Training Log Archive: maprunner

We need to give our OK proxy to someone who is attending the AGM. Any of my log readers going? Willing to cast our votes for us?

C • Proxy 9

Sprint day. Mike drew me a course on campus, with some artificial boundaries thrown in for good measure. I was on my way to 2 before I even noticed the black line across the road. Had to make a quick decision, so I missed the fact that I could have gone under the overhang and down the stairs (almost a straight line) to 2.

My legs were slightly tired after the last two days, which helped me run a decent pace. Fast enough, but not too fast to cloud my thinking.

Was doing well until 10. There is now a construction fence up around the building, so I couldn't go precisely to the control. When I looked at the route to 11, I saw the black line and somehow thought to my self "I have to run back around the building" (which was not true). Then I proceeded to run along the back of one more building than needed. (Track is wonky here, maybe because I went under the overhang? I stayed on the sidewalk, due east, but my track takes me back to 9). Somehow it dawned on me that I was running around the wrong building (it was taking too long) and I finally realized my mistake and turned around. Looks like I lost 30 seconds here. Ugh!!!



I'm glad I did a M-L-S weekend. It reminded me how to prepare for the races, and take care of my body in between. It reminded me of how it feels to push hard, and the impact on my brain and navigation. It reminded me of how it feels to navigate well, and to navigate badly. It reminded me of my personal demons. I hope I can recognize them soon enough during the championships, and stop myself from making big mistakes.

C • Training dedication 2

Long "race" day, so Mike, Sandy and I headed to Perry. Sandy and I went out together, and started with 40 minutes on the trails (4 min jog/1 min walk). Then we were supposed to do the O courses, staying on the trails. I made a mistake right away (choosing the wrong trail) and then I ran way too fast (trying to show off? or caffeine kicking in?). Sandy was also talking to me, which was another distraction. I need to deal with this better. By the time we got to 4, I was wiped out and brain dead. I led us through the woods on a wild goose chase. Many alram bells were going off, telling me I was in the wrong place, but I kept making everything "fit". Finally I stopped and admitted I was wrong. Looked hard at my map and compass, and saw that I had done a 180. Doh!!!! So I turned around and ran back. At this point, Sandy left to go running on her own. Took me a while to relocate, and determined that I should have stayed where I was when I discovered my mistake. Decided to just skip the 5-6-7 loop, and head for the start of the next segment. Best option was to cut through the woods some more (which is not fun at this time of year). Made it tot he start triangle, took a minute to get orientated, and started again. Took it slower this time, and made no more mistakes. I was very discouraged about how I handled this long day. This is exactly the type of mistake I am trying to reduce. Lately I seem to have one big blowup on every race. Need to think about how to get better control before next month.

Time to prepare for competition weekends, so I am doing M-L-S over the next few days. Today I also wanted to remember my pre-race routines, so I asked Sandy to join me. I warmed up for 20 minutes, then I started at a specific minute, and Sandy followed me 2 minutes later. Goal was: navigate, navigate, navigate. Even though this was relatively easy course (thanks, Mike for setting it!) I did have to read and think. And I did get tired near the end, and had minor navigation lapses. Sandy didn't pass me until just after 7, which was later than I expected. I did think about her more than I should have; good practice. Also good practice to remember how my brain works (or actually, doesn't work) when I get tired.

Last Pound! class. It didn't meet my original goal of toning up my flabby old-lady arms. (Menopause sucks!) But it did give me an indoors exercise option during the heat of summer. And it really toned up my legs and core. So, that's all good!