Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Added maps for yesterday.

Week's plan:
Monday - core DVD
Tuesday - run
Wednesday - probably a rest day
Thursday - run
Friday - guessing another rest day
Saturday - off to Iowa, hopefully run in the afternoon

C • Week's Plan 6

Monday checked off. I'll feel it tomorrow.

Event: QOC Oregon Ridge
 

EX2 Adventures Race Timing: BYB Fountainhead

Working a race for pay in the morning, but I was able to arrange to have someone finish up for me so that I could drive to the QOC/DVOA/SVO meet. I had been saying for the last several weeks that I was not going to go - too much traffic variables and stress. But, a couple of days ago, I arranged for the little earlier departure from the race timing, and I decided I would go after all. I exceeded the speed limits the whole way, something I usually do little of, though I will probably end up with a traffic camera ticket from from DC...

Since I couldn't get a regular course in and do a relay leg, and Sandy was willing to run the epunching software during the relay, I decided to do all three legs, or at least start out planning to do all three legs.

It was a gorgeous, but a little warm for me at 2 PM and 70+ F, but I set out with the mass start. Struggled with my breathing, and the minimal warm up to the bathroom and back, but did fairly well and finished 8/15. teams.

Relay Leg 1 - Course A

Headed out on the second leg via the refreshment table up by the download table which was a good route choice. This course was a little more difficult than the first one, and control 2 was in a scruffy area, especially with my poor route choice. I ended up picking up some seed pods on my left leg which irritated me the rest of the race, and still continue to do so (red welts).

I am thinking that Mike B is a little out of O practice, because he caught me, passed me, flubbed the next several controls, and then found them with a little assistance from me. (Sorry, Mike, I couldn't resist!)

What saved me on this leg was that I opened one of the two unopened water jugs and poured it over my head and drank from it. I was pretty sure that the four people behind me could share the other two. :)

My breathing was a bit better for this leg, but the climb took it out of me.

Was 11/15 on this leg and dropped to 10th overall. Though, I beat the 50 minute make up mass start and the overall winners as well (4907 vs 4919). No wonder the finish line was swarmed with people. Here I was thinking it was because I was finishing my second leg. ;)

Relay Leg 2 - Course B

So, I finish up the last leg just ahead of the mass start (50 minutes), and it turns out that one of the the only two people in the mass start was Eddie!!

This time the refreshment table was not on the way to #1, so I had to run up the hill and get water before going back towards the start. Eddie "passed" me somewhere in that time and never looked back - 1647 vs 3846.

I finished last in 1:27:53 with the leg place of 14/15 only besting someone who mispunched. Now, the only person anywhere near the finish to cheer me on was Peggy. Thanks, Peggy!

And, many thanks to Sandy and Heidi for taking care of the epunching - 180 starts with ~170/180 as race day registrations. Also, 15 relay teams which were entered on site.

Control pickup was dragged out a bit because of some Ovangalism during control pickup. It was dark before the last person returned.

The drive home was a little slow because of a little thing with 95 south being closed, which wasn't my route, but caused additional traffic on my route. But, I arrived home before dinner hit the table.

So, it was a great day! Though, maybe not the "best day ever" since I do have some standards... :)

Relay Leg 3 - Course C

Parked at Old Anglers Inn and went down to where I left off last week - control 9, and then the run back from control 18. Little bit of rain, but comfortable temps around 55 F.

Picked up @ 9, though from a different direction then last week. Still in wrong place or no streamer. Didn't look too hard. Also didn't see a streamer for 10 after checking my location from the spring below the trail. Rest went better. Careful because everything was wet and slippery. Enjoyed myself. Even tossed a tennis ball for two different border collies I encountered. Tossing skills require some work.

Another dark and stormy night. Passed last night because we had a dinner date, so I forced myself up from my cozy bed after a short nap after work, and I went at it.

Not an inspired workout, setting the speed at 5.5 mph and going steady for 55 minutes. Concentrated on breathing steady. Last song which played was Areatha singing "It Hurts Like Hell." It may not have hurt that badly...

I found the DVD, so maybe I will knock that out tomorrow.

Some more O training at GFMD on Saturday, and a trail run at Fountainhead on Sunday. It is looking really doubtful that I will attempt the trip from Lorton (race timing) to Oregon Ridge (Mid-Atlantic Champs).

1/2 mile down to the track (513), stopped for 110 to adjust shoes, then 400 (239) mostly in lane 6.

Hadn't really decided on a plan, but the cobbled together 1200 felt OK, so I walked a lap and then did 3x1200 with 400 walking in between.

1 - 226 228 227 (721)
2 - 223 227 226 (716)
3 - 220 224 225 (709)

It had gotten pretty dark at the end of the track away from the tennis courts, so for the last three laps I ran the curved ends fast and coasted a bit on the straights.

I hate to say that this felt pretty good, because then I usually get sick, so I am not going to.

Walked in between
342
342
342
336
750 (half mile home)