Training Log Archive: Gswede

Hill repeats

Workout was 6x(3 minutes at 75%, 1 minute at 90%, jog down recovery)

I was still pretty beat up from Sunday's race. But I made a deal that I'd do 4 of them. Once I got to 4 I asked myself if I could do one more. Did it. Asked myself again if I could do one more. Did it. And now I made it through a workout that beforehand I didn't think I could. Sports give you such excellent opportunities to practice going beyond what you believe are your limits.

On another note, I'll give $40 to the first person who makes it through at least a 5k orienteering course in one of those T-Rex suits. Video proof is needed.

Recovery jog on the drive.

Green Monster 25k.

A new friend of mine, Matt Lipsey, recommended this race to me back in June and I wasn't disappointed. Long, steep uphills. Technical downhills. Enthusiastic volunteers. All around a great event.

I was in the lead by about 3 meters in. But I had one guy sticking about 20 seconds off of me until about 8k in.

My body held up well until just past 16k when I started to get calf cramps. These got worse and more frequent until at the top of the last climb, my right calf cramped and wouldn't uncramp. When I looked down at it I could still the muscle flexed and the individual fibers moving back and forth. I had to take about 2-3 minutes to stretch it out before continuing.

I knew I just had to make it to 25k and then it'd be done. And then I made it to 25k and had to keep going. My theory that race directors always overestimate was proven wrong here. I was on the struggle bus for the last k. Despite it being a long, gentle downhill on a gravel road.

So yes, I'm planning on going back next year :)

Also, the downhill known as Frankenstein's Forehead made the race that much more fun.

Checking out the permanent course at the Schuylkill Center to see if it can be used by a school group later. Nope, map's changed significantly and there are only two markers left.

Event: Ottawa O-Fest and Ontario Champs
 

20 minute tempo on the drive at 3:30-3:40/k. At one point, an older man on his folding bike with his leashed spaniel running alongside decided to stick with me. He was fine, but I was worried about how long the spaniels little legs could carry him.

It was amazing how excited the dog was to be running with someone else. It was a little funny just how many comebacks he made once he started getting tired.

(And he's falling behind... But no! He's back in the lead). Happened about six times.

A lovely symptom that's lasted beyond the others: frequent nosebleeds.

Felt better this evening