Training Log Archive: ba-baIn the 31 days ending May 31, 2013:
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| We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday May 31, 2013 #
1 PM
Running - Trail long 2:25:13 [2] 18.46 km (7:52 / km) +1394m 5:43 / km
slept:9.0 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
not done with my Holiday, headed over to the lakes for a couple more days in the hills.
Parked up on Little Langdale pass, headed up to Stickle tarn and up Jacks Rake (not timed) which, once a family had retreated from it, I had to myself, before picking off Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, then heading over to Rosset Pike, then up (what I pressume to be) the BG line to Bowfell. Had ague ideas of scouting the Langdale line around the Crinkles, then recceing the line off Blisco, but was a bit knacked so headed down from 3 tarns.
Parked up on Little Langdale pass, headed up to Stickle tarn and up Jacks Rake (not timed) which, once a family had retreated from it, I had to myself, before picking off Pavey Ark, Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag, Pike of Stickle, then heading over to Rosset Pike, then up (what I pressume to be) the BG line to Bowfell. Had ague ideas of scouting the Langdale line around the Crinkles, then recceing the line off Blisco, but was a bit knacked so headed down from 3 tarns.
Running - Trail 10:00 [1] 0.5 km (20:00 / km) +150m 8:00 / km
shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
the Jack's Rake section - estimated.
Thursday May 30, 2013 #
Note
(rest day)
Spent the day in a variety of tow trucks getting the van back from Glenshiel to Andy's near Bishop Aukland. 12 h on the road. Plenty of sleeping done, but still knacked!
Wednesday May 29, 2013 #
11 AM
Running - Trail long 3:00:00 [1] 15.0 km (12:00 / km) +1200m 8:34 / km
slept:9.0 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
yesterday found out Andy's Van was moving nowhere, so had 1 more day in the hills before getting a tow. A very steady fast-walk today, again on Casio power. very slow up the soft A' Mhuing ridge behind the campsite to Biod an Fhithich, before taking the lovely scrambley Forcham Ridge up to The Saddle (finally, a munro I can pronounce!), before finding a way down the (lovely and runnable) ridge to Sgurr na Creige, back down into the valley and to the campsite
Tuesday May 28, 2013 #
5 AM
Running - Trail long 5:27:21 [2] 19.46 km (16:49 / km) +2475m 10:17 / km
slept:6.0 shoes: X-talon 212 (3 - 2013)
Spyke was having a 3rd crack at the 24h Munro-bagging record after weather curtailed his attempts in '08 and '12. He was a bit low on support, so Andy and I, being around, offered our support. Feeling like the new kids at school, we were put on the morning's leg 2 - 8 Munros and a vertical km for breakfast. I was pretty nervous beforehand, never having done something with such a tight, tough schedule before, and having little experience on Scottish hills. The nerves weren't helped when Spyke came in 10 mins down due to the summiting of an extra nubbin on leg 1. However, he was hitting all other splits well so we were hopeful to gain some time back.
Set into my usual round-supporting mode of staying about 10m ahead of the contender. We started well up Sgurr Fhuaran, but lost about 3mins on schedule by the top, the 2 mins on the short leg to Sgurr na Carnach. I was having to stop, like on 24h BG legs, and it was becoming clear something wasn't quite right with Spyke. Hoping it was just a bad patch we worked through Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe just about on schedule, but we lost 5mins into the Bealach (col) where we met Aly and Ali with soup.
On up Saileag and Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirg as a bit of wind came in. Andy was suffering with his chest here so dropped down to the road. We were now dropping 5-8mins on schedule for each split, but Spyke and I carried on over Aonach Neadhoin and Ciste Dhubh. We hit the river crossing 1h05 down on schedule and Steve called it a day - it had been coming though. Such a shame as weather was pretty good, although it got a bit rough for an hour or so in the afternoon.
Very humbling to see one of the UK's best mountain men have an off day.
Set into my usual round-supporting mode of staying about 10m ahead of the contender. We started well up Sgurr Fhuaran, but lost about 3mins on schedule by the top, the 2 mins on the short leg to Sgurr na Carnach. I was having to stop, like on 24h BG legs, and it was becoming clear something wasn't quite right with Spyke. Hoping it was just a bad patch we worked through Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe just about on schedule, but we lost 5mins into the Bealach (col) where we met Aly and Ali with soup.
On up Saileag and Sgurr a Bhealaich Dheirg as a bit of wind came in. Andy was suffering with his chest here so dropped down to the road. We were now dropping 5-8mins on schedule for each split, but Spyke and I carried on over Aonach Neadhoin and Ciste Dhubh. We hit the river crossing 1h05 down on schedule and Steve called it a day - it had been coming though. Such a shame as weather was pretty good, although it got a bit rough for an hour or so in the afternoon.
Very humbling to see one of the UK's best mountain men have an off day.
11 AM
Running - Trail 1:23:00 13.0 km (6:23 / km) +300m 5:43 / km
shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
After sitting down for a while and getting some food off Ali Welsh, we decided I should head to the next handover (were were already overdue). After >5h on my feet I wasn't going to be quick over Ben Attow, so took the valley route around it (9km/300m it's a fucking big mountain!). Got to the Bealach handover just before Tom Brunt and Scoffer were about to set off, so relayed the message. Then jogged down to the car with Hulley -stopping a lot so he could take photos to send to his missus...
The valley down from the col was very picturesque. Garmin was pretty much dead by this point, so I was on retro Casio power - as such distance is an estimate
The valley down from the col was very picturesque. Garmin was pretty much dead by this point, so I was on retro Casio power - as such distance is an estimate
Monday May 27, 2013 #
2 PM
Running - Trail 57:55 [2] 8.75 km (6:37 / km) +462m 5:14 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
Up at Glenshiel near Skye. A trot with Andy, Hulley and Heather from the campsite once the rain had stopped, up the path and on to the col on my own after the others turned back after 20mins or so, then back down. Legs felt sore still, but eased up after this.
Was told after by John Broxap that I'd missed some golden eagles around the crags at the top. Need to learn to look!
Was told after by John Broxap that I'd missed some golden eagles around the crags at the top. Need to learn to look!
Saturday May 25, 2013 #
Event: The Isle of Jura Fell Race
10 AM
Running - Trail race (Jura) 3:53:53 [4] 27.81 km (8:25 / km) +2311m 5:56 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: X-talon 212 (3 - 2013)
17th. Winner: Hector Haines 3:18:29 (117%)
Got the 8am rib over from Tayvallich after getting in at 9 last night, so not too bad. Legs a bit heavy after the incredible crush at Thursday night's gig.
Set off easy, as is now standard in long races. Once we're on the track I move up a bit, as was too far back. Hector is already giving it toes in the distance. Up to the first summit (Dubh Beinn) it's heavy underfoot and boggy. Keep a group including AndyB and Wardy just in front of me. Once on the summit I take the impetus up a notch on the good running to cps 2 (Glas Beinn) and 3 (Aonach Beinn) - this is cracking running and great scenery, but for the majority of the ridge from 2-3 you can see what's coming next. It being a club champs race, Wardy tells me that it's be poor form for me to sit behind him and follow his lines, only to out sprint him on the road. This forces my hand a bit so I move on a bit more. Wasn't going to follow anyway, but need to be seen to be doing my own thing throughout now!
Down into the valley and I've worked my way into a good group as we head up the first Pap, Beinn A'Chaolais - 600m in one pop. A few stronger people go off the front, but I stick with a strong walking pace and the summit comes quicker than I anticipated. Now onto the descents, and I find out I need more work on going down scree! (that said, I've only ever done one scree descent before). Stick with MDC and Macc guys, dropping Rossendale bloke. A bit of cramp jagging around rocks reminds me, with >2h to go that I need to keep my movements as smooth as possible
Up Pap 2 (Beinn an Oir) with MDC and Macc blokes, feel we're moving OK, but maybe a bit slower than I'd like in hindsight. Muck up the line coming off a bit, and the Wardy sub-4 train (inc. Adrian and Jasmin from Carnethy and Gary from Ambleside) catches us at the foot of Pap 3, (Beinn Shiantaidh). This keeps me pushing on, (Macc and MDC guys are next seen crossing the line 25mins after me) and I summit just ahead of Wardy. To keep my end of the bargain, I take my own line off, taking the same line as an Ochill runner below. Wrong option, as I hit the col maybe 2mins down on Dave's group after he nails the first line ('for only the second time in 13 times across the paps' he says later). Up to the final summit (Corra Bheinn) and I'm struggling, but the group are still within sight, although they pull some time out of me.
Catch the majority (a few have gone off the front) at the bog just before the road. As I ran my own race Dave's OK with me going past. Know the road will be tough, but never have I had to work so hard for 4:33m/k pace! Andy Thorpe goes flying past. I pass Jasmin then suffer a bit before digging in, passing one more guy as we pass the Craighouse sign. 1 mile to go and he keeps me going so I pull away, cross the line, seize up entirely and have to sit down in the road, where even a car can't get me to move for fear of debilitating cramp. Sub-4 and Whiskey glass done.
Got the 8am rib over from Tayvallich after getting in at 9 last night, so not too bad. Legs a bit heavy after the incredible crush at Thursday night's gig.
Set off easy, as is now standard in long races. Once we're on the track I move up a bit, as was too far back. Hector is already giving it toes in the distance. Up to the first summit (Dubh Beinn) it's heavy underfoot and boggy. Keep a group including AndyB and Wardy just in front of me. Once on the summit I take the impetus up a notch on the good running to cps 2 (Glas Beinn) and 3 (Aonach Beinn) - this is cracking running and great scenery, but for the majority of the ridge from 2-3 you can see what's coming next. It being a club champs race, Wardy tells me that it's be poor form for me to sit behind him and follow his lines, only to out sprint him on the road. This forces my hand a bit so I move on a bit more. Wasn't going to follow anyway, but need to be seen to be doing my own thing throughout now!
Down into the valley and I've worked my way into a good group as we head up the first Pap, Beinn A'Chaolais - 600m in one pop. A few stronger people go off the front, but I stick with a strong walking pace and the summit comes quicker than I anticipated. Now onto the descents, and I find out I need more work on going down scree! (that said, I've only ever done one scree descent before). Stick with MDC and Macc guys, dropping Rossendale bloke. A bit of cramp jagging around rocks reminds me, with >2h to go that I need to keep my movements as smooth as possible
Up Pap 2 (Beinn an Oir) with MDC and Macc blokes, feel we're moving OK, but maybe a bit slower than I'd like in hindsight. Muck up the line coming off a bit, and the Wardy sub-4 train (inc. Adrian and Jasmin from Carnethy and Gary from Ambleside) catches us at the foot of Pap 3, (Beinn Shiantaidh). This keeps me pushing on, (Macc and MDC guys are next seen crossing the line 25mins after me) and I summit just ahead of Wardy. To keep my end of the bargain, I take my own line off, taking the same line as an Ochill runner below. Wrong option, as I hit the col maybe 2mins down on Dave's group after he nails the first line ('for only the second time in 13 times across the paps' he says later). Up to the final summit (Corra Bheinn) and I'm struggling, but the group are still within sight, although they pull some time out of me.
Catch the majority (a few have gone off the front) at the bog just before the road. As I ran my own race Dave's OK with me going past. Know the road will be tough, but never have I had to work so hard for 4:33m/k pace! Andy Thorpe goes flying past. I pass Jasmin then suffer a bit before digging in, passing one more guy as we pass the Craighouse sign. 1 mile to go and he keeps me going so I pull away, cross the line, seize up entirely and have to sit down in the road, where even a car can't get me to move for fear of debilitating cramp. Sub-4 and Whiskey glass done.
Friday May 24, 2013 #
12 PM
Running - Road 24:53 [2] 5.43 km (4:35 / km) +8m 4:33 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
trot around between getting back from Manchester, packing and heading up to Jura
Thursday May 23, 2013 #
11 AM
Running - Road 44:55 10.82 km (4:09 / km) +24m 4:06 / km
rhr:43 slept:8.5 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
On me hols now! Heading down to Manc tonight to see one of my favourite bands. Out around the river. Not feeling great when I run, but running pretty well. Trotting along at 4:15m/k feels ridiculously easy nowadays - must remember that when I hit Three Arch Bridge on Saturday!
Put in an effort back along the river to regain a Strava segment I recall someone taking off me by a small margin a few weeks back. Got home to find that they must have cycled it as I'm still the CR holder, but 50secs sliced off the time.
Put in an effort back along the river to regain a Strava segment I recall someone taking off me by a small margin a few weeks back. Got home to find that they must have cycled it as I'm still the CR holder, but 50secs sliced off the time.
Wednesday May 22, 2013 #
6 PM
Running - Road 44:22 10.25 km (4:20 / km) +30m 4:16 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
West around the river - took 20mins for garmin to get with it though, thus total distance is an educated calculation. First 27mins felt a bit of an effort, slowed for a few minutes but then pace crept up to earlier level (I think) without effort really having to do the same. A bit rainy on the way back. Not only did I make a woman jump in the air, she also proclaimed me for a deity. Only about 500m of this on tarmac.
Tuesday May 21, 2013 #
Note
slept:7.5 (rest day)
Again feeling completely wiped. Dropped off the O kit and crashed out, but only slept for 15 minutes. Felt fine after eating, but by then too late for a run (I'm eating enough during the day to keep me going). I may have a touch of underlying cold or something, and am in definite need of a holiday. Thankfully after tomorrow I'm off work for 11 days!
Monday May 20, 2013 #
Note
slept:7.0 (rest day)
nope, tired. Big race on Saturday!
Sunday May 19, 2013 #
7 AM
Running - Trail (Control hanging) 1:25:00 12.96 km (6:33 / km) +384m 5:43 / km
shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
Hanging the eastern controls, then ran around all the ones from yesterday to check they were still there. Wiggled about a bit, got the distance up! Very humid in the woods, could practically see the undergrowth growing and the foliage was pretty lush (and not in the 'that area's lush!' sense of the word)
2 PM
Running - Trail (Control collecting) 48:13 [2] 6.97 km (6:55 / km) +247m 5:53 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
Collecting in bits and pieces as Duncan and Joan helped with a lot of the western section.
First forest event planing experience. Due to the nature of the area I though middle-distance style courses would be best - it's quite steep and any leg of length would hold little interest and a lot of path. I maybe should have mentioned this more in the pre-event bumf. I put a lot of controls in (31 in 7.3km for S.Brown) to try and keep the interest up. Courses were generally well received, although I think my LG may have been a little on the G side. O may also have had a more LG control. Planned lengths by ratio from SBrown down, and courtesy of Duncan coming hit my rough winning estimate of around 55min. Some of the other courses had winning times longer than I would have liked, but others were OK. Most importantly no-one needed medical assistance, as yesterday's rain had made some parts of the slopes pretty dicey.
First forest event planing experience. Due to the nature of the area I though middle-distance style courses would be best - it's quite steep and any leg of length would hold little interest and a lot of path. I maybe should have mentioned this more in the pre-event bumf. I put a lot of controls in (31 in 7.3km for S.Brown) to try and keep the interest up. Courses were generally well received, although I think my LG may have been a little on the G side. O may also have had a more LG control. Planned lengths by ratio from SBrown down, and courtesy of Duncan coming hit my rough winning estimate of around 55min. Some of the other courses had winning times longer than I would have liked, but others were OK. Most importantly no-one needed medical assistance, as yesterday's rain had made some parts of the slopes pretty dicey.
Saturday May 18, 2013 #
5 PM
Running - Trail (Control Hanging) 42:11 [1] 6.65 km (6:21 / km) +283m 5:14 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB749 Trail
Hanging controls in a damp Errington Woods. Tired after last night (got 5 hrs in Keswick and slept for a couple of hours once home but really didn't want to head back out!). The charcoal kiln smelt great!
Out for about 2.5h
Out for about 2.5h
Friday May 17, 2013 #
9 PM
Running - Trail long 5:00:34 [1] 23.19 km (12:58 / km) +1829m 9:18 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
Claire M's BG Leg 2. Steady up Clough Head (maybe a tad too steady?) but clipped along the Dodds, Raise and White Side at a good pace. Weather came in around Helvellyn, wind (thankfully from behind) and rain. Went well up Fairfield and Seat Sandal, took a good bearing off the top but never found the trod as I fired ahead to place orders at Dunmail - Claire and the others found a better line but I was a little too gung-ho down here.
Thursday May 16, 2013 #
5 PM
Running - Road 1:04:57 14.8 km (4:23 / km) +49m 4:19 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
HFW. A cheeky pit-stop at Tesco (every little helps) then onto the Shmint-highway #1 and Ropner park. Managed to spend quite a bit of time on grass, how I didn't stand in dog poo I don't know.
Wednesday May 15, 2013 #
7 PM
Running - Road 32:25 [2] 7.46 km (4:21 / km) +13m 4:18 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
Starting to feel more like it.
Tuesday May 14, 2013 #
7 PM
Running - Road 27:56 [2] 6.19 km (4:31 / km) +19m 4:27 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
Initially wanted to go to the track meet for the 800 and 1500, but decided during the day it wasn't the best thing to do. Easy trot once home and feel much better now than I have at any point over the last 48 hours.
Monday May 13, 2013 #
Note
slept:11.0 (rest day)
Slept for the thick end of 4h yesterday afternoon and crashed again today. Plenty of sleep before Friday night!
Sunday May 12, 2013 #
10 AM
Orienteering (Ray Demesne) 1:00:13 [3] **** 9.04 km (6:40 / km) +151m 6:09 / km
spiked:15/17c slept:7.5 shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
SL: 8.6km/200m. Got monstered by Jethro through the deep heather! (59:07, 102%)
Had initially planned to camp in the lakes and recce Blisco, but the dodgy forecast and the lack of company after Tom pulled out with illness saw me heading home after. Headed up to Northumberland as area looked OK and I could get a lift from Durham, saving excess driving time.
Cleanest I've ever been, but so I should be on an open area travelling slowly after yesterday (and partly due to thick heather) Slight hesitation going into the rocks at 2, and a slight wobble mid-leg to 12 but otherwise everything working spot on, taking bearings well and picking features up well. Good for confidence, although would need to be much more careful were it forested. Sluggish to start with but got going once in the more technical bits from 6 onwards but never more than a cruise. Kites probably should have been hung lower and more effort made in not having boxes poking up so high to make it much more of a test. A couple more controls in the small wooded sections would have been nice but generally good, and got in just before the rain started!
Had initially planned to camp in the lakes and recce Blisco, but the dodgy forecast and the lack of company after Tom pulled out with illness saw me heading home after. Headed up to Northumberland as area looked OK and I could get a lift from Durham, saving excess driving time.
Cleanest I've ever been, but so I should be on an open area travelling slowly after yesterday (and partly due to thick heather) Slight hesitation going into the rocks at 2, and a slight wobble mid-leg to 12 but otherwise everything working spot on, taking bearings well and picking features up well. Good for confidence, although would need to be much more careful were it forested. Sluggish to start with but got going once in the more technical bits from 6 onwards but never more than a cruise. Kites probably should have been hung lower and more effort made in not having boxes poking up so high to make it much more of a test. A couple more controls in the small wooded sections would have been nice but generally good, and got in just before the rain started!
Running - Road warm up/down 8:10 [1] 1.59 km (5:09 / km) +18m 4:52 / km
shoes: Mudclaw 333 (4)
Saturday May 11, 2013 #
11 AM
Running - Road warm up/down 10:38 [2] 2.19 km (4:52 / km) +22m 4:38 / km
shoes: X-talon 212 (3 - 2013)
Running - Trail race (Fairfield) 1:30:32 [5] 16.19 km (5:35 / km) +954m 4:19 / km
slept:7.5 shoes: X-talon 212 (3 - 2013)
50th. Winner Rob Hope 1:19:18 (114%)
A solid if unspectacular descent made up for a ponderous (albeit expected) ascent.Will guess at 30-40 places taken on the down.
Feeling tired before this, been pretty rubbish at getting enough sleep the last few weeks, my own fault.
Fatigued on the climb but didn't let this get me down as much as it may have in the past. Kept on working and was in touch of those I wanted to be around. Took a while reeling them in over Hart and Dove crags mind, but once I got going I blitzed through the pack (including Steve, Noel, AndyB and Sarah McCormack and Olivia W-B) on the slippery bits around High Pike. Took me quite a while to get through each of Will Boothman, Jack and Dave Wilby so I knew I was tired as normally dispense of people quicker downhill. Pulled out enough of a gap on the latter before hitting the track to hold on on the interminable track slog at the end and pick up my first champs point outside of a long race.
Rest needed before the next time I turn up to a race that matters, I know I can step up a level, even if it is just small. A 114%age is the best I've got in a big race (although I still got chicked!).
A solid if unspectacular descent made up for a ponderous (albeit expected) ascent.Will guess at 30-40 places taken on the down.
Feeling tired before this, been pretty rubbish at getting enough sleep the last few weeks, my own fault.
Fatigued on the climb but didn't let this get me down as much as it may have in the past. Kept on working and was in touch of those I wanted to be around. Took a while reeling them in over Hart and Dove crags mind, but once I got going I blitzed through the pack (including Steve, Noel, AndyB and Sarah McCormack and Olivia W-B) on the slippery bits around High Pike. Took me quite a while to get through each of Will Boothman, Jack and Dave Wilby so I knew I was tired as normally dispense of people quicker downhill. Pulled out enough of a gap on the latter before hitting the track to hold on on the interminable track slog at the end and pick up my first champs point outside of a long race.
Rest needed before the next time I turn up to a race that matters, I know I can step up a level, even if it is just small. A 114%age is the best I've got in a big race (although I still got chicked!).
Running - Road warm up/down 8:34 [1] 1.48 km (5:47 / km) +15m 5:30 / km
shoes: X-talon 212 (3 - 2013)
Friday May 10, 2013 #
4 PM
Running - Road 29:09 [3] 6.7 km (4:21 / km) +11m 4:19 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
Round the barrage. Baps out, so had to run a bit quicker to look more athletic. Bumped into Andy Chad at whitewater so had a little chat. Christ knows ehy the trace started in Greatham, never even been there before!
Thursday May 9, 2013 #
5 PM
Running - Road 53:10 [3] 12.06 km (4:24 / km) +45m 4:20 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
HFW. Still feeling a bit leggy through the afternoon and at the start of this, but got into my groove after 20mins or so. Mercifully, given I was wearing a white shirt, the promised heavy rain kept away.
Now appear to be editing the CLOK magazine.
Now appear to be editing the CLOK magazine.
Wednesday May 8, 2013 #
Note
slept:7.5 (rest day)
Feeling tired yesterday (didn't eat much on Mon night) and may still have a bit of 3 peaks in my legs, compounded by Saturday.
Quite pleased with how I'm running at the moment, comparisson times are better than last year but I know I can get more out myself with a bit more dedication (lost my way a bit training wise with resting up for Edale and PPP).
After Fairfield the plan is to get back into some fairly heavy training again. There's lots of races I want to do well in, but nothing I'm targetting as much as I did the PPP until Ben Nevis in early September. As such I'm planning on training through races (apart from an easy week into/out of Wasdale, which is the closest to an 'A' race over the summer).
I think I'm a bit heavier than I was at Christmas (by a couple of kilos - weigh myself pretty infrequently) and have a bit extra on me than when I was putting in a heavier hours a few months ago. More than worry about any 'extra weight' and carrying it in races, I just constantly feel a bit stodgy and full when I run. I've been pretty sedentary at work the past couple of months also. I know I need to be more strong-willed with treat 'binging' (mum bought me a biscuit barrel for christmas which has rarely been empty. I need to move it out of my room into the kitchen!).
Jukola is happening, which is very exciting. It means I'll miss the first Eng Champs short race at Buckden, so I'm putting all my short-race eggs into the Blisco Dash basket 2 weeks after Wasdale and the day before the 6Days starts.
Quite pleased with how I'm running at the moment, comparisson times are better than last year but I know I can get more out myself with a bit more dedication (lost my way a bit training wise with resting up for Edale and PPP).
After Fairfield the plan is to get back into some fairly heavy training again. There's lots of races I want to do well in, but nothing I'm targetting as much as I did the PPP until Ben Nevis in early September. As such I'm planning on training through races (apart from an easy week into/out of Wasdale, which is the closest to an 'A' race over the summer).
I think I'm a bit heavier than I was at Christmas (by a couple of kilos - weigh myself pretty infrequently) and have a bit extra on me than when I was putting in a heavier hours a few months ago. More than worry about any 'extra weight' and carrying it in races, I just constantly feel a bit stodgy and full when I run. I've been pretty sedentary at work the past couple of months also. I know I need to be more strong-willed with treat 'binging' (mum bought me a biscuit barrel for christmas which has rarely been empty. I need to move it out of my room into the kitchen!).
Jukola is happening, which is very exciting. It means I'll miss the first Eng Champs short race at Buckden, so I'm putting all my short-race eggs into the Blisco Dash basket 2 weeks after Wasdale and the day before the 6Days starts.
Tuesday May 7, 2013 #
5 PM
Running - Road 50:24 [3] 10.81 km (4:40 / km) +36m 4:35 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
HFW. Felt a bit leggy and this was a bit harder than it should have been.
Teesside in a nutshell moments:
1.) Small kid playing on road with a hammer.
2.) Cocks chalked on the pavement
3.) Dining room furniture out front of the house
Did see some goslings though.
Teesside in a nutshell moments:
1.) Small kid playing on road with a hammer.
2.) Cocks chalked on the pavement
3.) Dining room furniture out front of the house
Did see some goslings though.
Monday May 6, 2013 #
3 PM
Running - Road long 1:40:49 [2] 17.5 km (5:46 / km) +437m 5:07 / km
slept:7.0
Took some photos at tees Barrage 10k in the morning (glad it wasn't EOD as I'd probably have gone for it, could do with an easy week ahead of Fairfield)
Andy Minster invited me out for a trot down the Esk Valley. Got the train out to Danby (been spoilt all my life with the Hope Valley line,but this is almost as picturesque, and with no tunnels!) the trotted down to Egmont for a cheeky pint or 5 (and some excellent chips - can still taste the dripping on my fingers!) before getting the train back. Heard this would be rammed with Bank Holiday revelers from Whitby, but was fairly empty.
Felt tired on the climbs but otherwise matched Andy. Tried out my new Salomon watery pack as may need it at Jura. Other than a daft clip on the front it's very comfy.
GENTS: was informed about a 'Gallon run' - there's eight pubs situated over 8 miles along the valley. Train to the far end and train back after. Do the maths. (potential for a risky night in 'boro after...)
Andy Minster invited me out for a trot down the Esk Valley. Got the train out to Danby (been spoilt all my life with the Hope Valley line,but this is almost as picturesque, and with no tunnels!) the trotted down to Egmont for a cheeky pint or 5 (and some excellent chips - can still taste the dripping on my fingers!) before getting the train back. Heard this would be rammed with Bank Holiday revelers from Whitby, but was fairly empty.
Felt tired on the climbs but otherwise matched Andy. Tried out my new Salomon watery pack as may need it at Jura. Other than a daft clip on the front it's very comfy.
GENTS: was informed about a 'Gallon run' - there's eight pubs situated over 8 miles along the valley. Train to the far end and train back after. Do the maths. (potential for a risky night in 'boro after...)
Sunday May 5, 2013 #
10 AM
Orienteering race (BOC relay) 48:56 [5] **** 8.09 km (6:03 / km) +188m 5:25 / km
20c slept:6.5 shoes: X-talon 212 (2)
1st leg with Peter and Duncan backing me up. I'd told myself that we were in with a shout for the podium battle. The limiting factor was my performance.
A bit sloppy through the first 7 controls, but still within sight of teams I wanted to be near. Went through a bit of a bad patch across to 10, but was perking up again before spannering 4-5 minutes on the pre-spectator. Pretty sure I was very close before following someone into the long gaffle control further up the (same) gully then second guessing myself before searching in a lot of other patches of forest.
Turned the air blue, gave it toes through spectator before dying a bit on the last loop out on my own.
bottoms. I can orienteer OK, just often forget that I can, don't take a step back, then panic.
Pick myself up, dust myself off and all other hackneyed expressions and do better next time.
A bit sloppy through the first 7 controls, but still within sight of teams I wanted to be near. Went through a bit of a bad patch across to 10, but was perking up again before spannering 4-5 minutes on the pre-spectator. Pretty sure I was very close before following someone into the long gaffle control further up the (same) gully then second guessing myself before searching in a lot of other patches of forest.
Turned the air blue, gave it toes through spectator before dying a bit on the last loop out on my own.
bottoms. I can orienteer OK, just often forget that I can, don't take a step back, then panic.
Pick myself up, dust myself off and all other hackneyed expressions and do better next time.
8 PM
Running - Road 23:18 5.26 km (4:26 / km) +8m 4:24 / km
shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
loosener once home. Meant to keep it steady but got into a bit of a race with a guy in army pants and next thing I knew the pace increased as I passed him.
Saturday May 4, 2013 #
1 PM
Orienteering race (BOC, Winterfold) 1:58:50 [4] **** 19.35 km (6:09 / km) +491m 5:27 / km
spiked:23/30c slept:8.5 shoes: Inov8 Oroc 340
SL:17.0/580m. Winner: Murray Strain 93:37 (127%)
The M25 timed our arrival to perfection, hitting the assembly field with 10 minutes to spare.
A little scrappy in the circle throughout, but generally minor losses <10s. A couple slightly larger at 4 (too right), 13 (in the 'flys with Eddie, overshot as neither of us were navigating) and 17 (slope control in the 'fly - aware of dropping too much, ended up being way high and 24 (shambled into the LG too far right) of about 40s each. Bearings generally good.
Ran with Tom from 19-24. He got away when I missed and I was struggling a bit, feeling last week, but then Harold popped out en route to 25 so had someone to keep me going. He pulled away on the road out of 26, but swept Tom up again once back in the forest, and kept Harold in sight, leading me into a potentially tricky 29 when I was pushing to break 2hr.
Feeling strong at the end, and one of my better forest performances.
The M25 timed our arrival to perfection, hitting the assembly field with 10 minutes to spare.
A little scrappy in the circle throughout, but generally minor losses <10s. A couple slightly larger at 4 (too right), 13 (in the 'flys with Eddie, overshot as neither of us were navigating) and 17 (slope control in the 'fly - aware of dropping too much, ended up being way high and 24 (shambled into the LG too far right) of about 40s each. Bearings generally good.
Ran with Tom from 19-24. He got away when I missed and I was struggling a bit, feeling last week, but then Harold popped out en route to 25 so had someone to keep me going. He pulled away on the road out of 26, but swept Tom up again once back in the forest, and kept Harold in sight, leading me into a potentially tricky 29 when I was pushing to break 2hr.
Feeling strong at the end, and one of my better forest performances.
Thursday May 2, 2013 #
6 PM
Running - Road 29:41 [2] 5.43 km (5:28 / km) +130m 4:53 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: NB749 Trail
Went to tag some new sites, then went for a jog. Some nice little tracks, I could practically hear the waves crashing as the readership of Trailrunning Mag creamed themselves at the prospect of playing £20 to trot around them for 40mins.
Wednesday May 1, 2013 #
6 PM
Running - Road 23:33 [2] 5.19 km (4:32 / km) +20m 4:27 / km
shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
Running - Road race (Neptune Relays) 8:21 [5] 2.58 km (3:14 / km) +15m 3:09 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)
Short 4-man relays in Hardwick Park, I was on leg 3. Much better conditions than last year, and the same team but much tireder coming off marathons/big races. Gave it toes from the start to get in front of a Morpeth/Sunderland (same vests) vet, then he kept me working all the way round as I tried to close the gap to Midd&Cleve. Not pushed myself this hard in a while and whilst the calculated vDOT isn't as high as I'd normally hope for, off the back of Saturday and a couple of shit days I'll take slicing 32secs or so off last year's time.
With Morpeth and a Tyne Bridge teams in evidence we were down on last year's second, about 6-7th I think, but first Teesside team by my reckoning.
With Morpeth and a Tyne Bridge teams in evidence we were down on last year's second, about 6-7th I think, but first Teesside team by my reckoning.
Running - Road 11:09 [2] 2.16 km (5:10 / km) +16m 4:59 / km
shoes: NB580 v2 Red (1)