Training Log Archive: IanW

Event: SLOW Training Event
 

Hanging a few controls for junior squad training. Rhodos expanding, leading to a bit of doubt on a couple.

Leith Hill - World Cup 2005 Middle rerun.

Good fun, and pretty happy with the run, given haven't done much orienteering recently. Will be interesting to compare with splits from the day. Made a mess of #20 (2 mins) - was 20m from where I thought, got the paths to fit and shot off in the wrong direction. Otherwise, technically was pretty good, got dragged off the ideal line by the veg/better running on a few occasions but knew what was happening and could correct. Partly as the thinning/bilberry/bracken has made the running a bit tougher in places.

Main reminder of the day - take care with SI card when removing gloves! Lucky that Richard spotted it when I hadn't on 4 passes...

C • String round wrist? 1

Collecting a few controls, checking out the terrain around #18 (a lot more on the ground than can be mapped), and re-running 19-20 to work out what had happened.

Various to/from start jogs, and a bit of shadowing on the odds/evens relay.

Posted my splits from 2005 and today's re-run for comparison.

Obvious difference in the splits is within the technical section - much improved, save #18, where I had a far better route the first time around. Can put some of ths down to better knowledge of the area, though the maze of paths serves to confuse...

In the 'easier' bits, most splits very similar, but was dragged off line more this time. Often this was down to an exit line that was a little out, and not correcting quickly - having one more piece of information would have solved this in most cases. But I wasn't looking at the map enough, or planning ahead (#3, 5, 7). Also need to check the compass more often, as these 10-20" misses add up quickly in a middle.

So, things to improve:
- More checks of map - simplify, but don't over-simplify
- Knowing exit direction and first 'correcting' feature before punching

Middle Distance - Splits

Legs not feeling great on the bike today.

To Rolleston

Off-road route from Rolleston. Legs/body tired towards the end, tough going in places.

Wander with the guys along the last bit of the course and to check out the infamous stile. Someone had twigged that opening the gate and going round the other way would be a better option.

XC League 2 - Markfield

Surprised myself a little today - ran it to my strengths, using the hills to gain places and then dug in on the flatter bits to keep with whichever mini-pack I was with. Knew I would lose ground on the gravel path by the reservoir, but this was only 2 places and about 10 seconds, which was soon re-gained on the next hill. Downs weren't as steep or muddy as at Foremark, so didn't gain so much there.

Not as muddy as last year, and no stile queue to deal with, so I think times were generally quicker. But wasn't expecting to go around 5 mins faster (excluding stile-time), improve 80+ places, or to count for the team. Will take that!

C • Nice work 2

Token warm-down attempt - short wander around the playing fields. Calves tight again; need to do some strength work...