Training Log Archive: FunRun

A weekend of adventure friends, racing (two in fact), and food (ok a few beverages too).

I found it interesting that I had two races where I put out what I felt were solid, consistent paces; yet it felt like while I didn't have faster, I could have done another lap of Highlands, or Swam/Biked/Ran notably further still in the Triathlon...

in retrospect it didn't really feel like I was truly 'racing'. In the end, I don't think I pushed it, I didn't red-line the whole or the majority of the way in order to take every last spot I could have. Just a solid performance, but not how I want to race.

I'm not sure the "recovery" from the Beast, where I truly put everything out there, was the best, that certainly doesn't help... but it was definitely a good taste of what I have to give (quite happy that way, just need to focus and prove it in Vermont!)

A bit of recovery and refocusing my race plans and training, and clearly identifying my A races and my priority sports, perhaps that's all that is needed.

C • Back-to-back 2

Toronto Triathlon Festival (inaugural year), Olympic Distance Triathlon on Sunday: My first Olympic Distance. So many adventure friends seen on course, racing, cheering, or volunteering!

Out of bed at 4:45am to get there for our 7am start, swam in the channel at Ontario Place, interesting experience (although being shallow, seeing the weeds just below me as I swam didn't help my focus, lol. A slow but steady pace).

Then to the 40km bike *on* the Gardiner Expressway through downtown and then up the rolling beautiful DVP and back. Rode a little faster than I normally do (yay) at a steady pace on my road bike (was feeling the 5Peaks race now, lol) but still watched the Tri bikes with their aero-dynamics and strong riders blow by me, lol.

Happily onto the water front trail for the 10km run, my strongest component for a steady solid run to the finish, steadily passing people the whole way (unlike the bike) for a 2h43m17s finish (nicely between my overly optimistic 2h30 goal and 3h00 worst case scenario, lol). Didn't expect to contend against trained triathletes, but definitely was steady and met my expectations (didn't feel like I could have gone faster today, but definitely much further)

Then to cheer in my friends (and other racers too) at the finish chutes at the end of their runs and great races :-)

2h43m17 total (55th/304 in my age group) for a 1.5km swim (34m19, 2:18/100m), 40km bike (1h18m07, 30.7kph), and 10km run (45m37, 4m34/km). Transitions too leisurely to mention, lol.

[I think there's a bit more I want to add to this as a race report, including some photo's. It was a fun day!]

C • Weeds 7

C • Tri - Results 2

Event: CNYO Rogaine XXII
 

5Peaks Highlands Nordic trail race Saturday, 12kms of endless climbing with lots of fast fun single track and descents to reward you. Although David gave me heck for deftly skipping over his beautiful rocky river section :-) Solid consistent working pace.: 1h00m49s, 19th overall, 5th in my age group. 2nd place for the team (yay, got carpool points this time!)

[Can add a bit more of a race report here soon enough and some photos... loved the course!]

C • Awesome! 2

OK, back filling the AP radio silence.. Past few weeks have included open water swims at Mooney's Bay (Ottawa) and Lake Wilcox (Richmond Hill), road rides in Richmond Hill and the always enjoyable Halton Hills, orienteering with Stars, 5Peaks trail testing, and a trail/pool reverse brick.

That said, I'm feeling the lack of active in my active recovery. Hopefully this sharing will quell the masses :-) [although I guess I owe a race report or two, coming soon]

Easy trail run with Solo. Exploring new trails found using my Ontario uber trail map... of course this meant a few missed turns, trails that just end abruptly at water (the reeds should have been the first clue), and off trail shortcuts to rejoin the trail (I was feeling her "love" during those bushwhacks and forest slalom runs).

Of course blasting down the single track, a cat running the trail with us, and the shortcut through the grave yard restored much of the humour so early in the morning [note to self, ensure teammates are adequately caffeinated before runs on unexplored trails :-D ]

C • was it a black cat? 2

C • Ontario Über Trail Map 2

Reverse brick :-) ... lane swim [Pool fail, too warm and not deep enough to flip in the shallow end, errr shallow-er end... but it did the trick being only blocks from the single track :-) ]. Not sure the distance, split between swimming and chatting technique with Solo. Great way to start the day... felt so energized and relaxed after all of that!

I must say, while I have my approach, I know i have so much to learn. Great short swimming style is different than distance swimming, and the smooth stylings of pool swimming doesn't cut it in the open water, where a more frentic style keeps momentum and rhythm in the chop so much better.

Road ride with Double_down Milton to Carlisle and back (Route, thx DD). As we rode further out, I started to question if DD knew what a short ride and easy meant, as we were on the 80km route :-)

Actually it's hard to not ride the rolling hills on that route, so much fun... that and he always seems to find a great place to 'turn around'. Butter Tarts, yum! (and enough calories in one to balance out today's training)

Perfect weather although the head wind on the return was a bit punishing, ah well :-)

Great to ride and catch up with DD, so many races/vacations/unrepaired bike have meant we haven't ridden in a while. Great end to the mid week morning training tour... back at it!

C • Derry Road 3

Duct taped the shoes to prevent them from getting worse and headed out for a bit of urban park orienteering compliments Mick and Mrs Mick [Laura :-) ]

Legs feeling it, I guess my active recovery has not been active enough, lol. Park sprint with route choice - nice! (Also nice to chill and visit for a bit)

[guessing the ascent until I can check my map]