Training Log Archive: kissy

This is all I could muster today. I was not sore at all from the weekend, but just very exhausted.

Running back and forth on the trail, mainly trying to stay warm vs. warming up.

Ha, ha...what a disaster. My cold hadn't gotten any better over night, and I was even more congested this morning. I decided to stick with Red, though, and use it as good training if things got really bad. Well, they got really bad. I missed #1 because I was too low, but I found out later that alot of the women were too low, so I'm not sure what was going on there. My next big error was coming out of #4. It was very confusing in that area because it was right next to the finish, and there were streamers everywhere. I remembered there was a spectator control, so when I popped into the field and saw a control (the finish), I was confused. I finally figured things out, but was a little rattled, so when I hit the trail by the lake, looking for the bridge, I turned the wrong way and ended up at the boat house. I turned to look out over the lake, and saw the bridge back where I had just come from. Rats! After that, I got to #5 cleanly, but then disaster struck. I had heard some tales about previous A meets at Umstead where mislocated runners had found themselves standing at the edge of the tarmac at Raleigh International Airport, and I laughed and laughed. Well, I'm not laughing anymore because that's exactly where I found myself. I was so intent on picking my route choice to #6 (our first long leg), that I went the totally wrong way out of #5 and hit the aforementioned airport. I ducked back into the woods, and ran to the road that I should have hit originally, and on the way I saw Pavlina in the vicinity of #9, looking a little bewildered. ("Note to self: be careful at #9".)

After that, things started clicking, and my later splits look much better. The good news, too, was that I felt strong throughout the race, which was a small bit of encouragement in an otherwise dismal day. It just amazes me how things can go so wrong. And I was careful at #9, but still didn't spike it. I have found my concentration at the last several events has been severely lacking, so I now know that at the next few sessions of the OLTC, that's what I'll have to work on.

Other than a rather poor showing, I had a fun time and BOK and the Team put on a very fun event, with great courses. Thanks, Vlad, for all of the hard work you put into this meet. And for everything else you do. The Team is very lucky to have you around!

C • magnifier 3

Sunday: Red F21 - Splits

I went over to the Model area this morning since I arrived too late last night. It was enough to confirm that it's the same type of terrain as at home, and that the downed trees weren't really a big obstacle. Plus, it was nice to get out for a little warmup. I was surprised at how many people were already in the park at 7:30 am.

Red F21 at Reedy Creek, Umstead State Park, Raleigh, NC.
I would say that I am satisfied with this run...not exactly overjoyed...but satisfied. My lungs did hurt from my cold, and it was a little tough to breathe, but my navigation was pretty good. I messed up on #9, mainly because somewhere along the way, my brain switched to thinking that I was heading to #10. So, I was scouring the north side of the spur just east of #9, thinking that I was looking for the ditches at #10. Finally, a check of my compass...and the realization that I was looking for the wrong control!...set me back on track. Just a little frustrating. It was quite warm (probably in the mid-60s), and I could feel that I hadn't run in warm weather in quite a while. The course was a lot of fun despite my brain fart. You did a great job, Peggy! I can't wait to see what tomorrow, and 10+ km., feels like.

Saturday: F21 WRE Red - Splits

Event: BOK/US Team Umstead 007
 

I was not as successful with my training in February as I was in January. A combination of travel, illness and cold weather. I agree with BorisG...here's to a better March!
Feb YTD
Orienteering 30% 75%
Running 60% 85%
Cycling 91% 107%
Strength 92% 108%
Other 24% 25%
TOTAL 60% 82%

I was still sick today, so took it a bit easy with a "power" yoga session.

Well, I got over my little stomach ailment, only to come down with a sore throat/headachey/malaisey type of thing. Trying to rest today to see if that helps.

C • balance of life 1

Today was one of those days that just reaffirmed for me why it is I run. It was a beautiful morning, sunshine and 30ish degrees. I ran in just a long-sleeved shirt and tights, unencumbered by all of the winter gear. I felt good from the first step, with everything just flowing right along. Every song that came on my Shuffle was great. And then the epiphany...I was cresting a hill, the sun was shining in my face and the orchestral part of my latest favorite song "Not Ready to Make Nice" started blaring in my ears, and it was just a perfectly memorable running moment. Love it!