Training Log Archive: GswedeIn the 31 days ending May 31, 2017:
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Wednesday May 31, 2017 #
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [2] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
Core O'Clock 20:00 [3]
Trying to find energy for core exercise among all the hours of training.
80 pushups, 20xpedestal, 5 minute plank.
80 pushups, 20xpedestal, 5 minute plank.
10 AM
Orienteering 1:05:53 [4] **** 8.78 km (7:30 / km) +200m 6:44 / km
11c
One of the roughest terrains I've been in yet. The map had changed significantly in certain areas because they had clear cut the forest but left all the crap on the ground. Tough running.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
4 PM
Orienteering 59:33 [4] **** 7.74 km (7:42 / km) +126m 7:07 / km
17c
The change to 2.5 meter contours took some adjusting to. The compass is going to be more important in this terrain than Spanish terrain. A walking break between 8 and 9 to maintain the intensity in the second half of the course.
https://goo.gl/photos/bjyjJsjeKBWk3CEM7
https://goo.gl/photos/bjyjJsjeKBWk3CEM7
Tuesday May 30, 2017 #
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [2] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
10 AM
Orienteering 1:14:59 [4] **** 8.88 km (8:27 / km) +300m 7:14 / km
9c
Legs were still destroyed. Called it a day after #9. The forest is very similar to Hickory Run and the Delaware Water Gap. The main difference is that there are fewer rocks. Obviously, the contours are very different, but when I'm in the terrain I feel like I'm back home. A little homesick to be honest.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Monday May 29, 2017 #
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [3] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
4 PM
Orienteering 1:00:00 [3] *** 8.49 km (7:04 / km) +150m 6:29 / km
19c
First of many sessions in Estonia. Eastern section was pretty gnarly. Lots of thick green...and thick white woods. Western part was wide open, beautiful running with all the contour detail.
It started raining partway through which made it super fun. Legs were pretty beat, but I think I'll be ready to go tomorrow.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
It started raining partway through which made it super fun. Legs were pretty beat, but I think I'll be ready to go tomorrow.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Sunday May 28, 2017 #
Running warm up/down 10:00 [3] 2.0 km (5:00 / km)
7 AM
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [3] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
9 AM
Orienteering 2:06:28 [4] **** 19.42 km (6:31 / km) +730m 5:29 / km
29c
World Cup Long
Well, I survived a World Cup Long in a much better time than my last World Cup Long in Spain. This course and terrain was brutal. It was amazing to see the big names that DNFed this course. Personally, my body gave out on the final loop and I forced what I could out of it to the finish. This next month in Estonia is going to be crucial to ensure I'm prepared for the Long at WOC.
It's disappointing because during the course I felt that 1:52-1:55 was doable, but lifting my legs constantly to get over fallen trees and branches created some killer charlie horses every time I tried to climb a hill. I've experienced this before in longs. Madrid forests are quite open and clean compared to temperate, humid forests. They're great for fast running, but not great when it comes to physically preparing for championship terrain.
Nothing else to do but keep training hard and smart. I'm currently in Otepää in southern Estonia with the Spanish team to join their training camp. After that I'll be living here to prepare my body and mind for competition. I can't guarantee an outstanding performance at WOC, but I can guarantee I'm going to give it my all to prepare for one.
Part 1: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Part 2 after map exchange: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Well, I survived a World Cup Long in a much better time than my last World Cup Long in Spain. This course and terrain was brutal. It was amazing to see the big names that DNFed this course. Personally, my body gave out on the final loop and I forced what I could out of it to the finish. This next month in Estonia is going to be crucial to ensure I'm prepared for the Long at WOC.
It's disappointing because during the course I felt that 1:52-1:55 was doable, but lifting my legs constantly to get over fallen trees and branches created some killer charlie horses every time I tried to climb a hill. I've experienced this before in longs. Madrid forests are quite open and clean compared to temperate, humid forests. They're great for fast running, but not great when it comes to physically preparing for championship terrain.
Nothing else to do but keep training hard and smart. I'm currently in Otepää in southern Estonia with the Spanish team to join their training camp. After that I'll be living here to prepare my body and mind for competition. I can't guarantee an outstanding performance at WOC, but I can guarantee I'm going to give it my all to prepare for one.
Part 1: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Part 2 after map exchange: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Saturday May 27, 2017 #
7 AM
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [3] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
12 PM
Orienteering 43:23 [5] **** 6.61 km (6:34 / km) +270m 5:27 / km
17c
First time racing in Finland in ten years. (Last time was at Jukola 2007 when I was 17. Does that count?) It took me a few controls to really understand what the bare rock looked like in the terrain. And then I was rushing too much and took poor bearings out of the controls. But even with all these mistakes, not a terrible run.
Before the race, my main man TG told me to relax and spike the first control. So naturally, I made a mistake on the first control :( In retrospect, I would say it was due to nerves and inexperience in Finnish terrain. The two major difficulties I had here always went back to reading the bare rock accurately and taking a correct bearing. It would seem, unsurprisingly, that training in Madrid isn't the best place to prepare for races in Finnish terrain, as can be seen with the results of the Spanish runners. Training in the Hudson Valley would likely be much better preparation than Madrid terrain at this point. Results.
And while I think everyone, myself included, would want to see an American finish within a minute or two of the winners, it's encouraging to remember where I finished in my last World Cup middle.
After today, I'm actually feeling much more confident for tomorrow's long. I was able to understand the terrain much better towards the end and the woods were incredibly fun. I love this sport so much.
Map: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Before the race, my main man TG told me to relax and spike the first control. So naturally, I made a mistake on the first control :( In retrospect, I would say it was due to nerves and inexperience in Finnish terrain. The two major difficulties I had here always went back to reading the bare rock accurately and taking a correct bearing. It would seem, unsurprisingly, that training in Madrid isn't the best place to prepare for races in Finnish terrain, as can be seen with the results of the Spanish runners. Training in the Hudson Valley would likely be much better preparation than Madrid terrain at this point. Results.
And while I think everyone, myself included, would want to see an American finish within a minute or two of the winners, it's encouraging to remember where I finished in my last World Cup middle.
After today, I'm actually feeling much more confident for tomorrow's long. I was able to understand the terrain much better towards the end and the woods were incredibly fun. I love this sport so much.
Map: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Running warm up/down 25:00 [3] 5.0 km (5:00 / km)
Friday May 26, 2017 #
Running 4:26 [4] *** 0.7 km (6:20 / km)
And we had a special event for the rest day. A microsprint race in a mine 110 meters below the surface. Not all too difficult, but I struggled to enter the map and lost 18 seconds on the first control, already placing me far behind the leaders.
Still loads of fun!
https://goo.gl/photos/LQJfuF9To4rDRE2d7
Video of the race. Yes, we had to wear helmets. #Style
Still loads of fun!
https://goo.gl/photos/LQJfuF9To4rDRE2d7
Video of the race. Yes, we had to wear helmets. #Style
Orienteering 27:00 [3] *** 3.6 km (7:30 / km)
11c
A few more controls on the middle model getting ready for tomorrow's race. Feeling pretty good after a long sleep.
Running warm up/down 15:00 [3] 3.0 km (5:00 / km)
Thursday May 25, 2017 #
Running warm up/down 40:00 [3] 7.0 km (5:43 / km)
Orienteering 14:27 [5] ** 3.7 km (3:54 / km) +30m 3:45 / km
23c
Finnish World Cup Sprint Qualifier.
Not a great run. I had a decent technical performance, only having minor (<5 seconds) mistakes on 2, 3, and 10. But having slept less than 5 hours the past two nights seems to have taken the spark out of my legs. Even with that, I could have run about 30 seconds faster, still far out of qualifying. Qualifying for a final in World Cup is a good deal harder than at WOC. My training partner Antonio Martínez just barely qualified and he was quite happy with his run.
Traveling to these events always seems to screw up my sleep schedule considerably. Unfortunately, the low-cost flights are not the flights that most help sleep.
As a country, we need someone much faster than me to excel in the sprint. I'll continue to do what I can though.
https://goo.gl/photos/QuWGbTyChUeU4tc6A
Not a great run. I had a decent technical performance, only having minor (<5 seconds) mistakes on 2, 3, and 10. But having slept less than 5 hours the past two nights seems to have taken the spark out of my legs. Even with that, I could have run about 30 seconds faster, still far out of qualifying. Qualifying for a final in World Cup is a good deal harder than at WOC. My training partner Antonio Martínez just barely qualified and he was quite happy with his run.
Traveling to these events always seems to screw up my sleep schedule considerably. Unfortunately, the low-cost flights are not the flights that most help sleep.
As a country, we need someone much faster than me to excel in the sprint. I'll continue to do what I can though.
https://goo.gl/photos/QuWGbTyChUeU4tc6A
Supplementary Jog 20:00 [3] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
Wednesday May 24, 2017 #
Orienteering 35:00 [3] *** 5.0 km (7:00 / km) +150m 6:05 / km
Checking out the model map with Desmond. This terrain is great. Really looking forward to the races!
Tuesday May 23, 2017 #
Running 45:00 [4] 11.0 km (4:05 / km)
Workout to get the legs moving before the World Cup. Surprising how fast I was able to go.
10x1 minute@115-120% of Sprint effort on 1 min rec.
Covered between 330 and 400 meters on rolling hills each minute. Got my heart rate up and a little tired, but nothing bad.
10x1 minute@115-120% of Sprint effort on 1 min rec.
Covered between 330 and 400 meters on rolling hills each minute. Got my heart rate up and a little tired, but nothing bad.
Core O'Clock 20:00 [3]
Abridged routine.
60 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 burpees, 5 minute plank, 10 pullups
60 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 burpees, 5 minute plank, 10 pullups
Monday May 22, 2017 #
Running 45:00 [3] 8.0 km (5:38 / km) +150m 5:09 / km
Down to the gate and back again. It's surprisingly difficult to run so little.
Sunday May 21, 2017 #
Running 45:00 [3] 8.0 km (5:38 / km) +150m 5:09 / km
Down to the gate and back.
Saturday May 20, 2017 #
Running warm up/down 30:00 [3] 4.0 km (7:30 / km)
11 AM
Orienteering 1:33:15 [3] *** 14.99 km (6:13 / km) +659m 5:06 / km
21c
Poor bearing to two. The map in that area was questionable, but I still took a crap bearing to it. The vegetation around seven was also unreliable. Overall not a bad run considering how tired I felt. A bit more rest before the World Cup.
Interesting bit of information. The ditches in the area of 3, 4, 5, and 6 are trenches from the Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939. This area was right along the front during the Siege of Madrid. Quite a few of the maps in the Madrid region still have trenches and bunkers left on them. A quiet reminder of war in an otherwise peaceful place.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Interesting bit of information. The ditches in the area of 3, 4, 5, and 6 are trenches from the Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939. This area was right along the front during the Siege of Madrid. Quite a few of the maps in the Madrid region still have trenches and bunkers left on them. A quiet reminder of war in an otherwise peaceful place.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Friday May 19, 2017 #
Running 1:05:00 [3] 11.0 km (5:55 / km) +200m 5:25 / km
Easy day recovering. Some fast stuff this weekend and then the Finnish World Cup
Thursday May 18, 2017 #
Core O'Clock 40:00 [3]
120 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 minute plank (felt easy for the first time), 30 burpees, 20 pullups
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Running 20:00 [5] 5.0 km (4:00 / km)
Workout was 1000, 3 min, 2000, 4 min, 1000
Times
3:01
6:07
2:57
Feeling a little heavy today. Probably could do with a bit more recovery. Read the women's long course from the selection races during the rests.
Times
3:01
6:07
2:57
Feeling a little heavy today. Probably could do with a bit more recovery. Read the women's long course from the selection races during the rests.
Wednesday May 17, 2017 #
Running 15:00 [3] 3.0 km (5:00 / km)
6 PM
Orienteering 1:25:49 [4] *** 10.84 km (7:55 / km) +820m 5:45 / km
20c
Old map, steep hills, and beautiful forest. Good Wednesday evening.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Tuesday May 16, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Active recovery day.
Core O'Clock 40:00 [3]
120 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 minute plank, 30 burpees, 20 pullups
Monday May 15, 2017 #
11 AM
Orienteering 40:14 [4] **** 5.4 km (7:27 / km) +208m 6:15 / km
17c
Intervals in La Hoz Somera with Luis. We were both pretty tired but were enjoying the map too much to care. A chapter title for this training could be "Is it really that rock?"
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Running 35:00 [3] 5.0 km (7:00 / km) +150m 6:05 / km
Warming up on the map north of La Hoz Somera Sur and then cooldown.
Sunday May 14, 2017 #
5 PM
Orienteering 2:10:33 [4] *** 17.73 km (7:22 / km) +850m 5:56 / km
33c
10 minute warm up and then the Fuente Las Tablas long combining a middle and a long on this map (middle first then a map change to the long)
I didn't drink any water and I should have. Stopped at a fountain at south of six on the long that had more algae than I felt comfortable with.
I still kept fighting til the end...even if my mind was gone by the time I got to 15. I cut the extra loop out since I preferred the middle to extra loop at the bottom.
Part 1: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Part 2: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
I didn't drink any water and I should have. Stopped at a fountain at south of six on the long that had more algae than I felt comfortable with.
I still kept fighting til the end...even if my mind was gone by the time I got to 15. I cut the extra loop out since I preferred the middle to extra loop at the bottom.
Part 1: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Part 2: http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Saturday May 13, 2017 #
2 PM
Orienteering 36:19 [4] **** 5.99 km (6:04 / km) +137m 5:26 / km
20c
Fun first session of the training camp with fellow WOC long distance runner Luis Nogueira in Las Majadas. The medium green was good practice for Estonia. Legs were tired but I continued to fight.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Google Photo Spheres from this map:
https://www.google.es/maps/@40.28367,-2.0020819,3a...
https://www.google.es/maps/@40.283828,-2.0020568,3...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Google Photo Spheres from this map:
https://www.google.es/maps/@40.28367,-2.0020819,3a...
https://www.google.es/maps/@40.283828,-2.0020568,3...
Running warm up/down 25:00 [3] 4.5 km (5:33 / km)
6 PM
Orienteering 37:30 [3] **** 4.5 km (8:20 / km) +90m 7:35 / km
12c
MP on two controls. Tough to read everything but I was happy with how much my understanding of this map had improved since October.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Running warm up/down 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Friday May 12, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Running 1:20:00 [3] 15.0 km (5:20 / km)
Recovery run with Indomitus in CDC
Thursday May 11, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
7 PM
Running 1:20:00 15.28 km (5:14 / km) +379m 4:39 / km
The trail workout of 3k, 3x(2k fast, 2k slow) 2k. Tough to do this alone but also welcomed the challenge.
Wednesday May 10, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Nose to the grindstone. Weight this morning at 71.5 kg, racing weight for WOC is 69.5.
Core O'Clock 35:00 [3]
120 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 minute plank, 20 pullups, 20 burpees
9 PM
Running 1:18:00 [3] 14.3 km (5:27 / km) +300m 4:56 / km
Running up to the map and back.
Orienteering 22:04 [4] *** 3.4 km (6:29 / km) +90m 5:44 / km
17c
Short training in which I focused on what I failed at in this weekend's middle: executing the final attack correctly.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Tuesday May 9, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Eine kleine Morgenlauf, Ian Smith-style.
4 PM
Running 1:05:00 12.14 km (5:21 / km) +300m 4:46 / km
Time trial on the Powerline. 18:30 Looks like this was 2 seconds slower than the one in December. I've got to do the uphill faster. A lot of time lost climbing there.
Pretty hot out (87°F)
Pretty hot out (87°F)
Monday May 8, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Back to the solo morning jogs.
Running 1:20:00 [3] 15.0 km (5:20 / km) +400m 4:42 / km
Legs are starting to get that feeling where they glide effortlessly. They're liking the volume.
Sunday May 7, 2017 #
Note
Got selected for the relay as well as the sprint at WOC! Very excited. I decided not to go to team trials for financial reasons, but I petitioned for a spot on the relay. I'm very excited about this year's team and I hope to take on more of leadership role, particularly since I'll be in Estonia for all of June.
Time for Team USA to do some work!
Time for Team USA to do some work!
Running 45:00 [3] 8.0 km (5:38 / km)
10 AM
Orienteering 1:28:07 [4] **** 11.64 km (7:34 / km) +652m 5:55 / km
30c
Tough terrain, but I loved the challenge. Now if I can just do everything right when I enter the circle, I'll be good to go.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Saturday May 6, 2017 #
9 AM
Orienteering 36:12 [4] *** 7.58 km (4:47 / km) +142m 4:22 / km
29c
Too many little mistakes for a good race. Really, really fun terrain. I had Raúl Martín following me from 8 until 21. Great practice because I'm not used to being followed.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Running 45:00 [3] 8.0 km (5:38 / km)
6 PM
Orienteering 15:59 [5] *** 3.75 km (4:16 / km) +100m 3:46 / km
23c
Legs were heavy and I got caught by Pau and Edu, but I pushed it in as fast as my tired legs would carry me.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Running 20:00 [3] 3.0 km (6:40 / km)
Friday May 5, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Morning jog just me and Paupips
Running 50:00 [3] 10.0 km (5:00 / km) +200m 4:33 / km
Pre race run with Marc
Core O'Clock 40:00 [3]
120 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 minute plank, 25 pullups, 20 burpees
Thursday May 4, 2017 #
Running 1:20:00 [3] 15.0 km (5:20 / km) +400m 4:42 / km
Cruising along with my thoughts and life.
8 AM
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Morning jog amb Andreu, Pau, and Luisiko. The morning jog group continues to grow.
Wednesday May 3, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Morning jog amb Pau
Running warm up/down 35:00 [3] 7.0 km (5:00 / km)
6 PM
Orienteering 47:01 [3] *** 4.7 km (10:00 / km) +200m 8:15 / km
20c
Legs were pretty destroyed for this. This session required a level of aggressive orienteering that I could only muster for the first 8 controls. I also had a little run-in with a dog that looked like he was ready to defend his space in the woods. Sprinted away through the forest and he couldn't hang, but I was physically done after that. Really good to practice refocusing after distractions.
This type of terrain--thick green and steep hills--is really good to practice a positive mental outlook. It's so easy to fall into a negative mental loop that only makes the course worse. If you keep the faith in your ability while running in this terrain, you can make it through alive. If not, you're gonna have a bad time.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
This type of terrain--thick green and steep hills--is really good to practice a positive mental outlook. It's so easy to fall into a negative mental loop that only makes the course worse. If you keep the faith in your ability while running in this terrain, you can make it through alive. If not, you're gonna have a bad time.
http://sprintseries.org/doma/show_map.php?user=gsw...
Tuesday May 2, 2017 #
Running 30:00 [3] 5.0 km (6:00 / km)
Morning jog with Andreu and Pau
Running warm up/down 40:00 [3] 8.0 km (5:00 / km)
Running 26:00 [5] 6.0 km (4:20 / km)
Track Tuesday
Workout was 3x1k on 2 min recovery, 2x500 on 1:30 recovery, and 4x200 on :30 recovery.
Times:
2:58
2:57
2:54
1:23
1:21
:32
:32
:32
:32
The rests were actually about 5 seconds shorter since we started with Antonio and Andreu. I was toast by the 200s but I held on as best I could.
Workout was 3x1k on 2 min recovery, 2x500 on 1:30 recovery, and 4x200 on :30 recovery.
Times:
2:58
2:57
2:54
1:23
1:21
:32
:32
:32
:32
The rests were actually about 5 seconds shorter since we started with Antonio and Andreu. I was toast by the 200s but I held on as best I could.
Core O'Clock 30:00 [2]
60 pushups, 20xpedestal, 15 minute plank, 20 pullups
Monday May 1, 2017 #
Note
What follows is a sentimental social media post explaining a significant life event. Consider yourself warned.
A few months after I moved to Spain, I asked a tattoo artist to place a Celtic compass on the side of my torso. This symbol has several meanings for me: it honors my Irish heritage and nationality; the compass reflects my passion for orienteering; and, most importantly, the symbol itself represents a journey away from your home on which you learn from those on your path, change, grow, and eventually return home and share what you've learned with others.
After five years abroad, in October, I'll be leaving Spain to once again take up residence in the United States where I hope to share what I have learned as well as continue to learn myself in both orienteering and life.
There are many good reasons for this decision which I cannot explain here due to constraints on space. For anyone concerned, I would like to provide the reassurance that this move is not a resignation to settle down, but rather a leap into an exciting new chapter of life.
Of course, any farewell here would be of little value if I did not acknowledge and thank all those whom I've met while in España and Europe. These people took me into their homes and their hearts in truly spectacular ways. I won't specifically name anyone because the list would extend beyond a reasonable length for a post on social media. But they know who they are.
One thing that everyone I've told has asked me is if this move is permanent. I simply have no idea. Life has a way of turning plans on their head. What I do know is that where I plan to normally lay my head to rest will be in the US of A. I would be very happy to live again in Spain in the future. But, for now, I feel that my best path in life is elsewhere
I hope that all of the friends I've made here visit me in the US someday. I'll welcome you with open arms...so long as I'm not away at a race :) I'll be very busy in these months before I move, but even so, if you'd like to meet up before I leave, don't be shy and send me a message!
I'd like to conclude with two ideas that I hold close to my heart.
First, what I said before moving to Spain:
What will happen in the future can be good or bad, it all depends on how I react
and
Un fedoboy es y será siempre un fedoboy.
This isn't a goodbye, it's just a see-you-later!
A few months after I moved to Spain, I asked a tattoo artist to place a Celtic compass on the side of my torso. This symbol has several meanings for me: it honors my Irish heritage and nationality; the compass reflects my passion for orienteering; and, most importantly, the symbol itself represents a journey away from your home on which you learn from those on your path, change, grow, and eventually return home and share what you've learned with others.
After five years abroad, in October, I'll be leaving Spain to once again take up residence in the United States where I hope to share what I have learned as well as continue to learn myself in both orienteering and life.
There are many good reasons for this decision which I cannot explain here due to constraints on space. For anyone concerned, I would like to provide the reassurance that this move is not a resignation to settle down, but rather a leap into an exciting new chapter of life.
Of course, any farewell here would be of little value if I did not acknowledge and thank all those whom I've met while in España and Europe. These people took me into their homes and their hearts in truly spectacular ways. I won't specifically name anyone because the list would extend beyond a reasonable length for a post on social media. But they know who they are.
One thing that everyone I've told has asked me is if this move is permanent. I simply have no idea. Life has a way of turning plans on their head. What I do know is that where I plan to normally lay my head to rest will be in the US of A. I would be very happy to live again in Spain in the future. But, for now, I feel that my best path in life is elsewhere
I hope that all of the friends I've made here visit me in the US someday. I'll welcome you with open arms...so long as I'm not away at a race :) I'll be very busy in these months before I move, but even so, if you'd like to meet up before I leave, don't be shy and send me a message!
I'd like to conclude with two ideas that I hold close to my heart.
First, what I said before moving to Spain:
What will happen in the future can be good or bad, it all depends on how I react
and
Un fedoboy es y será siempre un fedoboy.
This isn't a goodbye, it's just a see-you-later!