 |
| Part of the coastal trail |
Well I managed my longest run yet just over 16k with 400m
height gain. It was a fairly straight forward
out and back, with some steady undulations which meant I had to do hills both
ways, not so good when my legs were tired at the end. But I learned a lot from doing it. I found the first 3 - 4k the hardest and
walked some of the ups (some pain in my hips and calves) but then hit the zone
and the running became smoother – mental distraction seems to be the key for me.
It took me a long time but then I wasn’t trying to rush – this was about
distance and TOF (time on feet). One of
my main learning points is I need to get some calories in along the way,
particularly to sustain me near the end of the distance. The last kilometre was
shaky, legs heavy and a bit light headed. I was positively drained and without taking
off my backpack or unharnessing the dog, I hit the fridge as soon as I got
through the door. Chocolate caramel seemed to do the trick and I felt revived within
minutes.
 |
| Great Views |
My previous efforts at eating during exercise have not gone
down too well, although I have found a snack bar that I can just about eat a quarter
of before feeling nauseous. So next week
I’m going to try one of my trekking favourites and I’ll let you know how I get
on.
 |
| Julie & Misty (behind) |
After the long run, I took 2 days rest. Then a friend, who also does cani-cross with
her dog, had come across for a few days so we planned a run and decided to do
part of the upcoming Coastal Trail race. The ups are tough and the pebbles on
the beach I found really difficult, so not a fast route but it is beautifully
scenic. Unfortunately with such difficult terrain it’s hard to take your eyes
off the ground. Then another rest day (only managed 3 runs this week).
 |
| Watson crossing the stream with his 'stick'. |
Saturday I was ‘up for it’.
However my legs had other ideas and I ran like a hobbled donkey. The ups were grim. I thought the route I had
chosen would be good because it was so varied but it sapped my energy. Needless to say I toughed it out and got my
distance in and enjoyed the downhill.
Watson particularly enjoyed carrying a ‘stick’ he found for
most of the distance. Oh, deer,,, well
that didn’t come back in the van with us!
Weeks activity :
Sunday – Rest
day
Monday – Long
trail run 16.06k / 400m height gain
Tuesday – Rest
day
Wednesday – Rest
day
Thursday – Trail
run 6.26k / 140m height gain
Friday – Rest
day
Saturday – Trail
run 8.79k / 287m height gain
(Goatfell
Race 15.5km / 870m)
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