Training Log Archive: TomN

Sligo loop.

Locating trail-o control locations for Wheaton Mash-Up. Choices are kind of limited because of lack of visibility in the woods. I found 7 reasonable controls and ran out of tape, maybe like to add one more. I don't know if they're any good, only time will tell, but I think they may be pretty hard. Hopefully not just random. Going to combine them with a trail run and sprint, the whole thing timed, with penalty for getting them wrong. Should be fun.

The legendary Chase. Not to be missed, always a great happening, each time surpassing expectations. Although my orienteering was pathetic. Followed the lead pack to #1, then followed the back of the pack to the place where #2 wasn't. After that, basically on my own. This is the way it always goes with mass-start events. Actually, this is the way it goes with road races, too. Unless it's a really big race, I'm on my own most of the time -- no one in front, no one behind. Too slow for the leaders, too fast for the pack.

I narrowly avoided the fatal error of having the exchange map inverted and going out on the 3rd loop instead of the 2nd. Nevertheless, on the first control of the second loop I was passed by 12 orienteers. That's an exact count, because I was with Victor going into the control, and with Sam going out of it. Long detour in between, taking in the sights.

Putting that aside, the day couldn't have been better. Great weather, great food, great company.

Long - Splits