Training Log Archive: blairtrewin

A very pleasant run through the western edge of Helsinki on a lovely morning, mostly on bike paths. Particularly good in the middle. Tailed off a bit at the end but never really struggling.

Missed one early on after committing the cardinal sin in depression terrain of not making sure which way was up, but only lost a minute and an increasingly good run thereafter. Probably feeling my strongest all week in the second half, which is not what is supposed to happen in a 5-day and probably owes something to the cooler weather today. Held on to 7th, not quite catching 6th and not quite being caught by 8th.

This was my last race for a bit over 2 weeks. After 16 in a month I suspect I'll appreciate the break. Conferencing in Helsinki next week.

Final score on the finish splits: 2-1 to me with two draws.

Standing around in the sun for hours beforehand waiting to see which novel way the next Australian competitor would find to get themselves disqualified from the MTBO WOC relay probably wasn't the ideal preparation for this. I felt very ordinary, like day 1, but unlike day 1 didn't hit the controls - lost about 2.5 minutes at 2, probably my most significant error of the trip to date, and never comfortable at any other time. Remained in 7th but any chance of climbing from that is gone, and I might come under pressure from behind if I run as poorly tomorrow.

Fin-5 rest day today. A cruise around the fringe of Joensuu in the morning, pretty stiff and sore early and never really got to be inspiring at any time. MTBO long distance today, with Adrian Jackson a close 6th.

Much more technical and traditional Finnish terrain than the last two days, particularly in the first half with a lot of rock and very few tracks. On my first visit in 1998 I would have been blown away in this stuff; this year I can navigate through it, but not with the confidence to be able to run aggressively. A pity that I've learnt to navigate here five years after I stopped being able to run fast. Another solid performance, an annoying one-minuter on the first control after leaving the difficult stuff, and continuing to hold a solid 7th place with 2 days to go. Also 2-0 with one tie against Liggo on the finish chute splits....

C • Finish splits 1

Another good run technically with only one 20-seconder, and a bit stronger than yesterday. Had the best of the conditions, starting last instead of first and with a bit of cloud cover. Plenty of tracking. A physically easier area than yesterday and the field wasn't quite as spread out.