Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Event: QOC Little Bennett Night-O
 

FR = 2.18 miles with 58.5 m climb Ready for the night! Warm up by going NC on the Beginner course.





I decided to go out on the Beginner course first, in order to gain some confidence. It was so much fun! Even the adventure from 2-3. The trails between 6 and 9 are a bit off, and for 7, I thought I was there because there was a sharp turn in the trail. And, the trail comes to a "T" well before 9, and there is even a fence there. The mapper will be redoing those areas. Thank you, Sam.

Even with temps in the 20s, it wasn't so bad if you kept moving. There was a light dusting of snow on the ground, and the traction was great. So much fun to run!

FR = 3.11 miles with 101.8 m climb

After waiting about 1:45 for Amy to return for epunch relief, I conscripted Laura and went out on the Intermediate course. Only real error was from 5-6. Otherwise, I was carefully nailing the controls, and I ended up 2nd, a little in front of Alexis. She was beat by 50 and 59 year old women - good role models, for sure. ;-)

Beginner - Splits

Intermediate - Splits

A bit of a post vacation/return to work, among other things, let down. So, I channeled my mother today, and she said, Buck up, Lally, so, I did, and off to the pool it was. Swam really fast and steady, and I could have gone on and on, but I had to get back to work. Thought 1700 yards would be at least a mile, but it is a bit short.

It felt really good to swim, and to overcome, at least for today. :)

So, I offered to do a little pre-night-o write-up for tomorrow to get a few more people to come out and try it. I took some pictures to illustrate, but I never quite got around to putting it together. Here is the start of what was in my head...silly as it is.

Grab your gear, and don't forget to dress properly for the conditions. The best lights are lightweight but bright. Mr. Bear is sporting a 1995 headlamp from the Nature Company. Headlamps have come a long way since then.


Not too keen on going out by yourself? Then invite a friend or two and go out as a group. Good company and more lights that way too. And, you only have to stay ahead of the slowest person in the group.


Carry a backup light, preferably a handheld one with a leash. Leave the camping lantern at home. A lightweight handheld light is good for scanning the woods for the reflector on the control. Reminder, everything that reflects may not be a control...

No, the flashlight on your phone shouldn't be counted as your primary or backup light.


It can be harder to navigate at night. The terrain looks flatter and it takes longer to go the same distance as it does in the daylight. So, don't be afraid to choose an easier course than what you usually do during the day. It can be quite satisfying to complete a course at night, easy or otherwise.

Most importantly - do not jump out and scare people. Some of us are spooked enough without help from others.

C • Bears! 3

Hanging out at the hospital with Roger. He had a Bronchoscopy done in order to determine what is going on in his lung. The opinion is infection, which would be great. Just another chapter in his 30 year history of renal cell cancer. No biggie.



We had a good laugh after Roger asked the nurse if she was going to mark the side with a black sharpie so the doctor would know where to go. She told him that there was only one hole they would want to enter.

C • Roger 6

Pool open again after being closed for maintenance the last week. Got there just after the noon rush, during which all lanes were circling. I got a lane to myself for about 55 minutes, sharing with a young girl near the end. Had to stop to discuss with the lifeguard, but otherwise I swam without stopping. Negative split with first 1500 in 3100 and second in 3050. Felt great.

Renewed my pass for another year. Swam about 80 times on 2016 pass, averaging $4.70 per swim vs. $5.10 per swim on 10 swim pass. Perhaps that would have been a better buy for the coming year, but I like having the motivation of each swim lowering the per swim cost. And, it is convenient.

Yup, I gained another pound since yesterday. Back to work tomorrow. It was a good break.

Trying to start the new year the way I ended the last year...active and sober, so I hatched a plan a couple of days ago to orienteer today, and to invite people to join me. I knew choosing an early start time (9-10 am) would limit the participation, but I was interested in having an afternoon nap, so early it was.



Not the hardest course in the world, but I was happy that the climb was reasonable, and we stayed in what I consider to be the nicer woods...and, it was a beautiful morning - started about 40 and went up to 50+ by noon time.

In deference to Roger's concern that I have been limping around, I took the bike and passed on actually doing a course today.

The attendees were Amy, Kris, Florence and Tom, John V and Caleb, Craig and his sheltie, Mark M and David P. Getting a jump on fundraising efforts, $110 was collected for the Senior team!

C • 250 3

Putting out 5 controls which needed to be added to get course closer to 6k and control count to 17.

On the observation tower - possibly the only gratuitous climb on the course...




The fence

While walking to control, I left my bike on the side of the indistinct trail, then I was having doubts that I could find it again...but, I did. Whew!

The ditch/stream junction which I was walking to...didn't feel too hard to do in my bike shoes.

C • Don't feel bad 2

Rode out to park entrance and then around to entertain myself while people were in the woods. Hit probably my top speed every, about 21 mph on the way back. Whee!!

The new park entrance sign


Tom N finishing in about 54 minutes...


And, then going back out past control 10/refreshment point to check on Florence, who did the whole course despite any concerns to the contrary. Congratulations Florence!


John V and Caleb...


Valerie and Kris, just after Kris finished. I need to work on the whole "big head out front" thing.

C • Big head out front 4

Picking up three visible controls. Left rest out for another day. Rode back on unpaved trail to get more off road practice.

Picking up the observation control


Tried for an artsy shot...


TIme in the woods, albeit mostly on the bike, and happy people orienteering, and a nice nap after. Yup, it was a good day, indeed!