Training Log Archive: Nobs

Up.

JK Long - 17th + 10:21 to Fisher

Let’s cut to the chase and summarise all time loss. Good initial plan to #2 but changed my mind half way opting for unnecessary time in terrain with a loss, of +1min. Felt the mapping was weird in the white forrest leading to #8 but also took a shite bearing, big bannana leading to +45sec lost. Another small banana to #9 +20sec. Then onto the big one.

Saw exiting #9 that we were heading straight into the guffy map section. Had a good plan of follow the veg boyndry in from the east. Got there and just as expected no veg boundary. Knew the control was in the same location as day before, so just followed elephant track which led me to the location, but unfortunately the control had been moved (to probably a more correct location in fairness). Mega confused bailed out to the ride, but still couldn’t hit. Was stood for ages trying to get the veg to fit the map but just seemed increasingly weird. Eventually after minutes of faff, Ben Windsor came through. We had another 30sec of faff before eventually finding. +5min lost on this control alone and all hopes and dreams gone with it. Ffs.

Anyway, popped a gel and cracked on. Had a good battle with Ben from #11-#14 before a +30sec Miss from me at #15 allowed him to get away. Managed to overtake on a different route to #18 and then solo again after that. Hesitation into #21 but no significant time loss. Should have pathed to #23 and ended up taking a really shit line losing 45sec-1min. Fell in a bog to #24 +10sec ;). All concept of routechoice went on #25. Ran really fast but far too round and with unnecessary clime +1min. Another +30sec blip on #26 for good measure.

Energy levels good the whole way, felt strong physically but perhaps a sign that I wasn’t aggressive enough. Without the biggy on #10 I would have said that was a solid enough run, but can’t help but feel a bit hard done by some suspect mapping. Roughly 10mins of mistakes which I think highlights what a class run that was from Fisher, no chance of getting close today (or any day any time soon for that matter!)

Up.

JK Middle - 14th

Not your conventional outing. A bit slow and unintentional out the blocks then face planted somewhere between #3 and #4, map fully coated in mud. Literally guessed where #5 might be, obviously guessed incorrectly losing 1min. Managed to wipe enough mud off to stumble my way into #6. Found a pond going to #7 so gave my map a quick bath, making it just about readable in exchange for increased flaccidity. As a result of my flaccid map, I overshot #7 slightly, nothing major. Next few were fine, bit unsure to #9 but only a few seconds lost. Had a wanderful time at the infamous #14, only losing 1:30min. Was hopeless through the next few although enjoyed a little cat and mouse with Niamh. Finally got my act together after #18. Pretty strong to the finish (nav was piss easy tbf), matching Johnson over the last 10mins of the course.

Nice to feel a bit stronger physically today. Shame about the map incident but managed to limit the damage overall. Quite excited about tomorrow, still all to play for.

Down.

Shake.

Up.

JK Sprint - 7th

Ahh tough one to take. Just felt physically wank from the off which meant very sloppy nav throughout. Never felt like I was getting after it. Mistakes on 3,9,10 and 12 in the first half put me on the back foot. Caught by the hedge at #3 +10sec, stupid long route round with extra climb to #9 +10sec, ran round an extra building to #10 +5sec, stupid parallel running round an extra building to #12 +10sec. By the map flip was already 20-25sec down on the majority of the top boys. Second half wasn’t much better, started feeling really weak towards the end. Can’t help but think mistakes were a product of the shit feels, not able to get by head into it as took extra mental energy to run.

Haven’t felt great last few weeks, perhaps a bit bonked, but also just not a great day. Will see if I can bounce back in the forest.

Down.

Easy canal with some strides at the end.

Easy hour round the fields. Unseasonably cold and proper muddy underfoot. Hammy still tender but legs starting to come round.

Stop off in the lakes during the drive down south. Trials course recce on the slopes of Skiddaw. Taking the climbs steady but very easy on the descents as legs still DOMSy from Saturday. Course is brutal but looking forward to the race, will be a fun one.

Frustratingly bad DOMS today. Tough pill to swallow being punished for my masterclass descent at Birnham.