Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

West Point Long Red. This had the feel of two separate races, first a long sprint, then a more technical part. Like yesterday, I only did the technical part well. I blew #1 by failing to make the transition from a trail run to technical navigation inside the circle, then failed to take the far more attractive trail option to #2. Not only did I do unnecessary climb, but I failed to appreciate the two unpassable fences on my chosen route. I then further compounded the disaster by going up to get around the fence instead of down to the trail I should have taken in the first place. This decision was appropriately punished by vegetation that was even thicker than mapped and which ultimately forced me down to the trail anyway. If only I had made that decision on my other two opportunities! Afterwards I had a fairly decent run, marred only by my poor execution of the long leg where I twice drifted left of the line I should have taken, first encountering vegetation along the fence I had planned to use as a handrail, and then hitting the E-W trail much further W than necessary. I still thought I might make it under 100 min, but I just didn't have enough energy at the end.

Red Long Distance - Splits

Event: USMA West Point A-Meet 2010
 

West Point Middle Red. A very creditable performance. Concentrated on staying in contact with the map, and generally achieved goal quite adequately. Had a little on #5 where I drifted left, and was hampered slightly by a slight error in control placement which was advertized as being advantageously placed to aid in my recovery but was actually tucked behind the feature from my wayward vantage point. Still, this was one of my very best A-Meet performances.

West Point Blue/Red Sprint. I was feeling physically drained after the middle and considered skipping the sprint, but ultimately decided to have a go at it. My performance was uneven at best. I made two major mistakes, first staying too high on the way to #6 allowing me to notice and be drawn true a different control also placed on a rootstock, and then more demoralizingly starting the NE loop in the wrong direction by climbing up an unnecessary 7 contours. Was quite exhausted towards the end and made some minor bobbles on #16 and #17. Still I was motivated enough by cheers from Ian and Ross to finish reasonably strong. It turned out to be a very worthwhile effort as it allowed me to overtake Glen Tryson by 1 second. Shockingly, the performance, though fully 10 minutes slower than Ross's effort, was good enough to place 3rd in M45, thereby fulfilling my longstanding goal of placing at an A-Meet. I just wish it felt a little less like an accomplishment by default.

Red Middle Distance - Splits

Red/Blue Sprint - Splits

Event: CSU Park-O: Cat Rock
 

Caryl Park Short. Solid run with dogs before Cat Rock Sprint.

CSU Park Series: Cat Rock. Ran with goal of having a safe, solid performance prior to West Point A-Meet. Had just run dogs prior to event, so did not try to push myself physically. Was generally pleased, with only mistakes occurring while drift off-line to #2 and #12. Fortunately, was able to relocate quickly when problem became apparent without much loss of time.

Park-O - Splits

Needham Town Forest. Back improving, able to tolerate reasonable effort.

Needham Town Forest. Very cautious on smaller trails hoping to avoid any stumble that might worsen back.

Caryl Park Short. Back definitely an issue getting in and out of car, but not so bad on run after I got stated.