Training Log Archive: Magic

To the start with Ben, a bit of jogging but mostly walking as hot and plenty of time to get the body up to speed in the run.

Cwmdu East Maprun, 3 hour Score.
Had map beforehand so could spend as long as you wanted planning routes, looked at lots of options but not to the extreme of measuring distance/climb. Clear but skies and no shade, so was expecting the heat to be a big factor, however I was reasonably comfortable (bit of a breeze on the ridge) until the last 15 mins, where a sheltered valley was a sun trap and pushed my body over it's cooling ability.

Nav was mostly good, but very tricky looking for a point feature when you don't know what you're looking for (why no simple descriptions). Found quite a few by running into the are and waiting for the phone to beep, which it did on all part from one - at the finish I could see that I wasn't close enough, but I couldn't see anything on the hill side that had the potential to be the site, so rather than running around in circles for a few minutes I just headed on.

A couple of small mistakes when not paying attention toward the end and one of my laces broke, so had to stop and tie that together. Opted to get an extra control at the end as had 15 minutes left, but was then struck by the heat, overlapped with the first two controls that I'd visited and my phone took 5 seconds to beep after I've finished, pushing me 3 seconds over the time limit! Ended up with 860 points but could have been 900.

Enjoyed it and although not moving quickly for very much of it, was running reasonably well (when it wasn't too steep). Took a litre of water a refilled at stream after 45 minutes (which was about the last opportunity), but very dehydrated by the end. Lovely to be in the hills on such a nice day. Map can be downloaded here: https://sites.google.com/site/welshfellrace/races/...

Hanging controls at Ty'n-y-Coed. Overcast and cloudy but very muggy. Found a bike path that needs to be added to the map.

Collecting controls. Managed to get some before the last finisher finished without upsetting his run!

Stretching session before bed. Hip a bit sore after yesterday's efforts so not wanting to aggravate that.

First attempt at an interval session for about 18 months. Met Martyn for an introductory easy session in Castle Coch woods. 4*400m on a steadily climbing track. Gradient and distance worked well but 4 was definitely enough. Actually quite enjoyed it and felt quit good, if not fast. Warm down guiding Martyn around the sites of lower Castle Coch.

Run home after watch reset as we were taking too long exploring the mines.

Easy lunch run up CyA. Always find this a bit harsh as not warmed up enough but the hill starts, but it was too nice a day and haven't been this way in a few weeks. Very muggy on the way up but the weather changed when I was on stop and it started threatening to rain. Made it home but it didn't really get to much.

MDC run from Tutshill up the Wye valley and through the tunnel on the new cycle route. Opted to head off the map to go to the Devil's Pulpit, but it was quite a bit further than we thought, so added an extra 5km... Easy pace though as no fast people out. Nice drop to the river at the end and along the bottom of the cliffs. Cool path to an old quarry but then a very difficult fence to climb to get out (it was almost as if they didn't want you to climb it!). Quality run on another glorious and sunny evening.

FVO Pilates. Not that I did much Pilates, joined late and opted to stretch when the circuits was on. Was good for me.