Training Log Archive: Leanimal

The fam headed up to the Plateau des Glieres for some snow like conditions. There is not any snow on the ground here in town but that changed up in the mountains. I made an appointment to get the snow tires on tomorrow so that meant I was clinging to the car as we ascended the twisty narrow roads. The plateau is awesome and it was a winter wonderland up there. Not too many people at all. Once we rigged up the chariot, paid our €5,50 each to use the trails, and were set to go a man informed us that we could not use the chariot on the trails. Oh no. He was very apologetic and explained that they would refund our money but that we could use the walking trails. I pictured getting back in the car and heading to a trail head that had a partially covered trail and it would be a nightmare. He then explained that the walking trails were just off to our left, they basically parallel the ski trails and are also groomed. Okay that didn't sound so bad and as it turned out it was more than perfect. No other people on them and great grooming. Sweet.
I made us bail early as the snow was really coming down and I was worried about our descent with no snow tires. I think we made the right call considering Weeanimal also had to be fed and we were well past her lunchtime.
Can't wait to go back on a bluebird day, with snow tires.

C • That is interesting. Never ... 2

It's official. Phatty and I have realized without a doubt that we are getting old and weak. We are injured more often, complain a lot, and have finally decided to do something about it.

Enter: INSANITY

We just did the fit test (no numbers will be posted) and I can see that this is going to help me a lot with the lack of strength and power in my legs and my excessively weak core. I talked to Zoolander a bit over Christmas and asked him what one thing he would suggest I do consistently to prepare for the Maxi race. He strongly suggested strengthening my core. I know this to be true but it helps to hear it from someone else. I have been getting more back pain in recent years just from a weak core. Anyway, time to do something about it. Besides Phatty wants a six pack so this was his Christmas present.

A 28 minute session of power jacks, switch kicks, power knees, power jumps, globe jumps, suicide jumps, push up jacks, and low plank obliques and I am already feeling sore. Tomorrow should be interesting.

C • Interesting how you used 'w... 5

I headed up to the Semnoz after dropping the troops off. The Maxi race starts at 3 am with about a 19km climb up the Semnoz. I jogged around the icy trails for a couple of hours trying not to fall and break my neck, hence the lower intensity. 7 degrees but cloudy and I can't believe I am overdressed in a light long sleeve and a windstopper. Hip was a bit sore but we'll see if yoga can fix that.

This should probably be a 2 but my heart rate was so high out of fear. For some reason I couldn't sleep this morning either (Phatty is up early from jet lag from China) but I should be sleeping in. I had planned on running this morning before Weeanimal got up but I left the house at 6:15am instead of 7. I planned on going to Talabar and across to Veyrier du lac but as soon as I got on the trail I saw beady little eyes glowing in my headlamp and heard the chamois moving about. Ughghgh. I love racing at night when I have my 3 burly teammates to protect me but I was scared out there alone this morning. I debated turning around and doing a road run but the thought of that made me suck it up and continue. Needless to say I stopped more than usual to look around and listen. No more sighting until the very end of the trail and I had a stare off with one who just wouldn't move. Luckily he was off the trail. I don't think I would be so scared if they didn't have horns! It was just getting light by the time I got back. Perfect temps for running. Spring like.

C • Chamois? 3

Much needed Yin while Weeanimal sleeps into her third hour.

Finally after over a week of trying to get rid of this chest and sinus cold I felt like I might be able to run. Besides, I am back in France and the mountains are calling. I dropped Phatty off at work and then Weeanimal at the creche for a couple of hours (her body still thinks it's 6 hours behind) so I took the opportunity to get back on the trails in our backyard. It snowed a little bit last night so there was wet snow on the trail and it got to be about ankle deep at the top. It made for better traction though. Not surprisingly my climbing legs are gone. Lots of work to do before the Maxi race at the end of May but I am scoping out some interesting training runs and maybe races before then. It's good to be back.

C • Don't you just love the mountains! 2