Training Log Archive: JanetT

Event: Gay City State Park
 

Though it was cool when we left home (60s) it was warmer and more humid when we arrived at Gay City. Lots of sweat from running. I forgot my glasses, but they wouldn't have been any good after the first hill climb anyway -- the magnifier on my compass was sufficient on this map.

Straightforward course, straightforward navigation. No bobbles today. I was just slow because of the heat. I'm pretty sure I could have moved a least a bit faster on a cooler day.

The spiderwebs slowed me down too! Ick...taking time to try to brush the webs off my arms and neck. I counted at least a dozen that I hit, maybe more, plus there were a couple that I noticed and went around. Other runners took out different webs. But otherwise the forest was pretty nice and open, bits of ferns here and there but nothing scratchy. I even kept my feet dry in the marsh and stream crossings.

A weather/storm front (or two) went through after we left. Some branches down at home, plus over an inch of rain since this morning.

FR = 6.356 km

Green - Splits

Event: EMPO - Mohawk River State Park
 

Saw this guy on the window last night and had to take his picture (which was a challenge in itself). My moving around, opening doors, etc., didn't bother him. About 1.5" across.

From Miscellaneous

View of underside

Woods were wet from overnight showers which ended before we drove to the event; temps into the low 80s by the time I went out after manning the registration table.

Nice score-O set by new-to-course-setting EMPO member Will (wwk on AP). 90 minute limit, 20 possible controls with values from 1-4 pts. Lost a bit of time of two controls in the first hour (a few minutes on one after attacking off the wrong trail jct, and about 45 sec overrunning another), and then when I had about 25 minutes left and 1km (3 more controls) to go, didn't find a control in a generally poorly mapped area (others had a lot of difficulty with this one too) so instead of relocating and trying again just bailed and headed on the last 3 and in, with almost 4 minutes to spare.

I course-set here once, and have run here numerous times; you'd think I could be cleaner. As it was, I got to visit a few areas I had not been to. Thanks, Will!

Distance is per my FR.
[EDITED] Straight line distance between controls is 5.04 km.

Control pickup

At the Y using bands. Seemed easier than other sessions. :-)

First mile at 4%, 0.5 at 2.5, 0.5 at 1, speed at 3.8mph.
Cool down 0.25 mi, 4:40

Took a jog / walk at the Powell Bird Sanctuary in Old Chatham. Temps in mid 70s when I went, but I went here because I know the trails are all shaded.

Jogged to the end of the trail/road over the hill, then took a few detours on the way back through the woods or exploring unofficial trails... so mostly walking there, though there were a couple nice climbs. Lots of relatively new deadfall making the going difficult in places. Finished up with another detour through the woods to the final trail.

Drove down to the bird blind at the far end of the pond afterwards to see what I could see. Not much action; some red-wing blackbirds; ducks at the far end of the pond; one turtle; some FDFs... (smashed 2 of them). Lots of tiny green vegetation on top of the water.

Back to the Y, using weights for a few things like hips and bridges.

Followed up with the Fitlinxx strength circuit since there's no class in Chatham this week.

Back is doing much better today.

I vaguely remember falling at one point yesterday but can't even recall which race, though I suspect the second one (as I was getting tired), or how I fell. By late in the day Sunday I felt tightness in my upper back, left side, particularly noticeable when I draw a deep breath. The strain seems to be in the middle to lower trapezius, towards the middle of the back and extending up towards the shoulder, instead of in close to the spine which I've experienced before.

Taking painkillers today, and hoping the achiness goes away soon.