Training Log Archive: Vaala

Event: SI Champs - Long Distance
 

Checking first controls block with M, putting out boxes in valley and far sinkholes, being chased by cows turning on controls out the back and on eastern slopes. Got lost on the 2nd to last control! I can't orienteer to save myself. Sigh. Once I got back, spent quite a while rescuing old ladies trying to cross the fence halfway round their course. Sorry about that too but I'm sure they thought fences were preferable to another 100 metres of climb.

Sorry about the electric fences. Farmer said they would be off. Apparently he even did a demonstration for Jan. I didn't test the ones out the back as I assumed they hadn't been turned off yet when I was out in the morning.

People didn't seem to hate the courses as much as I was worried they would and the scary men did not finish in under an hour which was another fear.

Event: SI Champs - Sprint
 

Event: SI Champs - Middle Distance
 

The first 4 controls and then the last 5 or so were a disaster but the middle was okay. Was so over it though. The map was fine but the rock stuff was just frustrating thinking I knew were the control was but not being able to get round the stupid thing. Tried to help Frances and some other ladies through the rock.

Really really couldn't be bothered. The beginning was okay but then I lost focus and motivation. Couldn't find the "way" through the green to #9 and after that was grumpy. Further proof I'm slow and useless. Can I just go rogaining or ride the tandem or something instead?

Putting out stakes, checking control sites, and trying not to panic/freak out. Long day. Control stakes are heavy especially since I mostly had the, well, heavy ones. Managed a good record of getting all of mine in the right place according to M and only failing to get one into the ground (I had a tantrum at that point!).

Wed night run in the Bowenvale and around the tops. Some scary-looking people turned up this evening! Legs feeling, umm, tired! But as least my thighs aren't so bad now. Also nice to know Emily also had embarrassingly sore muscles after Sunday.

C • Scary-looking people 7

Riding over and laps up and down before the start as usual.

My thighs (and arms which is just plain weird) are still achy from the weekend's mad finish sprint so felt a little bit pathetic. Luckily M seemed to be in form! We seemed fairly even, just a bit slower on the way back probably which makes sense with the wind.

Cruisey ride home again.

Book group, maps, designy stuff, just generally seeing how long I can go with not nearly enough sleep. Maybe if we're lucky it will improve after this weekend.