Training Log Archive: ba-baIn the 31 days ending May 31, 2012:
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Thursday May 31, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Road 44:05 [2] 9.6 km (4:36 / km) +45m 4:29 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
The sky was dull with some dampness falling from it (quite cooling and enjoyable actually) and there were some small bodies of liquid on the paths. How odd.
Wednesday May 30, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
getting a bit blocked up in the warmth indoors. Time to hit the decongestants - WOC places up for grabs at the weekend!!!!!!1!!1!!
Tuesday May 29, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
base fitness seems OK considering, no point doing too much before a long weekend. Managed to spray ammonia in my face, I'm good at science me.
Monday May 28, 2012 #
7 PM
Running - Road 29:03 [2] 6.23 km (4:40 / km) +19m 4:35 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
back from shopping. Cooling down a bit. Glutes ached all day, but after 4.5km my quads were wrecked.
Sunday May 27, 2012 #
Event: Sheffield Half Marathon
8 AM
Running - Road warm up/down 5:06 [1] 1.06 km (4:48 / km) +1m 4:47 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
Go-time
Running - Road race (Sheffield Half Marathon) 1:20:08 [5] 21.09 km (3:48 / km) +113m 3:42 / km
shoes: Asics Afforest
Winner: J. Franklin 70:31 (114%) WR: 58:23 (137%) 30th(chip) 31st(gun).
So first up, although I just missed breaking 80mins I'm pleased to have got a decent time under my belt - I was afraid of not being able to stick the early pace and falling way back on this target.
The only plan I had was to average 3:45min/km over the whole course. Got to Ponds Forge averaging 3:41 (6kmish), but with the ramps I dropped down to 3:49 by the time I aeroplaned it around the turn on Eccy road. I felt so good cruising down Eccy road due to the crowd support that I was confident of upping the pace on the return, but once the crowds thinned out past here it was really difficult to maintain move the pace on a little bit. The 'climb' up to Dev Green broke my rhythm a bit, despite only dropping 1 sec back down to 3:49s, but once into the interminable last 3 miles back through Attercliffe it was all I could do to maintain pace - I tried to twist but my body only wanted to stick. Whilst I was continually passing people (including first lady) I couldn't stick with the one guy who went past me (only one all race, caught him back up at the line). Hit the 800m-to-go board with 2:40 to the 80mins (my 800m rep time), 1:20 at 400m (rep them in 1:15 easy) to break it, but it was just that little bit too much. But this race was more about raising money than anything else.
Really enjoyable atmosphere. I'm not going to do many road races, but I'm no longer as adverse (as they fit in). There's a couple of local 10kms at the back end of August and Redcar Half in late September I'd like to have a go at, but for now I'll get back to the fells as I'm back to normal and raring to go, both body and mind. Let's have it this summer!
http://www.sheffieldmarathon.com/results/2012
So first up, although I just missed breaking 80mins I'm pleased to have got a decent time under my belt - I was afraid of not being able to stick the early pace and falling way back on this target.
The only plan I had was to average 3:45min/km over the whole course. Got to Ponds Forge averaging 3:41 (6kmish), but with the ramps I dropped down to 3:49 by the time I aeroplaned it around the turn on Eccy road. I felt so good cruising down Eccy road due to the crowd support that I was confident of upping the pace on the return, but once the crowds thinned out past here it was really difficult to maintain move the pace on a little bit. The 'climb' up to Dev Green broke my rhythm a bit, despite only dropping 1 sec back down to 3:49s, but once into the interminable last 3 miles back through Attercliffe it was all I could do to maintain pace - I tried to twist but my body only wanted to stick. Whilst I was continually passing people (including first lady) I couldn't stick with the one guy who went past me (only one all race, caught him back up at the line). Hit the 800m-to-go board with 2:40 to the 80mins (my 800m rep time), 1:20 at 400m (rep them in 1:15 easy) to break it, but it was just that little bit too much. But this race was more about raising money than anything else.
Really enjoyable atmosphere. I'm not going to do many road races, but I'm no longer as adverse (as they fit in). There's a couple of local 10kms at the back end of August and Redcar Half in late September I'd like to have a go at, but for now I'll get back to the fells as I'm back to normal and raring to go, both body and mind. Let's have it this summer!
http://www.sheffieldmarathon.com/results/2012
Saturday May 26, 2012 #
4 PM
Running - Road 26:31 [2] 5.57 km (4:45 / km) +90m 4:24 / km
slept:9.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
As flat a trot around the Auld Haunt as Dan and I couldcome up with. Ridiculous amount of climb compared to Stockton!
Friday May 25, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Road 34:02 [2] 7.41 km (4:35 / km) +8m 4:34 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: Asics Afforest
Posted Weasdale entry (finally) then trotted around the river. Saw a wake-boarder fall in.
Thursday May 24, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Road 57:30 13.4 km (4:17 / km) +41m 4:13 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
Tit Monday has arrived (2 days ago, but this is the first time I've experienced it), albeit at a much lower standard than that seen in Sheffield. Some proper redneck style cookouts going on.
Felt better as I went on. Finding it hard to reign myself in even when not feeling great, which at current pace is good, but need to be aware of going off too quickly in a lot of races coming up.
Felt better as I went on. Finding it hard to reign myself in even when not feeling great, which at current pace is good, but need to be aware of going off too quickly in a lot of races coming up.
Wednesday May 23, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.0
overtime. knackered. not happy.
Tuesday May 22, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
vox
Monday May 21, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Trail 1:35:06 [2] 17.01 km (5:36 / km) +618m 4:44 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: Adidas Kanadia TR3
Oops, this went on a bit longer than expected - about 30mins longer than expected! Parked up in Gt. Ayton and headed over RT, HS, down through the woods where I bumped into the fairly sizeable CLOK junior squad. Then onwards to HN (via a couple of 'loops' - not me getting lost, honest) then back over RT. Misty out so no views from the 3 viewpoints for once.
Felt good, nothing special mind. After 4 months of feeling flat (nothing much more than tick-over training to try and minimise form-loss) I've suddenly found some impetus and am ready to work-train-eat-sleep like I was to some extent before Christmas. I'm hoping that the fact I mullered my 5km pb in this 'fallow' period is an indication of what I can get up to in the summer and onwards.
Felt good, nothing special mind. After 4 months of feeling flat (nothing much more than tick-over training to try and minimise form-loss) I've suddenly found some impetus and am ready to work-train-eat-sleep like I was to some extent before Christmas. I'm hoping that the fact I mullered my 5km pb in this 'fallow' period is an indication of what I can get up to in the summer and onwards.
Sunday May 20, 2012 #
11 AM
Running - Road race (High Dam middle) 6:18 [2] 1.3 km (4:50 / km) +26m 4:24 / km
shoes: Muclaw 333 (3)
Orienteering warm up/down (High Dam Middle) 53:22 [4] ***** 7.35 km (7:16 / km) +117m 6:43 / km
spiked:19/30c slept:8.5 shoes: Muclaw 333 (3)
6.1km/160. Doug 41:03 (130%)
Very similar performance to yesterday - some bits great then some silly mistakes and times where I didn't back myself when I should have. Controls hung low, so was pleased that they popped up quite easily fairly regularly.
Set off 3mins behind Bradders and 2 ahead of Chris Owens, and had the vague idea it's be nice to catch the former and not see the latter. Succeeded in the latter, got close to the former but then got scrappy at the end, finishing 30secs down.
Got lucky on 2, too far north. Bit wiggly to 9, used knowledge from yesterday to rectify.
Too far south on 11 (30secs) then bad RC to 12 going south when should have exited in direction of entry.
15 was questioning myself all along - very obvious AP from 14, should have run harder and trusted myself.
16 - thought I was right, actually way left (no AP=> hit and hope, that doesn't work in lakes!). Headed down to fence early to relocate, but still maybe 2min lost and bradders gone (saw him as I was dicking about).
19 drifted left but not too bad
21 overly hesitant at start of leg
23 dropped low into wooded marsh -slow and pushed me low at end of leg
25 stood still at wall crossing for an age -piss easy leg!
28 v. hesitant as mainly downhill
29 poor RC west of crag, then got caught in crap, then overshot. 1-1.5mins?
Close to a good performance - for the first11 at least! Splits should be interesting!
Very similar performance to yesterday - some bits great then some silly mistakes and times where I didn't back myself when I should have. Controls hung low, so was pleased that they popped up quite easily fairly regularly.
Set off 3mins behind Bradders and 2 ahead of Chris Owens, and had the vague idea it's be nice to catch the former and not see the latter. Succeeded in the latter, got close to the former but then got scrappy at the end, finishing 30secs down.
Got lucky on 2, too far north. Bit wiggly to 9, used knowledge from yesterday to rectify.
Too far south on 11 (30secs) then bad RC to 12 going south when should have exited in direction of entry.
15 was questioning myself all along - very obvious AP from 14, should have run harder and trusted myself.
16 - thought I was right, actually way left (no AP=> hit and hope, that doesn't work in lakes!). Headed down to fence early to relocate, but still maybe 2min lost and bradders gone (saw him as I was dicking about).
19 drifted left but not too bad
21 overly hesitant at start of leg
23 dropped low into wooded marsh -slow and pushed me low at end of leg
25 stood still at wall crossing for an age -piss easy leg!
28 v. hesitant as mainly downhill
29 poor RC west of crag, then got caught in crap, then overshot. 1-1.5mins?
Close to a good performance - for the first11 at least! Splits should be interesting!
Saturday May 19, 2012 #
Event: Twin Peak 2012
2 PM
Running - Road warm up/down 8:23 [2] 1.56 km (5:22 / km) +62m 4:29 / km
shoes: Inov8 Oroc 340
4 PM
Orienteering race (High Dam N.Champs) 1:45:36 [3] ***** 13.28 km (7:57 / km) +400m 6:55 / km
spiked:14/24c slept:8.0 shoes: Inov8 Oroc 340
11.3km/485m, Jegor: 1:17:07 (137%)
(I think my garmin has done me a dis-service here - quickroute says there are no way-point marked, and I can only get the trace from 19 onwards - at which point it decided to turn itself off and I re-started it. Had been working fine (time/distance travelled/pace) up until then, but obviously something went a bit awol - had used a lot less battery than normal when I finished)
Anyway, despite the low spike-rate, this was, in parts, a good run.
Slight miss on 2, but generally clean through to 5, if a bit hesitant in places.
#6 - went in too early and lost maybe 1.5-2mins- should have noticed a lot sooner.
#11 - never knew where I was from leaving 10. Eventually got to tear-shaped knoll in open to relocate, but control well hidden from here. Got lucky when someone found it and asked me where they were. 5mins lost to leaders, maybe 2min lost at end - would love to have my GPS trace for this bit!
#14 - no real plan or bearing, sketchy
#15 - double-bluffed myself when I was right all along. Need to be a bit more confident.
#17 - no plan, v hesitant over first half of leg, should have simplified to the big re-entrant as easy after that.
#18 - went straight. Viable but too hesitant at end as downhill and forested, losing me a couple of minutes to guys around me.
#19 - dropped too low, same old same old.
#21 - ridiculous route choice due to tiredness? Picked a very (overly?) safe AP, but then a shit route to it, losing 3min plus to those around me.
#23 crag looks like boulder from above, spend time looking at that, actual boulder further on.
#24 dropped waaay low so had to climb to last control. douche.
Generally I was fine up to 10, then a bit reticent to take it on after that due to the mistake at 11/12, and I lost a fair chunk of time (should have been in under 100, closer to 95) Maybe should have taken the longer, easier legs (9/10/15) a bit more agressively in the open. Need to look at RC thought processes later in the race, as 18 wasn't a great route for my technique (at end), and 21 was really sketchy!
great fun mind, loved it!
(I think my garmin has done me a dis-service here - quickroute says there are no way-point marked, and I can only get the trace from 19 onwards - at which point it decided to turn itself off and I re-started it. Had been working fine (time/distance travelled/pace) up until then, but obviously something went a bit awol - had used a lot less battery than normal when I finished)
Anyway, despite the low spike-rate, this was, in parts, a good run.
Slight miss on 2, but generally clean through to 5, if a bit hesitant in places.
#6 - went in too early and lost maybe 1.5-2mins- should have noticed a lot sooner.
#11 - never knew where I was from leaving 10. Eventually got to tear-shaped knoll in open to relocate, but control well hidden from here. Got lucky when someone found it and asked me where they were. 5mins lost to leaders, maybe 2min lost at end - would love to have my GPS trace for this bit!
#14 - no real plan or bearing, sketchy
#15 - double-bluffed myself when I was right all along. Need to be a bit more confident.
#17 - no plan, v hesitant over first half of leg, should have simplified to the big re-entrant as easy after that.
#18 - went straight. Viable but too hesitant at end as downhill and forested, losing me a couple of minutes to guys around me.
#19 - dropped too low, same old same old.
#21 - ridiculous route choice due to tiredness? Picked a very (overly?) safe AP, but then a shit route to it, losing 3min plus to those around me.
#23 crag looks like boulder from above, spend time looking at that, actual boulder further on.
#24 dropped waaay low so had to climb to last control. douche.
Generally I was fine up to 10, then a bit reticent to take it on after that due to the mistake at 11/12, and I lost a fair chunk of time (should have been in under 100, closer to 95) Maybe should have taken the longer, easier legs (9/10/15) a bit more agressively in the open. Need to look at RC thought processes later in the race, as 18 wasn't a great route for my technique (at end), and 21 was really sketchy!
great fun mind, loved it!
Running - Road warm up/down 8:06 [1] 1.36 km (5:57 / km) +33m 5:18 / km
shoes: Inov8 Oroc 340
Friday May 18, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
Tired after yesterday at work, rest not a bad thing.
Got a last-minute call up to the Derbyshire Intercounties team for tomorrow. As much as I was hoping for one I'm in no racing mode or fitness at the moment, and Shining Tor will expose this as it's all so runnable. I'll target the IC's for next year. (also had entered TwinPeaks when I didn't get a call up at an earlier date)
Got a last-minute call up to the Derbyshire Intercounties team for tomorrow. As much as I was hoping for one I'm in no racing mode or fitness at the moment, and Shining Tor will expose this as it's all so runnable. I'll target the IC's for next year. (also had entered TwinPeaks when I didn't get a call up at an earlier date)
Thursday May 17, 2012 #
5 PM
Running - Road 54:57 13.21 km (4:10 / km) +54m 4:05 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
Had 80mins or so to kill after work before having to be in work again, and had packed my running clobber for just such an occasion.
Set off around 3:50min/km so decided to go for about 10km at <4min/km pace. Legs felt a bit empty but I was feeling OK for 8km. Alas my guts had other ideas so I called it a day at that (8km in 31.30) and jogged it back in.
Set off around 3:50min/km so decided to go for about 10km at <4min/km pace. Legs felt a bit empty but I was feeling OK for 8km. Alas my guts had other ideas so I called it a day at that (8km in 31.30) and jogged it back in.
Wednesday May 16, 2012 #
5 PM
Orienteering 44:48 [2] *** 6.74 km (6:39 / km) +50m 6:24 / km
27c slept:8.0 shoes: X-talon 212 (1)
CLOK summer evening event on some scratty woodland park. Give it 10 years a lot of this will be a lot more runnable. Initially thought it would be handy to practise bearings at times, but too rough to hold a line. Went walkabout once, got caught on a fence and had to answer a call of nature. Good to crash around though.
Tuesday May 15, 2012 #
Note
BOC Quickroutes are now up on the relative log posts.
5 PM
Running - Road 39:50 [2] 9.11 km (4:22 / km) +22m 4:19 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
Quick trot out before singing. Nice to have that 'exercised' feeling again after a week or so spending too much time on the sofa. Had to engineer a toilet stop early on, but getting back to normal. If I can get myself onto the 1/2mara start-line feeling good we'll see what happens.
Monday May 14, 2012 #
11 AM
Orienteering - Urban 26:02 [2] 5.64 km (4:37 / km) +24m 4:31 / km
slept:9.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
Planning in Barnard Castle. Main problem that the river level rising has resulted in loss of a bit of route choice. Would have liked a run later on, but spent a lot of time on my feet during the day.
Sunday May 13, 2012 #
12 PM
Running - Trail 1:03:27 12.11 km (5:14 / km) +258m 4:44 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Adidas Kanadia TR3
What a day of mixed emotions?
For some reason when I left home to head over towards Sheffield I found myself crying. Fucking hormonal pansy I've become - I think I can count the amount of times I've cried in the last decade on 1 finger and one thumb.
Anyway perked up on the drive over snake and enjoyed a lovely trip around Derwent edge from Cut-throat bridge with team A.N.D., taking in cakes of bread and Back Tor.
Followed by the standard Chip Butty at Grindleford and the standard City roller-coaster - reminds me of listening to the car radio in '99 as Dickov, Weaver et al dragged us from our bootstraps.
For some reason when I left home to head over towards Sheffield I found myself crying. Fucking hormonal pansy I've become - I think I can count the amount of times I've cried in the last decade on 1 finger and one thumb.
Anyway perked up on the drive over snake and enjoyed a lovely trip around Derwent edge from Cut-throat bridge with team A.N.D., taking in cakes of bread and Back Tor.
Followed by the standard Chip Butty at Grindleford and the standard City roller-coaster - reminds me of listening to the car radio in '99 as Dickov, Weaver et al dragged us from our bootstraps.
Saturday May 12, 2012 #
Note
slept:9.0 (rest day)
went and watched Mt. Famine. Gutted to not be racing as (apart from Si Bailey and Tom Brunt being 5 and 2 mins ahead respectively) it looked like a good race for 3rd-8th)
Friday May 11, 2012 #
5 PM
Running - Road 15:27 [1] 3.11 km (4:58 / km) +44m 4:38 / km
slept:10.0 shoes: Asics Afforest
So I've headed home a day early and taken a few days off work for some R&R . Decided on a little jog to see what's what. No energy and got a mile before guts gave out, so shuffled home.
Tuesday May 8, 2012 #
Note
slept:8.0 (rest day)
Dragged self into work as into last week of this current run of experiments and unfair to dump all on colleague. Perked up as day went on, slight remnants of headache but feeling much better.
I think Sunday's 'episode' is down to a touch of the sun on Saturday mixed with poor sleep in the week beforehand (story of my life), although I may have eaten something dodgy in the week beforehand. I didn't feel amazing on Saturday so maybe I was coming down with something that (thankfully) held off until after my run.
I think Sunday's 'episode' is down to a touch of the sun on Saturday mixed with poor sleep in the week beforehand (story of my life), although I may have eaten something dodgy in the week beforehand. I didn't feel amazing on Saturday so maybe I was coming down with something that (thankfully) held off until after my run.
Monday May 7, 2012 #
Note
slept:11.0 (sick) (rest day)
Upgraded to a bed. Much better. No way I was running today so headed straight home (via Westmorland farm shop to pick up some pies for when I felt better). Didn't even feel well enough to do an area visit on Barnard Castle, running out of time a bit...
Sunday May 6, 2012 #
9 AM
Orienteering (BOC Relays Leg 1 - Helsin) 38:12 [5] ***** 7.01 km (5:27 / km) +192m 4:48 / km
spiked:17/21c slept:7.0 shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
Not a great night's sleep (got to bed a bit late having had the comedy gold of watching the FA cup final highlights with a pair of Liverpool fans who didn't know the outcome. Celebration of Carol's 'second goal' was particularly delicious; then was not feeling too great after catching the sun on Dalegarth; had got the squits from somewhere)
However, I was looking forward to my first ever first leg.
Was with Malley, Winskill and Ellis until half way to 7. We'd banana'd but my legs were not doing quite what I wanted them to. From 8 onwards it was a losing battle - I was pushing as hard as I could but my legs wouldn't move at the pace I know they should on a fast area like this. AlexR disappeared into the distance (having been behind at 6), Malley and Spurtwistle made a cameo appearance before they stopped playing sillybuggers (for that moment at least) and even Collier pulled away. With all the ignominy (especially after the previous day's result) I made a big hesitation into 13 as though processes weren't happening where Rich Barrett caught me up. After that it was a right slog up even the most gentle of hills (i.e. all of them) before a (by my standards) rather sedate 'burn up' round the last few. Scot had missed somewhere (in the scratty open near the settlement maybe? I got an easy control here) but RichB beat me back in.
After coming in 24th (despite a pretty clean run!) the rest of the team only improved our result! More work needed on my part ahead of potential transfers next season ;)
I'd had plans of hitting up Kentmere in the afternoon but I really didn't feel right once finished and spent much of the next 36 hours with a raging headache, asleep or on the bog - so basically a hangover without the plus of the night before.
However, I was looking forward to my first ever first leg.
Was with Malley, Winskill and Ellis until half way to 7. We'd banana'd but my legs were not doing quite what I wanted them to. From 8 onwards it was a losing battle - I was pushing as hard as I could but my legs wouldn't move at the pace I know they should on a fast area like this. AlexR disappeared into the distance (having been behind at 6), Malley and Spurtwistle made a cameo appearance before they stopped playing sillybuggers (for that moment at least) and even Collier pulled away. With all the ignominy (especially after the previous day's result) I made a big hesitation into 13 as though processes weren't happening where Rich Barrett caught me up. After that it was a right slog up even the most gentle of hills (i.e. all of them) before a (by my standards) rather sedate 'burn up' round the last few. Scot had missed somewhere (in the scratty open near the settlement maybe? I got an easy control here) but RichB beat me back in.
After coming in 24th (despite a pretty clean run!) the rest of the team only improved our result! More work needed on my part ahead of potential transfers next season ;)
I'd had plans of hitting up Kentmere in the afternoon but I really didn't feel right once finished and spent much of the next 36 hours with a raging headache, asleep or on the bog - so basically a hangover without the plus of the night before.
Saturday May 5, 2012 #
Event: BOC 2012
12 PM
Running - Road warm up/down 6:00 [1] 1.09 km (5:32 / km) +31m 4:50 / km
shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
Orienteering (BOC 21E - Dalegarth) 1:52:29 [4] ***** 17.29 km (6:30 / km) +495m 5:42 / km
spiked:25/32c slept:6.5 shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
SL: 15.6/695
I'd been looking forward to this but not really preparing for it - kind of takes the enjoyment out of it when you're out there really! Duncan had shown me an old map last weekend but from that all I really garnered was a lot of rock detail, and from the course distance that it's be shorter grass rather than heather. So a burn up it was (and not just on my shoulders as I opted for a vest with no suncream). The only vague plan I had was to keep it clean (easy to say) and not to run too fast when nav got tricky. I'd likely need the energy later.
#1 and off to an inauspicious start as it takes a while to get into the map and I pop out onto the knoll SE of the cirlce. Easy (albeit maybe slightly fortuitous relocation) - 40secs.
#2-4 Back on the wagon, running well but carefully and spiked.
#5 mince thru tussocks at start.
#6 out to track as easier, TTDP takes time out by going straight.
#8 ultra-cautious RC using wall/river as handrail as long as possible before working way through marshes. TTDP has same leg, goes more direct but takes same time. For me that's OK (a miracle a year ago).
#9 Oh look, I can see the big AP from a mile off. run, then go a little further.
#11 no real plan other than stay high. At least 2 big hesitations en route but rather that than get well lost. Ended up a bit high at the end (a novelty for me), 30secs here.
#15 stop a bit early but soon sort it out. At this point I have a cheeky look behind and can see Dr. Rocke (12min) en-route from 14. Takes longer than I expect to catch me.
#18-19 V hesitant to both, rather that than lose time. Went a bit right to 19 but JRhys lead me in.
#20-23 John has caught me and we've both caught Jon Rhys (my 6min man) as we hit a vague bit of map and I wrestle with a gel. Glad to have people to work off. John loses us to 23 but Jon and I muddle through.
#25 - North seem flatter and the marsh is very dry and quick. Cntrl not visible from miles away like the south route, but AP is big and less chance of dropping a few contours. Pleased I backed myself after seeing John go south
#26-28 some hesitations to make sure but generally OK.
#29-31 slow right down in the woodland to make absolutely sure. Drop low out of 30, but makes it a safe route into 31.
#32 - first time I actually got up to full speed at any point!
122% of winner (HHaines 92:01 - for comparison at Coledale I was 120% of winner's time) 16th (same day as Tio).
All in all a very satisfying run. Mistakes wise I lost only 90secs throughout I think. At times I was very hesitant, but this is a sound investment to minimise big time loss like I often do on 'easy' open hillside where I get cocky. A bit more assertiveness could have got me a few more scalps, but I need to make sure I have the technique down before I start ramping up the pace.
Excellent area, map and course, although glad I had people around me in the vague tricky bit in the early 20s.
Now - try to replicate this in the forest. Starting on High Dam in a fortnight.
I'd been looking forward to this but not really preparing for it - kind of takes the enjoyment out of it when you're out there really! Duncan had shown me an old map last weekend but from that all I really garnered was a lot of rock detail, and from the course distance that it's be shorter grass rather than heather. So a burn up it was (and not just on my shoulders as I opted for a vest with no suncream). The only vague plan I had was to keep it clean (easy to say) and not to run too fast when nav got tricky. I'd likely need the energy later.
#1 and off to an inauspicious start as it takes a while to get into the map and I pop out onto the knoll SE of the cirlce. Easy (albeit maybe slightly fortuitous relocation) - 40secs.
#2-4 Back on the wagon, running well but carefully and spiked.
#5 mince thru tussocks at start.
#6 out to track as easier, TTDP takes time out by going straight.
#8 ultra-cautious RC using wall/river as handrail as long as possible before working way through marshes. TTDP has same leg, goes more direct but takes same time. For me that's OK (a miracle a year ago).
#9 Oh look, I can see the big AP from a mile off. run, then go a little further.
#11 no real plan other than stay high. At least 2 big hesitations en route but rather that than get well lost. Ended up a bit high at the end (a novelty for me), 30secs here.
#15 stop a bit early but soon sort it out. At this point I have a cheeky look behind and can see Dr. Rocke (12min) en-route from 14. Takes longer than I expect to catch me.
#18-19 V hesitant to both, rather that than lose time. Went a bit right to 19 but JRhys lead me in.
#20-23 John has caught me and we've both caught Jon Rhys (my 6min man) as we hit a vague bit of map and I wrestle with a gel. Glad to have people to work off. John loses us to 23 but Jon and I muddle through.
#25 - North seem flatter and the marsh is very dry and quick. Cntrl not visible from miles away like the south route, but AP is big and less chance of dropping a few contours. Pleased I backed myself after seeing John go south
#26-28 some hesitations to make sure but generally OK.
#29-31 slow right down in the woodland to make absolutely sure. Drop low out of 30, but makes it a safe route into 31.
#32 - first time I actually got up to full speed at any point!
122% of winner (HHaines 92:01 - for comparison at Coledale I was 120% of winner's time) 16th (same day as Tio).
All in all a very satisfying run. Mistakes wise I lost only 90secs throughout I think. At times I was very hesitant, but this is a sound investment to minimise big time loss like I often do on 'easy' open hillside where I get cocky. A bit more assertiveness could have got me a few more scalps, but I need to make sure I have the technique down before I start ramping up the pace.
Excellent area, map and course, although glad I had people around me in the vague tricky bit in the early 20s.
Now - try to replicate this in the forest. Starting on High Dam in a fortnight.
Friday May 4, 2012 #
Note
OMM entered (with a different partner to that initially anticipated but one I'm happier with) - Andy Blackett from DFR. Should be a good partnership, especially on the B course (I'd like to direct all criticism regarding our course choice in the direction of Messers Schorah and Beasant).
6 PM
Running - Road 23:37 [2] 5.06 km (4:40 / km) +9m 4:38 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: Asics Afforest
Systems check. Tired and hungry, but not tomorrow!
Thursday May 3, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Road 53:45 [2] 12.76 km (4:13 / km) +41m 4:09 / km
slept:6.5 shoes: Asics Afforest
Felt nice and cruisey-ish, legs a bit tired after after the shock of yesterday. Had to stop twice for pit-stops, better now than the weekend.
Wednesday May 2, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Trail warm up/down 14:24 [2] 2.97 km (4:50 / km) +107m 4:06 / km
shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
Running - Trail race 36:01 [5] 7.95 km (4:32 / km) +275m 3:52 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
The 
Fell Race.
After feeling grumpy and shitty and generally being a massive fanny for the last 3 weeks, give or take, I had a bit of an epiphany today. Last night, instead of running, I just stuffed my face. Woke up today feeling much better and was really looking forward to hitting the moors with the intention of enjoying myself. However once we got going I set into a good rhythm just behing Jim Bulman and just ahead of Cam fot the (flat-undulating) first half of the race. Highlights included dodging windblow, mountain bikers and Jim standing on a grouse which looked pretty shocked. Once into the wood and onto a gentle raise Can and Jim shot off and I was on my own. They extended the lead as we got onto the climb, but it took a while for anyone to catch me up - a NFR guy. The gap between him and me got bigger but was still very manageable. Then Andy Blackett cam storming through me, but managed to again keep the gap fairly manageable. Reached the trig maybe 50m down on them, but had backed myself on taking them out on the short but rough decent to the finish.
Didn't have to though, as they both went wrong off the top in the clag (went left when straight was great) so I ended up in 3rd.
Quite surprised given the lethargy I've been feeling of late. Perked me up no end (and cleared my guts out a treat...)
Fell Race.
After feeling grumpy and shitty and generally being a massive fanny for the last 3 weeks, give or take, I had a bit of an epiphany today. Last night, instead of running, I just stuffed my face. Woke up today feeling much better and was really looking forward to hitting the moors with the intention of enjoying myself. However once we got going I set into a good rhythm just behing Jim Bulman and just ahead of Cam fot the (flat-undulating) first half of the race. Highlights included dodging windblow, mountain bikers and Jim standing on a grouse which looked pretty shocked. Once into the wood and onto a gentle raise Can and Jim shot off and I was on my own. They extended the lead as we got onto the climb, but it took a while for anyone to catch me up - a NFR guy. The gap between him and me got bigger but was still very manageable. Then Andy Blackett cam storming through me, but managed to again keep the gap fairly manageable. Reached the trig maybe 50m down on them, but had backed myself on taking them out on the short but rough decent to the finish.
Didn't have to though, as they both went wrong off the top in the clag (went left when straight was great) so I ended up in 3rd.
Quite surprised given the lethargy I've been feeling of late. Perked me up no end (and cleared my guts out a treat...)
Running - Trail warm up/down 12:29 1.84 km (6:47 / km) +22m 6:24 / km
shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
spot the moment on the trace where I forgot to stop the watch whilst having a poo.
Tuesday May 1, 2012 #
Note
slept:7.5 (rest day)
trying to perk myself up before the weekend. Fully aware I'm risking not being prepared for the half.
Oh I should also add that I sent off an entry for Wasdale today. 1 week's recovery after the SLMM. Should stop me going off to quickly (at best?)
Oh I should also add that I sent off an entry for Wasdale today. 1 week's recovery after the SLMM. Should stop me going off to quickly (at best?)