Training Log Archive: Mark3In the 30 days ending Nov 30, 2019:
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Saturday Nov 30, 2019 #
5 AM
Running - Trail race (Ibiza Trail Ultra) 10:28:55 [5] 84.43 km (7:27 / km) +3305m 6:14 / km
ahr:124 max:163 shoes: S/LAB Ultra 2
https://www.elitechip.net/system/public/download/f...
Quite a lot slower than my estimate of 9 hours... Although probably because that estimate was ridiculous; don't know where I got that from.
A massive 2 hours 37 mins faster than the first (and only other) time I've run 50 miles, so can't really complain. This did have 700m less climb and was (essentially) in summer, though.
Started in the dark at 6am. I was in vest and shorts, obvs; the locals were in buffs, gloves, hats, long-sleeves, arm warmers, tights... It was 14 degrees! Ludicrous.
I thought I'd started relatively sedately but clearly not since I was being overtaken for ages. First 90mins in the dark, similar to last night (ie like a rogue runs night race for a lot of of it, twisty single track interspersed with wide tracks) and then a glorious sunrise whilst running along a spur over Cala Tarida (probably).
Ran straight through all the checkpoints without stopping (to the consternation of the marshalls who couldn't understand why someone wouldn't stop at 42k) - I had actually planned to stop for water at that one but it was inside a building and I cba to go in. So eked (is that how you spell that?) it out until 50k - not realising that that 10k was a massive descent and ascent down to Es Cubells (sea level; again, gloriously pretty) and then steep climb back up giving amazing views of Isla de Es Vedra poking out above a cloud inversion, beautiful. Feeling grim but not too grim at that point. Finding the rocky hard downhills particularly hard on the hips and knees. Would catch and get away from people on the climbs, and then be recaught by them on the downs.
Back to Sant Josep, literally inches from the finish line, then to the last 20k loop. Think I was at 7:38 at this point. I'm glad I didn't know how long the last loop would take! The 10k to the furthest point wasn't so bad (although had a suspicious amount of descent...) but then there was a brutal climb, maybe 1.3Bl on loose earth through trees. Whilst I struggled, I overtook 3 or 4 who'd passed me on the down who couldn't handle it. Would have been even harder without poles (pole strategy was to keep in bag for first 30k (climbs not as steep) and then use thereafter - this worked very well). After the climbs, undulated a bit and couldn't stay ahead of those I'd passed; they all overtook with between 1 and 3k remaining. I had nothing. Starting to get aerobically tired as well as general body pains. Very glad it was over!
My target was to run the whole way around and get back in the light - so achieved both of those. But given the runs and the mileage I've done over past year, surprised this felt quite as bad as it did. Think it was the hard surfaces that killed me.
Looking forward to not doing anything this long again for ages. Not looking forward to Day 3, which is another 10k. Should be pretty though.
Quite a lot slower than my estimate of 9 hours... Although probably because that estimate was ridiculous; don't know where I got that from.
A massive 2 hours 37 mins faster than the first (and only other) time I've run 50 miles, so can't really complain. This did have 700m less climb and was (essentially) in summer, though.
Started in the dark at 6am. I was in vest and shorts, obvs; the locals were in buffs, gloves, hats, long-sleeves, arm warmers, tights... It was 14 degrees! Ludicrous.
I thought I'd started relatively sedately but clearly not since I was being overtaken for ages. First 90mins in the dark, similar to last night (ie like a rogue runs night race for a lot of of it, twisty single track interspersed with wide tracks) and then a glorious sunrise whilst running along a spur over Cala Tarida (probably).
Ran straight through all the checkpoints without stopping (to the consternation of the marshalls who couldn't understand why someone wouldn't stop at 42k) - I had actually planned to stop for water at that one but it was inside a building and I cba to go in. So eked (is that how you spell that?) it out until 50k - not realising that that 10k was a massive descent and ascent down to Es Cubells (sea level; again, gloriously pretty) and then steep climb back up giving amazing views of Isla de Es Vedra poking out above a cloud inversion, beautiful. Feeling grim but not too grim at that point. Finding the rocky hard downhills particularly hard on the hips and knees. Would catch and get away from people on the climbs, and then be recaught by them on the downs.
Back to Sant Josep, literally inches from the finish line, then to the last 20k loop. Think I was at 7:38 at this point. I'm glad I didn't know how long the last loop would take! The 10k to the furthest point wasn't so bad (although had a suspicious amount of descent...) but then there was a brutal climb, maybe 1.3Bl on loose earth through trees. Whilst I struggled, I overtook 3 or 4 who'd passed me on the down who couldn't handle it. Would have been even harder without poles (pole strategy was to keep in bag for first 30k (climbs not as steep) and then use thereafter - this worked very well). After the climbs, undulated a bit and couldn't stay ahead of those I'd passed; they all overtook with between 1 and 3k remaining. I had nothing. Starting to get aerobically tired as well as general body pains. Very glad it was over!
My target was to run the whole way around and get back in the light - so achieved both of those. But given the runs and the mileage I've done over past year, surprised this felt quite as bad as it did. Think it was the hard surfaces that killed me.
Looking forward to not doing anything this long again for ages. Not looking forward to Day 3, which is another 10k. Should be pretty though.
Friday Nov 29, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Trail race (Nocturna 10k (Ibiza #1)) 39:55 [5] 9.89 km (4:02 / km) +101m 3:50 / km
ahr:153 max:172 shoes: S/LAB Ultra 2
15th
https://www.elitechip.net/system/public/download/7...
Spent the day wandering around the town and the coast. Very pretty. T-shirt and shorts weather, but not too hot.
Sweating quite a lot for the race though. Originally thought it was going to be road but glad I looked at the route beforehand and the 'mountain shoes' recommendation - there was maybe 3k road but the other 7k was definitely trail, and some quite rough and technical, especially in the dark. Given the course, very happy with the time.
The plan was to take this easy; I'm sure it surprises no-one that that didn't happen.
https://www.elitechip.net/system/public/download/7...
Spent the day wandering around the town and the coast. Very pretty. T-shirt and shorts weather, but not too hot.
Sweating quite a lot for the race though. Originally thought it was going to be road but glad I looked at the route beforehand and the 'mountain shoes' recommendation - there was maybe 3k road but the other 7k was definitely trail, and some quite rough and technical, especially in the dark. Given the course, very happy with the time.
The plan was to take this easy; I'm sure it surprises no-one that that didn't happen.
Wednesday Nov 27, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Spent quite a long time fitting my new license plates. Easily the most pointless thing I've ever bought - and yet somehow still awesome. Looking forward to the first time I get to write it on an entry form.
Tuesday Nov 26, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Based on level of tiredness yesterday, skipping today seems reasonable.
Monday Nov 25, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (MaccH B Group) 1:15:49 [3] 14.36 km (5:17 / km) +141m 5:02 / km
ahr:151 max:175 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Found this really tough, back of the group the whole time. Got it done though. Nice evening, back up to double figures.
Sunday Nov 24, 2019 #
11 AM
Orienteering - Urban race (University of Nottingham) 58:47 [5] 11.83 km (4:58 / km) +182m 4:37 / km
ahr:143 max:161 shoes: Xtalon 212 (blk/red)
Felt ok despite yday, slight hamstring niggle but not serious. Probably.
Easy first couple but missed tiny set of steps on 3 and so went all the way around. Used them on 6.
Happy to 16 although slipping around all over the place on the paved bits. Trails would've been better. Overtaken by Shuoc (Nathan Lawson I think?) uphill and then he took a better route than me into 17too. Caught NOR (someone at Notts uni; 1min ahead starter) here though.
Got a bit of a gap on 18 (hillier but shorter route) and stayed just ahead until 22. Didn't know what happened 23 but turns out he made an error, so ahead to 24 but then I didn't see the cut through through the OOB and so went all the way around, and he was right with me again, then I failed to cope with the pressure and missed the control and he got ahead. So playing catch up now, some diff route choices but very similar up to 29, then 30 my route was bad (and bad to 31 too) and he was away. Both made same mistake on 32 going wrong side of uncrossable, but I gained some time back on 33 only to lose it again on 34, introducing totally unnecessary steps and corners. Pressure again. Then too low for 34 as well!
Thought I'd blown it but the sprint on the last few controls had saved me, finished 4 secs up (and so had dropped nearly a minute over the last 5 controls, which isn't great). Still, not bad for someone who ran 30 miles yesterday, right?
No results yet since two controls mislabelled and they're sorting that out.
Enjoyed the run; good area; not raining.
Easy first couple but missed tiny set of steps on 3 and so went all the way around. Used them on 6.
Happy to 16 although slipping around all over the place on the paved bits. Trails would've been better. Overtaken by Shuoc (Nathan Lawson I think?) uphill and then he took a better route than me into 17too. Caught NOR (someone at Notts uni; 1min ahead starter) here though.
Got a bit of a gap on 18 (hillier but shorter route) and stayed just ahead until 22. Didn't know what happened 23 but turns out he made an error, so ahead to 24 but then I didn't see the cut through through the OOB and so went all the way around, and he was right with me again, then I failed to cope with the pressure and missed the control and he got ahead. So playing catch up now, some diff route choices but very similar up to 29, then 30 my route was bad (and bad to 31 too) and he was away. Both made same mistake on 32 going wrong side of uncrossable, but I gained some time back on 33 only to lose it again on 34, introducing totally unnecessary steps and corners. Pressure again. Then too low for 34 as well!
Thought I'd blown it but the sprint on the last few controls had saved me, finished 4 secs up (and so had dropped nearly a minute over the last 5 controls, which isn't great). Still, not bad for someone who ran 30 miles yesterday, right?
No results yet since two controls mislabelled and they're sorting that out.
Enjoyed the run; good area; not raining.
Saturday Nov 23, 2019 #
8 AM
Running - Trail race (PSN Ashbourne to Edale) 4:30:35 [5] 51.56 km (5:15 / km) +819m 4:52 / km
ahr:148 max:166 shoes: Pegasus 36 (Blue)
1st, 40mins up, new course record :)
Wanted to keep doing 1 ultra per month at least, and this didn't clash with anything good. Despite route looking a little underwhelming, nice to do half the length of the peaks in one go.
Constant mizzle, but not actively raining, so started with just ls and 3/4s. Gloves on and off constantly; exposed in the wind at times and constantly wet due to the cloud.
Select group of about 30, some looked pretty serious. They weren't though. Started quite fast and no-one came with me, and that was that. Course record was 5:21 and on paper I thought that should be beatable.
Went through the first CP slightly before the organiser got there, and the second seemed a bit surprised too. HM in 1:38 which was a bit disappointing tbh, all easy marginally uphill trail carrying a bag, hoping for more like 1:30. Then another 5k or so easy before the tissington trail (now the pennine way and the high peak trail; gets confusing) ended. Easy Midshires way for a bit, nice downhill, before crossing the A6 and joining the Limestone way.
The Limestone way isn't like the others; it's muddy. Sliding about in road shoes but held it together ok to CP3 at Miller's Dale. Slight flooding and a steep down and uphill (Clif bar) before extremely muddy limestone way slowed me a lot - farm track with two deep ruts filled with water, and mud in between - in fell shoes the mud would have been fine, but the only way in trainers was to splash through the ankle deep water. There were several miles of that.
Marathon at 3:33 which was quite pleased with given terrain etc. Then the Limestone way got a bit nicer, up onto some moorland; probably good views of everything hadn't just been fog, couple of muddy sections but mainly good tracks. Some marginally challenging nav sections which might've confused people, but trivial with the gpx.
Slight uphill, but nothing really, onto the contour around Mam Tor and then down to Hollins (only time I saw any actual people out) and then down to Edale. Stayed upright until this bit.
Felt like I could've kept going, which is good as I'll have to next week. Probably should've run tomorrow too (Marsden to Edale, along the PW) but fancied the o instead and didn't want to push it too much before next weekend. Enjoyed it more than expected. If it's that wet in future, trail shoes would probably be better despite the 25k easy at the start.
Wanted to keep doing 1 ultra per month at least, and this didn't clash with anything good. Despite route looking a little underwhelming, nice to do half the length of the peaks in one go.
Constant mizzle, but not actively raining, so started with just ls and 3/4s. Gloves on and off constantly; exposed in the wind at times and constantly wet due to the cloud.
Select group of about 30, some looked pretty serious. They weren't though. Started quite fast and no-one came with me, and that was that. Course record was 5:21 and on paper I thought that should be beatable.
Went through the first CP slightly before the organiser got there, and the second seemed a bit surprised too. HM in 1:38 which was a bit disappointing tbh, all easy marginally uphill trail carrying a bag, hoping for more like 1:30. Then another 5k or so easy before the tissington trail (now the pennine way and the high peak trail; gets confusing) ended. Easy Midshires way for a bit, nice downhill, before crossing the A6 and joining the Limestone way.
The Limestone way isn't like the others; it's muddy. Sliding about in road shoes but held it together ok to CP3 at Miller's Dale. Slight flooding and a steep down and uphill (Clif bar) before extremely muddy limestone way slowed me a lot - farm track with two deep ruts filled with water, and mud in between - in fell shoes the mud would have been fine, but the only way in trainers was to splash through the ankle deep water. There were several miles of that.
Marathon at 3:33 which was quite pleased with given terrain etc. Then the Limestone way got a bit nicer, up onto some moorland; probably good views of everything hadn't just been fog, couple of muddy sections but mainly good tracks. Some marginally challenging nav sections which might've confused people, but trivial with the gpx.
Slight uphill, but nothing really, onto the contour around Mam Tor and then down to Hollins (only time I saw any actual people out) and then down to Edale. Stayed upright until this bit.
Felt like I could've kept going, which is good as I'll have to next week. Probably should've run tomorrow too (Marsden to Edale, along the PW) but fancied the o instead and didn't want to push it too much before next weekend. Enjoyed it more than expected. If it's that wet in future, trail shoes would probably be better despite the 25k easy at the start.
Friday Nov 22, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Flying back from Dublin. Was going to go out this morning but only got to bed at 2am and sleep seemed more important. Good decision; exhausted.
Thursday Nov 21, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (Exploring Dublin #2) 1:07:48 [3] 14.42 km (4:42 / km) +57m 4:37 / km
ahr:154 max:176 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Run with Billy and Nathanael. Felt pretty good.
Wednesday Nov 20, 2019 #
2 PM
Running - Road/Track (Exploring Dublin) 1:30:38 [3] 19.02 km (4:46 / km) +53m 4:42 / km
ahr:149 max:164 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Windy run around Dublin - made it out to North Bull Island as planned and then the (tarmac) route I'd planned was private through a golf club, so had to freestyle it across some sandy salt flats which would've been really nice in appropriate shoes, but was wet/splashy and slippery in road shoes.
Pleased with speed overall given that and the wind; not feeling too bad by the end.
Pleased with speed overall given that and the wind; not feeling too bad by the end.
Tuesday Nov 19, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Monday Nov 18, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (MaccH B Group) 1:04:25 [3] 12.89 km (5:00 / km) +117m 4:47 / km
ahr:143 max:163 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Led by me and so included zero stopping; fairly brisk as I felt pretty good. Group was all a similar standard so no waiting for anyone until near the end (which means maybe the pace was a little fast,I guess; although it is B Group; if you want to play with the big boys...)
Icy. 3ish degrees. Mittens too much, but hands freezing when I took them off!
Icy. 3ish degrees. Mittens too much, but hands freezing when I took them off!
Sunday Nov 17, 2019 #
11 AM
Running - Trail race (Wadsworth Half Trog) 1:29:01 [5] 15.46 km (5:45 / km) +438m 5:03 / km
ahr:143 max:163 shoes: Mudclaw G260
Terrible start, dammit, followed the wrong person... Knew where we were going; not a nav error...just watched him consciously ignore the leaders and do something else, and assumed that he must know something they didn't know. This was a bad call! Far faster to cut the corner on the first CP - will know for next year. So lost 2 mins within the first 20 and then never saw anyone from the group that made the better choice again.
Definitely a race to have the map out! People making mistakes all over the place.
Otherwise - no nav issues; muddy, splashy and slippery throughout; majorly, ground thoroughly saturated. Should've been a good race for me really as I quite like that - no massive hills, just undulating muddy technical stuff - and probably wouldn't have been a too bad result other than the thing at the start. Also maybe a bit tired from yesterday! Really nice moorland running though;I like that area.
Tom Dobra was there visiting his parents and I assume beat me by miles (he made a better call at the start and I didn't see him for the whole race or at the end - so either he did very well or got lost somewhere - suspect the former).
18th
http://www.cvfr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/W...
Definitely a race to have the map out! People making mistakes all over the place.
Otherwise - no nav issues; muddy, splashy and slippery throughout; majorly, ground thoroughly saturated. Should've been a good race for me really as I quite like that - no massive hills, just undulating muddy technical stuff - and probably wouldn't have been a too bad result other than the thing at the start. Also maybe a bit tired from yesterday! Really nice moorland running though;I like that area.
Tom Dobra was there visiting his parents and I assume beat me by miles (he made a better call at the start and I didn't see him for the whole race or at the end - so either he did very well or got lost somewhere - suspect the former).
18th
http://www.cvfr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/W...
Saturday Nov 16, 2019 #
10 AM
Running - Trail race (Tour of Pendle) 2:51:31 [5] 26.73 km (6:25 / km) +1411m 5:05 / km
ahr:147 max:174 shoes: Mudclaw 275 (blk)
Two minutes nine seconds faster than two years ago - 42nd.
Disappointed to not be more up than that to be honest, after putting in so much training on the longer hillier stuff - but in fairness it was muddier today.
Raining before the start but cleared to drizzle for start itself, so just baselayer and shorts. I would've worn 3/4d but they were both in the wash - luckily as it turns out, since shorts definitely the right choice.
50 seconds slower than last year to the trig, and ran the whole thing again - last years' time was definitely set to be epic without the spike. Similar times on the road, so lost it on the climb proper - I blame increased mud. The climb felt tough but made myself run the whole way since I knew the other climbs weren't runnable.
Terrified as expected going down to Ogden; extremely muddy here but I was very much keeping to the worst line to avoid the spikes. Relieved once got onto the awesome descent to #2. Clif bar on the climb to 3 and kept walking for too long; passed by quite a few here. Unfortunately passed by people who were old and terrible at descending, so were taking Geronimo very carefully which made my treat it more tentatively than if I'd been surrounded by fast people. So lost a bit of time here.
Feeling ok though, but much worse on most of the later climbing segments surprisingly - hopefully conditions related. The second to last climb definitely felt the hardest, and the wet rocks made it slow going.
At #8 the marshal told me I was in 50th place. Had to check my map as it was very claggy and couldn't quite see the guy in front, but memory from 2 years ago was very useful. Got past a couple down to 9.
The last climb felt very steep but it was over very quickly; 15 mins very short compared to a Lakes ascent. Passed another 3 or so who looked pretty dead; keep forgetting 17 miles is a long race for a lot of people ;p
Slightly faster on the lovely grassy downhill to the track (passed 3 more) and slightly slower on the track to the finish (no-one to chase and no-one chasing me, as there was 2 years ago) but overall similar.
Pleased to be 9 places higher even if only a bit faster; does support that overall conditions were slower. Unfortunately means I have to do it again, which sounds like pushing my luck with the spike thing!
Kirsty spent the whole drive trying to persuade Emma and me to join Pennine. Tbh if Macc runners don't get their acts together and start entering more races, thing I may well do so!
Disappointed to not be more up than that to be honest, after putting in so much training on the longer hillier stuff - but in fairness it was muddier today.
Raining before the start but cleared to drizzle for start itself, so just baselayer and shorts. I would've worn 3/4d but they were both in the wash - luckily as it turns out, since shorts definitely the right choice.
50 seconds slower than last year to the trig, and ran the whole thing again - last years' time was definitely set to be epic without the spike. Similar times on the road, so lost it on the climb proper - I blame increased mud. The climb felt tough but made myself run the whole way since I knew the other climbs weren't runnable.
Terrified as expected going down to Ogden; extremely muddy here but I was very much keeping to the worst line to avoid the spikes. Relieved once got onto the awesome descent to #2. Clif bar on the climb to 3 and kept walking for too long; passed by quite a few here. Unfortunately passed by people who were old and terrible at descending, so were taking Geronimo very carefully which made my treat it more tentatively than if I'd been surrounded by fast people. So lost a bit of time here.
Feeling ok though, but much worse on most of the later climbing segments surprisingly - hopefully conditions related. The second to last climb definitely felt the hardest, and the wet rocks made it slow going.
At #8 the marshal told me I was in 50th place. Had to check my map as it was very claggy and couldn't quite see the guy in front, but memory from 2 years ago was very useful. Got past a couple down to 9.
The last climb felt very steep but it was over very quickly; 15 mins very short compared to a Lakes ascent. Passed another 3 or so who looked pretty dead; keep forgetting 17 miles is a long race for a lot of people ;p
Slightly faster on the lovely grassy downhill to the track (passed 3 more) and slightly slower on the track to the finish (no-one to chase and no-one chasing me, as there was 2 years ago) but overall similar.
Pleased to be 9 places higher even if only a bit faster; does support that overall conditions were slower. Unfortunately means I have to do it again, which sounds like pushing my luck with the spike thing!
Kirsty spent the whole drive trying to persuade Emma and me to join Pennine. Tbh if Macc runners don't get their acts together and start entering more races, thing I may well do so!
Friday Nov 15, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Thursday Nov 14, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (MaccH B Group) 1:20:06 [3] 15.33 km (5:14 / km) +177m 4:56 / km
ahr:153 max:170 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Raining a lot throughout. Luckily took a coat! But gloves soon wet and hands numb by the end :(
Otherwise was ok - felt to be running well, but speed of the group wasn't that fast. I always go quicker when it's cold and so was at the front.
Otherwise was ok - felt to be running well, but speed of the group wasn't that fast. I always go quicker when it's cold and so was at the front.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Trail (MaccH Fell Training) 1:25:34 [2] 12.02 km (7:07 / km) +433m 6:02 / km
ahr:132 max:153 shoes: Inov-8 Roclite 305
Only 7 out, and everyone happy to go pretty slowly, so an easy one. Pretty muddy, probably need to start wearing fell rather than trail shoes for these.
Felt as if it was going to be cold but wasn't too bad; mittens were overkill.
Felt as if it was going to be cold but wasn't too bad; mittens were overkill.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2019 #
Note
Car had something called 'acoustic lock' which was turned off, but sounded awesome so I turned it on.
Now the horn sounds whenever I lock the doors.
Can't find the damn thing in all the submenus to turn it off again.
Now the horn sounds whenever I lock the doors.
Can't find the damn thing in all the submenus to turn it off again.
6 PM
Orienteering - Urban race (Heaviley Maprun) 1:14:21 [5] 16.19 km (4:35 / km) +63m 4:30 / km
ahr:145 max:164 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Ran the furthest...
Second time using MapRun. Only one control where I didn't notice the beep, and couldn't be bothered to get out the cluesheet and write down the answer, and so spent the whole course annoyed - only to find out at the end it did work after all.
Terrible route planning - need to think for even 10s at the start re the than blindly going in a random direction. Did a nice loop around the edge of the map, but it doesnt usually happen that I get back to where I started - so ended up going to a few controls twice by mistake. I can confirm that a control still beeps if you go back to it! Even three times. So ran a lot of ridiculous extra distance. Also missed an obvious 80 within 20m of where I was for no apparent reason whatsoever.
Beaten by slower runners who understand planning.
Nice evening and still enjoying MapRun though; bit annoyed we only have one more MapRun event and the other 7 are all old skool. Maybe next year.
Second time using MapRun. Only one control where I didn't notice the beep, and couldn't be bothered to get out the cluesheet and write down the answer, and so spent the whole course annoyed - only to find out at the end it did work after all.
Terrible route planning - need to think for even 10s at the start re the than blindly going in a random direction. Did a nice loop around the edge of the map, but it doesnt usually happen that I get back to where I started - so ended up going to a few controls twice by mistake. I can confirm that a control still beeps if you go back to it! Even three times. So ran a lot of ridiculous extra distance. Also missed an obvious 80 within 20m of where I was for no apparent reason whatsoever.
Beaten by slower runners who understand planning.
Nice evening and still enjoying MapRun though; bit annoyed we only have one more MapRun event and the other 7 are all old skool. Maybe next year.
Monday Nov 11, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (MaccH B Group) 1:11:13 [3] 13.58 km (5:15 / km) +102m 5:03 / km
ahr:155 max:171 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Easy and sedate tonight - perfect recovery. Rained a bit but not overly :)
Sunday Nov 10, 2019 #
11 AM
Orienteering - Urban race (Stockport) 59:20 [5] 13.09 km (4:32 / km) +133m 4:19 / km
ahr:146 max:165 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
Aching a bit after 37 miles yesterday but really not too bad to be honest. I'm sure it was showing me down although not that much.
Poor route to 1, tried to save the height but there were better ways of doing that. I think coming all the way around the road is the best combination of speed and easyness at the beginning.
Happy with next few controls. Caught by Leon at 4 and more or less stayed with him to 10. Caught Nathanael at 10 too. Dithered coming out of 10 and not really navigating out of 11, just heading E, meant I didn't know what had happened to either of them.
Saw Leon again coming out of 18 where my E route was better, then again on 24 where N route better too. 25 had a short section of fence with only one tag which I thought was crossable, then looking again line was still thick, so deviated from plan and lost some time.
Saw Leon again coming out of 30 so really don't think I can have lost that much time on the latter half of the course. Did the multilevel bit at the end without incident. Nearly messed up second to last control by concentrating more on trying to overtake someone than on navigation!
Good event; well planned courses; kept you concentrating whole way around. 6Th - 4:20 behind Leon which I hope would've been closer without 37 miles yesterday. 8 mins behind Tom which I think was nearer 10 in Liverpool, so maybe not a bad performance today.
Poor route to 1, tried to save the height but there were better ways of doing that. I think coming all the way around the road is the best combination of speed and easyness at the beginning.
Happy with next few controls. Caught by Leon at 4 and more or less stayed with him to 10. Caught Nathanael at 10 too. Dithered coming out of 10 and not really navigating out of 11, just heading E, meant I didn't know what had happened to either of them.
Saw Leon again coming out of 18 where my E route was better, then again on 24 where N route better too. 25 had a short section of fence with only one tag which I thought was crossable, then looking again line was still thick, so deviated from plan and lost some time.
Saw Leon again coming out of 30 so really don't think I can have lost that much time on the latter half of the course. Did the multilevel bit at the end without incident. Nearly messed up second to last control by concentrating more on trying to overtake someone than on navigation!
Good event; well planned courses; kept you concentrating whole way around. 6Th - 4:20 behind Leon which I hope would've been closer without 37 miles yesterday. 8 mins behind Tom which I think was nearer 10 in Liverpool, so maybe not a bad performance today.
Saturday Nov 9, 2019 #
9 AM
Running - Trail race (Pen Llyn Winter Ultra) 5:39:21 [5] 59.65 km (5:41 / km) +1617m 5:01 / km
ahr:145 max:161 shoes: S/LAB Ultra 2
3rd :) only about 4 seconds behind 2nd, and only a few minutes behind 1st.
The forecast had been to rain throughout, and it was 99 percent accurate. There was, however,a very brief lull and a 30 second rainbow, which made it all worth it. Sort of. Wore ls and coat after debating extra layer before the start - very glad I didn't as it was perfectly warm enough.
Started with a quick few kms along the Wales Coast Path (which is lovely) until we hit the wind - as a result I was in the lead for those few kms. Running along the wet sandy beaches was quite fun and very easy on the body. Steep first climb up to first honestly book (Safe Harbour) and then down onto the beach again for another stint. Between here and CP1 I was as far down as 7th but it was all pretty close.
Wet fields but nice scenery to 2nd book and 2nd CP. Got away from people into CP3 and now back on coast path but on the N coast. About 5th.
Got into 2nd going down towards the sea level for the last time, down the steep bit, then ran the whole climb up to book 3 at the BT tower highest point. Since it was out and back, saw 1st on the steps at the top so knew it was only a few mins gap and it was all road and mainly downhill for the last 14k.
Did the road as fast as I could, which felt pretty brisk, but caught by 3rd who had met someone and changed into road shoes... He was pushing extremely hard to try and catch first; no hope of staying with him. Fairly dull finish, strange to have a CP 4k from the end... Route changed slightly at the end due to flooding which meant I didn't really know how far was left; a shame since I caught sight of 2nd (who'd been passed) with a few hundred metres to go...I put a bit of a sprint on but the guys at the finish line told him I was coming and he sped up significantly. Not sure I'd have caught him anyway but would've been very close; was very close anyway! Nice to have someone to chase.
The shoes... The grip on wet rock and tarmac is genuinely brilliant - like nothing else I've ever worn. They are fine on grass too. However the grip on mud is laughably bad. This meant opposite tactics from when wearing anything made by Inov-8 - now I was specifically aiming for the rocks and avoiding the mud - very hard to get into that mindset and nearly fell over a few times as a result.
Good race. Would consider the summer one if it had less road at the end. All the Welsh people very friendly despite incomprehensible. Good soup/bread at the finish. Only one confusing CP which was inside a pub and then out the back way!
The forecast had been to rain throughout, and it was 99 percent accurate. There was, however,a very brief lull and a 30 second rainbow, which made it all worth it. Sort of. Wore ls and coat after debating extra layer before the start - very glad I didn't as it was perfectly warm enough.
Started with a quick few kms along the Wales Coast Path (which is lovely) until we hit the wind - as a result I was in the lead for those few kms. Running along the wet sandy beaches was quite fun and very easy on the body. Steep first climb up to first honestly book (Safe Harbour) and then down onto the beach again for another stint. Between here and CP1 I was as far down as 7th but it was all pretty close.
Wet fields but nice scenery to 2nd book and 2nd CP. Got away from people into CP3 and now back on coast path but on the N coast. About 5th.
Got into 2nd going down towards the sea level for the last time, down the steep bit, then ran the whole climb up to book 3 at the BT tower highest point. Since it was out and back, saw 1st on the steps at the top so knew it was only a few mins gap and it was all road and mainly downhill for the last 14k.
Did the road as fast as I could, which felt pretty brisk, but caught by 3rd who had met someone and changed into road shoes... He was pushing extremely hard to try and catch first; no hope of staying with him. Fairly dull finish, strange to have a CP 4k from the end... Route changed slightly at the end due to flooding which meant I didn't really know how far was left; a shame since I caught sight of 2nd (who'd been passed) with a few hundred metres to go...I put a bit of a sprint on but the guys at the finish line told him I was coming and he sped up significantly. Not sure I'd have caught him anyway but would've been very close; was very close anyway! Nice to have someone to chase.
The shoes... The grip on wet rock and tarmac is genuinely brilliant - like nothing else I've ever worn. They are fine on grass too. However the grip on mud is laughably bad. This meant opposite tactics from when wearing anything made by Inov-8 - now I was specifically aiming for the rocks and avoiding the mud - very hard to get into that mindset and nearly fell over a few times as a result.
Good race. Would consider the summer one if it had less road at the end. All the Welsh people very friendly despite incomprehensible. Good soup/bread at the finish. Only one confusing CP which was inside a pub and then out the back way!
Friday Nov 8, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Bought a new car.
Thursday Nov 7, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
It's been raining quite a lot all day so rest day sensibly moved.
Wednesday Nov 6, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Trail (BollyH Trail) 1:05:57 [1] 10.15 km (6:30 / km) +338m 5:34 / km
ahr:133 max:163 shoes: S/LAB Ultra 2
Very easy trail, nice evening. Stopped too often for it to really count as a run to be honest. Must go to MaccH when I actually want a run; probably good for me to go slow this week though.
Really liking the shoes actually. Rubbish on deep mud, but pretty good on shallow mud and grass, and also steps and rocks.
Really liking the shoes actually. Rubbish on deep mud, but pretty good on shallow mud and grass, and also steps and rocks.
Tuesday Nov 5, 2019 #
11 AM
Running - Trail (Run from home) 56:57 [3] 11.29 km (5:03 / km) +91m 4:51 / km
ahr:145 max:173 shoes: S/LAB Ultra 2
Mostly canal/track, some road, testing new shoes in advance of the weekend. Couldn't face my 2 hour route after last night and then going to bed really late!
Shoes are firmer than expected for an ultra shoe but definitely more cushioned than the roclites and so should meet their brief - either way they didn't feel like they were going to rip my feet to shreds so that's good news. Surprisingly grippy for a Salomon, too.
Shoes are firmer than expected for an ultra shoe but definitely more cushioned than the roclites and so should meet their brief - either way they didn't feel like they were going to rip my feet to shreds so that's good news. Surprisingly grippy for a Salomon, too.
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (BollyH Remembrance - Doub) 58:55 [2] 10.22 km (5:46 / km) +220m 5:12 / km
ahr:133 max:161 shoes: Pegasus 36 (Blue)
Making up Tuesday's mileage. Easy run with lots of looping. Some fireworks.
Monday Nov 4, 2019 #
6 PM
Running - Road/Track (MaccH B Group) 1:37:17 [3] 18.86 km (5:10 / km) +236m 4:51 / km
ahr:145 max:165 shoes: Pegasus 36 (Blue)
Furthest we've run; luckily, due to easy weekend, feeling good tonight. At the front of the group the whole way around. Great conditions for running ie cold at the start but lovely once moving.
Sunday Nov 3, 2019 #
10 AM
Orienteering - Urban race (Leek) 53:10 [5] 11.69 km (4:33 / km) +203m 4:11 / km
ahr:150 max:167 shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
EDIT: Dominated: https://www.potoc.co.uk/index.php/results/10-potoc...
https://www.potoc.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#41&ro...
Nice to have a bit more shorts and t-shirt weather in November! Misty and wet underfoot but no rain.
Didn't do a lot wrong; fairly straightforward area and course - map left a bit to be desired, but since it was urban it didn't matter much. Lost confidence in it on way to 1 since 3m thick impregnable hedge mapped as light green... At one point climbed a crossable wall which was 5 feet high on one side and 6 on the other side. The two other people who were there at the time decided against it.
One hesitation not counting junctions correctly, otherwise good. Suspect some people might've used a very narrow olive alley but results will tell...
Enjoyed the race anyway - low volume weekend so will have to make up for that somewhere.
https://www.potoc.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#41&ro...
Nice to have a bit more shorts and t-shirt weather in November! Misty and wet underfoot but no rain.
Didn't do a lot wrong; fairly straightforward area and course - map left a bit to be desired, but since it was urban it didn't matter much. Lost confidence in it on way to 1 since 3m thick impregnable hedge mapped as light green... At one point climbed a crossable wall which was 5 feet high on one side and 6 on the other side. The two other people who were there at the time decided against it.
One hesitation not counting junctions correctly, otherwise good. Suspect some people might've used a very narrow olive alley but results will tell...
Enjoyed the race anyway - low volume weekend so will have to make up for that somewhere.
Saturday Nov 2, 2019 #
1 PM
Running - Trail race (Dunnerdale) 49:39 [5] 7.82 km (6:21 / km) +577m 4:38 / km
ahr:154 max:178 shoes: Mudclaw 275 (blk)
Tried really really hard, and I think I was one second faster than last year. Conditions similar I think. No nav required; massive field. Felt more confident on the descents in the mudclaws than the xtalons wore last year.
Took my mum to her first Lakes fell race - she said 'I'm never doing that again it was terrible', and then won a bottle of wine for 3rd V60.
Still think it's a really nice race but probably wouldn't do it again unless part of a weekend as it's a long way to come for 5 miles. The pie selection was only two flavours this year (meat/potato; cheese/onion) but they were both pretty good. Not so impressive as last year, but well worth the £7 entry fee.
Took my mum to her first Lakes fell race - she said 'I'm never doing that again it was terrible', and then won a bottle of wine for 3rd V60.
Still think it's a really nice race but probably wouldn't do it again unless part of a weekend as it's a long way to come for 5 miles. The pie selection was only two flavours this year (meat/potato; cheese/onion) but they were both pretty good. Not so impressive as last year, but well worth the £7 entry fee.
Friday Nov 1, 2019 #
Note
(rest day)
Gonna be a low volume weekend - but it was raining those evening, so...