Training Log Archive: stampy

Legs feeling really tired for this one but that got forgotten shortly into the course.
An almost last start for this one (I had an open start), but it was a busy last 15mins on the course so I sneaked in where I could. This was by far the best run of the weekend, insomuch as I could run some of it, most of it in fact. Technically it all went rather well as well, one control I ran past but James who I was racing with at the time let on that I had passed it. and another was a pit in the open which I ran straight to, only to find there was no control in it, confused that there was only one pit marked on the map I ran around for a couple of minutes only to find the other (correct) pit a few meters away. Looking at the splits this was a common control for people to make mistakes at so I was in good company.
I spent from about control 6? onwards in a head to head race with James Hargreaves, we were almost exactly the same running speed which meant it all came down to navigation. Sometimes I got it right ,sometimes he did, but any slight hesitation or poor line meant any lead that had been gained was lost.
Really enjoyed this race, as much for the head to head battle as for the course.

Day 3 - Brown Clee Course 1 - Splits

Hilly sums this one up.
I knew it was going to be by the walk to the start, which had most people over 55 wishing they had stayed at home or had crampons with them.
Anyway my faith in orienteering was restored and I quite enjoyed it. the climbs had me wishing I had retired yesterday and some of the undergrowth was rough to say the least, but on the whole a good tough course. I am just not fit enough to run 21L for more than one day at a time. A couple of misses and time lost on most ascents, especially towards the end.
This hurt though and the fact I had to run back from the finish to the assembly for Claire to make the epic ascent to the start also hurt.

Day 2 - Hopton Course 1 - Splits

Not much to say about this one - well there is, but I'm not going to say all of it!
Today I almost lost my love of Orienteering, I cannot remember a course I have been on that I enjoyed less. I'm still not sure why I carried on to the finish, but I did. It's not that the planning was bad or the map was bad or that I was having a bad day. It was just one of those races I guess.
I should have known when I fell on my arse before I had even picked up the map!
I'll put this one down to "experience".

Day 1 - Croft Course 1 - Splits

Just a short one as time was getting on...
3 x 5/1 min
followed by 5 x 15sec sprints

Gentle jog around the course. Legs were fine but my late lunch was not sitting easy with me so cruised around hoping to navigate well. I didn't and never really felt comfortable orienteering, can't put my finger on why - perhaps it was just because I was taking it easy?