Training Log Archive: JanetTIn the 31 days ending Mar 31, 2018:
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Saturday Mar 31, 2018 #
Event: DVOA Governor Dick
11 AM
Orienteering race 1:37:35 **** 6.2 km (15:45 / km) +228m 13:18 / km
ahr:127 max:156 spiked:13/18c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Green course at DVOA's Governor Dick map in Mt Gretna, 5.1 km / 165m climb nominal. Temp about 50 (45 when we arrived, 55 when we left around 3pm).
AP counts almost 11 minutes of error, I count closer to 10. 87 minutes would have been a good time for me (90 minutes on a well-set green course is a good run for me).
I turned the wrong way out of start but caught myself quickly. Realized going to two I would have to use bearing / pace counting and did well except at the very end (went the right distance and turned the wrong way for a few steps but checked behind me as well and saw the flag).
AP thinks I had an error to 3 but I was just really slow over the rocky ground. Good traverse to 4, down the trail and reentrant to 5, then missed 6 off to the right but figured out which way to correct.
More bearing / pace counting needed to 7 but I had a bit of help at the end when I saw Vadim close by who was headed to the control too.
Up to the trail to 8, then angled through the med. green to the boulder. Contoured to the bare rock for 9.
Next problem was the second control on the 1:2500 blowup map, where I left the trail too early and climbed up a boulder I shouldn't have been near. Lost 3:30 on what should have been a simple leg. Fine on 14 and 15, then I overran 16 and had to backtrack, falling on the trail in the process. Confused by all the mapped rock at 17 and did a bit of circling. Then an easy run in from there.
Great weather day for orienteering and I'm glad we went.
Stopped by Middle Creek on the way back home and saw at least 1000 snow geese (plus some Canada geese and a few swans of some type). Nowhere near the number there a month ago (which we missed) but it was great to see that many.
Also discovered Black Forest brewpub in Ephrata, right off Main Street next door to (and owned by) Americana bed and breakfast. Decent beer and food.
AP counts almost 11 minutes of error, I count closer to 10. 87 minutes would have been a good time for me (90 minutes on a well-set green course is a good run for me).
I turned the wrong way out of start but caught myself quickly. Realized going to two I would have to use bearing / pace counting and did well except at the very end (went the right distance and turned the wrong way for a few steps but checked behind me as well and saw the flag).
AP thinks I had an error to 3 but I was just really slow over the rocky ground. Good traverse to 4, down the trail and reentrant to 5, then missed 6 off to the right but figured out which way to correct.
More bearing / pace counting needed to 7 but I had a bit of help at the end when I saw Vadim close by who was headed to the control too.
Up to the trail to 8, then angled through the med. green to the boulder. Contoured to the bare rock for 9.
Next problem was the second control on the 1:2500 blowup map, where I left the trail too early and climbed up a boulder I shouldn't have been near. Lost 3:30 on what should have been a simple leg. Fine on 14 and 15, then I overran 16 and had to backtrack, falling on the trail in the process. Confused by all the mapped rock at 17 and did a bit of circling. Then an easy run in from there.
Great weather day for orienteering and I'm glad we went.
Stopped by Middle Creek on the way back home and saw at least 1000 snow geese (plus some Canada geese and a few swans of some type). Nowhere near the number there a month ago (which we missed) but it was great to see that many.
Also discovered Black Forest brewpub in Ephrata, right off Main Street next door to (and owned by) Americana bed and breakfast. Decent beer and food.
Thursday Mar 29, 2018 #
4 PM
Walking 30:45 [1]
To get the kinks out. Not pushing anything today, just wanted to get the joints moving.
Wednesday Mar 28, 2018 #
Note
Yesterday was a travel day, spent mostly in airports or on the plane (yes, a nonstop). We didn't need the moving sidewalk at SFO because we had plenty of time to get to the gate (never found Starbucks in terminal 3).
This morning I read a short article about maps (old style navigation), that has the most info about the very first civilian O event I personally have seen.
This morning I read a short article about maps (old style navigation), that has the most info about the very first civilian O event I personally have seen.
Monday Mar 26, 2018 #
12 PM
Hiking 2:15:13 [2] 6.18 km (21:53 / km) +233m 18:25 / km
shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
Saw a display on local National Parks at the Maritime Museum at Fishermans Wharf in SanFran, so we altered our last day plans to swing down to Pinnacles, about two hours south of SF. Possible interesting things were a trail through caves made from giant jumbled rocks piled together (rather than underground), and the condor gulch trail.
This track is for our hike from the Peaks View Trailhead (where we parked when closer lots filled up earlier in the morning), up through Bear Creek Gulch and through said caves, using my phone's flashlight app as a light source when needed (while I had my camera along, it doesn't take very good photos so I used my phone's camera instead). Once we finally figured the not-very-well-signed trails, we made it to the reservoir at the top.
Took the more open trail back down to the Nature Center, past the Monolith, on switchbacking trails near the end. Saw multiple red headed woodpeckers (including acorn woodpeckers), Black Eyed Juncoes, and Swainson's thrushes near the picnic tables.
This track is for our hike from the Peaks View Trailhead (where we parked when closer lots filled up earlier in the morning), up through Bear Creek Gulch and through said caves, using my phone's flashlight app as a light source when needed (while I had my camera along, it doesn't take very good photos so I used my phone's camera instead). Once we finally figured the not-very-well-signed trails, we made it to the reservoir at the top.
Took the more open trail back down to the Nature Center, past the Monolith, on switchbacking trails near the end. Saw multiple red headed woodpeckers (including acorn woodpeckers), Black Eyed Juncoes, and Swainson's thrushes near the picnic tables.
4 PM
Hiking 59:47 [3] 3.23 km (18:29 / km) +175m 14:33 / km
shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
We decided we had time to hike the 1-mile-each-way Condor Gulch trail to the Overlook, and made it there in about a half hour (Glen could have gotten there sooner, but I'm not a fast climber).
Once there we ran into others from whom we learned the critical info that condor wing undersides have whitish areas toward the forward part of their wings, vs. the multitudinous turkey vultures who have whitish feather underparts but black forewings. And we saw two California condors circling the highest peaks now and then, among the many vultures! Made the hike that much more worthwhile.
Because it had been such a busy day despite not being a weekend, they were running a shuttle back to the visitors center, which stopped to drop us off at the parking lot where we ended up, saving us another mile or so hike. I can't imagine where everyone would park on a weekend, or how quickly the lots would fill.
Once there we ran into others from whom we learned the critical info that condor wing undersides have whitish areas toward the forward part of their wings, vs. the multitudinous turkey vultures who have whitish feather underparts but black forewings. And we saw two California condors circling the highest peaks now and then, among the many vultures! Made the hike that much more worthwhile.
Because it had been such a busy day despite not being a weekend, they were running a shuttle back to the visitors center, which stopped to drop us off at the parking lot where we ended up, saving us another mile or so hike. I can't imagine where everyone would park on a weekend, or how quickly the lots would fill.
Sunday Mar 25, 2018 #
Note
AOWN: Taking an extra day before heading home, we drove down towards Hollister and Gilroy, planning to visit Pinnacles NP tomorrow. On the way we stopped near Pacheco Pass (overlooking the San Luis reservoir) and were rewarded with the sight of at least three dozen elk (on the far hills, but we had binoculars), and western kingbirds flitting around the budding trees below us.
On the drive down we saw burgeoning fields of CA poppies but mostly widespread poppies, not complete hillsides of them (yet).
On the drive down we saw burgeoning fields of CA poppies but mostly widespread poppies, not complete hillsides of them (yet).
9 AM
Running (dirt) warm up/down 3:01 0.21 mi (14:22 / mi) +2m 13:55 / mi
ahr:117 max:133 shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Jogging about just a bit before today's run (AP thought this was walking....)
Orienteering race (Stage 7) 43:16 *** 4.02 km (10:45 / km) +71m 9:53 / km
ahr:138 max:162 spiked:15/16c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Stage 7 Brown middle at Deer Creek Hills. Only mistake was route to 12.
Temps were a bit cooler than yesterday, but not much. More sun and no rain, too, made for happy campers after the run. :-)
Nominal stats: 3.6 km, 90m climb, middle format, using the SE portion of the mapped area, where we didn't go yesterday, though we used the same start control (shared run to a trail jct over the hill from start) and finish control as yesterday.
Good navigation and good visibility, plus I was more used to the mapping. More live trees (green circle) used as control points, fewer distinctions to be made between green X and brown X (both denoting dead trees of variable decay).
Only thing was that after 11 I got sloppy and didn't check direction leaving and heading to 12 so went to the wrong side of a spur (that 9 had been near the end of) and looped way out of the way. Once near 9 though I realized what I'd done and corrected. 2-2:30 lost in this stupidity, leaving me in 6th place F65 for the day (Hilary Andersen, Christin Lundgren, Marg Ellis, Penny DeMoss, and Johanna Meriss were ahead today, though Johanna only by a minute or so; I still would have been in 5th with no error).
Due to distribution of runners/courses and the point grading system (best 5 of 7 scores), though, I won F65 overall for the week. Top three in each class received nice gear bags with the event logo, and a carabiner clip (colors determined by place: 1-blue, 2-red, or 3-black).
Nice to be there for the announcement of the JWOC team; I got a few photos on my phone but don't know if they'll be good enough for the website.
Temps were a bit cooler than yesterday, but not much. More sun and no rain, too, made for happy campers after the run. :-)
Nominal stats: 3.6 km, 90m climb, middle format, using the SE portion of the mapped area, where we didn't go yesterday, though we used the same start control (shared run to a trail jct over the hill from start) and finish control as yesterday.
Good navigation and good visibility, plus I was more used to the mapping. More live trees (green circle) used as control points, fewer distinctions to be made between green X and brown X (both denoting dead trees of variable decay).
Only thing was that after 11 I got sloppy and didn't check direction leaving and heading to 12 so went to the wrong side of a spur (that 9 had been near the end of) and looped way out of the way. Once near 9 though I realized what I'd done and corrected. 2-2:30 lost in this stupidity, leaving me in 6th place F65 for the day (Hilary Andersen, Christin Lundgren, Marg Ellis, Penny DeMoss, and Johanna Meriss were ahead today, though Johanna only by a minute or so; I still would have been in 5th with no error).
Due to distribution of runners/courses and the point grading system (best 5 of 7 scores), though, I won F65 overall for the week. Top three in each class received nice gear bags with the event logo, and a carabiner clip (colors determined by place: 1-blue, 2-red, or 3-black).
Nice to be there for the announcement of the JWOC team; I got a few photos on my phone but don't know if they'll be good enough for the website.
Saturday Mar 24, 2018 #
Note
Apparently, running "fast" (for me...Mills College and Sierra College sprints) is something my left hamstring doesn't like, especially when I don't warm up much. Not really super sore, but noticeable, especially when I just get up after sitting. More strengthening/stretching will be in store this week. This is the one I pulled near the end of a snowshoe race ~7 years ago, which isn't a problem unless I'm doing "faster" running than my normal.
One more day. Control count for the week is 107, with ~16 more coming tomorrow.
One more day. Control count for the week is 107, with ~16 more coming tomorrow.
Note
Today's WinSplits (all courses). Watch / Garmin Connect / phone did not give me a problem today.
Hints to myself:
Phone Bluetooth off
Be sure of good wifi or cell connection first
Put watch in Run mode
Turn phone Bluetooth on
Transfer?!
Hints to myself:
Phone Bluetooth off
Be sure of good wifi or cell connection first
Put watch in Run mode
Turn phone Bluetooth on
Transfer?!
11 AM
Orienteering race ("Long") 55:25 *** 4.81 km (11:31 / km) +56m 10:53 / km
ahr:132 max:159 spiked:12/14c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Brown Long at Deer Creek Hills south of Folsom, CA, an open space preserve managed by Sacramento Valley Conservancy. Car needed to ford a stream on the drive in; less "adventurous" folks parked before the ford and crossed on a wooden bridge. Nissan Rogue did fine even though water was a bit deeper on the way out. Low 50s and intermittent lght rain showers.
Nominally 4.5km, 95m climb (1:10000/5m map); lots of open areas with mature oak trees and not much undergrowth (and no poison oak!!). It's been wet so mapped ditches had water in them (and some mapped trails did too). The map was huge, printed on 11x17" paper although our course covered an area about 4x7", so I spent the time running to the common first control to fold my map to a more manageable size.
I had speedy Brown runners starting ahead of me whom I could see off in the distance so the first few controls were easy. #4 was the first one I navigated on my own, and did okay. To 5, I wanted to cut through the wide saddle leaving 4 but was a bit left and ended up farther up the first spur. There were so many of what they like to refer to as "tombstone rocks" there, in rows, that it looked like a cemetery...it was neat to see.
Made my way to the trail as Geraint receded into the distance, then left it too early and mistook one spur for another and hesitated (on seeing the rock with flag) before realizing yes, that was my control. Sari, the Finn who's been fastest woman on the course most days, punched and flew away here, but not so fast as to not help on the short leg to 6.
To 7 I climbed the reentrant and purposely found the trail junction but then hesitated in one tiny (unmapped) reentrant before correcting. To 8 it was just "cross the trail and climb the hill", and 9 I could see from a distance once pointed in the right direction. I heard steps and huffing as I neared the flag and let Geraint (!?!) punch a second ahead of me. Partway to 10 I could see a group (and Geraint) on a hilltop NW of the cliff, checked my map and saw my cliff was on the near side of the ditch (whereas the hill was beyond the ditch) so kept going my way as Geraint corrected and again took off.
10-11 was through the wide clearing I remembered from 3-4. 12 was "cross two small spurs, a stream and a trail, and it's a big tree behind a hill." With people heading into it. 13 was a slog/run/walk across open land to rocks on a spur I could see from 400m away...and 14 and the finish were easy from there.
Fun course. Top times on Brown were in the 35-39 minute range so the course was too short for a Long (but I wasn't complaining).
Behind Hilary A, Christin L, and Penny DeMoss, and I'm not sure about Marg Ellis in F65.
Nominally 4.5km, 95m climb (1:10000/5m map); lots of open areas with mature oak trees and not much undergrowth (and no poison oak!!). It's been wet so mapped ditches had water in them (and some mapped trails did too). The map was huge, printed on 11x17" paper although our course covered an area about 4x7", so I spent the time running to the common first control to fold my map to a more manageable size.
I had speedy Brown runners starting ahead of me whom I could see off in the distance so the first few controls were easy. #4 was the first one I navigated on my own, and did okay. To 5, I wanted to cut through the wide saddle leaving 4 but was a bit left and ended up farther up the first spur. There were so many of what they like to refer to as "tombstone rocks" there, in rows, that it looked like a cemetery...it was neat to see.
Made my way to the trail as Geraint receded into the distance, then left it too early and mistook one spur for another and hesitated (on seeing the rock with flag) before realizing yes, that was my control. Sari, the Finn who's been fastest woman on the course most days, punched and flew away here, but not so fast as to not help on the short leg to 6.
To 7 I climbed the reentrant and purposely found the trail junction but then hesitated in one tiny (unmapped) reentrant before correcting. To 8 it was just "cross the trail and climb the hill", and 9 I could see from a distance once pointed in the right direction. I heard steps and huffing as I neared the flag and let Geraint (!?!) punch a second ahead of me. Partway to 10 I could see a group (and Geraint) on a hilltop NW of the cliff, checked my map and saw my cliff was on the near side of the ditch (whereas the hill was beyond the ditch) so kept going my way as Geraint corrected and again took off.
10-11 was through the wide clearing I remembered from 3-4. 12 was "cross two small spurs, a stream and a trail, and it's a big tree behind a hill." With people heading into it. 13 was a slog/run/walk across open land to rocks on a spur I could see from 400m away...and 14 and the finish were easy from there.
Fun course. Top times on Brown were in the 35-39 minute range so the course was too short for a Long (but I wasn't complaining).
Behind Hilary A, Christin L, and Penny DeMoss, and I'm not sure about Marg Ellis in F65.
Friday Mar 23, 2018 #
Note
Today's WinSplits
Had GarminConnect/Bluetooth problems again. It's a nuisance uninstalling/reinstalling the app to get the devices to talk to each other.
Had GarminConnect/Bluetooth problems again. It's a nuisance uninstalling/reinstalling the app to get the devices to talk to each other.
1 PM
Orienteering race (Sprint) 18:48 *** 2.09 km (8:59 / km) +10m 8:46 / km
ahr:146 max:168 spiked:13/13c shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
COW Stage 5, Brown sprint at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA (north of Folsom). Map is 1:4000, 2.5m contours (but features look awfully tiny for 1:4000). Nominally 1.9 km. Temps were in the mid 50s, sunny.
No trouble with the navigation, though in discussing routes afterward a different one from 9-10 would likely have been faster, being more straightforward. I worked my way between buildings, and read the description for 10 (SE inside corner) and used that to inform my route choice to pass the building to the north. Going wider right would have been simpler to execute and most likely faster. Not that it would have moved me up any places, just made my differential (4 minutes!!!) behind Hilary Anderson a bit smaller. I was hoping for a time under 20 minutes and am happy being under 19. 3rd F65 since Christin Lundgren is also here and was faster.
The same bird I disturbed going into the vegetated area at 1 was disturbed by a different runner as I passed by on my route from 11-12 (which took me close to 1). Poor thing probably has a nest in there.
No trouble with the navigation, though in discussing routes afterward a different one from 9-10 would likely have been faster, being more straightforward. I worked my way between buildings, and read the description for 10 (SE inside corner) and used that to inform my route choice to pass the building to the north. Going wider right would have been simpler to execute and most likely faster. Not that it would have moved me up any places, just made my differential (4 minutes!!!) behind Hilary Anderson a bit smaller. I was hoping for a time under 20 minutes and am happy being under 19. 3rd F65 since Christin Lundgren is also here and was faster.
The same bird I disturbed going into the vegetated area at 1 was disturbed by a different runner as I passed by on my route from 11-12 (which took me close to 1). Poor thing probably has a nest in there.
Wednesday Mar 21, 2018 #
Note
Hilary Anderson from GVOC ran F65 so I'm in second for the day. Penny DeMoss vetted and didn't run.
12 PM
Orienteering race 41:16 *** 3.96 km (10:25 / km) +89m 9:23 / km
ahr:145 max:172 spiked:24/25c shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
Brown "spriddle" on 1:4000/2.5m sprint map at Mills College in Oakland.
Nominally 2.9 km, 80m climb. Great course by George Minarik.
Temps were in the low 60s, and we didn't start until after most of the showers had ended for the day (may return this evening).
We had looked at the "sample map" linked from the BAOC site, and I didn't see any major traps or potential problems, so it was just a matter of quick decision making and execution. The only one I missed was 19-20 where I needed to exit down a short flight of stairs to the ENE. I ended up along a different road and buildings weren't in the "right place" so I figured I'd ended up one road over and corrected. I seem to have lost about 40 seconds (based on time differential comparing with Glen's splits).
I'm wondering if there's also a stairway under the canopy at the N end of the building SE of 19? I was just looking for "stairs" and descended the ones I saw. Shoulda known they also needed to be in the open. EDITED: No, I went down the correct stairs but missed the left turn at the bottom (knew I didn't want the sharp left).
I took the right-hand route from 10-11, and the left route from 14-15.
14th(?) of 28, first F65 unless Penny DeMoss ran (we saw her helping pack equipment up, so I'm not sure). Guess I'll find out later. Not that far behind the fast runners either...Sue K was 3:30 ahead; Clare less than a minute (but still recovering from the flu); and ahead of the Finnish woman, Sari Jetsonen (who has beat me the other days). :-)
Nominally 2.9 km, 80m climb. Great course by George Minarik.
Temps were in the low 60s, and we didn't start until after most of the showers had ended for the day (may return this evening).
We had looked at the "sample map" linked from the BAOC site, and I didn't see any major traps or potential problems, so it was just a matter of quick decision making and execution. The only one I missed was 19-20 where I needed to exit down a short flight of stairs to the ENE. I ended up along a different road and buildings weren't in the "right place" so I figured I'd ended up one road over and corrected. I seem to have lost about 40 seconds (based on time differential comparing with Glen's splits).
I'm wondering if there's also a stairway under the canopy at the N end of the building SE of 19? I was just looking for "stairs" and descended the ones I saw. Shoulda known they also needed to be in the open. EDITED: No, I went down the correct stairs but missed the left turn at the bottom (knew I didn't want the sharp left).
I took the right-hand route from 10-11, and the left route from 14-15.
14th(?) of 28, first F65 unless Penny DeMoss ran (we saw her helping pack equipment up, so I'm not sure). Guess I'll find out later. Not that far behind the fast runners either...Sue K was 3:30 ahead; Clare less than a minute (but still recovering from the flu); and ahead of the Finnish woman, Sari Jetsonen (who has beat me the other days). :-)
Tuesday Mar 20, 2018 #
Walking 1:30:00 [2]
Walking at Redwoods Regional Park and then Pinole Regional Park.
At the first one we were warned about breakins (from a park worker trimming branches). At Pinole (to save us a trip across a bay bridge on a rainy day), we saw bluebirds, dark eyed juncoes, ducks, and some robin-type bird. Poppies didn't like the rain and were mostly closed up.
At the first one we were warned about breakins (from a park worker trimming branches). At Pinole (to save us a trip across a bay bridge on a rainy day), we saw bluebirds, dark eyed juncoes, ducks, and some robin-type bird. Poppies didn't like the rain and were mostly closed up.
Monday Mar 19, 2018 #
Note
Forerunner and Garmin Connect aren't speaking to each other this afternoon, so I'll try to download and write up my race later.
Suffice it to say that at ~46:30 I was 20 minutes behind the leader :-O :-)
Nominal stats: 3.2 km, 70 m climb; 1:7500 map with 2.5m contour interval
12 minutes behind the fastest woman (Sue Kuestner ... this map favored runners by a large margin); 6th woman on Brown, 19th overall of about 33 or 34; first F65 since Penny wasn't there.
Suffice it to say that at ~46:30 I was 20 minutes behind the leader :-O :-)
Nominal stats: 3.2 km, 70 m climb; 1:7500 map with 2.5m contour interval
12 minutes behind the fastest woman (Sue Kuestner ... this map favored runners by a large margin); 6th woman on Brown, 19th overall of about 33 or 34; first F65 since Penny wasn't there.
10 AM
Walking warm up/down 11:40 1.12 km (10:26 / km)
ahr:106 max:122 shoes: Inov8 ORoc280-B 2013-10
To start at Point Pinole Regional Park, from the assembly area (which was about a 5 minute walk from parking). Temp was in the 50s, and it was sunny, which made it a considerably nicer day than yesterday.
I was able to get a start time a few minutes earlier than my assigned (when another Brown runner came up and requested one, as hers was almost an hour later).
I was able to get a start time a few minutes earlier than my assigned (when another Brown runner came up and requested one, as hers was almost an hour later).
Orienteering race 46:33 *** 3.8 km (12:14 / km) +40m 11:38 / km
ahr:138 max:161 spiked:14/17c shoes: Inov8 ORoc280-B 2013-10
COW Stage 3 at Point Pinole, 1:7500 map and courses by Steve Gregg.
Fast park with not much climb, especially the first half or so; lots of open land (mapped as rough open) with varying lengths of grass.
Steve Tarry passed me on the way into 3 (he saw me punch) and led the way to 4 which came up sooner than I expected (then he disappeared). Passed several slower Brown competitors on the way to 13 and 14, and was passed by Tori Campbell and someone from BAOC to the penultimate control which made it easier to find. Navigated the rest of them by myself, mostly with good results.
Coming out of the woods from 1, I could see a flag in the distance and thought it was mine but when I was halfway across the field (after crossing the ditch) I realized that it was on a thicketed ruin and I was looking for a ditch so I corrected.
Coming out of 7 I looped around to the left and had more of a detour than I expected from the map; apparently a patch of poison oak had sprung up in the last two weeks which affected route choice. Those who looped around to the right had no problem; so that cost me a bit of time although I had no trouble finding control 8 (just getting to it without getting tangled in either poison oak or a downed tree).
As I was crossing the grassy field after 8, my toe caught on a poison oak vine and I fell (fortunately just landed in a grassy area, not more P.O.). I got up and dusted myself off and again headed to 9, which I found with no problem. I didn't do the right type of navigation to 10 through featureless woods (bearing and pace counting!) but just headed off in the mostly right direction and eventually found it (sloppily). Didn't take water because I was carrying a water bottle waist belt. 11 was a short leg to a distinct tree--easy.
As I reached for my water bottle I realized it wasn't there, but I wasn't about to go looking for it; I thought it might have fallen out between 10 and 11 but that wasn't a sure thing, so I finished the race with no more problems.
Then I went looking for my bottle (Camelbak brand so a very nice one).
Fast park with not much climb, especially the first half or so; lots of open land (mapped as rough open) with varying lengths of grass.
Steve Tarry passed me on the way into 3 (he saw me punch) and led the way to 4 which came up sooner than I expected (then he disappeared). Passed several slower Brown competitors on the way to 13 and 14, and was passed by Tori Campbell and someone from BAOC to the penultimate control which made it easier to find. Navigated the rest of them by myself, mostly with good results.
Coming out of the woods from 1, I could see a flag in the distance and thought it was mine but when I was halfway across the field (after crossing the ditch) I realized that it was on a thicketed ruin and I was looking for a ditch so I corrected.
Coming out of 7 I looped around to the left and had more of a detour than I expected from the map; apparently a patch of poison oak had sprung up in the last two weeks which affected route choice. Those who looped around to the right had no problem; so that cost me a bit of time although I had no trouble finding control 8 (just getting to it without getting tangled in either poison oak or a downed tree).
As I was crossing the grassy field after 8, my toe caught on a poison oak vine and I fell (fortunately just landed in a grassy area, not more P.O.). I got up and dusted myself off and again headed to 9, which I found with no problem. I didn't do the right type of navigation to 10 through featureless woods (bearing and pace counting!) but just headed off in the mostly right direction and eventually found it (sloppily). Didn't take water because I was carrying a water bottle waist belt. 11 was a short leg to a distinct tree--easy.
As I reached for my water bottle I realized it wasn't there, but I wasn't about to go looking for it; I thought it might have fallen out between 10 and 11 but that wasn't a sure thing, so I finished the race with no more problems.
Then I went looking for my bottle (Camelbak brand so a very nice one).
12 PM
Orienteering 57:24 4.05 km (14:11 / km) +24m 13:47 / km
ahr:117 max:138 shoes: Inov8 ORoc280-B 2013-10
After maps had been handed out (meaning all starters had started), I checked with Vicki and headed out up the park road to see if I could recover my water bottle, thinking I'd check between 10 and 11 where I thought I'd dropped it.
As I was walking/jogging on the road I remembered that I fell coming out of 8, which could very well have launched the bottle out of the belt, so I started looking there (didn't see it, but wasn't sure exactly where I'd crossed the field...there were a lot of elephant tracks in the grass). Tried to follow my path through 11 but didn't see it anywhere. Then I decided to give the field after 8 one more try, found the vine that tripped me up, and a few feet beyond it was my water bottle, nose down in the grass. Yay!!
The walk out to that area (about as far from finish as it could be since 8-9 was where the course turned and we headed back toward the finish area) was nice as there were several thickets with birds flitting around (think I saw a western bluebird), and areas of California poppies starting to pop us as well. I'm hoping we'll see hillsides full of them sometime this week, but I'll take patches here and there. They really need the rain they've been getting this week.
Saw a group of folks near one of the large eucalyptus near the finish (6-7' diameter) and thought it was a birder group we'd seen near parking, but it was Peter Goodwin's mapping session. :-)
As I was walking/jogging on the road I remembered that I fell coming out of 8, which could very well have launched the bottle out of the belt, so I started looking there (didn't see it, but wasn't sure exactly where I'd crossed the field...there were a lot of elephant tracks in the grass). Tried to follow my path through 11 but didn't see it anywhere. Then I decided to give the field after 8 one more try, found the vine that tripped me up, and a few feet beyond it was my water bottle, nose down in the grass. Yay!!
The walk out to that area (about as far from finish as it could be since 8-9 was where the course turned and we headed back toward the finish area) was nice as there were several thickets with birds flitting around (think I saw a western bluebird), and areas of California poppies starting to pop us as well. I'm hoping we'll see hillsides full of them sometime this week, but I'll take patches here and there. They really need the rain they've been getting this week.
Saw a group of folks near one of the large eucalyptus near the finish (6-7' diameter) and thought it was a birder group we'd seen near parking, but it was Peter Goodwin's mapping session. :-)
Sunday Mar 18, 2018 #
9 AM
Walking warm up/down 33:29 2.61 km (12:51 / km) +17m 12:27 / km
ahr:103 max:126 shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
To start of Stage 2 at Morgan Territory
Orienteering race 1:05:54 3.99 km (16:31 / km) +160m 13:45 / km
ahr:134 max:156 spiked:16/20c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
COW day/Stage 2 at Morgan Territory near Livermore, CA. Upper 40s to ~50F. Nominal stats 3.2 km, 120 m climb
Good courses both days by Matej Sebo.
Solid bearing to first and map reading to 2 and 3, with tricky navigation (and some confused gentlemen finding the wrong flags). I thought I was doing well to 4 attacking off the trail junction but was too far downhill; I saw several other Brown course competitors uphill from me (1 min). Partly it was because I couldn't quite see what was in the center of the circle (still can't now as I look at the map with just reading glasses but no magnifier). Passed those Brown runners on the way to 5, and another on the way to 6 (a copse? Really? Mapped as--I think--a tiny green dot among yellow and rocky ground, I noted only one tree stem on the vegetation with the flag).
Glen, and Sharon on Green, passed me as I was sliding under the barbed wire fence en route to 7. Good and steady through 10, then I stood near the road/trail junction SW that we'd passed on the way to start, trying to determine which side of the steep, massive reentrant I needed to be on to find 11, the water control. Eventually figured it out and followed intermittent trails, then dropped through area mapped as yellow to where I thought it should be, but looked downhill and saw a flag and several water jugs. Had to be mine so I worked my way down the steep hill to the flag (2 min, between the confusion about which side of reentrant, and then being too high on hillside), then took a less steep angle to climb back toward 12.
Good to 13, careful to 14 to avoid dropping until I was past the worst dark green; followed cow path most of the way to 15 and climbed at the end when I could see the two boulders near the tree.
16 was a short (~100m?) leg, across a field, path, rocky area, and over the rocky ledge to a large boulder (1.5m/3.5m). I was off to one side and turned the wrong way before reaching the trail where I turned back towards the correct boulder (2:20 min lost). I was extremely careful (albeit slow) to 17 to be sure I didn't go too far down the steep hill to the wrong boulder.
I had seen folks heading to a distinct tree which I though was my 18 (also a distinct tree) and I punched there, but the control number didn't match mine which was a distinct tree among dead/fallen ones (a green circle w/2 green x's), so I punched at the next tree too. Okay to 19 but then had to be careful on the descent to 20 so my time is slow compared to others on the course.
Most of my problems might have been lessened if I could have read the map better, in the areas near controls. Dennis noted on the shuttle ride back that the last time they'd used the area for a national meet the Brown maps were printed at 1:7500; we used 1:10000.
2nd F65 again (Penny was ~48 min). 19/37 on Brown when we left; fastest time was 36-37 min.
Good courses both days by Matej Sebo.
Solid bearing to first and map reading to 2 and 3, with tricky navigation (and some confused gentlemen finding the wrong flags). I thought I was doing well to 4 attacking off the trail junction but was too far downhill; I saw several other Brown course competitors uphill from me (1 min). Partly it was because I couldn't quite see what was in the center of the circle (still can't now as I look at the map with just reading glasses but no magnifier). Passed those Brown runners on the way to 5, and another on the way to 6 (a copse? Really? Mapped as--I think--a tiny green dot among yellow and rocky ground, I noted only one tree stem on the vegetation with the flag).
Glen, and Sharon on Green, passed me as I was sliding under the barbed wire fence en route to 7. Good and steady through 10, then I stood near the road/trail junction SW that we'd passed on the way to start, trying to determine which side of the steep, massive reentrant I needed to be on to find 11, the water control. Eventually figured it out and followed intermittent trails, then dropped through area mapped as yellow to where I thought it should be, but looked downhill and saw a flag and several water jugs. Had to be mine so I worked my way down the steep hill to the flag (2 min, between the confusion about which side of reentrant, and then being too high on hillside), then took a less steep angle to climb back toward 12.
Good to 13, careful to 14 to avoid dropping until I was past the worst dark green; followed cow path most of the way to 15 and climbed at the end when I could see the two boulders near the tree.
16 was a short (~100m?) leg, across a field, path, rocky area, and over the rocky ledge to a large boulder (1.5m/3.5m). I was off to one side and turned the wrong way before reaching the trail where I turned back towards the correct boulder (2:20 min lost). I was extremely careful (albeit slow) to 17 to be sure I didn't go too far down the steep hill to the wrong boulder.
I had seen folks heading to a distinct tree which I though was my 18 (also a distinct tree) and I punched there, but the control number didn't match mine which was a distinct tree among dead/fallen ones (a green circle w/2 green x's), so I punched at the next tree too. Okay to 19 but then had to be careful on the descent to 20 so my time is slow compared to others on the course.
Most of my problems might have been lessened if I could have read the map better, in the areas near controls. Dennis noted on the shuttle ride back that the last time they'd used the area for a national meet the Brown maps were printed at 1:7500; we used 1:10000.
2nd F65 again (Penny was ~48 min). 19/37 on Brown when we left; fastest time was 36-37 min.
11 AM
Walking warm up/down 10:00 [1] 0.6 km (16:40 / km)
shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
To shuttle pickup from finish, talking with Peter Goodwin.
Narrow, windy road and lack of turnaround space meant they had to hire small vans. They were party vans from a limo service (14-passenger), complete with drivers in white shirts and ties. I was impressed!
Narrow, windy road and lack of turnaround space meant they had to hire small vans. They were party vans from a limo service (14-passenger), complete with drivers in white shirts and ties. I was impressed!
Saturday Mar 17, 2018 #
10 AM
Orienteering race 55:11 4.14 km (13:21 / km) +138m 11:26 / km
ahr:136 max:160 spiked:15/18c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Brown day 1 middle @ Morgan Territory near Livermore, CA. Nominally 3.3 km, 110m climb Temps near 45F with showers holding off until after I finished.
2/5 in F65 (13 minutes behind Penny DeMoss), 7/19 among women on Brown.
Trouble getting into the map to number 1 but settled down after that. Couple minutes error there. To 7 I looped around more than necessary (15 sec?), and then messed up 16 by exiting 15 at the wrong angle, and checking out a control that I was pretty sure wasn't mine. Looped by 17 on the way to 15, so I knew what it looked like when I returned. :-)
Started two minutes after Karen Didisse, who made an error at control two, where I caught her. We flip flopped (she a bit ahead when she wasn't making mistakes) through much of the course and she finished ahead after outrunning me from 17 in (but a minute and a half back overall).
Recommendations for Brown courses are to avoid placing controls on mapped features in cluttered areas of the map but many of ours were in hard to read areas. I managed okay with my glasses-plus-magnifier but would have had difficulty without the magnifier. At least the climbs were reasonable (the watch reported greater climb than "nominal").
I enjoyed most of the course, especially the control picking near the end (14-17).
2/5 in F65 (13 minutes behind Penny DeMoss), 7/19 among women on Brown.
Trouble getting into the map to number 1 but settled down after that. Couple minutes error there. To 7 I looped around more than necessary (15 sec?), and then messed up 16 by exiting 15 at the wrong angle, and checking out a control that I was pretty sure wasn't mine. Looped by 17 on the way to 15, so I knew what it looked like when I returned. :-)
Started two minutes after Karen Didisse, who made an error at control two, where I caught her. We flip flopped (she a bit ahead when she wasn't making mistakes) through much of the course and she finished ahead after outrunning me from 17 in (but a minute and a half back overall).
Recommendations for Brown courses are to avoid placing controls on mapped features in cluttered areas of the map but many of ours were in hard to read areas. I managed okay with my glasses-plus-magnifier but would have had difficulty without the magnifier. At least the climbs were reasonable (the watch reported greater climb than "nominal").
I enjoyed most of the course, especially the control picking near the end (14-17).
11 AM
Hiking warm up/down 30:00 [3] 2.0 km (15:00 / km)
shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
To start and back from finish. To start was 1.5 km, with some climb, back to arena from finsh maybe less than 500m.
Friday Mar 16, 2018 #
Note
After we checked out of our SF motel we had all day to get to Livermore so we stopped at the public marina near Crissy Field and since it wasn't raining (like the morning before) we walked out to the end of the jetty/breakwater to what I had seen marked on Google maps as Wave Organ, a sculptural installation.
We weren't there at high tide (or full moon) when apparently the best sound is generated, but it was still somewhat interesting to see.
And of course it started showering again, but only lasted a few minutes.
...
Then we drove through the Presidio, near the GGB (but not over it), and down to Lands End, where we hiked just a bit to where the USS JFK memorial is, and back. No whale sightings; no seals or sea lions on Seal Rock (but lots of birds on adjacent rock outcrops). Drove through GG Park but didn't stop anywhere, then at around 2:15 pm headed toward the Oakland Bay Bridge where we joined others sitting in traffic before eventually making our way across it to Treasure Island and then the rest of the way, and to Livermore via I 580. Coffee at Starbucks in Dublin while we weighed dinner options and ended up at First Avenue Brewery downtown...decent beer and food.
We weren't there at high tide (or full moon) when apparently the best sound is generated, but it was still somewhat interesting to see.
And of course it started showering again, but only lasted a few minutes.
...
Then we drove through the Presidio, near the GGB (but not over it), and down to Lands End, where we hiked just a bit to where the USS JFK memorial is, and back. No whale sightings; no seals or sea lions on Seal Rock (but lots of birds on adjacent rock outcrops). Drove through GG Park but didn't stop anywhere, then at around 2:15 pm headed toward the Oakland Bay Bridge where we joined others sitting in traffic before eventually making our way across it to Treasure Island and then the rest of the way, and to Livermore via I 580. Coffee at Starbucks in Dublin while we weighed dinner options and ended up at First Avenue Brewery downtown...decent beer and food.
Thursday Mar 15, 2018 #
10 AM
Walking (City) 4:45:00 [2] 8.91 mi (31:59 / mi) +200m 29:54 / mi
Spent today wandering the north end of San Francisco, where the weather was unsettled to say the least, going from cloudy to showers to rain, with occasional sunny breaks. We walked from our motel on Lombard St out to the marina then past Ft Mason as far as Pier 39, where we had lunch at one of the many fish restaurants, during yet another shower.
Then we headed toward Columbus, climbed up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower (and actually paid to ride the elevator most of the way up...then 37 steps). Afterwards we heard squawking on the east side so investigated...parrots, a couple dozen of them, were hanging out in the trees there.
Back to Columbus, then down as far as the 300 block or so past City Lights book store where we looked at the murals along Jack Kerouac way/lane.
Rogue has a San Fran brewery nearby so we went there first for a drink before finding a very nice Italian restaurant in the 300 block (Franchino's). Dessert and coffee at Stella's in the 400 block, then Starbucks on Bay and Taylor to surf the web for awhile (because the connection at our motel is attrocious).
Walked back to motel during a non-rainy period--yay!
Forgot to start and stop the watch sometimes, and went inside or near taller buildings, so the track is wonky in places, but distance is probably close enough.
Edit: adjusted time too because some of it was not moving. Changed Fisherman's Wharf to Pier 39...where also saw a couple hundred sea lions resting or playing on the floating docks there.
Then we headed toward Columbus, climbed up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower (and actually paid to ride the elevator most of the way up...then 37 steps). Afterwards we heard squawking on the east side so investigated...parrots, a couple dozen of them, were hanging out in the trees there.
Back to Columbus, then down as far as the 300 block or so past City Lights book store where we looked at the murals along Jack Kerouac way/lane.
Rogue has a San Fran brewery nearby so we went there first for a drink before finding a very nice Italian restaurant in the 300 block (Franchino's). Dessert and coffee at Stella's in the 400 block, then Starbucks on Bay and Taylor to surf the web for awhile (because the connection at our motel is attrocious).
Walked back to motel during a non-rainy period--yay!
Forgot to start and stop the watch sometimes, and went inside or near taller buildings, so the track is wonky in places, but distance is probably close enough.
Edit: adjusted time too because some of it was not moving. Changed Fisherman's Wharf to Pier 39...where also saw a couple hundred sea lions resting or playing on the floating docks there.
Monday Mar 12, 2018 #
Note
Knees more tender/sore than usual this morning after the run, so Aleve to the rescue (to get me through yoga class later).
Yoga 50:00 [1]
Focused on feet and ankles, going so far as to use straps to hold big toes together as we spread other toes as much as possible. Ankle circles, flexing, etc. No balance work as I had thought but still an interesting class.
Sunday Mar 11, 2018 #
3 PM
Running (rail trail) 1:00:00 6.55 km (9:10 / km) +28m 8:58 / km
ahr:131 max:147 shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
Saucon Rail Trail -- long slow distance, last 5-6 minutes of which was walking/cooling down.
Since I hadn't done any running training all winter (just small bursts during orienteering events), I figured if I was going long I'd go slowly.
Great weather for it, 44F and sunny with less breeze than the past few days.
Since I hadn't done any running training all winter (just small bursts during orienteering events), I figured if I was going long I'd go slowly.
Great weather for it, 44F and sunny with less breeze than the past few days.
Friday Mar 9, 2018 #
Yoga 50:00 [1]
Hips, shoulders, balance (eagle pose)
Wednesday Mar 7, 2018 #
Note
Much less snow than predicted (more closer to the coast, apparently).
Prediction was 10-14" of snow, then 8-12" as of this morning. I'd be surprised if we have 3" out here now. We could get more but so far it hasn't been much of an issue (except for canceled or postponed activities...which is fine! better safe than sorry.).
Prediction was 10-14" of snow, then 8-12" as of this morning. I'd be surprised if we have 3" out here now. We could get more but so far it hasn't been much of an issue (except for canceled or postponed activities...which is fine! better safe than sorry.).
Tuesday Mar 6, 2018 #
3 PM
Walking 1:00:10 [3] 6.0 km (10:01 / km) +13m 9:55 / km
shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
Neighborhood walk. Crossed Rt 309 this time, which can be a bit harrowing, but there's a center island (break in the median for anyone wanting to turn off 309 between Center Valley Parkway and Camp Meeting Rd). I was able to cross one lane with no cars coming, but had to wait for cars going the other direction, both times I crossed.
Upper 40s (GC says 8C), and partly sunny with clouds coming in near the end. Forecasts are for 10-12" of heavy snow tonight into tomorrow. Quilt meeting was canceled.
Lots of snowdrops and small purple flowers up in one yard, brave and hopeful things that they are.
Upper 40s (GC says 8C), and partly sunny with clouds coming in near the end. Forecasts are for 10-12" of heavy snow tonight into tomorrow. Quilt meeting was canceled.
Lots of snowdrops and small purple flowers up in one yard, brave and hopeful things that they are.
10 PM
Note
Hips are exceedingly tight this evening, probably from walking added to Monday's yoga.
Monday Mar 5, 2018 #
Yoga 50:00 [2]
Focus on sacrum. Some intense isometric stuff with legs has me sore later, thus the level 2 intensity. :-D
3 PM
Walking 10:00 [1]
To deliver some misdirected mail to a neighbor.
Sunday Mar 4, 2018 #
12 PM
Orienteering race 54:30 *** 4.23 km (12:53 / km) +131m 11:09 / km
ahr:140 max:161 spiked:10/11c shoes: 2017 Inov8 ArcticClaw 300
Brown course at QOC's Little Bennett map; 3.8 km / 100m climb listed; 1:10000 map. Temp was comfortable in the upper 40s with some breeze but full sunshine.
Course by Sam Listwak who warned that because of limitations of the park the Brown course would have a significant amount of trail running. That was fine for me today as I didn't need tons of navigational difficulty with lots of stuff underfoot. The first five controls had proper difficulty, and the rest were just off trails (yellow level), okay by me. I managed to mess up one of the easier ones by misreading where the cliff was near the bridge/creek crossing near the end, but not for long.
Third woman I think, behind Kathleen L (~48:00), and Diana Todd (~51:00), both strong runners; 6th overall. A nice day to get out and reconnect with east coast folks. ;-)
Course by Sam Listwak who warned that because of limitations of the park the Brown course would have a significant amount of trail running. That was fine for me today as I didn't need tons of navigational difficulty with lots of stuff underfoot. The first five controls had proper difficulty, and the rest were just off trails (yellow level), okay by me. I managed to mess up one of the easier ones by misreading where the cliff was near the bridge/creek crossing near the end, but not for long.
Third woman I think, behind Kathleen L (~48:00), and Diana Todd (~51:00), both strong runners; 6th overall. A nice day to get out and reconnect with east coast folks. ;-)
Friday Mar 2, 2018 #
Yoga 50:00 [1]
Focus on pelvic area and also balance. Glad to be back as I don't seem to do much (besides daily stretching) on my own.
Weather so far went from light rain earlier this morning, to mixed rain and snow, blowing horizontally at times, but not amounting to too much (2-3"?). Our north-facing screens and screened porch had coatings of snow until Glen knocked most of it off. Winter....
Power has flickered off for a few seconds several times.
Weather so far went from light rain earlier this morning, to mixed rain and snow, blowing horizontally at times, but not amounting to too much (2-3"?). Our north-facing screens and screened porch had coatings of snow until Glen knocked most of it off. Winter....
Power has flickered off for a few seconds several times.
Thursday Mar 1, 2018 #
11 AM
Walking 54:40 3.41 mi (16:02 / mi) +82m 14:55 / mi
ahr:110 max:136 shoes: Sauc TriumphISO-silver/gr/blue
Upper 50s but with impending rain meant get out before lunch.
Up the hill, around the loop, down the hill, and then a bit of exploring the neighborhood to check out which house has a similar address (same house number, different street). We had a couple of their magazines in the mail we had held for two weeks.
Up the hill, around the loop, down the hill, and then a bit of exploring the neighborhood to check out which house has a similar address (same house number, different street). We had a couple of their magazines in the mail we had held for two weeks.