Training Log Archive: Big Jon

Big Birse track to CarnFerg with S, E + 4xG. Lovely on bottom track, beautiful snow in wild-pine forest then a bit thinner on big hill. Weather closed in on climb but all managed to get to top - then a slightly scary slither down with too many rock grinds for comfort (checking skis after - some rather deep gouges...). Back onto big Birse track and whiz down.
Slight wax issue at start but stopped and put on some red glue and it worked a treat. Using back-country skis, good choice - E was on skinnies and handled everything with no problems, great balance and the confidence of youth!

Lap of Potties including over top of hill - not the best idea ever!

Deeside Way plus a side-trip up past Sallies' - road beyond is a black, gritted nightmare so back the way I came!

digging snow & spreading salt to get up lane - about 25 mins

with S & E over to DAP for drink and cake then lap of fields on return to justify the calories. No sign of yesterdays tracks at all. Legs feeling good, right hip felt fine, maybe skiing good for it, shoulders tired from too much digging.

Deeside Way to Kinker (for a quick shop), then back up to home and round woods, best part was on fields above woods - lovely snow but a bit blizzardy at times!
Legs and arms tired by end - and running short of food. Metal edged touring skis - great for control and stability but heavy.

Clearing packed snow in back yard to get car out, about 1.5 hours - helpful neighbour who delivers post when postie can't get up the hill drove her huge 4x4 and crushed the snow to concrete like consistency... not chuffed.

2 laps Aboyne GC with RC, A, S and E. Much better than yesterday (-4.5C), thicker snow but still a bit sticky - esp on 2nd lap. Great fun but still not a patch on real cut tracks :-(
looks like more for the next few days :-)

Aboyne Loch, jogged in to Lodge on the Loch and open water from there, enjoyable once in and water warmed up in suit! Biggest concern was a large swan that initially appeared to be coming towards me but then seemed to keep its distance.

C • Nuts 4

Lap of Aboyne GC with S. Snow a bit thin and a wee bit damp. Not worth going round for a second lap. Right groin a bit tweaky in some of the jerky moves.

C • Thin 4

Started with Deeside Runners but warm-up pace a bit hot for my leg and it started complaining, so did warm-up then lap of Castle Woods. Working quite hard in bits but leg was OK once on tracks/rougher ground.

Wee run round Hill of Banchory. Leg felt pretty good right from start - certainly best at Banchory for a long time. Some niggles as run passed but nothing too bad.

Noticed that shoulder bridge felt very easy and strong - physio exercises kicking in?