Training Log Archive: RobB

Belier trail race - 27k long with 1,000m climb mainly on good forest track / roads. Paul F recommended this and it fitted in nicely with our holiday and woc watching plans.

Started off steady (up a big climb) and quickly got into a small group. The guy who I thought was Billy Burns (who won the race last year), in team Adidas kit was leading the way and I was happy to sit back. At about 1/3 way round Adidas man starting falling back and another guy took on the pace (with me now in second). Realised that this guy was probably Billy when he shouted "track" to some of the walkers on the trail.

Billy and I swapped the lead until the last 5 k where he got a small lead on me up Beauregard (a big climb). His lead increased on the steep decent down to Clusaz.

Was pleased with my result and really enjoyed the race. At the prize giving I was given a note to go to the local sports club after the race. When I got there I was ushered into a small room, given an envelope and asked to sign a receipt for my winnings.... looked down at the form and it was for 160 Euros! Totally unexpected. But a very nice way to end our holiday.

C • You have lived 3

Easy jog warm up. No warm down, too hot and too tired. Walked up the hill to cheer Clare instead.

Easy run from the chalet (in Etale) along the flat path to the Col de la Croix Fry. Legs felt tired but body felt good.

Run from the accommodation after a day exploring "Cham" and checking out the Ultra Tour de Mont Blanc (crazy, crazy stuff). Weather was definitely on the turn and had to run in the rain. Started out on a loop of the hill (about 10k) but it was too slippy on the trails so had to retrace my steps a bit and run on the road / good trails near the apartment to finish. Threw in 2 x 5 minutes to try and liven up the legs - which worked ish.

Did a PaulF recommended walk up "Le Trou de la Mouche." It was over a 3 hour round trip and we jogged some of it so am going to credit an hour. Stunning views.

Run around Lac Annecy (2018 Winter Olympic candidate). It was hot (35 degrees and I was stupidly running in the midday sun) but the saving grace was that there was a pancake flat cycle path to run on.

Tried out a Moneghetti interval session (2 x 90 (90), 4 x 60 (60), 4 x 30 (30), 4 x 15 (15)). The path had 500m markers and I was hitting 15 min 5k pace for the minute efforts (think I should have been slightly faster but will let myself off). Good session with lots of bang for your 20 minute buck.

Reccie of second half of the Belier race with Clare. Hot, hot, hot. This half was nice for the first 2 / 3 rds but the hill at the end Beauregard was a real sting in the tail. We stopped off for a coke at the top of the hill - for the world's most expensive Orangina (Clare's new beverage of choice).

Easy run from Etale - completed the whole loop around the hill this time. Scared some mountain bikers who were not expecting me (nor me them) around a blind corner.

Reccie of first part of the Belier route. Struggled to follow the course map to start with but eventually worked out the route. It was seriously hot again today and had to stop a few times to dump out caps in cold water and generally try and cool off.

Evening run from the apartment.