Training Log Archive: Thraws

Sevenoaks Circular or SDW recce run would have been ill-advised given my current broken-down state. I need to recover. So had a pleasant pub walk from Northchapel via Windfallwood Common, Lower House Fm and Henley Common to the Duke of Cumberland's. Then Serpents Trail to Bexleyhill, Mill Fm, Lurgashall and back. Felt ok except when starting from standing, then felt like a fake polystyrene man.

C • *cracked 2

Event: SO SOG S5 - Parham Woods, between Storrington & Pulborough
 

Used to be a good area. Seemed badly brashed, but it could well have simply been my fatigue that made more of the tough going. Felt pretty knackered throughout, but reckon this was worth doing, if only as the prelude to an easier week or so. Left 3 in a rush and got the rides and clearings confused when they came up so ended up looking for 4 in the wrong block (3 mins lost). Got caught by RB and battled with him thereafter. He was leading till 8 but I decided to go straight over the hill to 9 and he was looking for it when I punched. We took different routes to 10 but punched together, but he got ahead a bit after I left 12 badly too. I had a better route and got to 13 ahead and 14 further ahead, but fluffed exit again and ended up 150 metres west of control (another minute lost). After that i was just exhausted. Was going to do green as well but (mercifully) they had sold out of maps.

(Garmin distance.) Didn't think I'd be taking part when I got up. Ankle in particular was very sore. Decided to try an ibuprofen, then realised I'd never actually had the one I'd meant to take before Silverstone. Which would explain the severe discomfort during and after that race. Took one before work and one before the race and felt just fine. Warmed up ok and was confident. But after steady first lap I felt much more fatigued than usual in the second. Caught Ben in the third but he pulled ahead when he heard me (expecting it), so I sat in till fourth. Went past in East Street and tried to get a gap, but legs were heavy and when he sprinted for the finish from the Park I had nothing left. Enjoyed it though and pleased to get it in in the circumstances. Splits 4.20, 4.30, 4.25, 4.17. Best of three.