Training Log Archive: AnvilIn the 30 days ending Apr 30, 2008:
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Tuesday Apr 29, 2008 #
Running race (Wimbledon Common TT) 19:10 [4] 3.0 mi (6:23 / mi)
ahr:161 max:176 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
The first of monthly summer time trials on WImbledon Common. I feel so dirty now having done an imperial length course, ewww.
OK, I'm also muddy as a pig in, well, mud as it pissed down all afternoon (and kindly stopped 5 minutes into the race). Planned on taking it easy to give myself a good handicap for the following races and did, but bloody hell, that time is pretty fast for me taking it easy. Just one of those magic runs where you feel light and strong and in control. Let all the enthusiastic people bolt past me at the start, I was confident I could reel them all in - I was even in control enough to let the fast ladies pass me.
Turned it up in the last k or so as some people were trying to pass me and I want to have a big group to chase in subsequent event.
OK, I'm also muddy as a pig in, well, mud as it pissed down all afternoon (and kindly stopped 5 minutes into the race). Planned on taking it easy to give myself a good handicap for the following races and did, but bloody hell, that time is pretty fast for me taking it easy. Just one of those magic runs where you feel light and strong and in control. Let all the enthusiastic people bolt past me at the start, I was confident I could reel them all in - I was even in control enough to let the fast ladies pass me.
Turned it up in the last k or so as some people were trying to pass me and I want to have a big group to chase in subsequent event.
Running warm up/down 30:00 [1]
Ran/walked back home from the time trial. Someone asked me what I'd been doing in the supermarket, I didn't realise my entire back was covered in mud!
Monday Apr 28, 2008 #
Running 30:00 [2]
Easy run along the tow path to get rid of the residual cramp aches in the legs.
Spring is definately here in the form on swarms of these tiny little insects the get in your eyes, mouth, nose, whatever orifice is open at the time etc. all along the path. Hopefully they overpopulate and die - they already piss me off.
Spring is definately here in the form on swarms of these tiny little insects the get in your eyes, mouth, nose, whatever orifice is open at the time etc. all along the path. Hopefully they overpopulate and die - they already piss me off.
Sunday Apr 27, 2008 #
Orienteering race 1:24:42 [4] *** 10.6 km (7:59 / km) +400m 6:43 / km
ahr:168 max:182 spiked:19/24c shoes: Inov8 Roclites
'Blodslitet' race at Winterfold.
Got to the assemble area only 15 mins before I started, having ridden from Dorking so was in a bit of a rush. Got to the start with 5 mins to spare, but not really feeling the best and already thirsty.
Thought I was going slowly at the start, but was probably too fast considering how my legs were feeling after the hills. Stayed with the front pack for the first common legs, reeled them in at #5 and picked up the fastest split, but as soon as the course split I was done, absolutely no legs for the hills. Sloppy at #8 and #10 and allowed one guy to catch me and was on my own for the rest. The use of a platform at #14 irritated me when there was a perfectly good thicket nearby. Got on the wrong track to #16, and took a stupid route to #18, but at least I spiked it in the low vis green. There was a pack of 3 of us on the last common legs, but I had absolutely nothing left on the hills by then and they got away from me.
Wish now I'd organised a lift, cause it would have been nice to try and be competetive with the front runners.
Was a shame the course didn't go into any of the interesting looking earthworks that spread throughout the map, it was basically a speed and strength course - nothing wrong with that, but I'd say there a less interesting maps in the south more suited to that kind of course. Seems like a waste to not use the maps assets.
http://www.slow.routegadget.co.uk/cgi-bin/reitti.c...
Got to the assemble area only 15 mins before I started, having ridden from Dorking so was in a bit of a rush. Got to the start with 5 mins to spare, but not really feeling the best and already thirsty.
Thought I was going slowly at the start, but was probably too fast considering how my legs were feeling after the hills. Stayed with the front pack for the first common legs, reeled them in at #5 and picked up the fastest split, but as soon as the course split I was done, absolutely no legs for the hills. Sloppy at #8 and #10 and allowed one guy to catch me and was on my own for the rest. The use of a platform at #14 irritated me when there was a perfectly good thicket nearby. Got on the wrong track to #16, and took a stupid route to #18, but at least I spiked it in the low vis green. There was a pack of 3 of us on the last common legs, but I had absolutely nothing left on the hills by then and they got away from me.
Wish now I'd organised a lift, cause it would have been nice to try and be competetive with the front runners.
Was a shame the course didn't go into any of the interesting looking earthworks that spread throughout the map, it was basically a speed and strength course - nothing wrong with that, but I'd say there a less interesting maps in the south more suited to that kind of course. Seems like a waste to not use the maps assets.
http://www.slow.routegadget.co.uk/cgi-bin/reitti.c...
Cycling 51:00 [3] 14.2 km (16.7 kph)
ahr:98 max:134
From Dorking station to the assembly area. Faffed around a lot at the station and at a shop getting water before realising how far I had to go before getting to the event.
Nice morning though.
Nice morning though.
Cycling 28:00 [3] 9.5 km (20.4 kph)
ahr:119 max:147
Cramped up fairly painfully getting changed after the race and was worried I wouldn't make it back. After getting my fill of water and food and once the rain stopped hopped on the bike and headed to the closest station.
Unfortuantely the roads were still a river and got soaked. Got to the station and realised it was the line where trains only come every hour and decided it'd be faster to ride back to Dorking.
Luckily the hills weren't as bad in the other direction so it flew by. Absolutely knackered by the time I got home, can still feel the part of my legs that cramped up.
Unfortuantely the roads were still a river and got soaked. Got to the station and realised it was the line where trains only come every hour and decided it'd be faster to ride back to Dorking.
Luckily the hills weren't as bad in the other direction so it flew by. Absolutely knackered by the time I got home, can still feel the part of my legs that cramped up.
Saturday Apr 26, 2008 #
Running 10:56 [4] 2.2 km (4:58 / km)
ahr:157 max:186
Did the beep test. Why? Some friends of mine have started a fitness campaign and want to measure their progress (engineers, everything must be graphed, charted and analysed - can't hide the geek in this profession).
Since I haven't done it since Pacque used to make us to them as juniors, decided to give it a go.
Got 12-4, which I though was pretty crap, but;
the 20m length was measured with a 20x1m lengths of measuring tape
the test was conducted on Itunes on a laptop, which a different mp3 for each stage. Problem was Itunes does funny stuff between each mp3, so if you notice my time, we were doing the stages a lot quicker - should have been about 12:20!
We did it on wet grass - stage 12 was the limiting speed for me before I started slipping at each turn.
Probably won't do it again, I prefer time trials as a measure of fitness.
Since I haven't done it since Pacque used to make us to them as juniors, decided to give it a go.
Got 12-4, which I though was pretty crap, but;
the 20m length was measured with a 20x1m lengths of measuring tape
the test was conducted on Itunes on a laptop, which a different mp3 for each stage. Problem was Itunes does funny stuff between each mp3, so if you notice my time, we were doing the stages a lot quicker - should have been about 12:20!
We did it on wet grass - stage 12 was the limiting speed for me before I started slipping at each turn.
Probably won't do it again, I prefer time trials as a measure of fitness.
Cycling 1:20:00 [3] 20.0 km (15.0 kph)
ahr:110 max:145
After the trial, went off and rode around Richmond Park. Absolute beaut day, best yet - I even caught the sun! I acually forgot how nice the warmth of the sun can feel.
Cycling 1:45:00 [2] 30.0 km (17.1 kph)
Cause it was such a nice day, decided to give the tube the shaft and ride out to Tower Bridge for some beers in the sun my the river.
Wandered down the river afterwards and came across a Dutch festival. Apart from lots of people in orange shirts it didn't seem very Dutch. Just lots of chips, donuts and beer. Not that I'm complaining, the chips were incredible.
Wandered down the river afterwards and came across a Dutch festival. Apart from lots of people in orange shirts it didn't seem very Dutch. Just lots of chips, donuts and beer. Not that I'm complaining, the chips were incredible.
Thursday Apr 24, 2008 #
Cycling 55:00 [3] 20.0 km (21.8 kph)
ahr:110 max:139
Had planned to rind out to the Windmilers hill session, but as I was heading out there it as so nice riding I just decided to keep going. Did a Ubolt to stop at the Sainsbury's in Wimbledon to pick up some food for tea and then just rode around the back streets exploring for a while.
Had a squiz at some tennis courts that they have some competition as and headed home via Southfields as it got dark. Some decent hills in the area, made a nice change.
Nice day #4.
Had a squiz at some tennis courts that they have some competition as and headed home via Southfields as it got dark. Some decent hills in the area, made a nice change.
Nice day #4.
Wednesday Apr 23, 2008 #
Running 48:00 [3] 9.8 km (4:54 / km)
ahr:140 max:149 shoes: White Asics
Nice easy run around the towpath and zig zagged back through Barnes Common to get over 45 mins. Another cracker evening, I don't know if it will top yesterdays max of 19.5 (this months peak, as reported in all the papers). Feels like summer is finally coming, touch wood.
Tuesday Apr 22, 2008 #
Running intervals 9:45 [5] 3.0 km (3:15 / km)
max:180 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Speed session with the Windmilers. Originally meant to be 3 x 600m x 2, but we dropped to 3 x 400m on the second batch due to fading light. In teams of 3, did 600m then recovered while the other 2 did their laps. Probably too long a recovery, but a good session to get to know other club members. Felt OK, a little heavy in the legs though.
600s
2:00 126/168
2:02 165/176
2:00 168/180
400s
1:10 163/177
1:15 161/179
1:17 160/178
First team I was in we came second (I don't care what they say, we all know it was a race). Cause we were too fast, they swapped me out to another team, and we came last on the 400s. Boo.
600s
2:00 126/168
2:02 165/176
2:00 168/180
400s
1:10 163/177
1:15 161/179
1:17 160/178
First team I was in we came second (I don't care what they say, we all know it was a race). Cause we were too fast, they swapped me out to another team, and we came last on the 400s. Boo.
Running warm up/down 30:00 [2] 4.5 km (6:40 / km)
shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Warm up to/from the track. Not counting recoveries cause it was just stading round sledging other teams.
Monday Apr 21, 2008 #
Note
(rest day)
More thoughts on the weekend:
Inverness was fantastic. Quiet, green, sunny (I know that one was lucky), people and traffic free, mountain and ocean nearby - everything London isn't and makes me appreciate what I've left behind back home. Added bonus that it was in Macbeth country - saw signs for Cawdor castle (my Grade 10 English teacher would be so proud)
Emit still sucks and is not conducive to control flow if you want to punch the back up. Felt lika a massive numpty doing a ridiculous corkscrew manouvre in front of all the spectators at the final relay control.
Instead of sooking about the vegetation, get over it - everyone else has the same map.
Similar to above, instead of nitpicking and complaining, be thankful I'm running on a new quality area instead of a Launceston paddock map or in Buckland for the 20th time. (Complaining about emit doesn't count)
Go for more runs on Pittwater when I'm home.
http://www.boc2008.routegadget.co.uk/boc/reitti.cg...
Inverness was fantastic. Quiet, green, sunny (I know that one was lucky), people and traffic free, mountain and ocean nearby - everything London isn't and makes me appreciate what I've left behind back home. Added bonus that it was in Macbeth country - saw signs for Cawdor castle (my Grade 10 English teacher would be so proud)
Emit still sucks and is not conducive to control flow if you want to punch the back up. Felt lika a massive numpty doing a ridiculous corkscrew manouvre in front of all the spectators at the final relay control.
Instead of sooking about the vegetation, get over it - everyone else has the same map.
Similar to above, instead of nitpicking and complaining, be thankful I'm running on a new quality area instead of a Launceston paddock map or in Buckland for the 20th time. (Complaining about emit doesn't count)
Go for more runs on Pittwater when I'm home.
http://www.boc2008.routegadget.co.uk/boc/reitti.cg...
Running 20:00 [2] 3.9 km (5:08 / km)
ahr:143 max:180 shoes: White Asics
Easy recovery run, just cause I can.
HR jumped up right at the beginning, after the weekend I guess it was preemptively thinking, 'what's this bastard gonna make me do today'. Took 10 mins for it to settle.
HR jumped up right at the beginning, after the weekend I guess it was preemptively thinking, 'what's this bastard gonna make me do today'. Took 10 mins for it to settle.
Sunday Apr 20, 2008 #
Event: British Relays
Orienteering race 49:11 [4] 7.9 km (6:14 / km)
ahr:170 max:185 shoes: Grey Asics
Brit Relay Champs up at Culbin West.
That was more like it! 2nd leg runner in SLOW's A team. Out 1st leg runner Raplh came back only a couple minutes off the pace. Headed out in 7th place with a group of other, but I head no idea who was on my course and the splits were pretty significant. Decided not to worry about anyone else and just put my head down and go for it. Pretty good in the first section, a slight wobble on #3 running to a similar shaped knoll just to the south of the one I wanted. Caught back up to 2 blokes who got the slip on me at #7 but never saw them again in the subsequent splits in the low vis green. No real time losses for the rest of the course except I was far too hesitant in the circle stopping and checking the detail before heading in. I was spot on for each one and it cost my result from being a good one, to a great one (for me).
Felt really good running - I think I'm more suited to courses of this length at the moment. I enjoy them a lot more too. I wasn't really tired at the end so I think if I can sort out my navigational confidence, I'll be able to post some more credible times.
Again great forest, even faster in places than yesterday and I felt it was mapped much better. Sections reminded me of 5 Mile Beach (before it was bulldozed) and when the sun came out and you were in a thick bunch of pines, the smell made me feel like I was running through Pittwater in the summer.
Ended up 12th overall I think out of about 30, so pretty pleasing result.
Great finish to the mens relay as well, with close sprint finishes for 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th.
That was more like it! 2nd leg runner in SLOW's A team. Out 1st leg runner Raplh came back only a couple minutes off the pace. Headed out in 7th place with a group of other, but I head no idea who was on my course and the splits were pretty significant. Decided not to worry about anyone else and just put my head down and go for it. Pretty good in the first section, a slight wobble on #3 running to a similar shaped knoll just to the south of the one I wanted. Caught back up to 2 blokes who got the slip on me at #7 but never saw them again in the subsequent splits in the low vis green. No real time losses for the rest of the course except I was far too hesitant in the circle stopping and checking the detail before heading in. I was spot on for each one and it cost my result from being a good one, to a great one (for me).
Felt really good running - I think I'm more suited to courses of this length at the moment. I enjoy them a lot more too. I wasn't really tired at the end so I think if I can sort out my navigational confidence, I'll be able to post some more credible times.
Again great forest, even faster in places than yesterday and I felt it was mapped much better. Sections reminded me of 5 Mile Beach (before it was bulldozed) and when the sun came out and you were in a thick bunch of pines, the smell made me feel like I was running through Pittwater in the summer.
Ended up 12th overall I think out of about 30, so pretty pleasing result.
Great finish to the mens relay as well, with close sprint finishes for 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th.
Saturday Apr 19, 2008 #
Event: British Long Champs
Orienteering race 2:10:35 [4] 19.1 km (6:50 / km) +300m 6:20 / km
ahr:166 max:180 shoes: Inov8 Roclites
Brit Long Champs up at Culbin East.
Probably started a little harder than I should. First 4 controls were fairly complex dunes and wasn't prepared for the 2.5m contours and lost about a minute on each. Got a good flow after that and started using my head and trying to only pick up the big features until getting into the circle and reading the detail. The occasional stumble here and there meant my time was adding up faster than I would have liked, but there were no major errors. Pace slowed quite a lot on the way to #23 and I was bleeding time on each leg, walking up even the most gradual slopesand being maxi sloppy in the circle. Not impressed with #29, on a single knoll on the top of a hill. Finished off with some control picking in complex stuff in super low vis light green - was OK in here except for one it a spot that was mapped as green but was blantantly white.
I have to admit, I never felt totally confident with the map, I'm not sure if it was me or the mapping. The vegetation was sometimes spot on and other times just a rough indication - I don't mind either, just keep in consistant. Similarly, the entire area was criss crossed with thin strips of open cleared areas, some of which were mapped, some not.
All in all, it was a good event - but my little issues with the map stopped in being a great event. It was well organised, the forest in general was amazing to run in, so much so that you never needed to take a wider track option and it was your ability to ready the map in the detail that dictated your speed. I don't think the area was quite the gods gift to orienteering the organisers were making it out to be, but it was still well worth the trip north and I wouldn't hesitate to head up there again for a major event. Now I just need to work on my endurance in the terrain after 90 minutes.....
Probably started a little harder than I should. First 4 controls were fairly complex dunes and wasn't prepared for the 2.5m contours and lost about a minute on each. Got a good flow after that and started using my head and trying to only pick up the big features until getting into the circle and reading the detail. The occasional stumble here and there meant my time was adding up faster than I would have liked, but there were no major errors. Pace slowed quite a lot on the way to #23 and I was bleeding time on each leg, walking up even the most gradual slopesand being maxi sloppy in the circle. Not impressed with #29, on a single knoll on the top of a hill. Finished off with some control picking in complex stuff in super low vis light green - was OK in here except for one it a spot that was mapped as green but was blantantly white.
I have to admit, I never felt totally confident with the map, I'm not sure if it was me or the mapping. The vegetation was sometimes spot on and other times just a rough indication - I don't mind either, just keep in consistant. Similarly, the entire area was criss crossed with thin strips of open cleared areas, some of which were mapped, some not.
All in all, it was a good event - but my little issues with the map stopped in being a great event. It was well organised, the forest in general was amazing to run in, so much so that you never needed to take a wider track option and it was your ability to ready the map in the detail that dictated your speed. I don't think the area was quite the gods gift to orienteering the organisers were making it out to be, but it was still well worth the trip north and I wouldn't hesitate to head up there again for a major event. Now I just need to work on my endurance in the terrain after 90 minutes.....
Friday Apr 18, 2008 #
Note
(rest day)
Really tight hamstrings today and sore in the shoulders as well? Weird.
Bludging at work till my flight!
Bludging at work till my flight!
Thursday Apr 17, 2008 #
Orienteering race 44:17 [5] 10.3 km (4:18 / km)
ahr:173 max:181 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Evening score event in Hyde Park.
I haven't been to Hyde Park yet, since this event was advertised I purposely didn't go there so this would be my first experience there. Absolute cracker evening, sun & blue skies, a little cool - but far be it from me to complain about minor things like that ;).
When they announced there would be points for aollecting the controls and getting home early I decided to try for them all. Biggest dilemma in the route was when to get #14 - it wasn't far from the finish so I could have saved it for the end, but decided to do fit in early cause it would be shorter. Was the wrong decision as I was too slow for the plum 30 pointer just outside the park. Still, 4th place out of about 100 isn't too bad.
Went out too hard and slowed down a lot towards the end.
Got a few woots from onlookers when athletically jumping the multitudes of fences around the park. Got a disapproving glance when I trod on a daffodill from some woman walking a rat dog. It was in my way (the flower not the dog - though treading on that thing wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world)
I haven't been to Hyde Park yet, since this event was advertised I purposely didn't go there so this would be my first experience there. Absolute cracker evening, sun & blue skies, a little cool - but far be it from me to complain about minor things like that ;).
When they announced there would be points for aollecting the controls and getting home early I decided to try for them all. Biggest dilemma in the route was when to get #14 - it wasn't far from the finish so I could have saved it for the end, but decided to do fit in early cause it would be shorter. Was the wrong decision as I was too slow for the plum 30 pointer just outside the park. Still, 4th place out of about 100 isn't too bad.
Went out too hard and slowed down a lot towards the end.
Got a few woots from onlookers when athletically jumping the multitudes of fences around the park. Got a disapproving glance when I trod on a daffodill from some woman walking a rat dog. It was in my way (the flower not the dog - though treading on that thing wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world)
Wednesday Apr 16, 2008 #
Cycling 46:50 [2] 15.2 km (19.5 kph)
ahr:111 max:142 shoes: Dunlop Volleys
Still light when I got home so decided I should go out and do something. Still struggling to find a loop that doesn't have multitides of lights, but starting to realise that pretty much an impossibility.
Tuesday Apr 15, 2008 #
Running intervals 26:30 [4] 4.5 km (5:53 / km) +75m 5:26 / km
ahr:148 max:177 shoes: Mizuno Trail Bargain
Trying something new, so did 4x1km terrain intervals up at Wimbledon Common. Had to resort to tracks and walking in some places cause it was too thick with blackberries/brambles/holly in places. Really nice open forest in other places. I think if I do it again I'll work out a loop which has a combination of hills, soft ground and undergrowth to keep me lifting my feet but not so thick that my HR drops.
Still, not too shabby.
Splits were: 4:10, 4:48, 4:50, 4:26. Significant climb on the middle 2.
Still, not too shabby.
Splits were: 4:10, 4:48, 4:50, 4:26. Significant climb on the middle 2.
Running warm up/down 21:00 [2] 4.0 km (5:15 / km)
ahr:140 max:150 shoes: Mizuno Trail Bargain
To/From the Common
Monday Apr 14, 2008 #
Running 52:00 [3] 11.7 km (4:27 / km)
ahr:151 max:163 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Ran out to Stockwell for dinner through Wandsworth, Battersea Park and Vauxhall. Turned out the place I was headed was just off the edge of last weeks street O map. Got lost a few times. Didn't feel the best towards the end - did have a bag on my back which I don't usually have?
Not that fussed, lots of peeps out tonight - I overtook everyone I could. Competetive? No. Hungry? Yes.
Not that fussed, lots of peeps out tonight - I overtook everyone I could. Competetive? No. Hungry? Yes.
Running 15:00 [3]
It was cold and I wanted to get home quickly so ran from Stockwell to Vauxhall Station, just in time to see my train pulling out. Waited 15 minutes for the next one and ran home from Putney Station.
Total commute using public transport = 40 mins vs 50 mins running (not the fastest way either!)
Total commute using public transport = 40 mins vs 50 mins running (not the fastest way either!)
Sunday Apr 13, 2008 #
Note
Went out and watched the marathon today. Looked awesome, really wished I could have done it.
Now I knew there would be people in costumes, but didn't realise how many. Multiple Fred Flintstones, Borats, Buzz Lightyears, Wombles, Superman/women and spotted the legendary camel. Copius men in drag, army fatigues including backpack and a prison chain gang. The daffodill, bottle, trophy and pasty costumes we're all impressive. Also a surprising number of people on the phone.
Weirdness award goes jointly to the guy carrying a tree in a backpack and the guy with an ironing board strapped to his back.
I'm gonna do that one day.
Now I knew there would be people in costumes, but didn't realise how many. Multiple Fred Flintstones, Borats, Buzz Lightyears, Wombles, Superman/women and spotted the legendary camel. Copius men in drag, army fatigues including backpack and a prison chain gang. The daffodill, bottle, trophy and pasty costumes we're all impressive. Also a surprising number of people on the phone.
Weirdness award goes jointly to the guy carrying a tree in a backpack and the guy with an ironing board strapped to his back.
I'm gonna do that one day.
Cycling 50:40 [1] 15.5 km (18.4 kph)
Spent most of the afternoon lying on my bed watching episodes of The Shield, felt guilty cause it turned into a nice arvo so hopped on the bike to capture the end of the light and went out to Kew and back. Real slow, but nice.
Saturday Apr 12, 2008 #
Running tempo 30:00 [3] 6.0 km (5:00 / km)
ahr:144 max:172 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Went down to the track to do some sprinty things, but the leg was too sore from the accident a few days earlier to go fast. It was also wet. And there was someone there faster than me. So I pussed out, plodded around Barnes Common a bit and went home and drowned my sorrows for the rest of the night.
Also went out to the marathon expo earlier in the day. Looked at lots of shoes, bought lots of cheap Craft gear (I'm officially their bitch) and ate lots of free energy bar samples. Also used Nicolas race number to pick up a free goody bag which included a can of beer. Only in the UK. (There was also a bar within the expo giving out free samples.)
Also went out to the marathon expo earlier in the day. Looked at lots of shoes, bought lots of cheap Craft gear (I'm officially their bitch) and ate lots of free energy bar samples. Also used Nicolas race number to pick up a free goody bag which included a can of beer. Only in the UK. (There was also a bar within the expo giving out free samples.)
C • expo 3
Friday Apr 11, 2008 #
Note
(injured) (rest day)
Pretty sore all over my right thigh at the moment as a result of yesterdays accident. WAlking is an issue at the moment, hopefully it doesn't last long.
Thursday Apr 10, 2008 #
Running 32:25 [3] 7.0 km (4:38 / km)
ahr:148 max:166 shoes: White Asics
Ran from work to Surbiton go-kart track for some after work mayhem.
Toying with the idea of running home and this was a good tester, cause it's about half way and I wanted to see if I could do it off main roads, turns out theres a rivulet the runs all the way to Richmond Park that has a path running the whole way along it. I'll go a bit further next week and see how it goes.
Toying with the idea of running home and this was a good tester, cause it's about half way and I wanted to see if I could do it off main roads, turns out theres a rivulet the runs all the way to Richmond Park that has a path running the whole way along it. I'll go a bit further next week and see how it goes.
Not Training warm up/down 2:20 [1] 0.9 km (2:36 / km)
ahr:82 max:101 shoes: White Asics
2 laps of the track to warm up. 'Go slow' was the instructions, to get a feel of the vehicle. There's a chance I may have spun out. Wouldn't be the first....
Not Training race 14:56 [4] 9.22 km (1:37 / km)
ahr:125 max:156 shoes: White Asics
We haad been unfortunate enough to draw the very back starting block. Our first driver had picked up 4 places, so I was keen to improve on that. First five minutes I was on fire, weaving in and out of little groups of 2 and 3, picking up places left, right and centre. I pulled away from a pack of about 4 at one point and had the open road in front of me.
So of couse, I stopped concentrating and fish tailed the next corner and spun out the next. Problem being, that pack of 4 was right on my tail and I had spun 180 and was looking at 4 speeding karts hurtling towards me in a section of the track with enough width for about 2.5...
Surprisingly 3 of them dodged me and one took up the other half of the track, just in time for another group of 3 to come round the corner. 2 pulled up in time, but for some reason the other girl thought it would be better to speed up and T-Bone me at maximum velocity.
She actually came out of her seat, I was lucky enough to the perpendicular to the force and the big bit of metal holding the steering wheel kept me in place. The big bruise on my leg is not looking so good.
Once we were all extracted I headed off again, fairly hesitantly. I could tell something was wrong, my steering was off and I was slipping round every corner. Turns out the impact was so bad I'd copped a flat tire. Into the pits for an agonising wait while I switched vehicles, and I went off again for a couple of minutes before swapping drivers.
Top speed: 68km/h
So of couse, I stopped concentrating and fish tailed the next corner and spun out the next. Problem being, that pack of 4 was right on my tail and I had spun 180 and was looking at 4 speeding karts hurtling towards me in a section of the track with enough width for about 2.5...
Surprisingly 3 of them dodged me and one took up the other half of the track, just in time for another group of 3 to come round the corner. 2 pulled up in time, but for some reason the other girl thought it would be better to speed up and T-Bone me at maximum velocity.
She actually came out of her seat, I was lucky enough to the perpendicular to the force and the big bit of metal holding the steering wheel kept me in place. The big bruise on my leg is not looking so good.
Once we were all extracted I headed off again, fairly hesitantly. I could tell something was wrong, my steering was off and I was slipping round every corner. Turns out the impact was so bad I'd copped a flat tire. Into the pits for an agonising wait while I switched vehicles, and I went off again for a couple of minutes before swapping drivers.
Top speed: 68km/h
Not Training race 16:30 [4] 10.8 km (1:32 / km)
ahr:121 max:151 shoes: White Asics
After a feed and a drink to settle my nerves, headed out again.
Much more consistant, spun out a couple of times early on, but then found my form and started overtaking people.
Was able to avoid a couple of nasty accidents this time, too bad suckas.
Ended up 10th/14 - though were were the only team with an enforced stop due to car problems. Were dead last by a mile after my accident, so not too shabby.
Will try to upload maps and HR charts later, they're pretty interesting.
Top speed: 71km/h
Much more consistant, spun out a couple of times early on, but then found my form and started overtaking people.
Was able to avoid a couple of nasty accidents this time, too bad suckas.
Ended up 10th/14 - though were were the only team with an enforced stop due to car problems. Were dead last by a mile after my accident, so not too shabby.
Will try to upload maps and HR charts later, they're pretty interesting.
Top speed: 71km/h
Tuesday Apr 8, 2008 #
Orienteering race (Lambeth Street O) 59:44 [4] 13.2 km (4:32 / km)
ahr:168 max:182 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Final street event of the year. Got to do it in the light thanks to daylight savings and a 7pm mass start. Well set course, couldn't pick a good loop in the time we were given to look at the map.
Felt a bit tired at the beginning and felt like taking it easy, but hardened up after I'd warmed up and kept a pretty solid pace for most of the course. A couple minor wobbles cost me the chance to pick up a plum 40 and 30 pointer towards the end and cost me 2nd place, but well, not really that fussed.
Really great area, lots of minor paths and alleyways. Also had the faint aroma of pot throughout the SE corner, I'm told its unofficially decriminalised in that spot. Also a few good tourist landmarks, the London Eye was peeking out when you were in the north section and Westminster Abbey on the other side of the river (I think, that big church thing that tourists love to take photos of).
Felt a bit tired at the beginning and felt like taking it easy, but hardened up after I'd warmed up and kept a pretty solid pace for most of the course. A couple minor wobbles cost me the chance to pick up a plum 40 and 30 pointer towards the end and cost me 2nd place, but well, not really that fussed.
Really great area, lots of minor paths and alleyways. Also had the faint aroma of pot throughout the SE corner, I'm told its unofficially decriminalised in that spot. Also a few good tourist landmarks, the London Eye was peeking out when you were in the north section and Westminster Abbey on the other side of the river (I think, that big church thing that tourists love to take photos of).
Monday Apr 7, 2008 #
Running 40:00 [3] 8.7 km (4:36 / km)
ahr:146 max:156 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Hadn't planned on running, but it was still light when I got some so decided to head out. From home along the river to Barnes Bridge and back through Barnes Common. Really nice along the river as the sun was setting - heaps of people on the townpath, couldn't help picking them off.
Felt good.
Been thinking about EMIT and how crap it is. I am yet to see any reason why some clubs adopted that system over here when SI seems to be superior in every way. Even the basic system of punching: stick something in a hole vs place a flat thing on another flat thing (like putting lego together), constant flashing light and noise vs intermittant flashing light, natural extension of finger vs somthing you grasp in your fist (or at least I do).
I've read a couple of other runners reports here from the weekend where the cards malfunctioned part way through the course - never heard of SI doing anything like that in the 5+ years I've been using it.
Why is it still used? Is it easier for organisers to set up? Cheaper?
Call it a tick in OA's column.
Felt good.
Been thinking about EMIT and how crap it is. I am yet to see any reason why some clubs adopted that system over here when SI seems to be superior in every way. Even the basic system of punching: stick something in a hole vs place a flat thing on another flat thing (like putting lego together), constant flashing light and noise vs intermittant flashing light, natural extension of finger vs somthing you grasp in your fist (or at least I do).
I've read a couple of other runners reports here from the weekend where the cards malfunctioned part way through the course - never heard of SI doing anything like that in the 5+ years I've been using it.
Why is it still used? Is it easier for organisers to set up? Cheaper?
Call it a tick in OA's column.
Sunday Apr 6, 2008 #
Event: British Sprint Championships
Note
Woke up to snow. Wasn't sure whether to to try and get to the event given how many delays there were on the trains last night.
Moot point as I discovered my bike had got a flat since I last used it.
Sort of disappointed cause it looked like a fun event, but that much travel for 30 minutes.....
Moot point as I discovered my bike had got a flat since I last used it.
Sort of disappointed cause it looked like a fun event, but that much travel for 30 minutes.....
Running 1:35:00 [3] 19.2 km (4:57 / km)
ahr:145 max:169 shoes: White Asics
As if I'm not going to go for a run in the snow.
Headed out to Richmond Park woth a plan to run the perimeter, but decided to run around the internal tracks cause it looked more fun. Lots of snowmen and taboggans around, good atmosphere. For some reason not one, but two random people took photos of me. I'm hoping it was cause the red top I was in contrasted well with the white all around, but still....
Some kids tried to throw snowballs at me coming back through Wimbledon Common, but I was too fast for their measley throwing arms. Told them they were lucky they missed.
Headed out to Richmond Park woth a plan to run the perimeter, but decided to run around the internal tracks cause it looked more fun. Lots of snowmen and taboggans around, good atmosphere. For some reason not one, but two random people took photos of me. I'm hoping it was cause the red top I was in contrasted well with the white all around, but still....
Some kids tried to throw snowballs at me coming back through Wimbledon Common, but I was too fast for their measley throwing arms. Told them they were lucky they missed.
Saturday Apr 5, 2008 #
Orienteering race 48:37 [4] 6.5 km (7:29 / km) +230m 6:21 / km
ahr:175 max:183 shoes: Inov8 Roclites
Brit Middle Champs at Hopwas Woods.
100% improvement on the middle race at JK. Was a much easier map, but steeper and harder to run due to the grotty stuff, brambles and stuff underfoot (Australian translation: grotty = shitty).
Pretty happy with the first 10 controls, except taking the soft track option to 3 which I thought would be faster due to the aforementioned 'grot'.
Did a 90 out of 11 costing me 1:30. I wasn't the only one to do it so I'm a little suspect of the contours in that area - they weren't wrong per say, just didn't really give you an idea of the all the different gullies size and slope. Although if I'd just looked at my compass it wouldn't have been a problem.
Really happy with my navigation on the vague downhill section into 13. Spiked the control and dropped the 2 guys I was with from 11. That has never happened before, first real sign of any fitness improvement I've had in a while.
Thought my wider track route to 18 was clever as it cut out 2 short steep climbs and came into the control from the exit direction, but no it was about 30 seconds slower than the splits of the guys who did similar times to me.
Massive choke at 21. Short compass leg, should have taken 30 secs, took 2 mins. Idiot.
Minor choke to 23 (final control). I'd turned off on a track junction I didn't notice (which conveniently led right to the control), but started freking out cause I expected to see it earlier thinking I was on a different track.
Much happier with the race, feel I could have pushed a bit more when I was off track, maybe a little gun shy in the terrain after JK. Feels much better having a result right in the middle of the pack instead of languishing at the end. A little frustrating to be have 4 guys only 10 seconds in front of me - but I'll take that any day over a results board having 2 other guys on it.
http://www.od.routegadget.co.uk/od/reitti.cgi?act=...
100% improvement on the middle race at JK. Was a much easier map, but steeper and harder to run due to the grotty stuff, brambles and stuff underfoot (Australian translation: grotty = shitty).
Pretty happy with the first 10 controls, except taking the soft track option to 3 which I thought would be faster due to the aforementioned 'grot'.
Did a 90 out of 11 costing me 1:30. I wasn't the only one to do it so I'm a little suspect of the contours in that area - they weren't wrong per say, just didn't really give you an idea of the all the different gullies size and slope. Although if I'd just looked at my compass it wouldn't have been a problem.
Really happy with my navigation on the vague downhill section into 13. Spiked the control and dropped the 2 guys I was with from 11. That has never happened before, first real sign of any fitness improvement I've had in a while.
Thought my wider track route to 18 was clever as it cut out 2 short steep climbs and came into the control from the exit direction, but no it was about 30 seconds slower than the splits of the guys who did similar times to me.
Massive choke at 21. Short compass leg, should have taken 30 secs, took 2 mins. Idiot.
Minor choke to 23 (final control). I'd turned off on a track junction I didn't notice (which conveniently led right to the control), but started freking out cause I expected to see it earlier thinking I was on a different track.
Much happier with the race, feel I could have pushed a bit more when I was off track, maybe a little gun shy in the terrain after JK. Feels much better having a result right in the middle of the pack instead of languishing at the end. A little frustrating to be have 4 guys only 10 seconds in front of me - but I'll take that any day over a results board having 2 other guys on it.
http://www.od.routegadget.co.uk/od/reitti.cgi?act=...
Orienteering warm up/down 15:00 [3]
Had to leg it to the start after realising I'd left my clue sheet reader in the car. Got to the start lanes with 1 minute to spare.
Worst. Warm down. Ever. Probably jogged about 50m
Worst. Warm down. Ever. Probably jogged about 50m
Thursday Apr 3, 2008 #
Running tempo 50:30 [4] 11.0 km (4:35 / km)
ahr:149 max:169
Just snuck home in time to take advantage of the last half hour of light. Went straight for Hammersmith Bridge along the unlit section of track. As it got dark there were still heaps of people running along there so maybe it's not too dodgy.
Did 1k easy/hard to keep it interesting. Felt OK, a bit tired - will try to get an early night for once. First time in a long while that I can remember running in shorts and a short sleeved T, nice and warm at the moment - got a good sweat up even.
Very tempted to try out the new KFC that opened on High Street. I haven't sampled their product over hear yet, but I hear the chips aren't up to scratch (which is the best part of KFC back home). What this has to do with the run I just did is debatable.
Did 1k easy/hard to keep it interesting. Felt OK, a bit tired - will try to get an early night for once. First time in a long while that I can remember running in shorts and a short sleeved T, nice and warm at the moment - got a good sweat up even.
Very tempted to try out the new KFC that opened on High Street. I haven't sampled their product over hear yet, but I hear the chips aren't up to scratch (which is the best part of KFC back home). What this has to do with the run I just did is debatable.
Wednesday Apr 2, 2008 #
Running 52:00 [3] 11.5 km (4:31 / km)
ahr:147 max:158 shoes: Saucony Triumphs
Nice steady street run. Felt good to begin with, but started to get a stitch after about 25mins that got progressively worse - may have to think about doing some core work.
Tried a new extension to the loop, going north once I hit Imperial Wharf, but got turned about my the streets and ended up in an area I didn't recognise. Decided just to keep going till I found a landmark, came across one of the bike network signs to discover I was heading towards Westminster - going NE when I thought I was heading west!
Have decided to take my Oyster Card with me from now on just in case I end up somewhere ridiculous and can't be bothered running home.
Tried a new extension to the loop, going north once I hit Imperial Wharf, but got turned about my the streets and ended up in an area I didn't recognise. Decided just to keep going till I found a landmark, came across one of the bike network signs to discover I was heading towards Westminster - going NE when I thought I was heading west!
Have decided to take my Oyster Card with me from now on just in case I end up somewhere ridiculous and can't be bothered running home.