Training Log Archive: Duncan

Long run with Andy S and Mark G up to Purdown, round and back via St. Werburgh's city farm and a 100m sprint.

Got a lift out with Mark, Hanne and Rachel Lee. Felt much more like a training run than a race. Matt Stott ran away from us, I went backwards, almost got overtaken by the first lady then thought I better get racing and managed to pull back to third. Stll almost 10 minutes down though!

Via Oxford Street, the wiggly road, Redland Park, Kensington road and Chertsey Road.

Last minute time trial to Warmley Forest Park (on a mountain bike).

First bike race in a while. Got there about 15mins before the start after a bit of a gurn. Found another Bristol Uni guy there for a chat then went to find some toilets to get some water but they were locked, then did a warm-up lap but had to cut short to get to the race briefing.

Set off having fun, learning the course and falling off etc. After a about 2 laps settled down a bit and I did maybe three and a half laps racing some club guys, them getting ahead on the climbs and me getting back or overtaking on the descents and the corners.

Tried to give them a race on one of the hills when they seemed to be going a bit slower, managed for two hill, then died and went very slowly. The last three laps were hard, me just having no more. The leaders past and then the guys I'd been even with after six laps lapped me in three. Also go overtaken by one guy with a beard but thankfully not the other guy with a beard. Also wasn't first mountain bike.

Cleaning my bike at Tescos after maybe was a bit of a disadvantage with a full-suss with lots of places for mud to sit, a single chainring, and fat float-on-mud tires. Also was my last exam so hadn't had much sleep for a few days, a pathetic lunch, a little alcohol and then no water.

Anyway was good fun when we were racing, not so much the last laps. The other uni guy was second. Maybe the lesson is it's best to race on a mountain bike when it's dry!

Back down the bike path after a length stop at Tesco's for food, drink and warmth (and cleaning). Had no lights but the bike path is very well lit!

First year run past Frederick Place, Manor Hall, St. Andews churchyard, Manor, Meridian Vale - Bellevue Terrace - Gorse Lane, up Brandon Hill then the Tower and back to home. Starting to feel unfit, annoying...