Training Log Archive: Magic

Nice easy run on trails from Coniston out towards Holme fell and back over Tarn Hows. Had a right shuffle on at the start but much more comfortable once warmed up (and in the sun), but still very slow. Immensely enjoyable.

A bit of very easy jogging to coax the legs back into life.

JK Relays, The Colonel's Drive, M120+, 5.4km, 210m, 19 controls, 3rd leg with Rosco and Ben S.

Selected for the third team after a strong performance by Roger yesterday (who also had freshness and youth on his side), however not much to chose between the two top FVO teams so hopes were high to be able to retain the trophy.

Good solid first legs from Ross and Ben set me off seconds in front of Roger and Simon (FVO fiist and third teams), though Ben was wearing his usual covert black O top and the first I knew of him finishing was when he was called out on the commentary - though O top worked as he sneaked past Jon X and Lard on the leg!

Roger was on me straight away but then decided to make it hard for himself and missed the first control! He then beasted the hill to #5 to pull me back in and from then on we were taking it in turns (also joined by Dooby at #8). Lost a bit on #9 when I twisted my ankle and wasn't able to open up on the downhill to # 11 but got it together in the shorter legs at the end.

Not by enough though as the slim lead that I had at the last control was easily erased by the young Roger - not even the super soft and muddy run-in helped me and I had to settle for second. Not disappointed with that though as at least it was another FVO team who beat me. Slightly extended wait for Simon who went walk-about after the spectator control to ensure that we got the 1-2-3.

A fun way to finish an excellent and really enjoyable weekend of O. Legs pretty tired now though and ankle has seized up so it looks like it will be back to taping that again for the next few weeks at least.

JK Day 3, Bigland, M21E, Long, 15.6km, 730m, 31 controls.

This was great, really enjoyed myself and very glad that I ran elite. Messy at the start losing time on the first 3 (compass lied going to #3) meant that Eoin had nearly caught his 2 minutes on me by then. Got it together after that and navigated fairly well - made three further mistakes totalling about 2.30.

Eoin caught me after the spectator and I couldn't drop him after that, was happy enough with the way I was running but he was equal in all areas. A bit of a boast to catch a few others right near the end.

Fnished 49th overall (a place ahead of Nick B which was a nice bonus), and again third Irish behind Eoin and Nick. Quality weekend's racing - wish there were more like this.

C • Good run! 2

JK Day 2, Ulpha Park and Barrow Fell, M21E, Middle, 5.7km, 190m, 23 controls.

Time/distance includes warm up as I ran with my GPS in my pocket (didn't get as far as a warm down).

Early start meant I was out before the mud but it also meant that there was no tracking, this was good though as it made the navigation more enjoyable. Nice course and map and amazing weather (forgot to look at the views) and had a lot of fun. Lost a bit by not being able to see #5 in the dark green and was too high for #21, but otherwise all the time I lost was due to taking sub-optimal route choice (which wasn't possible to know). A total of about 2.30, of which half was avoidable.

Ended up 64th (which is probably my lowest ever JK position!) and third Irish, about 4 mins down on Nick and about 20 seconds on Eoin (who ran impressively well).

Event: Jan Kjellstrom International Festival of Orienteering 2015
 

JK Day 1, Lancaster University, Sprint.

Not for me this.

No time - parents to collect and look after.

IW. Surprisingly cold and still windy enough. Legs feeling quite used after yesterday so opted to take it nice and easy. Cyclist #3 passed me.

Home from a massage, a s short session so the pain was limited. Quds still be a tit. Rain all the way home and a strong headwind.