Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

Since the weather threw a bit of a loop in my paddling plans with FunRun, it seemed like a perfect night to head to the yoga studio instead!

C • lol 1

Met Mrs. Tiny for a hilly Grand River trail hike with a full pack. She's still in fine form!

Biking to and from the Tiny household. Took a longer trail route on the way out and a direct route back to make a spa appointment with a friend. Rode my hardtail for the first time since Mexico in 2011 and couldn't believe how much more efficient it was on the road than my Era. Really considering putting a bit of work into this bike and taking it to UNE instead of my softtail. If the course is anything like the last two years I did it, the majority of the biking was on roads so the hardtail might be a better bet. Easily averaging 5-7 kph faster with no additional effort.

5 Peaks at Rattlesnake Point. My biggest concern going into this was figuring out how to pace myself over a shorter distance. My goal pace was somewhere between my 50K meander and "I think I might die" (there is quite a range here). After going out a little hard in the first 2K for most of the rest of the race I found a suitably uncomfortable but sustainable pace and (much to my surprise) felt pretty strong both mentally and physically all the way through. I guess my sufferfest on Tuesday was well-timed as this didn't feel nearly as bad! Perfect temperature for me to run in as I overheat really easily. I must admit I enjoyed myself and will try to throw a few more short races into the mix every now and again.

Didn't realize until this week that there would be so many other APers out there today. Thanks for adding me to the team even though I knew I would be a token addition!

C • Great job! 3

Just a little jaunt around my neighbourhood. Legs still not feeling entirely up to snuff after Tuesday's sufferfest.

Yes, that's right, for one of the first times in my AP history a "5" is appearing on my log. It all started innocently enough: I decided to go to the Tuesday night trail running group, which often in the summer attracts 30-40 runners of all varying paces and abilities. Last year I would do these runs with Mrs. Tiny, who is not so tiny at the moment. :) Even then it killed me but I called it "character building." Surely, I thought to myself, there would be someone for me to run with.

At 5:55, I surveyed the parking lot nervously. Where were all the 'regular' runners? All I saw was the "fast group," a bunch of tall, skinny people who looked like they could outrun even the fastest hyena. I thought about heading back to my car, but I had already been spotted. Damnit.

And so I suffered. I suffered as I have not suffered in a long time but managed to stay with them. I dry heaved, my legs trembled, I watched my HR soar above 200. On several occasions I thought about 'missing' a turn or throwing myself face first onto the trail, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Somehow I survived, but only narrowly. Once back in the parking lot, I thanked them for the ass-kicking and promised to (maybe) come back.

C • Oh the horror 6

C • Nightmare 1

Bruiser, simpy and I all went out on the Mob Match course together. Our biggest mistake of the entire 90 minutes was the 15 minutes we spent looking for the first CP. Yes, that's right. I said 15 minutes. We were all left shaking our heads and wondering if any of us actually knew how to read a map. After walking around in circles and putting forth a variety of theories about why we were so dumb, we shook it off and proceeded through the rest of the course without incident. Lots of fun!

C • Which control did you do first? 2

BiT joined us for a road / trail ride from Long Sault to Orono trails and back. I'm sure someone is expecting me to make a crack about road riding so to keep them guessing, I won't!

Brisk morning run with friend, followed by a marathon marking session in which I graded 100 + assignments and 15 projects. Phew! There is light at the end of the tunnel - only 30 exams to grade and I am home free for the term!

Met up with Bruiser at Kelso for a ride. Shorter than expected due to terrible traffic and a later than anticipated start time, but still good fun to bomb around on the trails nonetheless.

Series of escalating 2-4 minute intervals with matching recovery periods.

C • Waddle Run-walk 3

Warm-up / cool-down / recovery

Dear AP: I am sorry I have been preoccupied lately and had a crappy training week last week. Sometimes, I hate to admit, I'd rather drink wine than go biking. I promise that I'll give you more attention this week.

Signed,
Funderstorm

C • Open Letter 2

Let's sweat some of the wine out of my system at the end of girls' weekend in NOTL.

Easy run with Stephania and work colleague in TO before conference.

Warm-up / cool down

Yay hills, my favorite! (insert sarcastic smiley here).

Short but sweet post-work pre-marking ride at the Hydrocut.

Event: Salomon Dontgetlost.ca Giant's Rib Raid
 

A really successful Funderstorm outing at GRR with Bruiser and Amber. Although you'd never guess it by our time, this was probably one of our cleanest Raids to date, with only a couple of time-sapping bobbles (CPs 1 and 2 on the Omega stage). Overall, we seemed to be making efficient route choices and all worked well together. Really enjoyed the course and the company. A great way to kick off 2012!

C • That time looks okay to me!... 1

Beautiful morning for the first Hydrocut outing of the year. Trails are in great shape and had lots of laughs with Andrew and two of his UNE teammates.

Gotta admit - not feeling the trail running love on this one! Still nice to get 'er done before work though.

C • Is that because you miss me... 2

Wasn't feeling inspired to come up with something different, so a repeat of last Monday's workout. As much as I prefer to run outside (although not necessarily by myself in the dark at 6am), the treadmill is a great place for me to do any tempo / speedwork as I hold myself far more accountable and am motivated by having others around me. Great start to the week!

Warm-up / cool down

This morning's weather was a perfect excuse to get myself back to the bikram studio!