Training Log Archive: IanW

Felt surprisingly OK given yesterday's exertion, though certain muscles felt quite tight

So some stretching after the session - really need to sort out my flexibility imbalance...

Event: BEOC Long Race
 

Walk/jog from assembly to the start. Seemed a rather long 2.2k

Token attempts at a jog after the run, but food was the priority and the muscles ached/I didn't want to do any more exercise...

British Elite Long Champs.

A long, long way. Started off slow and steady, and got slower. Had taken the Camelbak with me as thought I might need it, was a good choice, even with the drinks points.

The first section in Mallard's Pike (before the tunnel 'crossing') was fine, generally hitting the controls well whilst trying to keep something in the tank. Not sure about some of the route choices, and found some grot in places which slowed things down. Reached the road crossing (6.1k, 330m climb) at about 55mins, which was what I'd hoped to do - my 3-minute man (Keith) caught me here.

The first few in New Beechenhurst were fine as well, but then the concentration started to lapse, didn't hit any of the flags on the spoil heap well and confidence wasn't helped by unsure footing. Then missed about 3' and 4' on two controls in the pitted area in the north of the map, was oversimplifying the map and hoping I'd see the flag. By the long leg, the energy levels and pace had really dropped, a few basic mistakes crept in (check the compass!); past the spectator control there was very little left in the tank, could just about run down the hills... and then as time went on they seemed to be getting grottier. Dragged myself up to the finish, barely managing a jog along the run-in.

Just don't have the endurance for this at the moment, looking at the splits graphs it would suggest the 2h15-2h20 mark was achievable had I maintained the early pace, as slow as it felt. Probably lost around 10 minutes to errors, all after the hour mark. Currently, it feels I can barely manage 90 minutes... time for some more long runs/cycles I think, see if I can improve by the Scottish.

Next week, it's time to confirm that my speed is also shocking - yes it's the sprint races!

GPS distance - 19.2km

Ankle is a bit sore after jumping over countless ditches...

Jog over from finish to start of middle race, and warm-down with Jon M afterwards.

Fun jaunt around the FCC middle race after spectating, not trying to push it but heart rate still quite high... Felt like I was flowing through the terrain a bit better today - rather than plodding (even through the brashings) although walked a few of the uphill stretches. The bluebells may look nice but are pretty slippery underfoot on downhill stretches!

Technically, a few little misses on the more difficult/vague controls and one poor route choice, felt the course was a little on the easy side though, but some of the forest is so featureless bar the platforms it makes it tricky to plan a challenging middle distance course.

Overall, an enjoyable run in a pleasant bit of forest, and a good little warm-up for tomorrow's suffering...

GPS Distance - 5.3km

I now know why all of the guys were screwing up the final control - the penultimate was in the wrong place!

C • wrong place 2

I like the long evenings - and the summer series starts next week :) Took the opportunity to go out for an 'easy' run - well as easy as the hills would allow... Out through Southfields and the nature reserve to Shotover, loop around on the yellow and green trails - many areas carpeted with bluebells in full bloom which helped take the mind off the running. Back down from the top through Brasenose Woods and across the golf course, getting quite dark under the canopy by the end.

Almost all muscles in the right leg feeling tight, eased off a bit after the hilly bit of the run had finished but still need a good stretch before the weekend's events.

Feeling a bit off-colour most of the day