Training Log Archive: Torino

I thought I knew where the start was (we didn't get a map), but it turns out I didn't and there were parallel roads and several big farms where one could turn to the left. So I made some extra miles and was worried getting late to the start which I did, but I was not the only one as it seemed quite hard to find.
Even in regional races, we now have to sign-up, pay ahead of time and start by a start list with sometimes 9-min- intervalls like yesterday. Our COVID number in the area are up again. But orienteers are generally a conscientious people and don't hang out in bars and clubs ;-0).

I went there (same place as yesterday's foot-O race) not knowing if I wouldn't even manage to put on my helmet. Asked for some help and voilà, it worked, the helped finished just above my ear, and the straps I could arrange so they wouldn't bother. Again, I protected my ear with a headband which works wonderfully. Started kind of slow and saw at once that it was another fast non-technical course where I usually lack behind those riders that are just fast on the roads. But was happy anyway and felt good on the bike. Found my rhythm towards the end and felt getting stronger and stronger. A good outing.

Jog up to the start.

Just couldn't pass up on this opportunity to try orienteering again. Put on a headband to protect my ear and headed off into the woods. When faced to go into a thicket to control 1, I opted to go carefully around and got to the flag without having brambles tear off my headband. Basically, followed this rule and took detours on trails and forest roads. Did the course cautiously until the last few controls where I started to gain confidence that it would be ok for my bandaged ear after all. It was a fast course, and I also couldn't find one flag hidden in a 1m-pit, so I searched the area and lost 5 min., and I ended up almost at the end. But I was happy to be out and about again. If the Dr. knew!!! ;-)

C • Che brava! 2