Training Log Archive: Craney

At Isaacs Ridge, came 2nd, +1.19mins to Simon. Bit of a disappointing day out - not a lot of sleep last night and a nasty sore throat (that's taken all week to brew) this morning. So I was in a bit of a grump before the start. However, Robw had planned a cracker course with very little given away for free - lots of short legs on the slope and a few brutal climbs - and I was soon enjoying myself in the bush.

Started quite well, although the path route to #3 cost me ~20secs. Could tell early on that my legs were lacking much power and I went through a physically bad patch on #8-#11: nav ok(ish), but I was dropping ~20secs to the fastest on each leg mainly through my inability to push through the steep stony terrain. To provide some respite from the toughness I took a wide, low path route to #15, but dropped 30secs to Simon - I guess he went straighter out of #14, and used 'The Spine' MTB track? Might test that route out over the next few weeks... After the spectator control I felt rubbish but was fairly clean, right up until very nearly missing out #26 completely. Fortunately caught myself just in time, but lost another ~25secs there.

Still, not a bad run technically - Simon's obviously in decent shape and I would've had to be absolutely perfect to match his time. I guess my fitness is showing encouraging signs, but I am a bit weak (or just soft?) in the terrain - probs no biggie for NZ. Expecting to have a cold tomorrow but would be nice to be pleasantly surprised.

C • #15 2

Course 1 - Splits

On Red Hill North, 2nd in my heat, +12secs to Tomas. Pretty good run on a fun course in the bush. Lost a few seconds on #2 drifting too low, but basically fine otherwise. Splits suggest I may have taken my foot off the gas a bit over the final third, although it didn't feel like that in the bush.

At Canberra Girls Grammar, came 2nd, +10secs to Simon. Fun intense wiggly course on a 1:3000 map. Thought I coped ok, but couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed after a very scrappy start. The first three controls were so short, I didn't get a chance to plan #4. Ended up making two separate mistakes on that leg: one going down a dead-end, and the other getting very confused at how to interpret a thin fence with two dashes that was taped - presumably uncrossable, but came as a surprise. 15-20secs lost there. In a boo for the remainder of the run, but in hindsight my only other notable mistakes were missing the SI unit a few times at #12 (+5secs) and going too far around to #15 (+5 secs). Finished quite strongly when I got Ian in my sights.

2 warm-ups and 1 warm-down.

Final Course 1 - Splits

Heats Course 1A - Splits

Gentle loosener to the wetlands and back, but including 10x30sec sprints with the intention of waking up my legs for tomorrow. Concluded that I'm better off sticking to longer distances. A road cyclist in all the gear took an interest in me and my session, tracked me on my reps and then sparked up a proper conversation during my recoveries. Torn between thinking whether it was an all-too rare example of genuine friendliness, whether he thought I was someone else, or whether it was a bit odd.

Aforementioned 'sprints'.

Lunch loosener in the drizzle around Forrest and Parlo House. Did a loop around the outside edge of the Girls Grammar - didn't take very long.

Longish IW. Fun early on in fairly thick mist but a bit of a (damp) slog from GG's house onwards. Feeling a bit tired after a reasonable 7 day's training. Couple of easier days should do the trick hopefully.

6x1km around the East Basin in 3:20-3:25. A bit off the pace today (probably mainly due to the rain and puddles) but kept it consistent and it was still an effort. Spurred on by getting my first call-up to the Australian team last night :)

C • bushies 11

Warm-up/down plus 1:10 recoveries.

Lunch run up Davo. Nice warm day. Legs a bit tired so took it fairly cruisily.