Training Log Archive: expresso

Couldn't sleep well and finally just got up to make some coffee and clear the fog from partying last night. Not especially hungry and couldn't find anywhere south of Elkhart Lake for breakfast so I just headed to the meet site. Good warmup and was totally relaxed about the race because yesterday was my goal race, today would be fun.

Felt ok at the beginning and spiked the first two and then set map for control 3 but instead laid compass along 7 - 8. Major mental error was not discovered until I did not reach the trail as planned. Grrrrrr. Tried to relocate but was a bit frazzled, unsure and slow as I proceeded. Doinking the end of the leg was a fitting finish. Started to fatigued climbing to 4. I was still hung-over and unfortunately could not get motivated to push the pace. Finally resigned to just trot the course and enjoy the day. This is my last a-meet of a great year so I wanted to make it fun. Ran clean but took a lazy route to 14 because I was done running through prickers. Missed my trail to the last control and squandered almost 2 minutes there. Not a race to be proud of but also not one to feel bad about. I just love this terrain and enjoyed making a fun day of it.
Results...
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Red Day 2 - Splits

US Classic Champs 2009
Cat's Meow, Greenbush, WI
This race has been on my calendar since 2005 when Kevin showed me the LIDAR base map as we were talking between races in Bend, OR. He knew it was championship quality terrain and would eventually host the US Champs. He gave us a small taste of it later that year and another in 2006 and I never forgot the feeling of running through "a maze of twisty kettles, all alike." I don't know why but, ever since my first orienteering season when I ran at Telemark, I have always done well in this inverted terrain. I also got some intense practice just last weekend at Camp Ripley and made the most of it. I was ready for today and had the race of my life (to date).
It was like reading my favorite book the whole time. I almost always kept map contact and had a sound plan for where I was going. Other than bobbling the end of nine and a sub-optimal route choice to 6, it was perfect. I simplified where necessary and found handrails everywhere. My only problem was that I was physically beat over the last third of the race as I've hardly trained for three weeks (no motivation). I knew that speed was not going to win it today, but a clean race would and I had one.
Whoo Hoo !!!!!
Results...
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C • Congratulation! 3

Warmup around the ski trails a few times. Ready to go at start.

US Champs Banquet
All the CAOCs seemed to arrive just as the doors opened so I bought two pitchers of Spotted Cow and the party was rolling. I was happy, relieved and ready to celebrate. The beers were sooooo tasty, the food was plentiful and yummy and the company was great fun. It was very cool that everyone gave Kevin a standing ovation for his efforts and leadership in delivering these champs. I drank waaaay too much but that was part of making this a great o-banquet.

Red Day 1 US Champs - Splits

Event: US Individual Champs 2009
 

Model event at another Cat's map. Perfect course for getting ready. Reading the terrain effortlessly; ready for tomorrow.