Training Log Archive: Magic

Needed an easy spin today but also wanted to get used to putting some longer days together. Avoided any big hills and had no bother just spinning away. Wind wasn't very kind though and was unhelpful for a good 2/3 of the ride - at least it was cooling on another hot day. Endurance seems to be improving.

LSD with Chris from MDC in the BB for MM practice (for me) and SWT reccy for him. Wanted a longer long with a backpack and I think this sufficed, not a heavy bag (maybe 4kg when full with water) but enough to make a difference to running. Slow pace but a scorching day made it hard work and despite drinking all my water and from every steam I was well thirsty by the end. Saw 16 walkers the while time out, but dozens of cars at the Storey Arms for the Pen y Fan walk. managed to save my head from sunburn but failed on my legs, so have ripe coloured calfs! That's nearly all the high points and trig points done in the Beacons in 3 runs! Needed ice-cream after finishing!

A very slow 10km on a muggy afternoon. Just easing the legs back into it gently and they appear to have appreciated that. Very comfortable but probably wouldn't have been had I tied running harder.

4.5 hours at Llantrisant. Frustrating day, the old map was worse than in previous areas and I had a lot of creative composition to do... Discovered that an area I thought was minging and overgrown is probably the best bit of forest out there, so it looks like I will need at least an extra day to sort that area out. Lovely and sunny out but shorts not ideal for mapping in.

C • what? you actually go into ... 2

Walked into work with the intention of running home, however felt completely flat and unmotivated so opted for a nice walk home through the park. Will hopefully feel more human tomorrow.

Home at 3am, had a lie in to get some sleep but had to work late to make up the time, missed the MDC run (shame as it was a glorious evening) but wouldn't have had the energy anyway.

C • MDC run 2

Shamrock O-Ringen Day 3, Crohane Lake, 7.4km, 220m, 22c, M21E. Left the start feeling good but soon ran out of energy on the first climb and really struggled again on the way up the hills. Just nothing other than plodding in my legs this weekend unfortunately - really shoes up in my splits where I hardly break the top 6 on any legs.

However, being technically sound again meant that I had a decent time, but no where near as good a time as I had running in the new bit of forest, really loved this as it was a popper challenge. Wasn't always clean or straight, but I think that was the nature of the terrain as much as anything. Dropped about 90 seconds on #15 as it just didn't feel right when I got in the woods - the gps seems to confirm that things were a little out in there.

Did see my 2 minute Swede at #11 but only briefly, thought he's either made a mistake or run away from me as I never saw him again, but for some reason he appears to have retire there - is seeing me that scary a sight???

Great way to finish a very enjoyable three days or excellent orienteering, now to give my body a bit of rest and see if I can coax it into feeling a bit better - I can feel fitness there but it's just not making itself known.

Thanks to everyone in Cork for running such an excellent event. Can't wait for 2015 - it will be THE event to go to that year!

Map , Routegadget and Results

Course 1 - Splits