Training Log Archive: Becks

Part one. I am going to get bored of this very quickly.

C • Boring?! 4

Intensity 5! There it is! Today was my first track session in about six months, and it went better than expected. It was very humid and I got two big downpours while I was out. There were two sets of adorable goslings wandering around the track, and they did an Abbey Road style march across the track in front of me on lap 5. They have also put a couple of portaloos next to the track, which makes the concept of intervals a way more welcome one for my stomach too.

Plan was strides, 6 x 600m, 75 secs rest, aiming for 2.30-2.35. I didn't hit the aim time on any of the laps, I was under for all of them. It felt like the right speed though - running hard but strong, definitely not on the edge, and HR looks about right. Went all out on the last one and the difference was very apparent - it felt awful! So I think my pacing was pretty much spot on. Times:

2.18
2.23
2.18 (really thought this was going to be slower, the power of being warmed up!)
2.23
2.28
2.13

Jog back was hard - not much energy in the bank first thing, and very happy to have my porridge now!

About 40 minutes of stretches while talking to Dr Rob on skype.

Is anyone aware of any 10k road races happening during June/July? The one I was aiming for very helpfully got booked up, and there doesn't seem to be much on at all once the heat hits.

C • Calendar 2

Super easy recovery run home from work. Started with the physio moves, looked stupid, then jogged. Felt pretty tight at the beginning but loosened up and felt much better by the end. Almost beat the monsoon outside but not quite.

Went to the physio this morning about my hamstring/lower back tightness, and was given some dynamic stretches to do before running, aswell as some static stretches to do at least once a day. The whole programme takes forever so I'm not sure how well I'm going to be able to stick to it, but I'll try. Was there for 90 minutes in total, most of it stretching time. Heck.

So last night my crazy neighbour kept me awake until 4.20am, bashing around making the whole place wobble, singing, and not answering his door when I hammered on it. I was a wreck at work today and came home at 3.30, and slept from 4 till 9 when he woke me up again. Have just eaten some dinner and am going to try and have a proper night's sleep now.

Any tips on dealing with small man with incredible heavy feet that make bashing and thumping noises all night long and fail to answer their door? Thank god I'm moving very soon.

Today I am going to eat lots, as my appetite has returned.

Congratulations Dr Rob!

Also, his Visa documents are winging their way express to the UK right now.

Yey!

C • Cool! By the way, do you wa... 2

C • Congratulations 1

Event: Billygoat Run
 

This weekend has been really depressing for me on a running level. It was really fun on a this place is full of really great people level. I started fast and skipped early today, hoping that I could stick with Sam and co for a bit when they caught me again. In reality, they caught me earlier than I expected and I was completely unable to stick with them. I don't think I was losing much on trails but in the woods I was really losing. Messed 12 by not really reading well enough in the circle, and by 14 I was alone again, thinking how rubbish it was that I always end up alone on these mass start things. Then I got on the wrong trail, dropped too low on the wrong side of the spur, was set right by Hillary, and then promptly turned my ankle on the way down onto the right side of the spur. I sat for a bit and cried, not because my ankle hurt but because I was so disappointed with actually being so much further away from being fit than I thought I was, and life hasn't been much fun recently but I thought I was at least getting somewhere with that. Then I heard people and jogged down to see a large group of people, including Miss Jospe, and decided to continue after all. I then led them on the worst route ever to 17, and proceeded to pick a poor one to 18. Halfway there I decided I was having a rubbish time and decided to turn in, but Alex wouldn't let me. We jogged the butterflies together with the big group of people, and I started to enjoy myself again because Alex is amazing, the woods were beautiful and I saw a turtle. We were slowly inching ahead of the group until we picked the bad northern route to number 33, where everyone got past us. Still, we finished in under ten mins per km, I got a long terrain run out of today, and I really confirmed that I know some great people.

I don't really like long ungaffled mass start races at all. They don't play to my strengths one bit.

Sorry for everyone I was upset at today. You collectively made me feel a lot better. Thank you all.

Edit: Quickroute here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/faintgirl/5724348613/...

Looking at the route there were more stupid route choices than I thought too. Many things to work on.

C • hmmm 6

C • No you didn't! 9

Billygoat - Splits

Event: Speedy Goat Sprint Relay
 

My first leg. Really tough going up the steep hill to the butterfly centre, and I hesitated way to much on 2-3. Good after that though.

My second leg - trickier orienteering this time. Went out not too far behind the Hungarian guy but he killed me up the second hill and was alone from then on. A hesitation at 4 an a sub optimal route to 8. Otherwise good. My legs haven't tried to run that fast in a long time. Quite sore now.

Edits: here are my routes:

Pt 1: http://www.flickr.com/photos/faintgirl/5720364649/...
Pt 2: http://www.flickr.com/photos/faintgirl/5720922438/...

On looking at the splits I'm disappointed that I seem to be the slowest of the fast crew out there. I know I haven't been training for fast yet, but my definitely improved fitness doesn't appear to be translated to percentage behind winner. Have I just forgotten how to race?

A little warm down.

A-1 - Splits

B-2 - Splits

Quick little wind up session before the weekend. 10 sets of 90 x 30s. Fun! Made it out of the door at 6 something (just!). Very proud.

Hills session on East Rock. I don't have the zen like patience of Kitch to run 20 times up the same hill, but looped round two of the East Rock summits. Did two sets of 4, with a slightly extended tempo section between the two. Felt much better than the last couple of days, and ended at the very top, where the views were stunning. Did I make it clear yet that I love this weather?

When will I learn that my body doesn't work like other people's, and when I get tired I need to rest? Taking a day today in the hope I feel fine tomorrow. Last week felt great but was biggest volume in a while. Need to be careful.

C • you're 2