Training Log Archive: Charlie

Up early (for these parts, not on Ratlum time), got over to the station at about 650 to meet the group from school for the trip to Assisi. Takes about 30-35 min to walk to the station. Got there early enough to get some breakfast, and it turns out that the place to get something to eat is . . . . McDonald's. I was not enthusiastic, but it turns out that it is mostly like any other bar in town, prosciutto sandwiches and the like on crusty bread, brioches, and a big coffee machine to get a caffè macchiato. Very crowded. A small section off to the left had the kind of fare an American would associate with the name, and there were about 4 people over there. Quite a lot of milling around, buying tickets, getting more coffee, left at 8, 8 in total in our group. First train stop was at Campo di Marte, 5 min walk from my apartment, so tucked that piece of info away for the way home. 2 1/2 hour ride to Assisi, but no change. Passed some interesting countryside, including Lake Trasmeno, where we rode bikes in 2012. Nice to be back in Assisi again. Rhonda and I had a nice time here, running on the steep narrow side streets up to the fortress (Rocca) at the top. This time a gentler pace, a lot of looking at art, a nice lunch, and eventually getting home in time for dinner, saving at least 45 min by hopping off at C di M.

Good day at school, working on gerunds in the morning. Met my goal of pasta twice a day, with penne and artichokes for lunch, pesto alla Genovese for a first course for supper. Second course was something of a surprise, Tuscan specialty, la trippa. Well, it was ok, but I certainly wouldn't have picked it. Certainly wasn't going to tell Liana it was anything but delizioso, but kind of hoping she got it out of her system. After school we went to the Palatine Gallery at the Palazzo Pitti. Our excellent guide Lorenzo discoursed with great expertise on the works of Raffaello, Botticelli and Tiziano. I've seen Lorenzo's work before. He is a real storehouse of art history. Also quite a fan of Dante, and I've seen him recite for over an hour.

Still having a lot of trouble with the back, and it is hard to do all the walking I need and want to do. A big difference from last year, when I went everywhere.

C • delizioso 3

Much livelier today after some serious sleeping. Settling into a bit of a routine. Alvaro makes me breakfast in the morning, a moka pot of coffee, a mug of heated milk and some toast with butter and jam. There is also a bag of cookies involved, but they don't hold any charm for me in the morning. Then off to school, a 25 minute walk. Grammar class at 9, a break for 20 minutes to scurry off for cappuccino at the very fine bar Oibò next door, then conversation class until 1, a break for lunch, today a small broccoli tart sort of like a quiche and strips of chicken served over salad, and some excellent bread. Sounds basic, but very, very nice. Then a private lesson, stressing in particular the prepositions that bedevil me. Then some time using the Internet, because they don't have any at home. Got home around 5:30, maybe 15 minutes before Alvaro, and we went out for a walk with one of his dogs for about an hour, going down along the Arno, looking at trees that came down in the big wind storm that battered Tuscany a week or so ago. Alvaro has three dogs, and I think he spends a good part of his day walking them, one at a time. This one has a lot of energy. The other two take very short walks.

Not planning any running until my back calms down. Not particularly close so far.

Meanwhile, I was pleased to look up theresults of the Istanbul Spring meet, last day at the Grand Bazaar and find I finished fourth in M65, my best result of the week.

C • Nice sprint result! 5

Woo, yesterday was a long night. Arrived about 8:20 pm at the home of my new Italian family. Very nice, Liana and Alvaro, more or less my age, very nice apartment, very nice dinner, although it wouldn't have worked for Dennis, as there was a lot of arugula involved. Neither speaks a word of English, just what one would like. Alvaro is very chatty, talks a little fast for me, I get about 60%. So anyway, I am quite tired, attempt to crash at around 1045. 10:46 or so there is a knock at my door, Alvaro inviting me to walk the dog. Ok, I think, a spin around the block. Instead we are out until 1230, Alvaro taking me all over the city, discoursing on various churches, towers, building styles, restoration projects, etc. great stuff, but I am struggling to stay awake, back generally on fire.

First classes today, grammar 9-11 with Alberto; conversation 11-1 with Daniela, break for lunch at my favorite bar, private lesson with Nadia. Going well.

The inventory after 8 races in 10 days: the toe is not so bad. The foot generally got better every day, and I really can't complain about it. My back is very sore, worse every day. Right now, walking is a chore. Otherwise, great!

C • Benvenuto a Firenze!!) 2

Super sprint in Grand Bazaar. Really fun. All that corn maze orienteering came in handy. Took my time, very clean. I had quite an advantage because I had first start. Much harder I think with 50 people milling around. Off to the airport. Istanbul spring 3 day was really a fine meet.

Click on map for DOMA view:



This was the most fun of all and by far my best race. Only "mistake" was I didn't see a staircase on the map, ran up it thinking it was a different one and was surprised to see my control at the top instead of around the corner, so maybe saved a bit of time compared to what I thought I was doing. Otherwise very clean, 4th place. No satellites in the Bazaar, I figured, so no track.