Training Log Archive: Anvil

Time to start the long runs up again after a month off. Just headed up the Taff trail for 50 minutes, or when I reached Castell Coch, whatever came first.
Was fairly uninspired for most of it - whenever there was a chance to stop and look at something I took full advantage of it, which was quite a lot as the river had broken its banks overnight.
Not really a fan of out and back runs, also the trail was paved the entire way. Will have to investigate some more interesting routes.
Went to watch Cardiff Blues play Leinster in the non-England rugby league. The teams are half made up of has-been or never-was Aussies and Kiwis - quite funny.

Did an easy interval session, 1 min, 2, 3, 2, 3, 2, 1 with one min recovery between each. Did a similar loop as the previous evening through Bute Park and down the other side. Was getting through the loop quite quickly so tried cross a bridge back into the Park, but for some reason it has a closed gate across it and as I climbed over it my wrist hit the lap button and cut my last 2 min short :(
Gonna have to start up with a club while I'm here, it's too hard doing these sessions by my self.

Rain Intensity: 1 - few sprinkles

Bugs Eaten: 4

A run in a new area is always going to be slower than usual for me as I have a tendency to stop, look at things and run into dead ends. From my place, up the Taff River to Bute Park, up to Blackweir and back down the other side of the river. Interesting sites include the castle, some ring of stones (a poor mans Stonehenge) and the river weir, which was impressive cause the river was so high.
Bute Park is OK, but not very big, has too many paved tracks. I've been spoiled by Richmond Park. They lock the gate early and there's the chance you'll get locked in! Bonus is now I get home before 6 so have plenty of time to get out.

Rain intensity: 3 - two short heavy showers.

Up at 5:20 for the 6:45 train to Cardiff carrying 180 lites of belongings + laptop.
Induction at 10:15. House viewing at 1:00, more at 5.
It rains a lot here.

Was running late to the start due to missing my train. Had more of a hangover then I bargained for (don't mix grain and grape kiddies), so much so that my hands were shaking when I pinned my number on, however, I was determined to still prove my worth in the SLOW A team.
Paul c had a storming run through coming in first doing about 30 mins on a 6k course and obviously psyched out Barrable and made him drop his estick ;)
Of course, I stuff up the first control. I can lay some blame on the map, as I took an unmarked track. The problem was, I realised before I entered the forest there were unmarked tracks and should have been more careful to pick the right one. 2 mins laters, brain reattached, I punch and see Nick was about 100m in front of me (doing all 3 legs!). Spiked the next couple, but hesitated on the way to 5 after losing contact, then faff in the circle when I don't see the control behind some greenery and NB reappears having stuffed up 3!
Do the control pick well and think I've pulled away, then get stick in some thicket and we're back together at 10. It's all cake after this, an uphill slog and a few controls in yesterdays Uni and come back in keeping the lead.
We won, so I guess that's all that matters - I would have liked to be cleaner though.

Includes:
Bolt from station to start
Few meagre strides
Bolt from finish to station
Realise left one shoe at start, jog back to assembly. Decide to stay for presentation.
Bolt from prize giving to station. Jump ontol train as door close (these trains were important as the one I wanted only went once an hour)