Training Log Archive: AnvilIn the 30 days ending Jun 30, 2012:
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Friday Jun 29, 2012 #
7 PM
Running - Trail 1:21:08 [3] 10.62 km (7:38 / km)
ahr:145 max:164 shoes: NB MT110 2012b
On the Bruce Peninsula for the Canada Day long weekend, so of course I'm going to knock off a few bits of trail.
This was the loop around Sydney Bay Bluff. Varied results, some very fun stuff (ladders!) early then some really bland sections of trail. As the trail swung along the south-east edge it really ramped up - the classic BT no elevation change according to the map, but constant 5-10 ups and downs over rocky outcrops. Felt OK. Great views and perfect weather.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/sydney-ba...
This was the loop around Sydney Bay Bluff. Varied results, some very fun stuff (ladders!) early then some really bland sections of trail. As the trail swung along the south-east edge it really ramped up - the classic BT no elevation change according to the map, but constant 5-10 ups and downs over rocky outcrops. Felt OK. Great views and perfect weather.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/sydney-ba...
Thursday Jun 28, 2012 #
7 PM
Running - Trail 1:06:09 11.5 km (5:45 / km) +326m 5:02 / km
ahr:137 max:164 shoes: NB MT110 2012b
Evening jaunt up Blue Mountain and knocking off a bit more of the Bruce. Feeling pretty good out there.
Very fun section on Blue's property as it's part of their MTB trail network, so it's super sweet to run on.
Fun picking out sections we ran along during the Snowshoe Raid.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/blue-moun...
Very fun section on Blue's property as it's part of their MTB trail network, so it's super sweet to run on.
Fun picking out sections we ran along during the Snowshoe Raid.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/blue-moun...
Wednesday Jun 27, 2012 #
5 PM
Running - Trail 29:40 5.09 km (5:50 / km) +92m 5:21 / km
ahr:140 max:156 shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
A couple of little 'road linking' segments of the Bruce to break up the trip to Blue Mountain. Nothing amazing but a few nice features that made the explore worth while.
Legs tired to begin with, but loosened up OK.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/bits/
Legs tired to begin with, but loosened up OK.
http://brucein2.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/bits/
6 PM
Running - Trail 31:02 5.09 km (6:06 / km) +107m 5:31 / km
ahr:136 max:156 shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
Tuesday Jun 26, 2012 #
5 PM
Running - Trail 59:17 11.07 km (5:21 / km) +199m 4:55 / km
ahr:145 max:182 shoes: NB MT110 2012b
TNT. Woot, so good to be back with turbo, Trav and Trix.
Big session for the return - 4, 6, 12, 5, 4mins with 2 recovery (and an accidental 3 after the long one).
Felt OK on the early uphill reps, but the princess heel kicked in on the undulations. Quads also shredded from the weekend. Happy to be back into it though - it wasn't as bad as I was dreading.
Big session for the return - 4, 6, 12, 5, 4mins with 2 recovery (and an accidental 3 after the long one).
Felt OK on the early uphill reps, but the princess heel kicked in on the undulations. Quads also shredded from the weekend. Happy to be back into it though - it wasn't as bad as I was dreading.
6 PM
Core & Strength 15:00 [1]
Monday Jun 25, 2012 #
7 PM
Running - Trail 1:07:58 10.85 km (6:16 / km) +113m 5:57 / km
ahr:136 max:160 shoes: NB MT110 2012b
Here we go
Dr. PBV had to drop his sister off in Guelph. He wanted to run, I wanted to run, Duane came home and wanted to run - so I picked something close to highway 6 and off we went. Exactly how this project was planned.
Perfect evening for a run and very enjoyable loop. Looking at the map, the 5 Peaks Rattlesnake Point race totally covers the next section of trail - if only I'd started the blog a month earlier!
Dr. PBV had to drop his sister off in Guelph. He wanted to run, I wanted to run, Duane came home and wanted to run - so I picked something close to highway 6 and off we went. Exactly how this project was planned.
Perfect evening for a run and very enjoyable loop. Looking at the map, the 5 Peaks Rattlesnake Point race totally covers the next section of trail - if only I'd started the blog a month earlier!
Sunday Jun 24, 2012 #
1 AM
Cycling 1:13:16 15.94 km (13.1 kph) +214m
ahr:151 max:170
Loop 2. Oh yeah, that was fun. Jukola style fun.
Went out at 2am with just the plan to cruise it and enjoy the atmosphere - but I ended up feeling a lot more comfortable and tried to push the pace after about 20 minutes (after I passed the previous laps tumble area!)
Much better atmosphere, every one was really talkative and friendly instead of just yelling 'Rider!' when they got behind you. Had a lot of back and forth with one dude who kept calling me 'Beach Shorts', he would dominate me on the downhills, but I would pass him on the ups. He kept telling me how awesome I was for being so strong on the hills in my 'bike shoes'. :)
Came off a few times, clipped a tree branch in the shadows on a downhill and lost it in some of the sections of the trail that had come quite loose and sandy.
Lots of dust! Saw some fireflies too. Awesome night.
Thanks to Joany and 'Bent for the lamp assistance - totally saved out team.
Went out at 2am with just the plan to cruise it and enjoy the atmosphere - but I ended up feeling a lot more comfortable and tried to push the pace after about 20 minutes (after I passed the previous laps tumble area!)
Much better atmosphere, every one was really talkative and friendly instead of just yelling 'Rider!' when they got behind you. Had a lot of back and forth with one dude who kept calling me 'Beach Shorts', he would dominate me on the downhills, but I would pass him on the ups. He kept telling me how awesome I was for being so strong on the hills in my 'bike shoes'. :)
Came off a few times, clipped a tree branch in the shadows on a downhill and lost it in some of the sections of the trail that had come quite loose and sandy.
Lots of dust! Saw some fireflies too. Awesome night.
Thanks to Joany and 'Bent for the lamp assistance - totally saved out team.
C • Glad 4
9 AM
Running - Trail 35:00 [5] 7.0 km (5:00 / km)
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
3 hours sleep, then off to Hardwood Hills for Spartan Sprint (another on of those obstacle races).
Typical lineup at the start, a bunch of dudes looking like they're off the cover of Men's Health, a few types with a runners build and a fat guy in a cape.
Looked like it would be a cakewalk, but just before that start about 5 guys walk in front of the group and line up - these guys looked like they could be on the cover of Runners World. Damn. (Turned out they were all sponsored athletes from the energy bar that sponsors the series!)
Anyway, those guys took off fast and the pack went off after them. The course followed the same rough route as the recent 5 Peaks race (without the fun single track diversions), so just settled in on the early climbs. There was dudes flailing around on the trails early and often. Had no idea what place I was since there were so many of them, so just concentrated on running the hills strong and accelerating at the peaks.
Not a lot of obstacles early, but they slowly began to appear. I like the theme of this race, more of a 'well rounded athlete' and 'boot camp' theme with rope climbs, spear throwing, rowing ergs, carrying and pushing lots of stuff around (as well as the usual hay bales and fire jumping). It was non-trivial enough that the positions of the race changed frequently among the group I was with.
After a long uphill grind (the same double track long uphill from 5 peaks) the group I was with was told we were battling for 3rd! Was really feeling the 2+ hours of riding I'd done earlier, but it was enough motivation to put on some afterburners in an 'off-trail' section (and took a really rough line to slow them down) and tried to put a gap on them. It worked - one of them caught up a little, but not enough. Crossed the line in 3rd just as I start cramping up.
Fun times. Heel held up OK. Sore on downhills, not noticeable any other time. The pain has moved around a little, but it's just now this constant, dull ache. Sometimes it goes away. Weird.
Typical lineup at the start, a bunch of dudes looking like they're off the cover of Men's Health, a few types with a runners build and a fat guy in a cape.
Looked like it would be a cakewalk, but just before that start about 5 guys walk in front of the group and line up - these guys looked like they could be on the cover of Runners World. Damn. (Turned out they were all sponsored athletes from the energy bar that sponsors the series!)
Anyway, those guys took off fast and the pack went off after them. The course followed the same rough route as the recent 5 Peaks race (without the fun single track diversions), so just settled in on the early climbs. There was dudes flailing around on the trails early and often. Had no idea what place I was since there were so many of them, so just concentrated on running the hills strong and accelerating at the peaks.
Not a lot of obstacles early, but they slowly began to appear. I like the theme of this race, more of a 'well rounded athlete' and 'boot camp' theme with rope climbs, spear throwing, rowing ergs, carrying and pushing lots of stuff around (as well as the usual hay bales and fire jumping). It was non-trivial enough that the positions of the race changed frequently among the group I was with.
After a long uphill grind (the same double track long uphill from 5 peaks) the group I was with was told we were battling for 3rd! Was really feeling the 2+ hours of riding I'd done earlier, but it was enough motivation to put on some afterburners in an 'off-trail' section (and took a really rough line to slow them down) and tried to put a gap on them. It worked - one of them caught up a little, but not enough. Crossed the line in 3rd just as I start cramping up.
Fun times. Heel held up OK. Sore on downhills, not noticeable any other time. The pain has moved around a little, but it's just now this constant, dull ache. Sometimes it goes away. Weird.
Saturday Jun 23, 2012 #
Event: 24 Hours Summer Solstice
3 PM
Cycling 1:14:34 16.54 km (13.3 kph) +224m
ahr:152 max:170
Summer Solstice Loop 1.
Well that was an eye opener! I knew I'd be pretty slow on the single trail compared to the top guys, but man, do they move!
Got a little intimidated early and tried to go faster than I should whenever they got behind me. After a lot of almost misses I went over the handlebars 4km in. Not the best start.
There's a story to be told after the fall, but it requires props to fully comprehend my stupidity. Suffice to say, I wasted about 5 minutes after that running round trying to fix a bike that wasn't broken.
Nothing much to report after that - stronger than many on the ups and flats. Pissweak on any sort of descent.
A bit dejected at the finish, after everyone talking about how fun the event was and my general crap-ness. Thought about not doing a night lap but glad I didn't go through with it.
Well that was an eye opener! I knew I'd be pretty slow on the single trail compared to the top guys, but man, do they move!
Got a little intimidated early and tried to go faster than I should whenever they got behind me. After a lot of almost misses I went over the handlebars 4km in. Not the best start.
There's a story to be told after the fall, but it requires props to fully comprehend my stupidity. Suffice to say, I wasted about 5 minutes after that running round trying to fix a bike that wasn't broken.
Nothing much to report after that - stronger than many on the ups and flats. Pissweak on any sort of descent.
A bit dejected at the finish, after everyone talking about how fun the event was and my general crap-ness. Thought about not doing a night lap but glad I didn't go through with it.
Friday Jun 22, 2012 #
4 PM
Cycling 1:10:23 [2] 22.06 km (18.8 kph) +247m
Took Bessie for a quick spin by the Hottage.
Rail Trail, Spring Creek, Main Loop, K2, Bruce and back home on the road.
Couldn't quite get up K2 - the steeper sections were a little too slick and I spun out. Going down was fun though.
Rail Trail, Spring Creek, Main Loop, K2, Bruce and back home on the road.
Couldn't quite get up K2 - the steeper sections were a little too slick and I spun out. Going down was fun though.
Thursday Jun 21, 2012 #
5 PM
Core & Strength 25:00 [1]
Yesterdays heel pain became acute when I got out of bed this morning. Dr. Internet tells me this is possibly plantar fasciitis :(
Not all the symptoms fit, but enough of them do to worry me. It improved through the day, enough for me to test it out and try a TNT. It was better than yesterday, but not good enough for me to try and go fast on it. Luckily no one else showed, so did some core just to make sure and headed home.
Luckily this weekend is all about Bessie, so I'll just try to nip this in the bud.
Not all the symptoms fit, but enough of them do to worry me. It improved through the day, enough for me to test it out and try a TNT. It was better than yesterday, but not good enough for me to try and go fast on it. Luckily no one else showed, so did some core just to make sure and headed home.
Luckily this weekend is all about Bessie, so I'll just try to nip this in the bud.
C • oi! 1
Wednesday Jun 20, 2012 #
4 PM
Running - Trail 44:37 [2] 7.11 km (6:17 / km) +64m 6:00 / km
shoes: NB MT110 2012b
Bagel and cream cheese with N and H.
Heat was relentless, glad to get through it. Breaking in the new NBs - heel was a bit sore throughout.
Heat was relentless, glad to get through it. Breaking in the new NBs - heel was a bit sore throughout.
Tuesday Jun 19, 2012 #
Note
(rest day)
Spent the day at Canterbury Hills taking part in the filming of a reality TV show. Was joined by the capable Piller and Miller as Dontgetlost 'Guides'!
Planned 3 exercises that were the team challenges for the episode. We only ended up running two of them as the heat and humidity was killing the camera men.
Can't say anything about the outcome (not that it's that interesting) but the cast and crew loved it. As it's filmed locally may get a few new club members out of it!
Really fun day and interesting to see how the process works. Much bigger production that expected. The catering rocked.
Planned 3 exercises that were the team challenges for the episode. We only ended up running two of them as the heat and humidity was killing the camera men.
Can't say anything about the outcome (not that it's that interesting) but the cast and crew loved it. As it's filmed locally may get a few new club members out of it!
Really fun day and interesting to see how the process works. Much bigger production that expected. The catering rocked.
Monday Jun 18, 2012 #
3 PM
Running - Trail 1:07:47 [2] 11.24 km (6:02 / km) +163m 5:37 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
So here's my new running project. I plan to run every trail section of the Bruce Trail, in the next 2 years (work permit period).
I'm going to use it as a way to motivate me to run in new places, especially when I'm on the road. I think it'll either happen really quickly or not at all - since it's more about getting out there when I'm already in the area as opposed to making special trips (that top half on the other side of Collingwood is going to be tough to get to).
Anyway, today was meant to be the maiden voyage - but I learnt:
If you're delayed due to traffic and roadworks and on a tight schedule, don't bother (14km in 1h 40m is easy, 1h 05m is not)
Build in time for photos and wrong turns (especially with spring growth)
Shoulder high nettles whilst shirtless are unpleasant
You run slower when it's hot
Terrain around Queenston Heights is pretty sweet.
I'm going to use it as a way to motivate me to run in new places, especially when I'm on the road. I think it'll either happen really quickly or not at all - since it's more about getting out there when I'm already in the area as opposed to making special trips (that top half on the other side of Collingwood is going to be tough to get to).
Anyway, today was meant to be the maiden voyage - but I learnt:
If you're delayed due to traffic and roadworks and on a tight schedule, don't bother (14km in 1h 40m is easy, 1h 05m is not)
Build in time for photos and wrong turns (especially with spring growth)
Shoulder high nettles whilst shirtless are unpleasant
You run slower when it's hot
Terrain around Queenston Heights is pretty sweet.
Sunday Jun 17, 2012 #
12 PM
Running - Trail 53:00 [2] 6.66 km (7:57 / km)
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
Spencer Gorge with menzies, Dr. PBV and Bruce.
Nice place to be on a warm day - stayed down in the gorge for most of it.
My fan club was in the viewing platform at the top of Websters, when I jumped in the pool below to cool off, there was a rapturous cheer from above.
I think they were just jealous they couldn't get down to where we were.
Nice place to be on a warm day - stayed down in the gorge for most of it.
My fan club was in the viewing platform at the top of Websters, when I jumped in the pool below to cool off, there was a rapturous cheer from above.
I think they were just jealous they couldn't get down to where we were.
Saturday Jun 16, 2012 #
8 AM
Running - Trail 1:22:36 [2] 12.78 km (6:28 / km) +273m 5:50 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
smt. The (planned) week of Smythy runs continue - this is a smythy long run.
Very heavy, unresponsive legs after last nights ride, there was about 3 times where I contemplated turning back, but gave myself a talking to each time and sucked it up. Fortunately the pace was pretty sedate so it was easy to catch up the couple of times I drifted off the pack.
Perfect temps in the Deeve this morning, really noticed the difference when we popped out into the sun at the Trail Centre. Those fools who run the Rail Trail don't know what they're missing.
Very heavy, unresponsive legs after last nights ride, there was about 3 times where I contemplated turning back, but gave myself a talking to each time and sucked it up. Fortunately the pace was pretty sedate so it was easy to catch up the couple of times I drifted off the pack.
Perfect temps in the Deeve this morning, really noticed the difference when we popped out into the sun at the Trail Centre. Those fools who run the Rail Trail don't know what they're missing.
Friday Jun 15, 2012 #
2 PM
Running - Trail 40:35 [2] 7.21 km (5:38 / km) +111m 5:13 / km
shoes: Inov8 F-Lite 230
Vegemite on toast run with N
6 PM
Cycling 1:52:09 [3] 32.1 km (17.2 kph) +328m
Sweet ride with Duaner up to Christie, played on the new MTB single trails for a bit, then back home. Demolished a burrito at the end.
Beautiful evening for it. Legs tired now.
Beautiful evening for it. Legs tired now.
Thursday Jun 14, 2012 #
Note
Hamilton ARK finished it's Spring season up tonight. Big thanks to the AP community that volunteer: turbo, Dr. PBV, backwoods and Hammer on Wednesdays, baloney and Etoile. They are but a small fraction of the ARK volunteer base.
What was great about both nights, while I swanned around soaking up the admiration, thanks, chocolate and cookies from the kids and parents, my crew packed up the components of the nights race without me having to ask. Flags, ribbons, agility equipment etc and they would have packed it into my car if I'd left it unlocked! They're great people and I'm lucky to work with them.
What was great about both nights, while I swanned around soaking up the admiration, thanks, chocolate and cookies from the kids and parents, my crew packed up the components of the nights race without me having to ask. Flags, ribbons, agility equipment etc and they would have packed it into my car if I'd left it unlocked! They're great people and I'm lucky to work with them.
4 PM
Running - Grass tempo 40:00 7.33 km (5:27 / km) +34m 5:20 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
What whaat! Back on the TNT horse.
So good to be running with the posse again. Coach turbo had a brutal session 12mins, 8, 4 and 2 with 4,3,2,1 recover. Just loops round Churchill, but hey, who care when you're in a group.
I could only manage the first two reps before ARK had to take over, but it was so good to run fast again. Can't wait for the next one (hopefully, I may still be filming my Canadian TV debut at that time next Tuesday)
So good to be running with the posse again. Coach turbo had a brutal session 12mins, 8, 4 and 2 with 4,3,2,1 recover. Just loops round Churchill, but hey, who care when you're in a group.
I could only manage the first two reps before ARK had to take over, but it was so good to run fast again. Can't wait for the next one (hopefully, I may still be filming my Canadian TV debut at that time next Tuesday)
Wednesday Jun 13, 2012 #
2 PM
Running - Trail 38:28 [2] 6.97 km (5:31 / km) +95m 5:10 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Organised Patrick is organised.
Look at this, a rare afternoon run not just tacked on before or after ARK. Granted, this loop is a little shorter than I remember (was expecting to do 50), but no big deal. Good to get out on a sweet arvo.
Look at this, a rare afternoon run not just tacked on before or after ARK. Granted, this loop is a little shorter than I remember (was expecting to do 50), but no big deal. Good to get out on a sweet arvo.
Tuesday Jun 12, 2012 #
Note
The seasons final ARK in KW was a lot of fun. 35 new kids tried it out (friend of the initial 40 who signed up) and we already have registrations for next season! Tiny set a cool course that took in the 'greatest hits' from this season. Will be stealing those signs for the rest of the final sessions this week.
Big thanks to Tiny, FunRun, Nick, Mick, Val, Giles & Blair from Stars for super support. Definitely the easiest night for me of the four that ARK now runs.
Big thanks to Tiny, FunRun, Nick, Mick, Val, Giles & Blair from Stars for super support. Definitely the easiest night for me of the four that ARK now runs.
9 PM
Running - Street 40:01 [3] 8.3 km (4:49 / km) +93m 4:34 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Waterfront loop after ARK.
Mixed bag, feeling chipper in the beginning and decided to up the pace in the 2nd half.. till the body had a minor revolt and I had a hunt down some amenities. Tough to do at 10:30pm.
Mixed bag, feeling chipper in the beginning and decided to up the pace in the 2nd half.. till the body had a minor revolt and I had a hunt down some amenities. Tough to do at 10:30pm.
Sunday Jun 10, 2012 #
3 PM
Running - Trail 53:01 [3] 7.97 km (6:39 / km) +321m 5:32 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
Needed to shake the legs out somehow, so headed for the shelter of Spencer Gorge for a loop in there.
Feeling a little off early, so opted do to a shorter loop than planned. Got to the base of Spencer Falls to be informed the HCA has closed the stairs to get to the top, on the grounds that they are too dangerous for the public to use. (Was told this by a hiker at the base of the falls, who was not a fan of the HCA).
Anyway, I have a poke around and notice that the fencing they put up doesn't actually block the stairs, looks more like they've been put up to protect the stairs from rockfall. There's also no signs at the bottom about a closure, so I make my way up - only to be greeted at the top by more fencing and a grumpy group of people on the other side pissed that they can't get down!
After a bit of a discussion, I hop the fence (easy from my side, tough from theirs) and finish the loop off.
Unfortunately as I ran the trail along the edge of the escarpment, I saw three groups of people attempting to scale the cliffs to make their own way down to the falls where it wasn't fenced off. Even if the stairs are dangerous, I'd wager the way people are getting down now is much worse.
Feeling a little off early, so opted do to a shorter loop than planned. Got to the base of Spencer Falls to be informed the HCA has closed the stairs to get to the top, on the grounds that they are too dangerous for the public to use. (Was told this by a hiker at the base of the falls, who was not a fan of the HCA).
Anyway, I have a poke around and notice that the fencing they put up doesn't actually block the stairs, looks more like they've been put up to protect the stairs from rockfall. There's also no signs at the bottom about a closure, so I make my way up - only to be greeted at the top by more fencing and a grumpy group of people on the other side pissed that they can't get down!
After a bit of a discussion, I hop the fence (easy from my side, tough from theirs) and finish the loop off.
Unfortunately as I ran the trail along the edge of the escarpment, I saw three groups of people attempting to scale the cliffs to make their own way down to the falls where it wasn't fenced off. Even if the stairs are dangerous, I'd wager the way people are getting down now is much worse.
Saturday Jun 9, 2012 #
9 AM
Running - Trail warm up/down 20:00 [1] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
A bit with 'Bent, a bit with Wil
10 AM
Running - Trail 1:03:19 [3] 13.0 km (4:52 / km) +200m 4:31 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
5 Peaks trail race at Hardwood Hills.
After an abbreviated sleep, forgot my Garmin so for the first time in a while I was racing by 'feel'. Decided I'm not a fan of feelings. I need my hard numbers and constant feedback and gadgets.
Anyway, even with that disadvantage, much happier with this race compared to Suplhur 2 weeks ago. Started a smidge too fast, but still reeled a couple of guys in over the middle section of the course. Had orange dude on my back for about 20 minutes towards the end - I'd get small gaps on the technical downhills, he'd get it back on the wide uphills.
My lack of training of late came to the surface in the last 10 minutes as he pulled away from me. Almost had a disaster in the closing stages as the course crossed over a much earlier section and I decided to follow those flags instead of the trail. Luckily some kids gave me the intel and I got back just as the dude behind me caught up. Found a kick after that to make sure he didn't pass me. Not sure how much I lost, but I imagine I would have comfortably gone under 63 otherwise.
I imagine 3 months ago I would have done around 60, but hey, you do the crime, you do the time. I'd set 65 as my minimum 'happy' time, so this is good. Very keen to put some good hours under my belt over the coming months to put in some good performances from August onwards.
Finally, really liked the course. Though the Rattlesnake one gets the kudos for technical difficulty, this one is physically tough. Very few flat or straight sections, constant up/down and probably 80% bendy, unrelenting single track. I was bamboozled by the end. Great day.
Edited to add, great race from Team Attackpoint AP. Especially runit. The boy's got moves. He'll be doing some damage very soon.
After an abbreviated sleep, forgot my Garmin so for the first time in a while I was racing by 'feel'. Decided I'm not a fan of feelings. I need my hard numbers and constant feedback and gadgets.
Anyway, even with that disadvantage, much happier with this race compared to Suplhur 2 weeks ago. Started a smidge too fast, but still reeled a couple of guys in over the middle section of the course. Had orange dude on my back for about 20 minutes towards the end - I'd get small gaps on the technical downhills, he'd get it back on the wide uphills.
My lack of training of late came to the surface in the last 10 minutes as he pulled away from me. Almost had a disaster in the closing stages as the course crossed over a much earlier section and I decided to follow those flags instead of the trail. Luckily some kids gave me the intel and I got back just as the dude behind me caught up. Found a kick after that to make sure he didn't pass me. Not sure how much I lost, but I imagine I would have comfortably gone under 63 otherwise.
I imagine 3 months ago I would have done around 60, but hey, you do the crime, you do the time. I'd set 65 as my minimum 'happy' time, so this is good. Very keen to put some good hours under my belt over the coming months to put in some good performances from August onwards.
Finally, really liked the course. Though the Rattlesnake one gets the kudos for technical difficulty, this one is physically tough. Very few flat or straight sections, constant up/down and probably 80% bendy, unrelenting single track. I was bamboozled by the end. Great day.
Edited to add, great race from Team Attackpoint AP. Especially runit. The boy's got moves. He'll be doing some damage very soon.
1 PM
Cycling 45:00 [3]
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Playing on the trails with 'Bent, Bash, Leanimal and FunRun.
Tried to watch how the experts do it. Felt a bit out of place in my punter kit with all the gear junkies - but then Bash fell almost straight away so I didn't feel that bad.
Went OK in the beginning, but started to get mentally (and physically) tired concentrating on all the twists and turns. Eventually my brain quit and I rode off the trail. I knew I needed to turn, the response was just too slow. Fun!
Bessie loved finally getting dirty.
Tried to watch how the experts do it. Felt a bit out of place in my punter kit with all the gear junkies - but then Bash fell almost straight away so I didn't feel that bad.
Went OK in the beginning, but started to get mentally (and physically) tired concentrating on all the twists and turns. Eventually my brain quit and I rode off the trail. I knew I needed to turn, the response was just too slow. Fun!
Bessie loved finally getting dirty.
Friday Jun 8, 2012 #
6 PM
Running - Trail 43:56 [3] 7.33 km (6:00 / km) +168m 5:23 / km
shoes: Inov8 F-Lite 230
Cootes with N. South shore is a jungle, ate enough bugs to carbo load for tomorrow.
5x30s pick ups, turning the legs over. Hot but dry, where did all that rainwater go?
5x30s pick ups, turning the legs over. Hot but dry, where did all that rainwater go?
Thursday Jun 7, 2012 #
7 PM
Running - Terrain 51:42 [3] 7.77 km (6:39 / km) +202m 5:53 / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
Total 12 hour rebound. Got some good drugs into me and whatever was in the air was washed out by the earlier storm.
After ARK. Out to Tiffany Falls along Bruce, tried to loop up to Filmans road following the Waterfalls run course by memory. Got pretty lost, but generally nice woods.
Then tried to go back through the woods at Iroquois and back through the access off Honeysuckle, assuming there would be tracks. There weren't but there was lots of waist high scratchy veg.
But you know what, it didn't bother me and was having a great time. Maybe cause I was feeling better, or that the weather was perfect, but it was great to be out. Mojo rediscovered.
After ARK. Out to Tiffany Falls along Bruce, tried to loop up to Filmans road following the Waterfalls run course by memory. Got pretty lost, but generally nice woods.
Then tried to go back through the woods at Iroquois and back through the access off Honeysuckle, assuming there would be tracks. There weren't but there was lots of waist high scratchy veg.
But you know what, it didn't bother me and was having a great time. Maybe cause I was feeling better, or that the weather was perfect, but it was great to be out. Mojo rediscovered.
Wednesday Jun 6, 2012 #
Note
(sick)
Allergies came back with an absolute vengeance today. After ARK was cancelled, I went back into the woods to collect the flags and came down with a sneezing fit so violent I couldn't stand up. By the time I got home my face had gone kinda puffy and weird(er) looking.
Then had another crappy, interrupted nights sleep and woke up miserable and hating the world.
Then had another crappy, interrupted nights sleep and woke up miserable and hating the world.
Tuesday Jun 5, 2012 #
5 PM
Running - Trail intervals 47:30 8.99 km (5:17 / km) +129m 4:56 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Woo, finally a real intervals session with Nick and Mick before ARK.
6x3mins, 1 recovery. Harder in the last minute. Nick was a slacker and we only did 2:30 on the 5th rep.
Tired by the end, but felt good through the rest of the night.
6x3mins, 1 recovery. Harder in the last minute. Nick was a slacker and we only did 2:30 on the 5th rep.
Tired by the end, but felt good through the rest of the night.
C • ha 2
Monday Jun 4, 2012 #
8 PM
Running - Trail (smythy run) 29:35 [2] 5.04 km (5:52 / km) +129m 5:12 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Fun run on the Bruce behind Grimsby, on the way home from ARK.
Up along the side of 40 mile creek then a loop around the top along the edge of the escarpment and checked out Beamers Falls. Nice views over to lake to Toronto on top.
Fun varied loop, on the short side but was racing daylight anyway so probably a good time to check it out.
Decided it was a smythy run, due to length and also vague foot pain - stabbing pain on the side of my right foot. Best stay off for a week and prescribe a diet of lattes.
Up along the side of 40 mile creek then a loop around the top along the edge of the escarpment and checked out Beamers Falls. Nice views over to lake to Toronto on top.
Fun varied loop, on the short side but was racing daylight anyway so probably a good time to check it out.
Decided it was a smythy run, due to length and also vague foot pain - stabbing pain on the side of my right foot. Best stay off for a week and prescribe a diet of lattes.
Sunday Jun 3, 2012 #
12 PM
Running - Trail 1 [0] 7.01 km ( / km) +38m / km
shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 212 2012
Big thanks to all APer who helped out with the Mud Run and Mud Day, especially Sudden, Baloney, Trav and Etoile. Also other dontgetlosters Duane, Adrienne and Dr. PBV.
Then there's all the other ARK & FAB coaches and other parents who helped (they won't read this, but you gotta acknowledge them!)
Then there's all the other ARK & FAB coaches and other parents who helped (they won't read this, but you gotta acknowledge them!)
Saturday Jun 2, 2012 #
8 AM
Running - Trail 1:25:52 [2] 12.1 km (7:06 / km) +259m 6:25 / km
shoes: Inov8 F-Lite 230
Abbreviated with Trav, Turb and the pups.
Have lost all mojo - stumbling round like a drunk person, pretty much tripped on anything possible and ripper a hole in my shoes.
But, very good to be out and back running with others.
Spent the rest of the day getting 1000 things done for the Mud Run tomorrow. Got about 989 done, so not bad.
Have lost all mojo - stumbling round like a drunk person, pretty much tripped on anything possible and ripper a hole in my shoes.
But, very good to be out and back running with others.
Spent the rest of the day getting 1000 things done for the Mud Run tomorrow. Got about 989 done, so not bad.
Friday Jun 1, 2012 #
8 PM
Running - Street 48:02 [3] 9.23 km (5:12 / km) +95m 4:57 / km
shoes: Saucony Kinvara - Green & Gold
Woohoo, a proper run. Kinda.
Was meant to be a real round the bay, but once I'd passed through McMaster got a massive hit of the tireds. Total wipeout. Moped around a bit, decided it wasn't worth it and headed back.
Got a bit lost on the roads between Mac and Uni Plaza, but it was worth it - finally perked up on the way back and felt quite energized in the final few ks.
Was meant to be a real round the bay, but once I'd passed through McMaster got a massive hit of the tireds. Total wipeout. Moped around a bit, decided it wasn't worth it and headed back.
Got a bit lost on the roads between Mac and Uni Plaza, but it was worth it - finally perked up on the way back and felt quite energized in the final few ks.