Training Log Archive: Dooby

Event: Cork Mid-Summer League, Whiddy Island
 

Killarney-Ballyvourney-Mullaghanish-Millstreet-Rathmore-Killarney

So so close to 100km for the morning, but didn't bother cycling 300m past the gate to go over it. Had done enough.

Legs feeling alright today, happy with how they coped over the distance and the climbs. Was at the front for the County Bounds, went through 3 partners at the front, Brendan there the longest, but then dropped off. No one else wanted a go. Tough effort.

Then into BallyV before turning left for Mullaghanish. Hadn't done this climb before. After a bend I went to the front and Brendan shouted at me that there were no more turns, so upped the pace. Then there was a turn to the left into a wall! Tough start to the climb. Then it appeared to flatten out but felt a lot steeper than it actually looked. Some slower and then faster parts towards the end. Another tough effort.

Descent was narrow with some rough roads on the way down. Lots of potholes too. Then came out on the main Millstreet-Macroom road and then spin into Millstreet was quick.

Tea break in Millstreet.

Then had the benefit of a bit of a tailwind from Millstreet back to Killarney. Good pace on the way back which helped bring up the average speed.

Next decision, whether to go for a run or not this evening...

Poulnaderka, 3 laps

Out to test out the calf. Not feeling fantastic, and left Achilles also not too comfortable before it warmed up. Might not have been a good idea but trying to get a bit done before what I know will be a quiet upcoming weekend exercise wise.

Bit of a damp afternoon, got home from the bike just in time. Didn't rain when I was running but the undergrowth along by the path was damp.

A lot more stretching and foam rolling needed, and considering physio week after next.

Killarney-Board of Works-Glencar-Cappanalea-Kilgobnet-Killarney
Killarny CC Saturday Spin

6 out today so a nice manageable group, including Brendan O'Brien just back from his holidays in Asia.

Some nasty showers going on a few occasions which were annoying. Tough headwind too cycling westwards, but at least it meant a fast return home.

Group worked well to Glencar. Then I went to the front before the climb to Cappanalea started and attacked it. First time up it so wanted to set a mark, and it's a training spin so no point taking it easy. Happy enough with my effort, it wasn't an easy climb. Bit of waiting to do at the top for the rest of them. Group took a short break here so legs were cold starting off again for the next bit of a climb after Cappanalea.

Descent then back down wasn't easy as rain had started again, no sun glasses (no sun) to keep the water out of my eyes, so a struggle at times. One of the lads ended up in the ditch on one of the bends behind me.

Regrouped again at the bottom and headed cross country for Kilgobnet. Another break along here as Mike got a puncture. Didn't take long to sort.

Left the group with Brendan at Ballydowney and headed for home, alone after the cinema. Legs tired on the hill up home. Nice spin and helped avoid Mary's visitor for the weekend!

Decided to extend my usual climbing spin up to Molls Gap as no rush to get finished this evening. With a headwind all the way up probably wasn't the best evening for such a venture! But did have the benefit of it on the way home which was nice.

Effort on Ladies View was slightly back but wind a factor. Didn't feel too motivated for the climb but before I realised it I was climbing!

Wind was tough along by the lake but some shelter for the next rise before more exposed roads to the top. Passed a bike coming against me not too far from the top so checked the time to see what sort of headstart he had on me, 4 minutes.

Turned at the top and started the descent. Based on Strava I made good time back to Ladies View, but after the café I caught up with a couple of cars, front one going slower than i'd like, then after the end of the technical section another car was caught which was absolutely crawling. Thankfully it pulled in and the other one did a bit further down the road. On the straight I passed an extended group of touring bikes, kids and all with paniers! The cyclist i'd set my sights on chasing was just in front of them so went by him then.

With the wind the rest of the spin was straightforward enough.

Hit the road after a day down on Valentia, won't bother logging the walking down there, but maybe 6-7km with at least 200m climb. Nice day for it and a tough day out of the office!

Legs felt a bit tired at times on the bike. Some wind from the west so felt it later in the spin, but didn't slow me that much, average speed alright for the spin.

Must check the weather for the weekend and make a firm plan.

Was a tough enough hour at times. Both legs worked on with a bit more on the left calf. Basically just tight, nothing else. So plenty of stretching. Basically the diagnosis I was expecting.

Calf still giving out. Maybe a small bit of improvement.

Worked a bit later and then went to get the usual Tuesday dinner.

Discovered my watch strap is in trouble when I picked it up off its charging cradle. New strap ordered, red, it's such a good colour.

Went back to have a look at how things were at the beginning of April when I think i'd the same calf problem. Luckily had physio the next day in that situation, not the case this time, but do actually have one booked for Wednesday. Was ok to cycle in April, so will try that this morning and see how that goes. Calf is still a bit sore.

Monday - Bike
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Physio
Thursday - Bike
Friday - Bike
Saturday - Bike
Sunday - Bike

Alright morning but some drizzle in Fossa on the way home. Felt like a SW/W wind too, so coming home as usual was easier.

Wasn't sure i'd get past the front gate as calf sore this morning but ok pedalling. Went for a flat route to avoid putting pressure on it too. Think there could be some soreness down around the left Achilles too. Will test that out later.

At least i'll get some cycling done to keep some bit of fitness while I fix the calf.