Training Log Archive: ernst

Event: 2016 NEOC Troll Cup: High Rock
 

Several rounds of warm up - slightly chilly weather at the Troll Cup. I had arrived with sore back/mini spasm probably from loading/unloading the car, also a busy week behind me at work. Once warmed up enough I felt much less of it.

Troll Cup, Prelim Green X course. 2.7 km. This was like a "woods sprint:". Very busy map, so much so, I felt I could not even get my running engine in second gear. Not enough experience in fast reading, deciding all while keeping running. Lost 2min on 9 overshooting plus some minor inaccuracies adding to another 1.5 min. 3' 15'' behind the best (Tim) on the course.

"Final" Middle distance Green X course, 3.5 km. A bit less of a sprint, short legs mixed with longer legs. I felt like I found a better overall rhythm. Lost 1/2 ' at 2 (drifted W not seeing the marsh boundary very well). Lost 1 ' at 6, got a stick caught in my shoe, then drifted to left not paying attention on the downhill. Went left around to 11, but could not keep a nice line. Lost about 30''. Caught up with Alar on the way to 12, and pushed hard to the finish. Went straight through the green to 14, would have been faster going around to trail. Ugh. Great courses today with plenty of challenge. 3'25'' behind course winner (Tim).

Middle Prelim Green X - Splits

Middle Final Green X - Splits

Run with Jena around Spruce Hole.

Then over to Clydes, buzzing around at a good speed to get the engine lubricated.

Easy run on and off trail just to get my feet in gear after two days of intense professional meeting (intense = no time to go running).

Bike to town , then to office, then home. Perfect day for it.

Jogging around Newmarket

Great Bay Half Marathon, Newmarket. I felt reasonably prepared this year, and managed to be faster than the two previous times (but only within 2 minutes). Fabulous weather (38 - 44 F but some wind gusts). I was hoping to get closer or perhaps beat my PR of 127 .. (need to look it up). I have done 8 of the 10 races that have been held since 2007.
My favorite road race - it does include 3.5 miles on a dirt road. But it is rolling and the hills seem to be steeper every year! Gorgeous views of Great Bay along the way, and the community is out and about cheering, in particular various groups of musicians and also a troupe of belly dancers. This years special attraction: a guy playing the banjo at the same time while swinging a hoola-hoop around his waist (actually a friend I know). I tried to wave at him, but he apparently could not take his eyes off his hoola-hoop. I wonder if he ever stopped. The bagpiper was missing this year.
I was pleased with my race. I was 20th overall and I won my age class (60 - 69) and would have also won the 50-59 age class (by 2 min). I finished just behind the second and third woman. I was falling behind them at around mile 3 but was able to hang on for the rest. Overall participation was down, I think it was around 600, but used to be around 2000.

C • Nice run... 3