mr b's latest comeback

[Travs]

Nice one, sounds like you're sharpening up.

[mr brightside]

Just under 5m with about 1300' yesterday, up to the trig on Birks Fell from Buckden. I followed the route of the Litton Birks Loop past the shepherd's hut, which would make a great bothy if it were renovated, then followed the wall down open fell back to Buckden. The Buck Inn was the venue for a light snack, and i have to say they have the dirtiest cutlery i've ever seen. Whether they wash by hand or in a machine i don't know, but it's surprising how many previous lunches are still visible. It's a shame because the food isn't half bad; people just aren't fussed for details any more these days.

[mr brightside]

3x 1 mile reps off a fairly strict 2.30 rest this evening. Never done mile reps before, kept going but really felt the fade and was blowing very heavily on the last one.

Times were 6.14, 6.13, 6.17.

That old sage coach guy was there again. I don't know why, but he talks in very hushed tones and seems quite secretive. He reminds me of some of the die hard trade unionists I work with, whispering quietly in small groups.

The track is turning into a bog again, red muddy puddles everywhere.

[Travs]

Mile reps are incredibly difficult to pace well, so you've done a good job there.... even if you were struggling, they are very consistent.

They're probably my favourite rep distance. I'd imagine on a flat mile you could make 6mins when sharp.

[mr brightside]

I could do one 6min rep no problem, but not three.

[Travs]

We've got mile reps tuesday night....

I think we've only got 2 fast ones, with an easy mile in the middle.

[mr brightside]

Today was a test of whether i can make the distance for the Castle Carr Half, so 6.8m. The forecast was poor for the dales so i reluctantly took on Otley Chevin, and a run around part of the WNTTAC race. 6.8m/1965' of dodgy, greasy trails and lots of daytrippers who don't think you ought to be running in their presence. Managed to avoid the dogs eggs, but my legs suffered quite a bit. I haven't entered it yet, but i've drawn up a plan to try and get there in such as state as to effectively defend my vets record. If i can hang onto it for another year it'll be a miracle.

chevin.jpg

There's a map if you feel like a really uninspiring morning out.

[mr brightside]

A light strength session this morning, 250 consecutive good form squats followed by 20 reps on the inclined leg press at 150kg.

[mr brightside]

Different session tonight as I felt I needed a steadier run out, so it was my first ever track 10k at a steady zone 2/3 pace. Went through 5k at 23.30 and crossed the line in 46.40, so a good level paced run. My calves are killing.

The old sage coach guy was there with his runner and asked how many slow sessions I do, I told him none at all at the moment and I prefer to race a lot when fit anyway. He was quick to point out I won't get any better this way and should be doing only 15 percent of my training at a fast pace. People keep leading the old horse to water like this, but alas it refuses to drink!

[mr brightside]

Also occurred to me later that i'm almost certainly a sub 1h30 HM runner, as i found the pace quite pleasant and with preparation could keep it going. My old bones wouldn't put up with 13.1m though, my back was starting to give me trouble at 8k.