Training Log Archive: TomN

Noontime at Greenbelt Park. My legs felt tired all the way through. Why?

Volunteering at Peggy's ICC event at Fountainhead. This was epic. I arrived at 6 a.m., in the dark with pouring rain. Went out to pre-run a set of controls at the far end of the park, still pretty dark and still raining. I took advantage of every opening to read the map, because it was hard to see details under the tree canopy. The controls were hard to see, too, wet and sorry looking.

Rain continued throughout, with a few short breaks, and the low spots in the woods began to fill up with water. The little stream at the bottom of the first hill became a raging river, crossable only on fallen logs or the one bridge (unmapped?). The big stream after the second hill was crossable on the bridge until the bridge broke loose, and still the water continued to rise. Uprooted trees were ripping downstream. One runner was stranded on the far side of the river, and the SAR team geared up for a rescue. Happily, Keg found a way across, located the stranded runner in the woods, and escorted him back. Meanwhile I picked up a handful of controls on the near side, leaving the far side for Sid to pick up over the next few days as the water recedes.

The competitors, most of whom were experienced orienteers from various European countries, seemed to have had a good time. And it actually was fun to be in the woods, with the rain keeping things from getting overheated.

Through Forest Glen and the National Seminary down to Rock Creek, back up Old Spring Road.