Training Log Archive: andyd

Day 6, Ardchattan. M40L, 8.4 km, 315 m. Finally, a day relatively free of organisational stresses and could actually focus on the race. Was looking forward to Ardchattan too. Really enjoyed it and had a clean run (though maybe a bad route to 7, too low on the slope), but just didn't have the running speed to be up there. A great finish to the 6-days with a romp around such a nice hillside in the sunshine with stunning views down Loch Etive. 11th on the day and 10th overall.

Day 5. Lochnell and Shanavallie. M40L, 8.3 km, 310 m. Fun to run on an area so close to home that is completely unfamiliar, and interesting terrain too (especially the coastal knobbly bits and raised beaches/cliffs). It was heavy going at times on tired legs, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a couple of minor bobbles, and a bit off the pace running-wise (it's been a long week!).

Day 4, Torinturk. M40L 8.7 km, 325 m. The first of the two new maps, so really looking forward to this one, though bus-stresses with the Glen Lonan road were a big distraction. So not really focussed on the run. Actually ran pretty clean but struggling to keep moving at a good speed and well off the pace. Some great terrain, including varied patches of woodland but also some longer slogs to big features. A pity the weather wasn't better as Glen Lonan would have been spectacular.

Putting out and collecting controls for the rest day sprint. Ended up as a bit of a rush, after leaving a stack of stands at home, but fortunately there wasn't too much ground to cover. A beautiful sunny day - couldn't have been better for a sprint at the beach.

Day 2, Creag Mhic. M40L, 7.9 km, 420 m. Very nice. Really enjoyed it and a good clean run. The field was well packed at the top. 10th and about 4 mins down.

Day 2 of the 6-days. Ardnaskie. M40L, 7.3 km, 285 m. Managed to skip other responsibilities for a while to get a first run of the week. It was amazing how different Ardnaskie is at this time of year. Made lots of little errors and was struggling to hold a good line, though familiarity with the area probably helped save any big mistakes. Enjoyed the run, but really wasn't focussed on racing at all and it was quite a surprise to end up 2nd.

Event: Scottish 6 Days Oban 2011