Training Log Archive: AliS

"ran" the short course at WET since I'm still coughing a lot. It wasn't too bad actually, except for the coughing. Going slowly meant I could work on my control taking and route choice planning. Fun course by the Rennies.

Control taking at Royal Roads. Coach Louise ran with us from control 1-7, talking us through her control taking system. It was really interesting to listen to her talk as she ran. Then went on by myself. Found all of the controls with little problem, but couldn't focus so much on control taking as the undergrowth was pretty thick and I was trying to stay upright! Great area!

Control taking on the Royal Roads Sprint Map. Flipped over the map and did the control taking on the sprint map. Much smoother underfoot, so I could really concentrate on control taking. Nice flow! We had a group train going at this point, but that was OK because you could pretty much see each control from the previous one anyway!

Simplification at Royal Roads. Now this was interesting... Louise had highlighted the features on the map that she'd use when running this race... it was really interesting to see what details she uses when running, and what we should be focussing on. I ran until #5, then walked most of the rest with Kate. Walking was good, partly because it was "West Coast White", and partly because I had only eaten a bagel and nothing else.... I'm not sure I could have followed along so cleanly while running. Was pretty hungry by the end!

Final race at Francis King. Final race to put all that practice together! I didn't have much food, so by control #3 my brain had pretty much turned off. I was also tired from being sick and having done so much exercise/thinking. I walked straight to #4, bouncing off features rather than anticipating them. Bobbled 6, but the rest of the course was clean.

Great weekend. Learned a lot. Glad I went, but maybe I'll try not to get sick next time! Thanks Salal, TNip, Atropos, and Ted for their coaching expertise!