Training Log Archive: Thraws

OK, so I did this basically to see how I’d cope with the rigours of running for an extended period rather than anything else. And to assess recovery since Friday’s effort. In brief, then, I felt terrible walking/jogging to the start but alright once I was going. Orienteering is the best for taking your mind off the niggles that threaten to derail any sort of training run. Needed 200mg of ibuprofen every day this weekend though. I have a mountain to climb. As for the O, well, good area, but the planning turned sadistic after the long dead leg 17. 19, 21, 23 and 25 all huge up-and-over climbs that would have been fine were it not for the undergrowth and holly. I fail to see how anyone who bothered to test run these legs could actually imagine they would provide athletic pleasure. The rationale each time seemed to be to maximise climb and terrain difficulty. Almost the entire area has the green undergrowth screen and the paths were no help at all. Or perhaps I should just stick to Blue? First 50 minutes were ok though, mostly short-ish legs on a good map with a complex path network. I lost about 2 mins at 9 through rushing and ending up in the grot. Otherwise just got on with the job – attackpoint, handrail, rough bearing, running whenever I could. Was never going to challenge the younger stronger competitors though.

North Stoke, Camp Hill, Wepham Down, Springhead Hill, Rackham Hill. Day 1 of Marathon training with Lu. Worried a lot beforehand I wouldn't be able to run at all, but actually felt alright. Made such a nice difference not to be racing for once. Felt strong on the hills and light on the flat. Just very stiff and sore after. But the half hour in the Chichester traffic probably didn't help with that.

Punctured in final half mile.

Tailwind home. Otherwise grim.