Training Log Archive: rob s

Round a big park in Stockport with Bashir while waiting 5 hours for a flight to Aberdeen. Really nice running area. Legs not feeling too bad probably due to the heat stopping me going quick enough on the descents to trash the legs

Euro champs race. First time in senior mens and reasonably happy with 19th place. Started steady and tried to pace the 3 laps as I did in the trial. The first lap was good, wasn't too far back at the top and feeling strong. Tried not to descend too quick on the steep section, after that there was half a mile on a wide track which was much flatter and it was hard not to go too quick. The second lap was a struggle, the first part was very exposed to the sun so I was getting very warm and not able to climb at the effort I wanted so stayed in about 25th place. The last lap was slightly better, climbing ok and making up a few places on the descent. When I hit the last 0.75miles there was a French runner about 5-10s ahead so I tried really hard to close the gap. With 400m to go I sprinted past then he sped up and overtook me, managed to hang on til 100m to go and had to do my fastest ever sprint finish to pass him.

Steve was 11th, Chris Smith 35th. Turkey and Italy dominated with 5 runners in the top 10. Going out early was a massive advantage, getting more used to the heat. Ahmet who won the race was there 2 weeks early as he thought it was too hot and he comes from Turkey! The temp was over 30 degrees in the mens race, reaching 35 in the afternoon

C • result 2

Last run before the race. Out and back route with 4 x 150m strides at the end. No dogs today

Following the river and farms from hotel. We went with the Irish runners who arrived that morning. We went out for 3 miles then a big angry dog started barking and chasing us so everyone turned and ran away. It was still there so I turned round and chased it in the other direction for a bit.

Two laps of the course. Feeling good and going at a decent pace to practice the descent. Some tight corners on steep loose ground

8 x 1min, 1min recovery. First 6 on the flat then 2 going uphill. Legs feeling good. Feeling the heat after finishing the last one

Run along a river from the hotel. Very hot, getting hotter by the end of the run

Through some farmland near the town. Feeling recovered from travelling, legs back to normal. Did a few strides on the way back

Twice round the race course near Pamukkale. Very hot and dry, dusty underfoot with a mix of fast running and technical sections