Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

Event: 2008 UNO Club Championships - Beaver Brook -- Brown Lane Barn,
 

Wendy decided that I should be the one to take the early shift with house-training the new puppy (even though I also took the late shift), so I was up at 5:30 AM making sure Piper didn't soil her crate. She played a bit with Fonzie, but didn't appear tired enough to go back in the crate, so I decided to take both dogs out for an early run in the woods as a warm-up for the Beaver Brook event. Piper again was resistent at the start, but then seemed to get enthused, and we had a good run after the first 10 min. Perhaps the lack of other people/dogs at this hour was helpful. Fonzie again was slow, but he kept chugging along close enough to minimize the periods of waiting.

UNO Club Championships at Beaver Brook. Started 2 min behind Ernst (after advising the junior starter that 1 min intervals were generally frowned upon, even though it was not going to make a difference given the competition ahead). Was then quite surprised to see Ernst punching #1 when I got there. Weather was fine mist which appeared to wreck havoc with Ernst's glasses. In any case, had quite clean run for first ten controls, continuing to see Ernst frequently, although often choosing different routes. Was still with Ernst at water stop #11, before having my one real bobble, when I overran #12 which was on a small knoll on a spur, perhaps due to the fact that I was looking intently for a depression. Struggled through the next three controls tentatively but acceptably in the very technical area of the map where I had become so thoroughly lost on Day 2 of the A-Meet that I had questioned the sanity of my continuing in the sport. I was helped somewhat by missing #14 serendipitously in the vicinity of #11 which allowed me to correct without too much loss of time. Rest of race was solid but a bit slow as I tired. I also would have felt better if I had nailed the Go control or avoided running the wrong way when I hit the trail on the run in. The loss in time was not too significant, but the blow to the ego was notable.

Ross was leader in the clubhouse at 74 min. I am duly impressed. Ernst wound up 4 min ahead, while JJ was 9 min in front. All in all, I was happy with the effort. Now if I can only find a way to keep up the pace for another 4.5 km by next week, I should be ready for the Traverse.

Details of run to follow in Comments.

C • Did you ck the blue length?... 4

Blue - Splits