Training Log Archive: AC

Headed out to Epernay in the Champagne region (about 2 hours west of Paris) for a change of scenery for my first run back in the forest since a rock viciously attacked my head during the last Nationale. Felt pretty stiff and sore from yesterday's ride, but settled in to a steady pace for the first 7 controls. Then managed to cross a track without noticing and runoff the map. THings seemed to be fitting quite nicely, until they weren't and I had no clue as to where I really was. After circling quite a bit, took a bearing to try and intersect with a major track. That worked eventually and I found my way to the 8th control, losing a bunch of time in the process (haven't seen the splits as yet - there was no printer at the event so I guess I have to get hem off the next this evening. Spiked the next few controls and then my lower back started to seize up quite badly and had to really slow down and walk for a bit. Managed to jog home the rest of the time with no major navigational errors. Disappointing way to end the run, as well as doing the massive error of course. Next race is in the Dolomites at the Italian 5 Days, being held in conjunction with WOC. Will be very different terrain!

Out for an easy tourist run between watching the Aus-France rugby match and the All Blacks-England match. Just took it easy and cruised down to the Seine, past the Eiffel Tower, back across the Seine at Alma Marceau and then back through Trocadero. Pleasant run.

Met up with Nik M and did a long mtb ride out to Parc de St Cloud and did several different circuits around the Parc. Absolutely stunning day - 25 deg, blue skies, no wind. Lower right back got quite sore - need to stretch a lot more than I do. That Dolomiti race is going to kill me - 60km and 1600m climb. Luckily most is on gravel path rather than single track, so not too technical I hope.

Slipped out for a quick interval session between meetings. Did a short warm-up and then 1-2-3-2-1 mins with 1 min break between each. Pace quite good (4.18, 13, 9, 15, 4). Very sweaty for the start of the afternoon meeting though.

After a hard day's slog at the office, decided to unwind with a good session on the trainer. 15 mins warm up and then 3 min H / 1 min E. Legs sore by the end of that session.

Easy lunchtime run with Jon. Felt pretty crap and was glad to finish, not least because of looming afternoon meeting.