Training Log Archive: nmulder

Long steady run in hot weather. Legs stuffed after yesterday's MTB. Went out to Jukskei Park, Douglasdale, Fourways, Magaliesig, Lonehill and back.

I've wanted to do this race for at least 10 years, so finally got around to doing it. Mac and Brian were both supposed to be here as well, but in the end just me. :-)

Objective of the race was to see where my race fitness levels were. I've only done 1 other race this year, Sani2c, which is pretty awful going. I found out that I'm pretty badly out of touch, no speed or zippyness that more regular racing gives you.

Started from Stanford Lake College and managed to keep track of where we were for the first 8km or so. After that the thick mist, constant terrain changes in and out of forests and the never-ending turns got me totally disorientated.

Found myself in 8th place, but that slowly started to drop as I realised I'd started too hard. Tried to hang onto two Stanford locals, but they worked me over and blew me towards the first high point of the race. That was 20km in.

I slowed the pace and settled back into a more steady ryhthm on my own in about 13th place. Went from 40 to 60km mark without seeing another rider. Recognised one or two spots which helped me get my bearings back again. Conditions also started improving after about 50km as we went past Dap Naude Dam. The majority of the race was constantly undulating, but at least this section was a nice slow down next to the river.

Found myself in a final battle for 15th place over the last few kms of the route. Knowing the terrain over the last section helped and I was able to time my break perfectly.

Winner did a phenomenal 3h30, so I was almost 1 hour back! Reckon that with more regular racing I could have been 20 min or so faster.

Overall a superb race, superb organisation (best route markings ever) and I'll try everthing possible to be back next year.

Av 18.0
Mx 53.4

Thanks to Tony H. for GPS data.

Drove out to the Magoebeskloof for the Magoebeskloof MTB Classic. Arrived at the hotel and went out for a run in the forests and the kiwi plantations along the top of the escarpment. Overcast, cold and damp weather, so great for running.

Was invited by Alec A. to Groenkloof for a Neverest Trail and Feedback session. He was using his Samsung whilst I was using the App on my iPhone.

We did the Duathlon version, the Run/Ride & Seek with 3 hour time limit.

First off was a 4km standard Orienteering leg, controls in order, that more or less followed the main northern loop hiking trail. Took a few shortcuts.

Took some time in the transition as we were also playing with our phone apps. Still some bugs with the iPhone version.

Eventually set off and decided to only do the optional points in the southern half of the reserve. Found a nice loop that collected everything bar 1 CP.

Av 15.6
Mx 34.5

Back onto foot. Went out for only 3 CPs on the southern hill as Alec had a few niggles still from his latest endeavors. It was pretty stinking hot by then, so I was also happy to call it a day.

Had used up about 2h15 of time by this stage, so could have kept going for another 45 min to score some more points. But will leave that for another time.

Moonchaser Night Race at the Big Red Barn

Race course went back to the normal route and is now back to 10km again after the 10.6 a couple months ago.

I had a stable start and maintained a constant tempo all the way around. Went from about 12th after the start up to 9th as people dropped off, then back down to about 12th again as 3 runners passed me in the final 2km on the downhill to the river.

Finished about 2 mins or so behind Nathan and Cobus. Good turnout of strong athletes this time round.

Cool overcast morning after overnight rain. Out to the Cradle and clockwise, coming back via Elandsdrift.

Got drenched on the way back from just after Lanseria.

Av 24.7
Mx 61.2

Legs not 100% after this morning's ride, so easy start. Picked up the speed at 2km turn (9:00), so negative split back up the hill.