or Endorphin Speeds (£155) which a lot of my running friends are now doing. Yes, race in fast shoes - but don’t train, hence why my Vaporflys are still in the box.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4180252520

Spent several hours walking along the coast path and exploring before coming back and doing more walking around the Ridgeway. Felt a bit guilty coming inside when still blue skies (better make the most of nice weather!) but by then had been out over 6 hours and needed some lunch and to sit down!

Team finished 4th/47, 0.37 miles behind 3rd. Pretty good result from an adhoc grouping and a few who preferred hills to fast and flat.

Another one of those days where motivation isn't really there. Marshfield and west along the sea until the end of the world and inadvertently a little further.

Little bits were wet under foot on the bank, and there were a lot of friendly cattle on the top that would make this Clare-unfriendly. Main problem was the wind - although coming from the north-ish, became stronger and stronger against as I went along the sea.

Found a footpath I wasn't expecting at the point where I turned around. For only a short bit was a lot of overgrown and broken bridges! Back along the road was dodging cyclists and groups of cyclists before the last bit into the wind.

Pace on the tarmac wasn't bad. Hoping the wind is a lot less for my hour time trial tomorrow - although will be wearing slightly faster/less worn out trainers to help me! Felt a bit odd today being half way through weekend's total elevation at the first railway bridge.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4176250715

Dropped into Asda on way back and spent an hour walking around Tredegar House whilst the sun was still out. definitely the busiest and least socially distanced place I've been to since February.

Usual short loop. Legs still feeling a bit of Wednesday so nothing further.

Nice sunset as I walked around the block (Melfort) afterwards. Shame it's at 6.30 though.

Now to think of where to explore tomorrow - thinking Marshfield but it may be a bit damp off the tarmac.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4172704156

Feeling very tired after yesterday's run so skipped even pretending to do anything core related and didn't run particularly hard either.

Nicer weather - assumed it was going to be wet today given they issued a severe weather warning for last night and most of the day. Had I known I might have done yesterday's run today!

https://www.strava.com/activities/4168367792

Getting some more streets done whilst it's still light in the evenings and not wet. Didn't quite go to plan as the weather turned a few hours earlier than expected.

Kept a look out for the falcon but the most exciting thing I found was what I am assured was a lion sitting under a van.

Quite a lot of distance done, and with the map felt a bit like orienteering. It definitely kept my mind occupied so wasn't losing the will to live after 5 miles as is getting to be the case with normal running.

First k or so felt a bit uncomfortable as could feel the lack of rubber in the midsole of my trainers. Until today they've felt totally fine, which is a surprise given how much they have worn down.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4164300562

MOT and 60,124 mile service time so taking advantage of being this side of town to tick off the streets around Glan Llyn (Llanwern steelworks).

Having not been here for 364 days I was expecting more to have changed, but really not beyond the final road surface being across more roads. A bit surprised by the bilingual street signs which I'm not sure I've seen elsewhere in Newport. One developer does Welsh then English, another English then Welsh, and the third English only so internally consistent.

On and off light rain and wind was quite strong - but otherwise warm. Phone was pissing about when trying to sync so had to drive home rather than pop into Tesco so it wouldn't pretend it was dead/dying.

https://www.strava.com/activities/4159559477

Wanting some proper easier days after last week turned out quite fast. Struggled to get out again having spent quite a lot of time on feet today (1/2 day leave spread over today/tomorrow). Did the short loop, opposite direction to usual as the streetlights hadn't come on yet so I'd be getting blinded by cars' daylight running lights. It would be nice if the daylight lights turned off (or were dimmed) when the headlights come on - but German and Japanese cars don't seem to do that!

https://www.strava.com/activities/4155402729