Training Log Archive: Craig

Event: Malmalling SW - Standard Bush Event
 

Wanted to get a decent run in somehow today and it seemed the easiest way would be to run the H1. There were a couple of times when I was conscious of being a little careless and relying on recognising the control site when I got close but overall it felt surprisingly unfamiliar considering I had set the course and put out half the controls the day before. I don't think there was a single control that I approached from the same direction as when putting out or taping controls and I had almost no memory of the overall course so it felt like a really worthwhile training run.
Felt much better than yesterday so ran pretty much full race pace. Only real mistake was running to the boulder Cameron was standing on just SW of 14. I didn't think it was right and he was looking a little lost but I thought he might just be planning the long leg and I thought it was the safer option to check. Quickly worked out what boulder it was so didn't lose too much time and still had fastest split. Also lost contact a little approaching 12 so was cautious for a while to make sure I hit the small knoll with two boulders just above the control but did and got it ok from there. Caught Bryce at the last and thought he might race me to the finish but he made a small mistake going a little left out of the clearing on the edge of the circle so I had too much of a gap to entice him to take me on.

Collecting the southernmost controls. I was trying to be nice to Rachel by choosing this group because it was steeper and further away than the other group but I forgot the other group had a water drop. My legs were not enjoying the hills on this which reaffirms my belief that I need to take it easy from the start if I want to get through the ultra long in reasonable shape.

H1 - Splits

Putting out controls and water at Malmalling. Thought about doing some extra distance but my legs felt very heavy on the climbs so I decided not to.

Didn't feel like wearing the headlamp so I went for a steady run down by the river. Feeling reasonable but working a little harder than I would have liked by the end. Still a pretty good session considering how close I was to staying in bed.

Snuck in a short run in KP on the way to pick Amy up from school leaving Liam to cough at home alone. Legs felt heavy. Did a few strides on the oval at the end. A couple of short hills felt terrible but the flat efforts were better.

Easy run around the park in the dark. Felt quite good early on but got tired after about 35 minutes when I would usually expect to be starting to warm up.

Got up a bit late so just did a quick few laps of Rosalie Park.

Wasn't too happy about the alarm going off at 5:40am but I did manage to drag myself out of bed. Rachel had the head lamp so I thought I would just stick with her but by the time I got out the front she was already gone. Debated what to do for a while before realising the 5:40 alarm was probably to meet Helen at the school so I ran over to the school and got there just before Rachel. Sand track loops with Rachel and Helen mostly felt pretty comfortable but Helen really seemed to be pushing the pace up the hills.