orienteering race (Sprint) 26:22 [4] 3.9 km (6:46 / km) +80m 6:08 / km
slept:7.0 shoes: Saucony Fastwitch 6
Race the Castles - Stirling.
I don't like running this early. Had breakfast 2h before but could still feel it when running, particularly first 10 min of race.
Nailed the navigation in the castle, only error was on 2 where I missed the optimal route, but made a very quick decision on a safe one, so probably didn't lose too much time.
Had a slight tip off as saw people standing around scratching their heads looking for 6 as I was running 3-4. Planned control ahead and saw steps in straight away. For me there was no confusion at all - I knew to look for steps coming in to courtyard. However I think once you got to the control area it would have been easy to confuse yourself with what you could/couldn't see.
Almost caught Anne and another Scottish junior after this, and decided to go N route via graveyard to 11. Missed Tarmac path, followed grass path into woods which promptly disappeared and left me stuck fighting my way through brambles for 2.5 min. Rest of course fine, good routes. V disappointed to throw it away on such a silly mistake! 24 would have been very competitive today.
Still, gives me a bit if confidence that I can mix it with the best - I wasn't as far down as I expected to be all weekend, and it was so much fun to be part of it!