Orienteering race 53:48 [5] 6.0 km (8:58 / km)
Aus relays, running 3rd for the cyclones. Our expectations were a little lower than last year, and without Rachel we were definitely lacking fire-power, but we figured that Bridget, Krystal and I could get a decent result, and that 4th was achievable if we all ran well.
Bridget and Krystal got us off to a solid start, but it was looking like most of the elite women were going to end up in the mass start. fortunately for us they delayed it and I went out in 5th, a minute behind WA and 30m ahead of Tracy running for NSW.
Having spoken to a few people about the course, and having run with Tracy at the end of the long last weekend, I figured that if I ended up running with Tracy I'd never get away, but on my own I'd be quicker, and that the only decisive point on the course was the first leg. So I took the first leg straight and ran as fast as I could and didn't see her again. I didn't see the WA runner either, and ended up running the whole leg by myself. A good run in the end - not feeling as quick as yesterday, but every control was exactly where I expected it to be. Certainly a nice change to get the navigation right! probably could have picked a better route choice on the long leg back to 6 - running lower along the fence line may have been much quicker.
Pleased to finish a comfortable 4th, and looking forward to having Rachel back so we can really get back in the mix.
Note
Ended up with infected blisters after Saturday (and last weekend), which required treatment so that I could sleep then run. Total first aid kit was nil, but scrounged a pocket knife and hand sanitiser from Mat.
Sliced open the blister and filled it with alcohol hand sanitiser. It stung a bit, but it did the job and got me through the race.
Note
Ankle stuffed again. not sure what I did (didn't notice anything major during the run), but my dodgy ankle has turned into a balloon after the relay. also very stiff and hurts to walk. I hope its just a bit angry after running on really rough terrain and it settles down again quickly.