Training Log Archive: Gswede

While my roommates get financial assistance for housing, travel, and accomodation, I'm now wondering how much I'll need to pay for WOC 2017, even with the funds from my fundraising. The contrast is a painful reminder of why Spain is improving their performance internationally and we're struggling.

And this is the most positive scenario at this juncture... man. How did we get here? And people were considering continuing the ED position?

I hope most who read my log know that I'm not really concerned about money. It's a means to an end; certainly not an end itself. I didn't decide to compete in orienteering to get rich and few do, but I need support. I've slept on more gym floors before important races than I care to remember. I've hitchhiked to events because I didn't want to miss out on a top-quality map. And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat because I love this sport and I want to represent the US as best as possible.

But it takes more than WOC entry fees; you need training camps, races in relevant terrain two years beforehand, consistent and quality training on maps, excellent nutrition, time for activities away from the sport.

OUSA clearly has nothing left in its treasury for the teams. So, does anyone have any ideas of how to fund this crazy idea of training to win? Because by the time OUSA is back to providing a decent amount of support, I might be past my prime. A company interested in a sponsorship? A Swiss-style fanclub? I'm all ears.

Testing out the fancy new Str8 compass at Fort Washington. Great Christmas presents: a great compass and a chance to wander over one of the first maps I ever orienteered on. Wow... our perspectives change so much. Good to be back in Pennsylvania woods though.

https://goo.gl/photos/ntty5UGyJDAyKXpD9

Easy rainy morning jog.

Terrain running in the Wiss. It's so good to be back in eastern forests in North America! Woo!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Intervals on Forbidden Drive. Legs not feeling terribly hot, but it was good to get moving faster. 6x800 on 2 minute recovery.

Times:
2:31
2:29
2:30
2:31
2:29
2:27

Post-travel shake out in the Wiss

130 push ups, 20 x pedestal, 10 minute plank, 30 x pull ups

It's not worthy of being logged as physical training, but it should be noted that my roommates and I put in about ten races a day on Catching Features. Mass start, relays, etc. And we're all super competitive about it. There is some serious hooting and hollering going on when it comes down to the wire.

Certainly not the sole key to the orienteering excellence formula, but it sure is motivating when you have so much fun reading a map. Also, I think all the map reading, the focus while under pressure, the constant practice of competition will be very helpful.

Running up to Siete Picos from Puerto de Navacerrada with the guys.

Quite windy up top. Had a nice spill right onto my knee with the scrape.

Past the Pendolero, to the left, and coming down the powerline, including a downhill kilometer at ~3:00/k when Andreu, Antonio, and I got competitive. They worked up about 6 seconds on me, but I didn't stop fighting.

120 pushups, 25 x pedestal, 10 minute plank, 30 pullups, 40 calf raises.