So, today the aim was to actually go out there and race. Faffing was officially banned, and I was officially getting closer to that there Sam girl. I would also try not to be beaten by any veterans (albeit really quite superb veterans). And I managed. Although Sam was still way ahead, pulling out a truly awe inspiring 59.56, I lost a lot less time and was far more satisfied with my race. Clawed ahead of that pesky Ali character too, which I was surprised I could do. Best of all, AP reckons I lost less than a minute in errors (I think probably more like 2), which means I am capable of doing this racing thing, and when I have a good winter's training behind me, I might actually get near Super Saeger. Point by point:
Start - 1: Knew the trail and the spur were pretty clear, and went for it. Attacked over the spur and dropped into the re-entrant. Confidence boosting in the exact place I screwed up in yesterday.
1-2: Bit of faffing around the trail then got my act together and went for it. Attacked along the ridge and hesitated slightly early, but was right on line. A little time lost but not devastating.
2-3: Again, on a great line but hit the spur slightly lower than I thought and hesitated way before the control. Ran back to re-entrant and figured it out, this was my only properly significant time loss.
3-4: Easy pick leg - simples.
4-5: Really pleased with this. Picked up 4 or 5 features the whole way, a nice trail run in the middle to relax, then tighten up across the marsh corner, down the featureless hill, find exact point and attack control. Second fastest split on a long leg is something I don't think I've ever managed. Sam still, unsurprisingly, totally skinned me.
5-6: Was so annoyed with this! Ran so fast, bang online, then just hesitated too early in the re-entrant. Stood still for ages but was exactly where I thought I was. Bugger.
6-7: Spike!
7-8: Really pleased with this - tricky slope leg and I planned a good, safe route, and executed it well. Still a pansy at running downhill though.
8-9: Down the hill - not the best route through the crags but not too much time astray either.
9-10: A beautiful spike, but must have been running a bit less full on.
10-11: Took the safe high route but this was probably over cautious, feature was completely unmissable.
11-12: Too high, had to correct!
12-13: Simples.
So in summary, much better today. I didn't exactly feel in control on the top, mainly due to lack of ability to plan ahead as everything was full on. I consciously clicked over-ride on my faff button a few times, but never got anything like lost because I was simplifying better. Lesson learnt: I can do this. I should believe that I can!
Route gadget:
http://www.vmeyer.net/gadget/cgi-bin/reitti.cgi?ac...