Training Log Archive: Ricka

Event: SLOC - Lafayette Park Evening-O
 

Another long hike at SQ. There appears to have been no new logging for at least 15 years (this map was used in 1991 for US Champs). It appears that there was active logging of small plots for about a decade. Then, apparently NFS 'rests' the land for several decades. Hence, nearly all 'white' woods are still white and nearly all cut woods are passable - will be even more open in Novemeber. Sweet! Great lesson in logging and forest restoration.

I just found out that Brian and I accidentally found the trail head of the Moses Austin Trail (we thought that the sign indicated a property owner). It is promoted by STL BSA. And Moses Austin of Potosi was the father of Stephen Austin, the "Father of Texas". The trail is blazed and about 90% of it is on SLOC's SQ map.

Trails have changed in many ways and need updating.

Drove home in time for snack and very nice sprint at very small Lafayette Park. I missed the training there a few years ago so it was fun to run on a 'brand new' map and park.

Two loops, with a map exchange. Very well designed sprint - lots of twists, lots of mistakes out there. Bill - well done!

After two 'sloppy' runs at TG and FP, I'm glad I chose to treat this as a 'real sprint'. Warmed up and wore clues on arm. Though legs were a bit heavy after hikes yesterday and today. I helped time first starters. When ready to start, I almost left without a map! I wonder how far I would have run 'in the right direction?

Loop 1: 1:3000 is a really small scale - I quickly got used to things coming up very fast. S-1-2-3: Able to read ahead. 1-2: right a bit shorter than left. Saw 'run around olive' on 3-4. I went right, toss-up. Hadn't exactly pictured 6&7: two olive circles were shrubs, 3rd was garden with statue - but didn't really lose time. 7-8: Thought right vs. left was toss-up; went right and lost 5+ seconds to Dave. Ooops. But I learned my lesson, went 8-9 right. 9-10: Hill? I'm reminded that I normally ignore contours on sprint. Ran next to fence - okay. Punched at 10 - last clue. "Where is the map exchange?" I'd just seen Jerry and Dave leave - did they grab last maps? Guy hopping stairs so tried to be useful. Then Leann (?) came, "Aren't they over there at double circle?" UGH Lost 20+ s looking. As I approach exchange, Dave and Jerry are leaving in opposite directions! (Jerry corrected but then still missed #1, along with Rudy earlier.)

Loop 2: S-1 is REALLY short. Wait, it looks like I AM at #1. Nope, map was upside down. I was at SW corner of building, #1 at NE corner - nice. 1-2-3-4: Smooth, read ahead to tight 5-6-7 which helped a lot. #5: 'east side of underpass' I saw a black line for bridge and assumed under bridge was impassable. Ran around - lost 5+ s. #6: Clue was 'bottom of stairs' - I ran by and up stairs - oops. Lost 5s. 6-7: went left, read well. 7-8: Looked ahead 8-9 straight is blocked!. Bobbled 8 just a bit, Dave and Jerry punched first and went straight! I bounced back and ran around fence, stayed ahead. 9-10-11-F: Clean.

Except for map exchange mental block, I kept my bobbles small on a very challenging course - felt good. Positives: Rough compass bearings got me in 'right direction' very quickly; reading ahead really helped; Read clues 'almost always' - "NE side of thicket", "SE corner" very useful, especially since the controls were stake and e-punch only - no control bag meant you had to "be there" to see stake.

Time and place?? Not sure. :)

Fun dinner at PW Pizza on Chouteau. Stayed until they booted us out at 10 PM.

C • Splits posted 6

Splits posted, found out my time. AP lists only 55s lost - AP missed a couple minor bobbles. I finished 3rd, 2s behind Nikolay. He admitted going straight 8-9, going around fence, leaning over pond. Still sounds illegal to me. I claim the unofficial 2nd. :)

Went down to Shirley Quad with friend Bo to check out as venue for Turkey O'. Camped next to pond with incredibly noisy bullfrogs.

From home to Chain of Rock bridge on MO side, return on IL side. Return route sure looked and felt "different".
Hot & strong south wind! 55 minutes from home to CR Bridge - WOW! 2 hour return on slightly longer route.
And rode from Arch to home with TCS summer bike camp group led by Gerald! They stopped at Tower Grove Creamery for sustenance.

Dusk run in Forest Park including 3 hill climbs. Very sluggish at first, then found rhythm after 15-20 minutes.

THEN, Prius passenger window broken into. I'd parked near ball diamonds near other cars and people. At best they got cheap sunglasses and CD's. Fortunately, they did not find keys and wallet buried under driver's seat.

I usually bike to FP to run, but I left late and knew i'd enjoy FP more than TGP.

C • thats too bad. FP seems to ... 4

Increased interval pace (75/115) and time - felt good!

Only time for 8 double sets before Y closed and off to dinner and play. Left leg definitely getting stronger. Right shoulder improved but still did only /3 normal weight on Inclined Press.