Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

Event: NEOC: Forest Park Sprints and Picnic
 

Forest Park Sprint 1 -- Navigationally more simple than subsequent sprint, but actually with some excellent route choice options, most of which I feel I got wrong in retrospect. Effort was as good as I could muster, with the motivation of an opportunity to finally beat PG when he wasn't severely handicapped at the start. However, he had just finished as I was preparing to register, and he didn't look particularly displeased, so I knew my prospects weren't so good.

Started off well with just a little hesitation on the way to #1, then had first decision point after #2. I contemplated going straight through moderate green trying to take advantage of my relative advantages in thick vegetation, but option seemed quite uninviting when I got there, and by then I had given up on the probably superior route around lake to the N. Then went S to road rather than backtracking N to trail network on way to #4, again probably costing a few seconds. Made my one navigation error on way to #5 when I tried to cut crosscountry back to trail, but picked up instead an unmapped intermittent trail heading downhill one spur too far E. I did ultimately recoup a fraction of the loss wading the stream at the bottom. Rest of run was well executed, if you discount the wimpy but unavoidable walk up the hill to #7. Still outcome was not nearly good enough to challenge PG.

Sprint 2 -- Somewhat more technical sprint. This one felt like a cleaner effort, with only minimal bobbles on #3 and #5, both of which felt like they were due at least in part to undermapping of the gullies. Again the hills were daunting, necessitating a trudge at best. Most interesting leg was 10-11, which seemed to be best approached by running immediately to the road and then swinging in from the clearing. I started R of line before reaching this conclusion, but probably only wasted about few seconds. Finished 2 min behind PG again, but not embarrassed by my efforts.

Sprint 1 - Splits

Sprint 2 - Splits

Unpleasant early in the day, but sun broke through in the afternoon, and the dogs and I went out for short loop in the Town Forest. Humidity was impressive, and I was not interested in taxing myself before tomorrow's Sprints, so just jogged around comfortably. Fonzie, at least, was happy not to go any faster, and even Piper welcomed the chance to swim in the streams.

Crashed yesterday, and nearly didn't get out today, but finally built up the energy just before dinner. Didn't have time to do full loop in woods, but at least extended the loop to include High Rock. Had hoped to do separate hard run without the dogs before Phil's sprints on Saturday, but energy just wasn't there.

Nearing the end of my overscheduled period with just one more consecutive overnight shift tonight. Duplicated course from yesterday, and nearly duplicated the time. I must say that I was remarkably consistent, or more correctly that Fonzie was remarkably consistent, as his pace appears to be the rate limiting factor.

Now in the midst of 3 straight overnights, but still feeling guilty about last week, so got the dogs out for a shorter run in Town Forest, cutting off about 2 miles to make sure I got back in time to shower, cook, eat, and leave for work.

Finished a brutal 6-day span yesterday with 11 hours of lectures daily plus 2 overnight shifts. Dogs have been sorely neglected. We went out for a more leisurely run on the new Needham Town Forest loop.