Training Log Archive: Thraws

By contrast with Wednesday, an event entirely devoid of atmosphere because of appalling weather and muddy underfoot conditions. Which was a shame because southern half of map is pretty quality terrain (northern end is a bit boring but the planner had devised a really good long leg through it which I'm still not sure I did right). Spiked 1 (feeling really fit and fast) then, as is usual here, muffed up 2 because I can't match the white patches on the map to the clumps of trees (and I wasn't sure whether the green patches were gorse, holly or trees). Lost two mins on 2 and almost two more on 3 because I wouldn't look long enough at the map. But got going through 4 to 7, and 'accomplished' long leg 8 but won't know how well till splits are up. Battled with muddy slopes and inadequate grip round major part of course, and was never sure whether fields were in bounds or not so prob lost another minute-plus faffing over route to 11. Thought I did last six controls pretty well and finished feeling strong, but froze on walk back to car and had to change out of soaking wet stuff in wind and snow. No results, no discussion, no warm down, and no feeling in my fingers till about half way home. Might become a fair weather orienteer.

Coaching juniors. Did Attack Points and most of Contours exercise with Tom, as well as practising bearings through terrain. Light rain made an unpleasant change. Couldn't stay for relays as Lucy was playing piano at Worthing Festival in pm.

Finally got bike back and it's been beautifully set up, so much smoother and quicker. Such a relief to be out the car.

Last minute decision. I've been feeling frumpy and idle, waiting for my knee to improve, and was planning on missing the opening race after the poor showing at the 10k. So glad I went, though. Atmosphere was fantastic as usual. Almost thought about entering the B race as I wasn't sure I'd make the sub-18 mins cut-off for the A race, and started steady at the back, but actually felt OK and was amazed to go through first lap just outside 4 mins. Eased back to a pace all my own that I felt comfortable with for laps 2 and 3, then put foot down a bit for last lap and overtook quite a lot of people. Pretty amazed at time and inspired to do a bit of speedwork and try and get time down into 16s. Splits: 4.05, 4.25, 4.30, 4.03.