Training Log Archive: graeme

GMC day 2.
Felt we ran well until the final O-section, when after 2 I started to cramp in both thighs and could not progress through the terrain. it was immensely frustrating: still moving well along the paths, but reduced to a stumbling walk in the heather, and we bled time. James was suitably sympathetic.

On further review, the Langs found an excellent route to (hill) 2 which we missed. We also lost time contouring in the snow and mild faffage in the feature not finding the flag. That gave them 8 mins and the lead, which they stretched to 15 by the end, easily overturning the 7 we had from day 1. We just held off the Stannies and Robertsons.

Overall, a good weekend away. The snow made the high-ground legs very tough, and that was where I lost us all the time. Encouraging that on good surface I can still go OK. Not so encouraging for any forthcoming O-events in rougher areas like Deeside.

C • Deeside forests 2

And so back into the drawer go the mystery items. The chinagraph pencil. The triangular bandage. The ancient Peter Storm waterproof with its taped seams and hood. The whistle. The underpowered headtorch. The waterproof trousers. Not sure I'll ever do another mountain marathon, so I'll never have chance to figure out what use these things have, aside for fulfilling required kit lists..

C • 1

Fourth Mountain marathon for Team Ackland...

Jane and I came second at the KIMM in '96 Galloway
Jane and I were second at the Saunders in '97
James and I were second at the Saunders in '15
...and now second at the GMC in '16

Bit of a theme developing here methinks!

GMC C-class with James, day 1.
After an embarrasing first 30 sec, the O-section in Cambus was fairly smooth taking as many paths as possible, and we went onto the hill with a small lead. The big climb to 2 opened it further, then a cheeky road run to 3 further still. The the snow and tussock began, with a poor contouring choice to avoid climb to 4, then more time loss not finding the next smoothly. Still, finished with over 4 mins lead, with the dads&daughters (Stannes, Langs, Robertsons, Barrs and Wilsons) behind. Sound.

Various faffage, In, Cameron Toll, Inch. Still can't get motivated.

C • motivation 8

Frogston route home

In + Craigmillar loop and a bit of KB resurvey

Duddingston loop home. Cold, in more ways than one.

In.