Training Log Archive: KingTim

Having been allowed some time off between work and bath time I thought it would be nice to have a social run with Keith around AC. He didn't.

On my own from Church Rd, figure of eighting around Tawnpint woods and I think Gracie's wood, and a final half loop of AC taking in one of the old favourite Charles Daniel approved loops.

Nice to be back in AC after what seems like ages, but it was very wet and muddy underfoot. Felt awfully flat after the Swiss Alps though (both me and the terrain).

http://connect.garmin.com/jsPlayer/510160179

C • Sorry 1

Last day in Switzerland. Darrell took me on a lovely run through up through some single track and up some pistes to bag the 1568m summit of Pralet before dropping down then decided on a bonus climb up to the 1783m Col de Lys. Awesome run, amazing views and it's been great fun running in some real mountain terrain.

As the saying goes, when in Switzerland do like the Tarahumara do, and run in huaraches. So I did, with some trepidation. It was really good fun but slow going on the steep rocky descents.

http://connect.garmin.com/jsPlayer/507509892

C • slow going! I had to really... 2

C • slow going! I had to really... 1

Staying with Darrell and Ali High in Switzerland for a few days. Morning walk up a local 'hill' with kids in rucksacks. Gloriously sunny, stunning views. Tough climbing.

Darrell was keen to show me his nearest 2000m peak, and what better way than to run up it? Started from about 1500m. Quite a formidable climb. Snow up top, and thick cloud. Views stunning from just under the cloud base.

Darrell showed me how to run up a mountain. Very impressive. Very jealous.

http://connect.garmin.com/jsPlayer/507509872

Joy! Another cold.

Stroud Trail Half Marathon+

Didn't really know what to expect from this. It is the race's first year and the route was only finalised 2 weeks ago, but the standard 13.1 miles was obviously not enough.

First 5km along the canal towpath. I took the lead almost straight away and was pulling away quite easily. Knowing there would be a couple of big ascents I didn't want to go all out in the early part but my steady pace seemed to be enough to give me a comfortable lead.

Through some grassy fields, a short stretch of country lane, then a steady climb through more fields, stiles and gates and then a really steep climb up through some woods.

Out on to the grassy Selsey Common for an out and back around a tumulus. Still leading by a few hundred metres over the common, then a long downhill through more fields and out onto a very steep downhill road section. This really took it out of my legs and my pace along the next couple of km along the towpath must have slowed and I became aware of someone catching me up.

Then another really steep climb up a muddy and rocky footpath and on to another open common area. I got overtaken at mile 11 on the steep climb then again as we summited on Rodborough Common. Didn't have enough strength to fight and they both steadily pulled away and dropped me as we descended back down to the canal.

Finished 3rd. Got a prize of a mini hamper of fruit, chocolate, bubble bath and importantly a bottle of local ale.

Laura did well finishing 26 mins later.

http://connect.garmin.com/jsPlayer/497476822

After work trot around Blaise. Felt a bit crap after eating too many dry roasted nuts at parents' evening.

http://connect.garmin.com/jsPlayer/494451779

C • snacks provided? 2

First RFW in 2014. First time taking the suspender bridge route rather than the Avonmouth Bridge route.

Court Hill Woods, Cadbury Camp Lane, Noah's Arc Farm, Lower Failand, Tawnpit (sic) Woods, Fiddy Acre Woods, AC, Downs and home.

Felt pretty ok. Nicer route than the other on account of it being more off road. Happy to have managed the whole run without feeling the need to take on food.

My Garmin seems to be going a bit awry lately. It's 5 years old now.
http://connect.garmin.com/page/activity/jsPlayer.f...

http://app.strava.com/activities/136582184

C • Fifty acre wood 2

Lunchtime steady trot with Graham around Clevedon. Felt quite lacklustre today, legs heavy and laboured.