Training Log Archive: Magic

IW. Decent tail wind and even with the legs feeling the weekend I was expecting to be a bit quicker. Threatening rain.

HFW. Tired legs but so nice not to be aching from illness. Poor timing at all lights gave an average time. Plenty of wind but it was unhelpful.

Warm up along the forest road. Forest looking nice (not too fast or not too rough).

SHI Relays,
Good fun and great to be in a race with a couple of Irish juniors. Good runs from both the first and second legs put the three Irish teams out within a couple of minutes and still in contention with some of the English and Scottish teams.
Had a bit of a scappy race, losing a little time in quite a few places (often due to suspect mapping and not being able to see a tree in the forest...) and didn't have any top gear, but really enjoyed it, even when it started lashing.
Saw quite a bit of Ruairi and Conal throughout the race, all making small mistakes at different times. Came through the spectator together but Ruairi missed a little more on the last loop allowing Conal and me through (and Mat Fellburn). Got to the last control first but didn't have either the inclination or need (or ability) to out sprint Conal.
Good day for all the Irish teams and great to see everyone running decent times. Also thanks for FERMO for not disqualifying me as I forgot to punch the finish control (there was a finish line).

Event: Senior Home Internationals Individual/Relays
 

Heading the start and forgot my jacket, back again, heading to the start and forgot my gels, back again, headed to the start. Had to run it all to make it in time.

SHI Long.
Really enjoyed this. Slow starting and passed #1 without seeing it (think it was a little too high), so caught 3 minutes by Coombe's by #3. Both lost about 90 seconds on #5 (definitely in the wrong place) but once I got moving shortly after, I felt pretty good.

Incredibly slippery out there and it wasn't even wet, but that was the same for everyone and I was enjoying the soft ground after the last few weeks. Course was quite straightforward and only other miss was at the penultimate where I just couldn't see the feature on the map in the dark woods.

Just about finished before running out of energy, but wasn't running all that hard either, last week's cold knocking the racing edge off. Happy enough with the rest considering, though would have liked to be under 100.

Forgot to bring both shoes and kit to run in so instead walked out to Blanchardstown to meet Colm for a lift up to Fermanagh for the SHIs. Back got a bit sweaty and hips tired from the bag but managed to avoid the rain. probably walked about 13km all in.

IW. A little damp and cool, definitely not summer. Bumped into Mr. Moon on his way home from babysitting.

HFW. A little early to ensure safe flight getting. Body behaving much better and was able to push on a bit without feeling rough. Wet mist threatening rain type weather.

IW. Passed by a couple of guys but no girls. Must be improving. Cyclist numbers boosted by kids being back at school.

HFW. Body behaving better but hoping that I'd be right by now.

IW. Thought I was going to get well drenched but rain eased off before I left. Moving a bit better today but still off form and passed by 3, including female #2.

HFW. Had to work quite hard but feeling a lot more normal.

MDC run around the Wentwood Woodlark route, well some of it. Don't remember enjoying running less! Fatigue from the past few days meant that I was getting shooting pains through my legs on every step, especially going downhill. Felt like I'd been running for 50km not just a few k. On the plus side my lungs were grand as long as I kept the pace sensible.