Training Log Archive: Anvil

Event: 5 Peaks Trail Race- Hardwood Hills
 

A bit with 'Bent, a bit with Wil

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.

C • Nice job! 1

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.

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?

C • "Like!" 6

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.

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.

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.

C • ha 2

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.

C • I prescribe... 6

Event: Adventure Running Kids Mud Run & Day Camp - Hamilton
 

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!)