Orienteering race 42:00 [5] ***** 7.0 km (6:00 / km)
max:255 spiked:17/21c shoes: 2009 Twisters
Nordic Champs middle distance
Was feeling quite positive before the race. Felt good in the warm up, and good as I ran into the forest. Didn't ever feel like I was running very fast, but I orienteered pretty well through the first half of the race (or 2/3 really). I lost a few seconds on the 4th, then maybe a minute on the northern butterfly. I was hesitant on the last control in the southern butterfly, but took the control well. Coming out of the butterflies I met up with Jarkko Huovila who started 1 min after me - not a bad result. Ran ok from the to the spectator control in front of Jarkko, still not feeling great, but still pretty positive about my race. Then the problems started. We had a big climb over the next few controls, and my HR just went up and up, and I started having problems with my breathing. Coming up to the top of the hill I was in real oxygen debt, wheezing and having real problems physically. I couldn't focus on my map or compass, and started running of the hill 90 degrees in the wrong direction. Hadn't got a clue what was going on and felt really terrible - like bonking at the end of a long tough classic. Walked around vaguely for a bit, then worked out where I was and found the control. Was in no state to run any more, but I was determined to finish, so I walked and jogged around the last km and was passed by a handful of runners.
Felt shocking after the race - really low energy, wheezing and light headed. Have had a headache on and off since and coughing quite a bit.
Not running tomorrow or for a few days - still not recovered from this virus I had, and I really have to kill it. No racing for a couple of weeks.
Really sad conclusion to NOC 2009