Training Log Archive: Thraws

Forgot my compass. Luckily managed to borrow one, but it was as good as useless, taking absolutely ages to settle. Anyway, I mostly used the paths so might have been ok without a compass at all? Made a parallel error rushing out the start and looked in wrong block for 1 but soon realised mistake. With that and the fatigue I was carrying I began to think a decent result was no longer on. I was running down on blue so wanted to be near the top. But 2, 3 and 4 came up just right and I only lost about 30 secs being wrong side of fence for 6. 7 and 8 were fine and I tried to dig out whatever running strength I had left for long legs to 9 and 11. Then just simplified for final four controls. Was pleased with time, which seemed about right, and had no problems other than a good healthy fatigue following yesterday's efforts.

Three Forts recce with Lu. Basically to see whether doing the 'Challenge' in May is realistic. So ran at a sustainable marathon pace, waiting now and again for Lu to catch up and snatching a cold rest. Never waited long except at the top of the last hill. Thought I'd (we'd) struggle with this, especially as the wind was strong, cloud was down, and it rained for the last three miles, but actually felt surprisingly strong almost throughout. Up and downhill gradients were mostly steady and the going was generally good. Right hip niggled from about 9 miles but felt ok after I stopped. Enjoyed the route more than I thought I would. Let's see how tomorrow's blue course at Butter Wood goes..

Another day at the office. Started conservatively and moved up to Ben's shoulder near end of second lap. Then went past quickly and put about ten people between us. Third lap felt quickest but wasn't; I was just overtaking throughout it and the last one. Splits approx. 4.05, 4.10, 4.15, 4.11.