Training Log Archive: Vaala

Bit of a slippy run up Farm Track and Mt Vernon then along the Crater Rim over to the Kiwi then back via the mtb track and down Rapaki and the Valley. Bumped into Amber and Al partway down the Valley track which was an excellent excuse to stop and gossip especially as my stomach was really sore. They are excellent for gossiping with!

You know, just as it had started to drizzle again is definitely the best time to start riding...from Akaroa up Long Bays Road (don't do it...seriously) where I had to wait at the top for about 15 minutes getting cold waiting for the last rider from Le Race even though the guys at the bottom of the road said I'd be fine. Then along the Summit Road to Hilltop. M drove past around about the hill after Okains which was nice as I was starting to feel pretty exhausted and crap by then. Bit of a grovel the rest of the way. Weather seemed to steadily be getting crapper too.

Traded the usual early morning Friday run for an afterwork one so M didn't get woken up too early (Le Race for him tomorrow!). Felt a bit crap and tired beforehand but once I started running I felt much better (well, tired in a different way). From Bowenvale up through Vic Park and round to the Kiwi and round the knobs there then round the back of the Sugar Loaf and down the valley with a mini detour for fun. Ankle got pretty sore at one point when I took a bad step (off the track!) but it survived. Will need to strap it to run this weekend though I think. Stomach pains from about halfway but could mostly run through them.

It's always sensible, when feeling a bit rundown, to go for a ride in the cold drizzle (hmmmm). From work up to Godley Head. It was fun until the drizzle all became too much but I still think I got there faster than biking home, flaffing, then driving out.

Godley Head Wicked Rogaine with Lara. Very damp! It was only drizzling but all the deep tussock was wet as well. Good course apart from a couple of hair-raising controls on the edges of tall cliffs. Lucky it was me getting the controls and not Lara but even then I was pretty anxious at one of them. I think we planned a great route for our speed. It's actually kind of nice not having to go too fast because you don't have to get the really crappy controls!!! Ankle is really uncomfortable now even though it was strapped. It'll be fine though.

From work with M out to Sumner, up Evans Pass and down Mt Pleasant and home. Cold but no wind so actually kind of nice. Feeling surprisingly strong considering I also feel a bit sick!