Training Log Archive: Indiana Jones

Sierre-Zinal, 7th time and 4th time on the podium but another 2nd place this year. Enjoyed it a lot and everything went really well but it still wasn't enough. The climb started fairly steady so I stuck behind the lead pack without having to work too hard and thought that'd set me up well for the faster parts to come. From Ponchete I took the lead and pushed the flat parts. The other guys were all decent road runners except Kilian but he was able to keep up easily.

After the short climb from Chandolin he made a move on the undulating section and dropped everyone so I had to dig a bit deeper to keep the gap down. As it flattened out I passed him and had a nice long section of smooth track to try and get away. I ran pretty quick and didn't look back but heard all the people cheering madly so knew he was still close behind. On the climb up to Weisshorn my legs were starting to feel it and I had to ease off slightly. Kilian got a little gap just before the checkpoint but I was fairly sure I could close it on the 5km of flat/gradual downhill after there as in previous years. Once it flattened out I tried to run as quick as I could but the gap was only getting bigger. I was going well on the fast bits but even the slight uphills I was probably losing some time. By the time I got near the proper downhill the gap was a minute so it wasn't going to happen. It made me relax more and get through the steep twisty bit fairly well and without cramps.

Once on the smoother section I let go and really smashed the final 600m through the town just for fun. As it turned out I was really glad of that final sprint as the Kenyan behind me had a ridiculpusly quick finish from Weisshorn (~2'30" quicker than Kilian and ~4'00" quicker than me) and was only 7" behind!

Easy run from Zinal up and down the valley loop twice. Everything fine.

Run up the valley plus strides. Feeling better than this morning and all set

Last run from Thyon. Out on the bisse then some strides on the flat part. Bit stiff from resting more than normal but otherwise fine.

Easy run with Dan on the bisse from Thyon. Nice morning and relaxed effort. Last full day up here before going to Zinal.

Easy run, all good. Definitely easier running at this altitude after a few weeks.

Easy running from Les Masses out to the flat trail with Ben and Dan then back to same way after.

3 x 1km fast (1km steady) out and back on the forest track, fairly flat and at 1500m so ideal for reps near Thyon at a lower altitude. Felt pretty good and eased in to the session. Dan started off in front for me to chase. Last one under 3’ without too much effort so all good.

Easy run out and back from Thyon. Not feeling too bad.

Warm along the bisse from Thyon then down the big track towards Veysonnaz to lose some altitude before starting the uphill reps. Cool down back downhill from the ski piste. Legs felt stiff running back down again, probably from the uphill being steep.

5 x 3’ (2’ easy) uphill. All fairly steep except the middle rep. Happy with the session, working fairly hard but felt fine a few minutes after stopping.

Easy run out and back, everything fine and legs moving smoothly.

Easy run out and back from Thyon. Started off quite tired but soon felt much better and finished well. Hopefully will freshen up this week but I hope to do some faster running to keep the legs moving well.

Easy run plus strides in the underground car park at Thyon. There was a really big storm with thunder and hailstones so was glad to stay inside for the warm up and strides then get back outside for a few km once it went off.