Training week Sun, 14/11 - Sat, 20/11/2010

Sunday, 14 November 2010
Travelled to Stirling.

Monday, 15 November 2010
45 min Aqua-Jog class. (12.30 pm)
This was good fun. Exertion level was not so high, because I didn't quite expect what it would be like. Enjoyed it.

Tueday, 16 November 2010
Track session at Stirling Uni (2 pm)
12 min warm-up jog, drills and strides
2x8x200 m with 100 m walk break (ca. 1.15 min)
Set 1: 38.0 - 38.9 - 36.8 - 39.4 - 39.0 - 39.0 - 40.2 - 39.3 -- Set break: 5 min
Set 2: 39.3 - 39.5 - 39.9 - 41.3 - 37.5 - 40.1 - 40.3 - 37.8
18 min warm-down jog
HR Avg 157, HR Max: 173

Wednesday, 17 November 2010
Spinning session at the Peak, Stirling (8 pm)
Enjoyed this very much, it gets dark and the disco lights go on. The bikes pick up the HR monitor so could work within HR ranges (somewhat).
60 min session, with a wee warm-up, session offered different elements of strength and speed (tried to keep HR below 170). Easy stretch at the end.
HR Avg. 143, HR Max 176

Thursday, 18 November 2010
Training course in Edinburgh and attended talk in the evening

Friday, 19 November 2010
Training course in Edinburgh.

Saturday, 20 November 2010
Scottish Universities XC Championships, Stirling University
Length about 6km, 28.30 min (12 pm)
The course was in reasonable shape, although there were a few waterholes on the course. Only ran with trainers because can't wear spikes due to orthotics. Start is on the golf course, looping around on reasonably short grass, then down a short drop to the loch, onto the field next to the food factory with a short loop on the grass area there. The uphill was slightly slippery and muddy, along the top and then down the hill again, tough not as muddy, loop around the food factory, up a hill through long grass, down the other side, up hill on a gravel path along the playing pitches, short dip into the woods, the return onto the golf course with an uphill in long grass with mud holes. First lap turned left to do the course again, finish line went further up hill for another 150 yards.
I was very motivated for this race. I love the course, it's tough but runnable and the strongest runner will win. I was quite relaxed an happy looking at it and really enjoyed run. It turned out to be quite quick-ish, considering the hills and lack of spikes. It's also a bit of nostalgia and melancholy, my first big race for Stirling Uni was on this course, and this was my last one. The circle closes.

Sunday, 21 November 2010
Core session - I pretty soon after developed a slight muscle ache in my upper tummy muscles... uh?!