Training Log Archive: Craig

Event: FootO 5 Umuna Long SOL
 

Umuna SOL H2.
Thought I could probably handle the H2 today, which is the minimum I need to score points. H2 was a bit shorter than I expected and the H1 wasn't so that made it an easy decision. The only concern then was that I would get to competitive and push it too hard. Wore an old pair of running shoes to take a bit of load of the Achilles and discourage me from pushing to hard through the rougher bits.

Decided against a warm up but regretted this as I ran to the first. Struggling to run, unable to focus on the map and couldn't match anything with confidence. Felt really incompetent and regretting entering elites at nationals. Still felt disconnected from the map on the way to 2 but started to get things under control on the way to 3. Still took it pretty gently through to 6 then picked it up a bit and started to feel as though I was racing in the long easy leg to 9.

Happy with how I went through to 16 and was pushing quite hard by then but for some reason I had decided 16 was my last control. Saw lots of tapes heading into 16 and thought they must lead to the finish so turned and pushed hard up the hill looking for the finish flag. Had a quick glance at the map to check direction but I think I looked at 17 so I was trying to navigate from 17 to the finish when actually at 16 and there were 18 controls on the course. Eventually had a better look at the map when the finish was failing to appear and realised what I had done. Recovered fairly smoothly from there but lost about 40 seconds and a good deal of self respect.

I think I still scored top points in the SOL. Achilles was a bit sore at times and was a little tender in the afternoon but nothing too drastic.

H2 - Splits

Ride out to walyunga to put out and check tapes for the event in a couple of weeks. Took it easy because I knew it was going to be a long day. Noticed the rear tyre was soft just before the walyunga Rd turn so I stopped to check it. Given the short distance remaining and my ineptitude at changing tyres I decided to just pump it up again and hope for the best. Had to stop again after the turn but the lower speed up the hill made me feel comfortable enough to continue the rest of the way.

Putting out and checking tapes. First half alone and second half with Liam, who started out ok but then complained more and more the further we went. Not loving having to set here again after signing up for John Forrest but it was really nice out there today, at least until Liam started whinging.

Pump with CC. Triceps and shoulders instead of chest and back. I struggle to lift my arms above my shoulders even without any weight.

Struggled to get myself out the door again but felt alright once I got going so ended up running a reasonable pace. Achilles still a little bit sore most of the time, not sure if it is really getting better or I'm just getting better at ignoring it. Didn't bother taking a headlamp this time but it was pretty dark fit most of it. I mostly enjoy running in the dark but didn't really enjoy running down the Broadwalk at the end as it was too dark to see all the bumps, should have gone for a sand track because the sand reflects more light and it is softer.

Thought about going for a ride after work. Next time I need to just do it before thinking.

I've been wondering if I can manage the H2 course on Sunday to qualify for SOL points so I thought it was time to try a slightly longer run in KP. Almost dark when I set out so I took a headlamp with me but never ended up switching it on. Could feel the Achilles most of the time but only mildly irritating rather than actually hurting. Legs felt better than yesterday, starting to recover from cycling and weights on the weekend.

Ran a few laps around Rosalie Park after work. Only the top oval had lights on, which was fine by me as I kind of wanted to keep an eye on Amy's tennis lesson anyway. Unfortunately it started raining soon after I got to the top oval so Amy had to stop playing and I had to speed up because the rain was cold. Achilles was a bit sore early on but actually felt better as I sped up. Felt as though I was starting to fatigue after only about 10 minutes but I did keep getting faster after that.