Training Log Archive: Spike

I successfully finished my modified 31 day challenge. A few notes:

It is a lot easier to do a modified version (see how long it takes to get to 31 days as opposed to 31 days without a break).

It is a lot easier to do any version if you are fit and running more. I'm not. As a result, I did more short sessions than would be ideal. That said, short technique sessions are useful. It is also easier to keep the mental quality high for 15 minutes than for 45 if you are doing a 31 day challenge.

Every time I've done one of these, I see noticeable improvements in how my navigation works at about 7, 10 and 15 days.

Almost every time I've done one of these I have some problem - a turned ankle or a cold. I had a tight calf this year.

The only really bogus session this year was a map hike at SMP before I had to go to an evening Park Board meeting.

Including MTBO was useful. It is a good way to rest legs from running and it is a blast. I also have figured something out about how to keep track of where I am on the map when it is on a map board and not in my hand.

I haven't counted how many different maps I used this year, but I think it was fewer than prior years.

PTOC event at Blue and Gray.

This was tougher than expected. The ground was often muddy or slushy. Trails were slow because of the slush/mud. The woods were typical, but there was one stretch where it seemed like I kept getting caught in thorns. But some parts of the course were really nice and the open woods were nice.

I felt slow/tired at the start. After about 30-40 minutes I started to feel better.

I hesitated on a couple of controls. I was indecisive on one leg. Other wise my orienteering was good.

Tom H won about 7 minutes ahead of me. Dean was a couple of minutes behind Tom.

Fun.

5

Night MTBO on West Campus. Fun and this was the end of the modified 31-day challenge.

2

31 of 31

Snow. But not much. Since Mary is out of town, I only shoveled the sidewalks and half of the driveway.

I'd planned to get out on a map to complete the 31 day challenge. But then I got an offer to go out and eat pizza with Mom and Ron. We had a good meal and looked at some photos from their trip to Costa Rica (including a sloth!). They're heading off to NYC and Clinton Corners on Thursday. My new plan is to complete the 31 day challenge on Thursday.

C • Color? 3

Night sprint-ish course on West Campus. Fun.

I tested some new gloves.

2

30 of 31

C • how were the new gloves? 2

A short and easy session at Holcom. Fun. I was home in time to get out the door before it was dark, so I ran without a lamp.

2

29 of 31

I shuffled around and picked up some controls.

SMP score course. Nick set the course.

Fun. I got all but one marker. In retrospect, I probably had enough time to do the short detour to get the control I didn't.

The snow on the ground was nice. There were a couple of spots where things were a little slippery.

I had a little bobble on the first control I went to. Otherwise, my navigation was good. I felt better running that I've felt in weeks. My calf caused no trouble. I suspect that some of the good feeling while running was the temp (maybe 35-40 F).

I haven't seen the results, but Dean got all of the controls and finished a little bit before I did.

I chatted with Bob B afterwards. He ran the Castlewood AR in December and I was curious about his thoughts on the map. He said it was good and useful. That was nice to hear. I was a bit worried about a quick and remote map being adequate (or course I shouldn't have worried as the alternative was an old USGS map).

5

28 of 31

C • Trails? 3

Warming up a bit.