Training Log Archive: NSW Stinger

373 people starting a swim through a passage of about 10m between rocks. It was pretty full on and can't say I really enjoyed it. Felt like I was swimming in people and not in water. Even at the end of the course I was bumping into people. Never really swam on anyones feet, because no one, including myself can swim in a straight line.
Reasonably happy with my swim, but might do a bit more training next year to turn it into a strength. Beat Jarad which was my only aim.
42nd place, 7th Solo- 5.22mins behind best.

C • Great race Robbie 3

Had a pretty slow transition out of the wetsuit and into the boat. Jarad paddled up next to me a few mins into the leg and I jumped on his wash. Conditions were pretty well perfect for me, no swell and a slight tail wind. I worked hard to stay with Jarad for about 6km (much longer than expected). Then Big Dave Provan pulled along side and I saw Jarad start to move to his wake. I knew things were going to get tough, and probably gave in a bit too quickly, but at least I didn't totally blow my arms. When I dropped off I shouted at Dave to surge and drop Jarad. But he didn't realise who was on his tail and never surged. Watched them slowly paddle away from me as I started to tire. Around the turning buoy, and back 3km into a stronger headwind. I was feeling the strain now, but managed to stick on a team competitor for the last 2km. Small wave into Cumberland beach and happy to be out of the boat. Ok transition onto the run.
44th, 12th Solo, 9mins behind best solo. Better than expected probably due to the drafting, but again know I can come back better next year.

Felt ok at the start and had a gel and a drink. Compartment sydnome in shins started to come on again and had to ease of a bit up the hill. Passed Ilka, Tash, and Big Dave near the top of the hill. I planned to run the top and eescent really hard, but just couldn't control my legs, particularly on the descents. Tash almost caught up again going down the hill. Felt a bit better out on the rocks, and caught a few more people. Pushed really hard to the end and aassed 24 people, and 6 solos to move into 4th.
Definately could have done better, but still not a bad run. Felt like I ran faster here a few weeks ago in training, but it is more difficult after a few hours of racing. 6mins behind best, and 4mins slower than Jarad. 11th fastest leg, 7th solo. This is a fantastic course and I'd recommend any orienteer doing it in a team. Kathryn cleaned up fastest female run, even after doing the paddle which was impressive.

Started this leg about 7mins behind the leaders, which I considered unassailable, but didn't intend to give up. But my legs had other ideas. Not sure if I was dehydrated, and probably should have eaten more, but hopefully I can learn for next time. Ride is flat for about 500m then up massive hill that took me about 50mins to get up. Whenever the track pointed downhill, my legs usually stopped moving. Could hardly hold onto the handlebars at some points. Came unstuck on steep, but definately rideable hill, and had the embarassment of being watch by the photographers in the helicopter watch me push the bike up the hill. Finally found my legs again near the top and rode reasonably hard downhill hoping to see a competitor lying on the side of the track giving me top 3. Great single track descent into the TA.
59th fastest and 20mins behind best.

A good transition and kathryn told me Jarad was only 3mins in front and struggled. Hammered this run and could see him in front getting much closer. But it wasn't far enough and I ended up in 4th, 58secs behind Jarad and 19mins behind Ben Allen. Felt pretty ill for the next hour but eventually came good. Happy to know I pushed beyond my limits.
Satisfying result even though it wasn't the strongest field, and 4th in the "Australian Adventure Racing Champs" looks good on the CV. Looking forward to next year.

Results and pics http://www.rapidascent.com.au/Results/ResultsDetai...

Easy paddle in Lorne out past the pier and back to test a few modifications to my foot positioning.

Afternoon ride on fire trails around the pine plantations. Really pleasant and wished I'd got on the bike more recently and did some more exploring.

near Morwell around some plantations. 5km cross country on undulating sandy course. Started with Kathryn and held on for the first 1.5km which is usually a good sign. But then legs (mostly calves) blew up and i struggled home. 19.50. Hope i run better on the weekend.
Long cool down, and felt better by the end.

afternoon run with Kathryn. This time on the east side of the highway. Mostly on dirt bike made single track, and fire trails around euculypt plantations. There is a MTBO map of this area.
Legs felt a bit heavy, but ok.

morning swim in the pondage.Tested out borrowed wetsuit, but really don't need one here because its like swimming in a hot spring. Along the south dam wall. 1km out in 16.30, back in 15.50. Wetsuit was fine and felt ok, but hope i go a bit faster in salt water.

C • Catching up... 2

Following the swim. Muscles a bit tired but to be expected. Dead flat to start with, but then wind picked up.

afternoon paddle in the pondage. This time found the warm part of the lake, like kayaking in a bath. Was quite calm until a big storm came along and made it real windy. It was so choppy on the north wall i paddled it twice just for the practice. Good to know i can get some stability practice without having to go to the ocean.

run with Kathryn after the paddle. Legs felt ok, but L knee still a bit sore