Training Log Archive: mayer22

Raccoongaine
Temps were colder 30F with wind at 10MPH. Didn't wear too much. Was chilly at times when exposed to wind.

Had a decent idea of what I might be able to do today compared to yesterday. Knowing I wasn't going to clear the course was an amazing thing to know. It enabled me to not have to worry about getting everything and plan a smart route. I planned to drop 4 points on the Eastern portion (Three 10 pointers and one 50). I had a couple options mapped on the Western portion depending on how I was doing when I got over there. Had pretty much determined I was going to drop one 50 pointer though.

Think I started a bit slower hoping to pace myself a bit better. Had some long sections of road early on as well which was nice to settle into. Did the trip out E in 1.5 hours as planned was on pace for about 1300 pts. Made one small error. Undershot a point and on my way to correct overshot it a bit. Only lost a couple minutes.

Turned back W and dropped the 50 pointer to instead get a 30 and 40. Lost a good bit of time as I made my way down to the Park HQ. Went too far S. Should have just taken the road around as it was pretty thick anyway and almost lost my map.

Started the W section off by finding a timely spring and then nailing the two most difficult points (24 and 37). Almost went for the 50 pointer I had planned to drop but was worried about the green. May have bee worth the net 40 points though. Also dropped a 20 pointer that I was only a few 100m from as well. Proceeded to get the heavy hitters on the West.

Dropped a 30 pointer with an hour to go. Probably could have gotten it as I was almost filling time at the finish. Had a lot of time so I went out of my way to get 106 (10 points) and was still able to get the other two 10 pointers along with the mystery control. I was going to drop 103 but decided to go for it when I realized there was a trail back from it directly towards the finish and the mystery control from 102 took me most of the way there anyway.

My pace was slower than 2 years ago. A factor of not being as strong and racing yesterday as well. I felt really good about my pacing though. I was still strong enough to run trails and even forest sections at the end and not weak like yesterday.

I also had a very clean run. Only the two minor errors. Wondering increasing experience is finally catching up to decreasing speed.

Mazama's did ok. I think I knew they would be similar to yesterday so I was a bit more careful and cautious not trying to do too much.

FURTHER REFLECTION
Should have dropped 110 for 141 and gone out of my way to get 130 especially since it was a mother control. This may have put me in danger of being late even dropping all the points just before the finish. I did also realize I missed the opportunity to connect 136 and 144 via the road.

Event: Raccoongaine Rogaining Festival
 

Thought clearing might be possible in about 14 miles but ended up being longer (almost covered my 14 mi though). I got about halfway through the distance at 1:40 but slowed down quite a bit on the back half. Had to drop the two far west big controls. I tried to collect all the small ones near the S/F but only got one. Maybe had enough time for one more but was pretty confident of my lead and didn't want to risk it.

Shoes had no grip and almost falling apart. Conditions were wet, muddy and very slippery. Better shoes would have helped but still would have been rough. Tomorrow's shoes aren't much better.

Warmup/Cooldown

Everything
Gym empty. Everyone out in the nice weather.

Not much faster than last month but conditions were better. Nice day and much dryer. All the gates were open too. Just 3 fences to hop.

Ride in via Dry Run. Light pack.
Reverse trip from 1 week ago.
27F at the start. Slow ride with multiple stops for email and roadwork.
Didn't feel very strong. Effectively having the last week off might have contributed to that.

Ride home early to watch the girls. Light pack
Felt much better (stronger) than this morning. Also much warmer. 44F. A little difficult having versatile enough clothing.

Warmup/Cooldown

Everything.
Very busy.