orienteering race (Vic Long Champs) 1:44:45 [3] 8.7 km (12:02 / km) +270m 10:25 / km
shoes: Inov8 Oroc spikes
"Many Rivers To Cross"
I didn't come to Chapel Flat for last year's Aust Champs - in fact I didn't come to Vic for the Aust Champs at all - but it had been so long since I've actually run in an event that I thought I'd better get some practice for this year's Aust Champs, even though Qld won't be gold mining terrain. I prefer granite visually, but gold mining is still good navigational fun, except that I am terribly slow and unco at getting in and out of erosion gullies. And creeks, especially when they are flowing fast, although on a rogaine I'd just plough through them. The deepest one I poked with a stick first, to determine that it was only thigh deep and I would be able to manage it ok. Was running by myself all the way, since Anne had kindly arranged me an earlier start than midday (with a 4:30pm plane to catch) and some of the time I wasn't running much, because I only have one pace and it is rogaine-plod. Came last of course and suspect I made some sub-optimal route choices in my approach to controls, but never had any trouble in the control circle and enjoyed myself quite a lot. Wonder if this will have been my last long W21E race?