Training Log Archive: Whitesheep

Overall 27/45 finishers, with John 22nd and Mark 13th (impressive). Happy with this overall, picked up a few good scalps along the way, and according to the ranking points I got I am a good amount quicker than earlier in the year.

Probably the most pleasing run of the week as I was clean all the way. Navigating felt much more natural than on day 1, though that's partly the difference between open and forest terrain.

Had a small overall lead over todd, james, paul and matt going into this race. Caught james at #23 then shadowed him home to make sure I kept ahead overall. Didn't see paul or matt, but went a bit quicker. But I thought one of the 4 would probably have a quick run and go past me, and todd duly did. He went very quick today.

29/60, won in 54.40

C • kiwi 1

Quite a clean run, with only small misses quickly corrected. Mainly did a good job of keeping my head up and spotting the right area of dunes, and was quick to relocate when I didn't spike #4, #17 and #20. (#20 was a bit disappointing though, should have been easy, and that was where Todd got past me.)

Started to feel tired, so quite pleased to have kept a reasonable pace going - although after I finished it was clear this was an area that rewarded really aggressive running.

39/61, won in 41.17

Really good chasing start race in forested sand dunes. Started at the head of a pack (Paul +10s, Todd +20s, James +30s or something) and we had a good old head to head battle all the way round, with everyone pushing the pace and navigating at some point. Where we made mistakes it was as a result of the fast pace, so I don't think I could really have gone much quicker.

I went clean for the first few, then paul took over when I checked a flag on the way to #5, then Todd pushed hard on the long #8 - pleased that I could keep up here, I'd have been dropped for sure a few weeks ago. Amusing moment when we reached the open fence - both Paul and I were following pretty blindly waiting to hit one of the major roads before reading the map again. So when Todd hesitated we'd no idea what to do and stood there like lemons until he charged off again.

Then the lead changed a few times when we got into the low-vis green and started making mistakes. No major errors though. Lost Todd at #16, Paul at #23 (got lucky and saw the track from in the forest so no need to go out and back in), and James at #25. So ended up holding position and gaining time, which I thought I'd struggle to do.

30/60, won in 52.28
(still didn't manage to go quicker then John or Mark! Thought when I finished I might have got one of them...)

Just a loosener before a sauna.

C • This clearly cannot be clas... 1

Poor. No better than any of the other classics I've run this year, whereas on days 1 & 2 I had improved. I seem to fare badly in classic races - oddly enough though it's more in the early stages than at the end, so stamina doesn't seem like the reason. I think I lack urgency and focus when I know there's a good 90 mins to go.

Anyway, this run split into 4 bits. First bit in the forest was utter garbage, especially #3. Second bit on the open hill before the road was fine. Third bit on the detailed hill top was a bit hesitant but OK. Picked a decent route to #22, but was tired for the last few controls in the semi-open and added a chunk of extra distance and climb on the way to the easy #29.

38/54, won in 87.49

Almost a good race, and better than yesterday. Frustratingly missed #1 having reached a solid attack point - really should have been able to reach the control from there. But was solid from there on, only small misses at #8 and #15 (crossing point).

Seem to be doing OK for running speed, but navigating feels rushed and rusty. Unusual for me.

34/63, won in 29.53