Training Log Archive: Frostbite

Long distance - Holme Fell. Didn't really like the first 2/3 of the course, lots of gratuitous climb that I really struggled with, scrambling around on slate spoil and getting stuck on very big crags. I also didn't realise number 4 was the optional control until after I was on my way to 5, the alternative number 4 being over the fold in my map. The left route wasn't too bad but most people seem to have gone right.

Got crag bound coming out of 10, but talking to people at the end that seemed to have happened to quite a few people. Then really slow up the hill to 13. From the top of the fell at 13 to the bottom of the valley at 22 I was much happier - more like the sort of orienteering you come to the lakes for - a bit of open fell then into the semi-open/marshy detailed bit. I was also relatively quick, in fact quicker than Charlie and Quentin for 9 predominantly downhill legs in 18 minutes.

I need to improve up hills - I thought I was improving before this weekend but apart from the first half of the middle race I was struggling. Or I need to do downhill only races.

11th, 10 minutes behind Quentin.

Middle distance - Tarn Hows. Went well up to 14 but then tried to climb too much hill on the long leg 15 and just lost all impetus. Dropping places from 14 to the finish, not making mistakes but just faffing about.

15th, 6 minutes behind Quentin.

Jog round West Park fields and Queenswood. A couple of efforts up the hill in the woods. Can't decide what I feel like.

slow

Treadmill test at the hospital. Starts with 3 minutes very slow walk up a slight incline, then gets progressively steeper and faster every 3 minutes. The first 4 are walking pace, the fifth one I had to run and I found it very awkward - you have to hold the bar in front of you rather than swinging your arms. Called it a day after that.

Seven Arches. Not feeling on top form, but I wanted to try going a bit faster and prove myself I could still run after failing somewhat on the treadmill. I thought I would put the effort in as far as the ring road and then see how it went. I managed to keep it going but it was hard work.

The woods that were all dry last week are now all wet.