Training Log Archive: RobB

Event: Yorkshire Three Peaks
 

Nervous warm up. Running to the toilets and doing laps of the marquee.

The 3 Peaks has been my main aim (my A race) for the spring 2012 and it was the equivalent of the London Marathon for me in terms of focus and commitment.

I enjoyed my training build up to the race which had a more flexible feel than in previous years and included much more orienteering, hills and off road. I had changed my taper for the race slightly rather than doing the traditional 3 week cut down of 70,50,30% I did roughly 50% (to rest up before Coledale), 70% and 30%. This seemed to work ok and I got to race day feeling confident in my fitness but nervous about how I would hold up over such a long race in a pretty stacked field.

I only got to the start line thanks to OJ and JJ - the Fiesta died on the way to travelodge in Keighley on Friday night (clutch and hydraulics) and they kindly took a detour on the way to the race and picked us up.

The race started steadily and it was great to be in a such a large pack on the way up to Pen-Y-Gehnt. It was really windy and everyone was sticking together to try to shelter. Had a bit of a chat with John and tried to just settle down into a nice rhythm. About 15 minutes in I was still feeling really fresh and took comfort from those who were breathing more heavily around me and had the first thoughts that it could be a good day.

Saw Clare at Pot hole at the point where the path started to steepen. Wanted to run within myself and "keep it steady" was my mantra on the way up. I was heartened that I could keep pace with the leaders on the steepest section and punched in 5th/6th about 10 seconds down on Jo Symonds.

I heeded Kitch's advice about trying to keep the legs as fresh for as long as possible and I deliberately kept it relaxed and steady on the the descent off Pen-Y-Ghent as the leaders flew away from me. Took a drink and gel off Clare at Pot hole and headed to the next checkpoint in Ribblehead.

The section to Birkwith was probably the hardest of the whole race for me psychologically. I was running into the wind and although determined to run at my own pace, I was having to work hard to keep the leaders in sight - Tom Owens, Joe Symonds, Ricky Lightfoot were in a group about 45 seconds ahead with Andy Davis and Carl Bell chasing them down. My left hip and glute had started to tighten and I was really worried that the race would be prematurely ended because of a (bio) mechanical. Gave myself a bit of a talking to here - there was no point worrying about stuff outside of my control, all I could do was try and relax and focus on running as fluidly as possible.

Things picked up at Nether Lodge as the race made its way to firmer tracks and then road. Didn't make much time on the leaders on the way to Ribblehead but was much more comfortable in my running. Literally stopped to search for and pick up my drink and gel at Ribblehead and was in 5th place here 30 seconds down on the leading group.

Started to feel stronger on the ascent up summit Whernside which was towering above me. Could see Joe run off the front of the group above me, but was heartened to make some ground on the rest of the leading pack. I caught up with Ricky, Andy and Carl just before the peak. I was content to sit in with everyone at the front as I was unsure about the best line off Whernside and wanted to keep an eye on the others. We all punched to the top at the same time but Carl and Ricky quickly gapped me on the descent. This was a bit chaotic with loads of walkers and competitors from the Fellsman (found out later that a charity walk was taking place too) around and there was not much space on the steeply stepped descent.

I didn't want to push too hard on the way to the next check point as I was still a little worried about my legs and was confident about catching the others on the way up Ingleborough. Got some great support through Hill Inn (and took another drink and gel). I was 20 seconds down on the group here, with Joe still 2 minutes clear and not in sight.

Worked my way past Ricky and Andy on the flag stones and caught Carl on the steep steps. I got into second place as the gradient flattened out and pushed on as hard as I could into the wind at the top of the climb. Punched the top in 2nd but only 2 seconds ahead of Carl. I could see 4th, 5th and 6th about a minute or so back and knew that I had a great chance of a top 3 finish providing I kept it all together.

Carl quickly caught and passed me and opened up a 50 meter gap which pretty much stayed in place all the way to the finish. Despite the cheers and support on the way into the finish (thanks Clare) I couldn't make any dent on Carl's lead. We both missed the 4wd tracks (Carl had not run the route either) and I think this would have saved time as the ground was muddy and slippy. Something to check in the future.

During the last 5 minutes I was just running scared of my legs breaking down and being caught and it was a great relief to cross the railway line which pretty much signalled the end of the race.

Really really chuffed to get 3rd place and was told that the time was solid considering the conditions (although I don't think there is such a thing as perfect weather). I finished 2 minutes down on Joe and 30 seconds on Carl.

As an added bonus I scooped the Yorkshire champs prize (which has an amazing list of past winners). Dark Peak won the overall team prize and the Yorkshire champs too. There was also a great individual result from Dr Rocke for 9th (and first under 25).

Plan is now to enjoy the late Spring / early summer racing season. Looking forward to the Inter Counties and Jura in particular.

C • Awesome!!! 5

Out to hillsborough and did a few strides and stretches pre-breckie.

Same route as Tuesday. Work, home, Beeley, home. Managed to dodge the hail so had to make do with the standard downpour instead. Did 5 x 1 minute efforts with about 1 minute recovery. Legs felt ok but left side gluteus / hamstrings was a little tight sore. Put it down to pre-race / taper niggles.

Was going to go and jog round / spectate at the SY 5 miler being held at dam flask. Played the "fair weather" card and took a rest day instead. Need to toughen up before Saturday...

C • 3 Peaks 10

Run to work.

Run home, dumped my bag and then a 5 mile route round Beeley. Threw in some reps - 1 x 1 mile @ mara pace, 2 x 2 minutes @ half mara and then 3 x 1 minute at 10k pace. Felt good.

Run home from work then to Forgevalley to do some drills. Felt relatively sprightly.

New school is looking quite eh new and shiny. Apparently it is going to have a 1k cycle track within it. Not sure if we will be able to get onto it for reps but it might be good.