Training Log Archive: rcro

Feeling tired this morning.

Crappy route through Chepstow Park Wood and then across valley to Earlswood and then back. Much more on road than was planned as seems that almost every marked footpath (on the map) does not exist, and there is no evidence on ground to suggest it ever did exist - at least not in the lifetime of the mature hedges.

The paths I did find were VERY overgrown and clearly had little footfall. Wise to it on the way back so stayed on road much more - but the paths I did take turned out to be shitty.

In terms of runnability, CPW varies from "Welsh" to impenetrable bramble - more often than not the latter.

Don't plan to run here again any time soon. Now join is done hope I won't have to.

https://www.strava.com/activities/774347345

Not sure why I went to this today - feeling awful after a very bad night of no sleep following another bad night of very little sleep.

Started near the back and got very boxed in. Having to stop on every corner - or go right around the outside. But ground conditions suited me much better than Bridgend - soft ground a bit churned up by previous races, and the hills were wide enough for me to not get held up. In the top field I made sure to get some clean space by running in the tussocks parallel to the worn track each lap - and surprisingly was making better progress than the people on track.

Steadily overtaking - closed the 60 yard gap to John Aggleton to overtake at 5.5k, and had widened lead to 100 yards by 8k when his calf couldn't take the shame any more and he retired (although he concedes he was beaten fair and square).

Lost 2 of the places I'd just gained on last 100 yards as I couldn't sprint - but quite happy with result given circumstances. 196th place and I think in top 4 Lliswerry again. Pushed very hard - felt like one of hardest runs I've done.

Enjoyed it. Maybe.

https://www.strava.com/activities/773245985

Got home and lay in bed for 4 hours as ran out of energy. Suppose it's time for breakfast now...

C • S'a good time, 1

Trains back to normal?

Divert via Lydney, expected in to Swindon 9.50, then Temple Meads 10.40. Might get to Parkway for 11...? Suppose I did "only" get to Newport station for 8

Downside to train getting in 2hr 14mins late is too late for breakfast at work, and then had to take a very shortened lunch to try and catch up. Still, these 2+ hour delays are happening so often now that soon work will be used to it...

Lliswerry intervals at Beechwood. West side of the park this time - 8x half hills (220m at average 10% gradient). Think I prefer the other side, where the hill is longer and bigger.

Doing my own thing as wanted to use the jog down only as recovery - when the session was 1 min rest at top then jog down. Meant I was able to add in a 9th effort, with the next group down.

Activity split in two as suspected new heart rate monitor (delivered this afternoon) was guessing heart rate rather than measuring first time - so started again after waiting for a proper reading. Seemed to be consistently maxing at around 176 - no idea if that is good or not, but watch thinks it should go up to 193 if I try hard. Interesting to watch on the rest.

https://www.strava.com/activities/770843116

MDC run from Taffs Well. Abysmal weather, absymal traffic (OK, I did get up to dizzy heights of 30mph once into Taffs Well industrial estate...), route not quite as nice as last week.

Still got some miles and ascent in, fairly easy paced and not working too hard, and good company and food after - fantastic cake from Jon to finish.

https://www.strava.com/activities/769953377