Training Log Archive: Ari-o

Run across the road to pee, and get Garmin reception

Out to WESTMASS for 7 Sisters, I wouldn't miss this for anything (except the Billygoat). Not enough sleep, too rich food (and not carby enough) last night, so I didn't feel great at the start, but lined up ready to go. Went out and redlined up the climb, got passed some it seemed and felt like I was at the back of the front wave. Leah and Kelsey passed pretty quickly (Leah was leading near the last downhill but took a wrong turn, we need to get that sorted out!) and I wasn't feeling great. Alex wasn't racing because knee (probably a good idea) and criticized my downhill running technique, which is valid, but I had just hauled up the hill.

But it was beautiful. Warm but dry, breezy, trail was mostly dry but tacky, only wet in one short section. In to the turn under 1:10, drinking more, starting to feel better. I probably passed more people than I was passed by on the way back, running for a time on my own. Again, just beautiful out, probably the best sisters conditions I've had (2014 may have been cooler, actually, but my legs were shot from running the day before). I was passed by the third woman about two miles from the finish, then passed her back on the uphill with the drums which is just painfully steep, but really so much fun. 22% grade over 1/3 mile, with the steep bit at 40%, just straight up.

The woman passed me on the scree and I didn't want to sprain my ankles. Well under 2:30, best 7S time yet (and the new turnaround probably adds a minute to the course), and pretty happy with that. Even though I hadn't felt great, I guess I moved pretty well. I definitely have some time to gain on downhills. And uphills. And flats.

Then, gosh, 7 Sisters has the bestest post-race environment. Tents in trees, lots and lots of food, pizza, and this year Amy outdid herself by having someone donate a keg of beer which found its way behind a rock. Stoneface IPA, and she'd already given us mugs.

The ice cream was well-earned.

O at 6. Meeting at 6. Will be late for meeting. Controls were probably set, I went around waking most of them up. No real mistakes, but pretty hot, so I was sweaty at least.

Bike ride since it was too hot for running. Nice day for a ride, though. Out to Arlington, up Eastern Ave, back through Belmont. One lady in a minivan tried to squeeze me passing when there was a construction single lane ahead and slow traffic, I held my line and asked through the open window "what good is it going to do you anyway?" She didn't get it. People driving cars are monsters.

C • desperation 2

Quick run.