Training Log Archive: KFish

Event: Raccoongaine 2022
 

Raccoongaine 2022

After a 2 year hiatus (2020 canceled, 2021 summer) I returned to Raccoongaine as an effort to prioritize local racing.

The weeks leading up to the race were beautiful sunny springtime with temps in the 60's, but race day arrived and there was snow on the ground and in the air - what the heck. Still, I dont mind (I prefer) the cooler temps.

I had predetermined I would do the North loop, so now I've done both loops 3 times each, so when I got my map I didnt even really bother to count points, I just starting plotting a route north. I measured 2.5 -3 mile, 1 hr intervals, its been so long I couldn't quite remember what normal was. At 10 am I was off with a fairly large group to the first control, but by control 2 I was on my own - it turns out thats because I chose a really dumb order for #2 and #3, but oh well. I had caught back up to the pack by control 5, and passed most people by that point by taking some aggressive route chocies. At 3 hours I was a control behind my goal, so I dropped a 30 pointer that was up and down a big hill. There was a 20 pointer I could add back in later if I had time. When I got to that decision point I decided it would probably be cutting it a little close, so I skipped that one too and continued on to my small loop of the East section, east of the lake. By the time I was part way through this finish loop it was clear I was going to have plenty of time to get back to the finish, but there wasnt really anything left to add back in. I guess I chose a little too conservatively earlier on. Thats ok - my knee was starting to feel a little iffy, probably from my lack of foot training and then going out and running 18 miles...

I had a good time, although the green in this park just seems to keep getting worse, and is all thorns. I only found 1 mother control, which is a low for me, and couldnt have made a difference in final scoring. Ended up in 4th place, only 20 points behind 2 and 3, and 40 points behind 1st. I think with a little more effort I might have been able to tie that points wise (not sure about time). I was surpised that 3ROC and Jon B both came in slightly behind me, because every time I saw them in the woods they were cruising.

I did a decent job eating (its always easier in teh cold), eating a wrap, fruit snacks, Bobo, and pretzles. First race under my GF diet, but it worked out ok. I think the key will be just increasing the available variety, especially for longer races.

low impact ride/taper

low impact/taper