82kms

I’ll start off this week by quoting Vajin Armstrong “For me trail running is all about self-transcendence, freedom , simplicity and exploration.  Our modern world is so obsessed with the search for comfort and ease that having this outlet, giving us the chance to put ourselves in challenging situations and to explore and have adventures is so balancing…” I love this and couldn’t agree more! This is what I love so much about trail running. I have taken this from Macpac, see more at: http://www.macpac.com.au/our-community/vajin-armstrong-profile.html#sthash.hw8uXJhp.dpuf

View on top of Isaacs Ridge

This week my long run was 28km and I covered Farrer Ridge, Isaacs Ridge and Mt Taylor. I loved running past the mob of Kangaroos enjoying a morning munch on grass. I loved how peaceful it was on top of Isaacs Ridge, there was not a soul to be found! I was thrilled to traverse new trails that I haven’t explored before! Just like most of my long runs, I took it at a very slow pace, with around 4 hours spent on my feet. Once atop of Mt Taylor, I tested out an energy drink as a fuel source, I found it gave me some energy, and thought it might come in handy in the latter stages of TNF100. I thought it provided me a bit of a mental lift, but this could just be a placebo effect! I also was swarmed by Magpies, they must have thought I had something to share with them! There was about 30 and they seemed rather disappointed by my lack of food! After descending Mt Taylor I headed back to my car and that was me done and dusted for another day.

During the week I ran a 10k PB of 51.16 and it felt quite comfortable, can’t wait until I break 50 minutes!

On Saturday I took the puppy to Parkrun for a laugh, we were much slower than my usual time!  We completed the 5km in 34.08 but enjoyed it! 

On Sunday I entered the Tour de Ridges a 21.2km trail event. I went into this event without any taper whatsoever. The first few kilometres felt pretty good, I was running at around 5:00 minutes per kilometre which I was happy with and I handled the first few climbs well. After about 6 or 7kms I started to feel more fatigued but continued to push on. I loved the downhills on this course, I really felt like I was flying! My feet felt really stable as I danced my way down rocky slopes and I felt confident that I wouldn’t stumble, and thankfully I never did!  I started to slow down significantly in the latter stage of the race but I was happy with my performance overall.  I was happy to know I was nearing the finish line and almost done. After recovering and waiting for the presentations, I started to feel horribly unwell. Once they were over I managed to drive myself home without being sick in the car, made it into the door and couldn’t wait any longer! All the sports drink I had consumed was no longer and it was time to rest for a few hours for me! I managed to get some calories back into me thankfully pushed myself quite hard in this race, maybe a little bit too hard! I really wanted to go sub 2 hours, but was just over in 2:04, however this can be a challenge for next year!

Elevation Profile- Tour de Ridges

I completed 82kms this week, almost 10 hours spent training and 2044m in elevation gain. I am happy with this, now for a recovery week and then to push on to 90kms and beyond!