Training Log Archive: iansmith

"This is carnage." - Mark Nixon on long night mistake by second group at the first control.

Warmup scoot with my phone reading the model map.

Middle distance course at Interstate Park in WI. Given my garbage fitness, I figured this was the race I had the best chance to perform well in. The first couple controls were tricky and technical, and I lost 30s missing low on control 2. Again, I noticed how my legs couldn't muster the speed my brain wanted. On easy fitness legs - the hill climb on 4, the climb to 7, the marsh transit to 10, 13, 14, and 17 - I simply couldn't get up to even the speed I'm used to having.

I chose a line that was a little too low to 10, and ended up further into the marsh than planned. Morten (+6 minutes) caught me and glided past. He bobbled 11 and 12, and I had him in sight leaving 13. I made a mistake to 15, missing my attackpoint and drifting right for 20-30s. I chose a good route to 17 - taking the bridge and transiting a bit left of the hill - but was again really slow.

I really enjoyed the orienteering, even if it was so frustrating to be glacial.

Afterward, thanks to travel agents Giacomo and Tori, our posse was staying at the same Super 8. Kenny tuned into Tiomila and HDMI'd onto the big television, so a group of 10 of us watched for 6-8 hours with visits by JJ and ebone. Boris and Nixon were fantastic; it was so much easier listening to their broadcast than peppering Boris in person with questions and having him translate. Tiomila parties are amazing - you get to eat food, play games, socialize, and watch spectacular world class orienteering. The 5th leg of the women's relay (yay go Tove!!), the 8th leg of the men's relay, and the exciting finish by Albin in the fight for second were highlights.

Cool down jog with ebone.

Blue - Splits