Training Log Archive: Career Move

Up at 4am to meet Peter. We both wanted to get in a really long paddle before ITERA so Peter arranged for us to leave the cars in Villierstown and his sister would give us a lift back to Fermoy where Peter has left the boat. It was a fabulous morning and I had a few Beast flashbacks as I drove through Cahir and along by The Vee. I was trying out the Orca wetsuit. I wore it on Wednesday but I stupidly had it inside out and it gave me a rash on my back. I cut the arms and legs on it so it's quick to get it on and off and it was super comfortable and warm today. The time flew by on the water. The Blackwater is such a pretty river with lots to keep you entertained .... salmon, herons, swans, ducks, geese, goats, the single horse who always canters up and down the bank when he sees the boat and several fisherman. We had to get in and out of the boat a few times to drag it through very shallow parts and over the giant weir. We were trucking along at a
steady pace all the way but once we got down below Cappoquin the tidal water meant the pace dropped and we had to work harder to keep the boat in a straight line. Overall it was a very solid session and I was comfortable all the way.

C • Good paddle 2

Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow Ow ...... it's times like this I think I should take up knitting instead

C • Knitting 4

Rough estimate of time and distance including a short portage at both ends. River level was low and very calm. Took in a few gentle rapids. Good paddle

C • RHR 3

HR is a bit high this morning considering I had a good sleep. I did a little jog across the car park and hip feels good but I'm still getting the odd twinge at times. Was gong to run tomorrow but I think I'll give it a few more days. Took the Orbea to he bike shop to get my carbon handlebars and seat post fitted and to get its final service before ITERA

Between the hills and the wind this was a character building bike! First 3 hours were spent in the hills around Laois and North Kilkenny on lovely quiet country roads. Then I headed back to the main road and into Tipperary. I thought I might get 120k done today but I didn't bring any food with me as I had planned to visit the cafe for a sandwich mid way through. Didn't have my route well planned out though ( in fact it was made up as I went along) and the cafe was going to be closed by the time I got there. Passed a few shops but I didn't feel like stopping so I cut short and headed for home.

C • Super stuff on the bike! 5