Training Log Archive: ColmM

SOL 3 - dnf

Warming up my ankles weren't enjoying the tape and generally feeling a bit sore. Wanted to race because it was similar length to next weekend. So, tried to start hard and just see it out, but ankles weren't budging - just very weak, uncomfortable and getting beaten around by the rough-ish forest.
Wasn't concentrating on the map, just trying to plough on. Had a wee shocker on the 2nd. At the 5th control I decided I wasn't really doing much good, and the ankles were quite sore, so just jogged home.

WD with Sarah for a bit, and a little more to try and do something with the legs.
Barefoot, and they felt pretty fine once out of the terrain.

Easy from uni & included 6 x 45s (30s) in the middle.
Feel like I could be in alright shape, but really shouldn't be, who knows yet.

chilling with Will, Nicke & Purko

Had Physio appointment.
Very productive. Have set of specific stretches & strength exercises to go through once or twice daily for the next while. Also penned out return to running training plan for the next few weeks, which I will aim to follow closely.

In terms of the weekend's results; I suppose a bit dissapointed with regard to selection races. Bit unfortunate maybe, but shape was quite alright considering the injuries. Should be very doable to get back to shape.
The reality is I would like a middle or relay place. Not fast enough for sprint, or long. But will see how things play out over the next few weeks.

Socialising with Dan.

very rushed, and very token warm up.

JK Trophy - 7th

On the EUOC 3rd team, but still very strong with Carcas & Tam. There was every possibility Carcas would do the business and come back with the lead, and Tam was also clearly a very strong boyo to have on the short leg.

And basically, that's what happened. Carcas smashed it, came in 3rd, Tam got caught a bit by Felly, but sent me out still in 3rd, great.
Though this did mean Trim was starting with me which was nice. We did the codes thing to #1, different. Both nailed our gaffles though and joined back at #2 to compare more codes. Same #3, different #4. And suddenly we'd run past #2, woops.
Was hanging onto Tim alright-ish through 3 and onto 4, but I didn't read the map and went right by my gaffle, and had to double back to #4, 30-40sec.
Punching #5 pooboy came through me, and Tim was up ahead, both on the other gaffle - dang I'd fecked the short gaffle.
Into the open, solo, but wasn't paying enough attention and got very hesitant, 15s, and Harrison caught me. Got back in front punching #9. And Harrison came past again climbing into the spectator.

Heaps of cheering and encouragement for me through the spectator, which was well cool. Pity I was absolutely ruined.
Misread the side of the gully #15 was on, and Harrison got a little gap and then opened it up on the longer leg. Got this alright, but really tired. Leaving #16 I saw Peter Bray & Matt Elkington coming in behind me, just great.
So up to #17 they passed me, but the map was dodgy and they both faffed a little with Harrison, so I got in front. And there's Ralph coming up to it, just really great. Funny situation knowing you're the slowest in a group about to have a showdown on the run-in. Took the track to #18 but wasn't reading enough so cut up way too early when I saw others above me. Punched it behind Ralph and Matt & ground it out behind them to the finish.

Shitting myself that Peter & Harrison were coming up behind me, but fortunately they'd fecked their #18 and I could cruise the run-in fairly wrecked.


Overall:
Not too pleased I suppose. Dropped a lot on the early control which mattered quite a bit. Probably would have had a nice solo race and gotten to cruise into 5th without it, or might even have had some sights of Matt Speake (exact same course, and could see him at #3), or Trim.
As it was, I dropped to 7th, which could easily have been 9th if the lads had been cleaner.

More importantly, just very tired on any climbs & running slow enough throughout. Just out of injury, but inevitably still need to get stronger & faster soon.

very easy warm down with Tessa who had a stormer.