Training Log Archive: iansmith

Warmup before the race. I started my GPS track a little late. Afterwards, I did some drills to try to loosen up my legs. My hip flexors in particular were tight - presumably from climbing.

Cambridge Summer Classic 5k. Some people from the Broad were running, so I decided to join in the festivities. I arrived at the start line without the usual excitement for a race - my shape is poor, and I did not have high hopes. Still, I went through my prerace routine, warmed up, and mentally prepared. I tend to go out too fast, so my goal was to stay in control for the first two km, then turn up the aggression through the painful 3-4 km. An ambitious goal would be to run 3:45/km for the whole race - which is basically my PR.

I felt comfortable at the start, then glanced down to see a 1.05 km, 3:36 split. Oops. The rest of the race became a struggle to hang on. My feet felt like they were encased in concrete - my cadence was sluggish, and my legs unresponsive. At about 7 minutes in, I heard what sounded like a caffeinated metronome come frolicking up behind me, and this small woman gradually cruised up next to and passed me. I was a plodding, lumbering giant compared to this nimble sprite.

Anyway, I was actually scared that I might run over 20 minutes, so I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed. Still, this is pathetic. If I can run this fast in my bad shape, I can break 18 with some discipline, intervals, and consistency.

I wasn't really tired after the race - though I think oxygen (i.e. fitness) and fast turnover on my legs had been the limiting factors, rather than energy. I decided to go for an easy cruise to my office. The river was pleasant.

Happy Canada Day+7! To conclude the week, I give you a picture I took of my great Canadian mountain obsession: Mt. Rundle. I took this picture from the northwest, by the Vermillion Lakes. I did the classic scramble to Rundle 1, but the Traverse haunts my waking moments.

Climbing at Metrorock with Bgallup; I did a handful of 5.7s and 5.8s. Technique, thinking, and strength are improving; it helps to have someone talk me through routes. I almost hit a skunk on my bike on the way home.