Training Log Archive: martin(uk)

Compass Sport Cup Final, Teviothead. 7th, Blue Cup course.

The weather was really grim, very windy and raining, but actually the course planning and terrain were fine, so quite enjoyable. Started 2 minutes behind Clive, and although I think I gained a bit on the early controls, by the time we got to the long legs up on the fell he was pulling away.

No bad mistakes but a couple of instances of drifting off line and having to relocate which cost some time. Overall, steady, and given my lack of fitness a reasonable result.

Carlisle Urban Race. 4th M40+.

Not feeling great, still got sore throat and cough after London race. Decided I'd better at least get it right technically, and accept that I wouldn't be running at my best physically. A few hesitations, but no mistakes or poor route choices.

Comparing splits with Graeme afterwards (who won in 37:43) it was clear that I was just running slightly slower and losing 5-10 seconds on each of the medium/long legs.

With at least 3 more Urban League races to come, hopefully I'll manage better than 4th in some of them.

Event: The 5th City of London Race
 

London City Race.

I guess I didn't expect a great result, as I'm not fit, and my mind is full of other stuff. I set out hard and was doing ok through the first 10 controls before the Barbican (I think I was 2nd at that point, and clearly Richard B who won was running faster). Leg 11 was into the Barbican, mid level, and I knew immediately it would be a challenge. Unfortunately I just couldn't see a good route in on the map, even though I was pretty sure it existed on the ground. Decided to keep it safe and use a stairwell up to the long passage, but even then I missed the entrance, and then missed the stairs down to the correct level when approaching the control.

Then, instead of slowing down and concentrating harder, I messed up the next leg to 12 as well, a long leg across the Barbican complex. I was sure I could stay high, but I just didn't spot the way to do it. Ended up stuck and needing to go down to street level, then climb back up to the control later.

By the time I left the Barbican I had thrown several minutes away, and as I was felling pretty sluggish and had a sore throat as well, I guess I slightly gave up at that point. Finished 11th which was disappointing, but enjoyed the day out anyway.

Up through Whirlow Brook Hall then Limb Valley, back through the fields.

Porter Clough, Burbage, Ringinglow, Limb Valley and back to Whirlow.

With Bill, Jon and Ross. Nice steady pace, bit wet in places, but very enjoyable.