Training Log Archive: Dooby

Mangerton

Had decided to not complete my vertical 2000m challenge for the weekend due to a very bad night's sleep. But a couple of hours after getting up I wasn't feeling too bad, apart from my back, that does not feel great. Parked a bit down the road for the extra climb.

Didn't push this at anytime, HR was normal for pretty much all the climbing and felt comfortable at that sort of effort. Met plenty of people going up and down. Weather was ok, with some rain on the way down.

On the descent I took it easy too. Some parts are faster with others rocky and very technical. Didn't want to destroy the legs. I think it's been 4 years since I was last up here, a place I pretty much look at every day out my living room window.

Body not feeling as bad as I expected after yesterday's troubles, so recovered well.

Ring of the Reeks 2019

Used a bit too much energy at certain times which I paid for later.

Big group at a fast pace once the lead car took the brakes off after Torc. Serious speed along by the lake, a lot faster than on my own. Was at the back of the group at Derrycunnihy and then after the cafe the 2 in front of me lost the group which I didn't realise as there were 2 other cyclists being passed out. So attempted to give chase but in vain. Gap wasn't huge at Ladies View but increased from there due to a headwind and 1 versus a group is never going to win. Got joined by Bernard from Killorglin after the sheep farm so it was the 2 of us to Molls Gap and then on the descent to Blackwater. Lot more energy used here than i'd have planned for.

Stopped at Blackwater and ate a few bits. Then off with the main group to Ballaghbeama. Downpour as we approached the bottom of the main part of the climb, in the open. Very heavy rain with visibility low. Was feeling grand and on the first ramp I decided to drop to the lower ring in front. Chain decided to keep going and came off. Exactly where you'd want it to happen. Stopped and put it back on. Then tried to get going but couldn't get left foot to clip back in so off the bike again and just ran up the road with the bike until it flattened out a bit. Got both feet clipped in and then tried to catch whoever I could in front.

Went over the top to a dry descent, so only rained on one side of the pass. Which was good. Was with Bernard again and another chap. Went hard down the hill and out the Brida Valley as far as Glencar where we joined up with a small front group. Had to work hard between Blackwater and Glencar, and it was all about to come back and bite me in the ass.

Caragh Lake was ok really apart from nearly coming off on the left hand bend on the descent, bit damp and rear wheel skidded out. Stayed upright! Next few lumps were fine but after the last one and the run up to the other side of the lake after the bridge the speed seemed to increase. Was quite high and I was starting to feel it.

Pulled out of the group at the school near Carraig House. Legs were about to go. From there until Beaufort I went at my own pace. Was ok until Killorglin but got progressively slower. Back also started to hurt a lot. So real sufferfest, in a bad way, to the finish. Lack of long spins definitlely evident.

Good day on the bike otherwise.

C • Reeks 2

Torc Mountain

Wasn’t sure where to go running, but decided to run up a hill. Actually felt mostly ok on the climb, a bit under pressure, but not desperately. Felt like a real wuss coming back down though. I’m lacking a lot of confidence descending. Not sure if it’s the shoes, probably a contributory factor, and also ankles not being taped another problem. But no matter what the excuse it’s something to work on. Didn’t roll them though.

Only met 3 people on the mountain this evening, both on the lower third on my way down. Expected it to be busier this evening.

When I was running I came up with an idea for the weekend. No real need but the idea is now in my head. 2000m of ascent between today and Sunday. Cycle tomorrow is just over 1000m and if I do Mangerton on Sunday that would get me to 2000. Will see how I am Sunday and if I’ve the time and weather on my side. Have been avoiding climb running so this would face it head on. Also thinking it’s been a while since I did Cardiac hard so something to aim for in a few weeks.

So yesterday's possible rest day actually happened today. Car was in the garage getting a few things fixed, like brakes, so necessary. It wasn't ready until at least 30 minutes after they said it would be, and to top it off there was a funeral in Farranfore so back to Killarney a lot later than anticipated. Was feeling tired anyways so not the end of the world.

Humid but damp in places. Damp around Muckross House and a lot damper on the climb up to and including Ladies View. Did have a jacket in my pocket but didn't bother stopping to put it on.

Had a quick spin to Cork this afternoon so a small bit tired from that but legs feeling ok on the bike. So got something done today. Weather seems to be improving forecast wise for the weekend, positive.

First time under 11 on the climb this year, but lots of reasons for that, mainly not been cycling much.

Event: CorkO Summer League, Farran Forest Park
 

Knockreer

Took a long time to feel comfortable. Didn't feel great for the first few km even though the pace was grand. Surprised by it, felt like I was going slowly.

Left quad and right knee I could feel early on, but went away. Legs sore afterwards from the road.

Added in a loop up to Knockreer House after the river walk to get some extra climb and distance.

Humid evening but there was a breeze closer to the lake so that was cooling. Singlet weather.

Appointment moved forward tomorrow so could be home in time for some training.

Back feeling sore and stiff today. A lot of Erik carrying plus bag carrying associated with travelling to and from London over the weekend I don't think has helped.

Monday - Bike
Tuesday- Run
Wednesday - ? (appt. in Cork after lunch so not sure how i'll feel when I get home or have the time)
Thursday - Bike
Friday - Run
Saturday - Bike (Ring of the Reeks)
Sunday - Run

Humid. With a strong wind, from the south, which made for a tough ride home from town.

Happy enough with the pace despite not feeling fantastic at times, tired after the weekend. Legs not feeling any ill affects after running faster than normal on Saturday.

Met a few bikes coming against me before Dunloe so they ended up being a target to catch on the way back, but caught them at Fossa so didn't help for long. With the southerly wind I did put a bit of effort into the section from Dunloe to Beaufort Cross. Rewarded with my 2nd best time.

Rear tube held up after the on the road change last week although not much air in it when I pumped it. Will see how it is before next spin.