orienteer race 1:00:00 [4] ****
ahr:159 2c
Day 1 at Anzo Borrego. Looking at the terrain near the start (very low relief) and the model map, I was nervous about making navigational mistakes here. It would be hard to relocate, so the key would be close map contact, so that relocation would not be necessary.
I was a little sloppy getting to the first control, so I took it slow to the second. Unfortunately, we had to climb a steep slope to get to #2. This slope was covered with loose rocks, so the footing was terrible. I started to climb, but was mostly slipping and tripping. Then I started to get nervous. I'm scared of steep, loose slopes. I decided to skip this approach, and climb the hill at a less steep spot. I slipped and slid my way back down the hill, then over to another spot. I was still scared going up, but I made it (mean while, several people are passing me, with apparently no major difficulties with the footing.) I got to the top of the hill, and looked down at my control. It was in sight, but I was practically hyperventillating at the prospect of going down a steep hill covered with loose rocks to punch. So I sat on my butt and slid down.
I took the trail part way to #3, then entered the maze of cliffs. The map showed a slight opening in the impassable cliffs, which would be the best route to the control. When I got to this "break" in the cliffs, it was steep compacted dirt, which required climbing. I could not see a way for me to climb it, so I started getting scared again. I continued up and down the line of cliffs, looking for a spot that I felt capable of climbing, and I couldn't find anything. I was incredibly frustrated, because I knew where I was, but I physically couldn't handle it. After a few minutes of moaning and groaning my self-imposed fate, (based on my fears) I decided to just skip #3 and move on.
I approached #4 via a stream bed. After a while, I was again faced with an impossible choice of a cliff taller than me, or a steep, rock covered hill side. That was it. I gave up and walked back to the finish, slogging into the wind on the sandy road.
Mike and I discussed ways for me to get over this physical problem. Obviously, I need to increase arm and leg strength, so I feel more comfortable climbing up and down steep hills. I'm also going to see if I can work on technique (perhaps standing more upright, to minimize slipping?) Finally, I plan to practice climbing in and out of some of the steep stream banks we have locally.
I was very frustrated. The course and terrain looked interesting, and I hated to DNF. However, when you're standing still contemplating a steep cliff, and your HR is 160, you know it's not going to work today.
orienteer race 52:40 [3] *** 2.8 km (18:49 / km)
ahr:156 spiked:8/12c
Sprint at A-B
After the disaster in the morning, I was determined to get out there and complete a course. Fortunately, the Sprint was on gentler terrain (although there were a few ridges that were a bit nerve-racking).
I walked the whole course, because I didn't want to tire myself out before day 2. The navigation was pretty good, until #10. My concentration lapsed, and I was distracted by other people. As I had anticipated, relocation was difficult. Probably lost more than 8 to 10 minutes here.
It was a fun course, and good practice for day 2.