Training Log Archive: tinytoes

This was such fun!!! rockman was so wonderful to act as driver and support for me. He was also acting as psychologist and personal trainer. I am a reasonably organised person - but I fail everytime with rogaine prep and it's even worse as I've been on the Admin side enough times and rolled my eyes at what some people have displayed... I'm as guilty as them all (except for the woman who asked me for some Aquium at the Hash house after she'd touched "something".) Weather was fantastic - overcast, sprinkling of rain, cool breeze, about 22C.
So my most obvious failings: left map planning board at the house; expected control descriptions to be on map so didn't take sticky tape; packed far too much in back up so that got hurriedly turfed; had plenty of time until suddenly it was briefing and I hadn't been to the loo for the final application of "lifesaving" powder.
Toilet, retrieved pack, found sticky tape.. and then hooter went - so I was about 2 minutes late leaving the HH, but within 10m I had grit in my shoe so had to sit down and get it out all the while telling Rob V about my nightmare with him in it and a brick wall falling on top of me at the HH in a dust storm! Then I was off.
I had a plan, but was very unsure about what white meant on a rogaine map and what it meant here, with instructions telling us to be very alert for snakes and that the minor paths might be mown or might be waist high grass (that would possibly mean shoulder height for me) so I worked out a VERY conservative route with check points for time, crossings etc. There is a pipeline and canal which cuts the map N-S as well as a major road which cuts the map N-S. So took off for my planned #1 and saw lots of people coming from another control which I'd discounted... so that made my mind up I'd go rogue... and so I did. I actually added in 5 extra controls in before rejoining my original plan. I'd also had a plan of wearing O pants + gaiters over my 3/4 tights in the hope of stripping down when I crossed over the highway and into the urban section - which was an investment of time well worth it.
Had first drink and pineapple at 1 hour; 2nd drink 45 mins later, rest of pineapple 20 mins later, last of small water bottles water with 30 mins to go. No sign of losing the plot.
Had such a wonderful time - seeing lots of people initially then fewer and as time was drawing in seeing people going for last few points. About 10 of us were in a train for the nearest control #21 to the pedestrian crossing back across highway and it was a trot in. What absolutely astounded me was that I added in the 5 extra controls and only had to drop 3 from the urban part and the points gain in doing so was a massive 130. I'm also thrilled that with my very limited exposure to route planning for 3 hours in a mixture of terrain and using a 1:15 map that my timing was so good.
Feet and ankles started to whinge at 2hr mark, but knees good.
I'm sure there were lots of happy people at the end - the HH food was incredible - watermelon, pizzas, chocolate hot cross buns and the most divine apple, pear, rhubarb and cinnamon pastries. I drank nearly 2L after the finish and a further 2L at home while I played with Astrid's train set.
Had quite a bit of cramping up until 7 pm but little or none thereafter (even during the night!)
Decided not to drive home but stay another night... and play trains some more.

C • Well done! 8

Really abridged and poor warm up - late and couldn't get going.

With a poor warm up I was a bit skeptical but knew I'd done enough to make an improvement. Courtesy of a timing error I did a HUGE improvement - but I don't count parkrun timing, just my own... which was still a PB of a further 43 seconds. Shoes still very new and a bit painful so that counts them out for tomorrow.
S_T1 7:54
T1-T2 8:45
T2-T1 8:51
T1-T2 9:15
T2-F 2:33
All these were improvements on previous timings so i was pleased -and the noticeable headwind shows!
Now to get down to the time parkrun actually gave me!

The only resting will be done before I get to Sydney. The almost 3 year old will be waiting - ready to pounce (or scuttle, or twirl or climb or splash or...)

Upped weights for shoulders - this will need to be monitored but happy.
Observation - churlish and unkind! I propose that those people who drop their weights thereby making a very loud noise are doing it so that others will look at them and "admire" the heavy weight... so inconsiderate and rude.

C • Dropping weights 2

Only stepped back on squat jumps - don't like to do them the same day as a run.

Went early, helped set up and do Rego. Avoided the showers of the day and lovely and cool... but the hills were still there.
Worked out a plan which was conservative to say the least. It's been a hilly 10 days with last week's event, Sunday training and a heavy legs session at the gym in the morning already under my belt. It was interesting to overhear others - runners!!- saying they didn't bother going to some controls because it was the last event of the season proper and why....
Macey's courses are always great and still the same with this one. Had thought to go to Braye Park control as it is the highest point of the map but wimped out. Planning changed throughout - adding a couple of controls but seeing Damien on course AGAIN during which we safely but very deliberately cross to the other side of the road (ritual greeting ceremony between us) I stuffed the next control and then pulled the timing tight to get an additional 2 pointer which may have resulted in losing 1 for being late (most likely, on checking time I think I wouldn't have lost it!) but I didn't feel like being late, and what's another 200m uphill after the week.
So ends another Summer Street Series - still love the format! Managed a full attendance so will await my reward next week at presentation - toblerone!

C • Toblerone 2

Upped weight on Chest. No going back now.

When Cory says it's been tough - I'm not going to argue. Did another 38 Box jumps but limited other high impact sections - with all the hill work lately and extra running I don't want to tempt fate.