Training Log Archive: fletch

Decided it was time to do something different, so headed towards Perth from Banks reserve. Once I got out past the shelter of Heirrison Island it got quite choppy - or at least enough that I would have had no chance of staying on a month ago. Briefly contemplated turning around, then decided it would be good to try to practice the brace strokes, so kept going. Got down to Barrack St with no issues. Very happy, then started to turn around, realised I was turning straight into the path of an oncoming boat, back paddled a couple of ties, decided it would miss if I just sat still so went to get the feet over the side, got one of them stuck under the foot strap and over I went... On the way back felt pretty good and was getting more confident. Had one more spill when I successfully used a brace stroke for the first time when I was definitely about to go in, felt really happy with myself, lost concentration and fell out the other way.

Nice warm evening. Felt like I may have actually learnt something tonight.

C • It's a funny game 2

Straight after paddle. ran from car, past Claisebrook to Gloucester park and back. Figured the paddle counted as a warm-up and was too hungry and thirsty for a cooldwon. Legs felt better (calves etc) than they have for the last 2 runs. Felt more normal running without orthotics tonight.

Will see tomorrow if I pay for not doing a cool down.

Ride from home to TTAC, 15 minute faff then off on the long 'hills' ride with tRicky, Tooms and RoadieJen. Very easy out to Toodyay Rd, Stoneville, Mundaring Weir Rd to Kalamunda, bakery stop, home thru Lesmurdie, welshpool, Orrong, Graham Farmer into town then home up the freeway.
Felt remarkably good on the hills. Pretty cruisy in between except after the descent when Tooms decided he was feeling good.
Happy to make the distance. Felt strong ntil pretty close to home when another gel seemed like a waste. Drank nearly 3L on the ride and plenty more after.

Sore behind right knee from about 55-90km but then it eased off again. Pretty normal for a long ride for me, so not concerned.

Have made the scary discovery that my bike develops a nasty speed wobble at about 68km/h. Had to slow down to a stop fearing for my life comng down Welshpool Rd, checked that neither wheel was actually about to fall off then resume rather more gingerly.

NOTE: I know my distance thingy on my bike computer is out by a few percent, so ride was probably only about 116-7km. Still my longest ever. Will see if I stay awake for the rest of the day. Unlike some crazy people the most strenuous thing I have planned is going out for dinner.

3 hours of riding to Hillarys, checking control locations and updating crummy sections of the map, then riding home again. Hot. Felt awful, particularly in the second half, even when I was hardly moving. Will be good to get back on roadie (oh no - what did I just say...) on the weekend.

C • Crummy sections 4

First time increase. Some discomfort almost imediately, but was mch better in the second half of the run. After both this run and the last I have noticed my plantar fascia more than after the first 2. Dunno whether it is just cumulative effect or the change in shoes/orthotics. these shoes are very well cushioned, but I'm not convinced that is helpful. I can feel the mid-foot collapse in my right foot when I'm walking - it's just so soft there. May try without orthotics next tie, then possibly loo at some other shoes.

Distance is only a rough guess at the moment. I don't want to measure my runs at the moment because I will either end up severley depressed or I will start getting competitive urges and push too hard.

C • I see... 5

Usual paddle fro Banks reserve to Garrat Rd and return via the canal. No stability issues (just wanted to check after returning from holidays). Managed to time things so I got really hot and both started and finished into a headwind. Still felt pretty good about going, though very thirsty by the end and water bottle in the car may as well have come out of the hot tap.

C • Invisible 5

The running machine strikes back. Walked to Lake Gwelup (about 10 minutes), ran for 15 minutes, walked home.

Did this run in my 'running shoes' with the orthotics in. Knee discomfort there for over half the run, but gone by the end. Calves seized up quite a bit after 10 minutes of running. Weird. Dunno if it was the shoes, the orthotics or the long drive home earlier in the day. Should stick to changing one thing at a time...

Gravel road blast to Bannister Downs for arvo tea.

Home from Bannister Downs. Took a long detour and ended up mostly on bitumen to avoid a herd of marauding cattle. Went past a HUUUUGE bull just sitting at the edge of the road. Gave him a wide berth when he stood up as I aproached.