Training Log: Clara

State series, Fingerpost Corner (Woodend).

Peer pressure is a dangerous thing. Arrived at the event planning to scavenge a map and go for a pleasant longish run. But got gently persuaded into doing MTBO.

Was a bit nervous about all the trees close to the tracks that had handlebar marks on them, but luckily didn't add any of my own. The first part was much more pleasant than slogging multiple times up and down the same gravelly tracks in logged pine forest. I may have ended up on an unmapped track on the way into 9, but not sure.

C • My persuasion was gentle, d... 4

Bendigo one-person relay, New St Mungo.

I got the personalised Eurovision course combination of ABBA :) Thanks Neil!

It was Brownridge 1-2 after the run to the start triangle, and Brownridge 1-2 at the first control, but this time I was in front.

Enjoyed the course and managed to avoid most of the green (but of course not all of it). Lot a bit of time on the green mound to the north (being very close but not seeing the control). Stopped to pick up a plastic bag near the end of my first loop. Michael got in front of me taking a maverick route through the green where I went out and around, and then he pulled away running on the track. Took slightly different routes through the green towards the end, but didn't gain enough. Lovely day out :)

C • But you clearly didn't meet your Waterloo. 3

Control pick up route choice challenge.

11' warm up (incl strides), short warm down. There was a rival running group on the loop track tonight!

Loop + hill reps.

Starting with a loop of the loop track, continuing straight on with the hill loop behind the boathouse. Tried to go hard-(ish) the whole way, making it about 7'30-8 min effort (with a short recovery jog at the top of the hill). At least, that's the session Jayne and I did; everyone else seemed to be a weird variation.

Legs still feeling a bit smashed from stairs - I get a bit carried away on them though!