Training Log Archive: Torino

The first run in a while, probably since coming back from SOW (Swiss O Week), and it showed. I need to do more of this again.

Early ride up in the fog and almost drizzle to the start. (The hotel didn't serve breakfast before 8 am, so I passed and had a little bread and banana in the room.)

Long Distance French Champs: Started out cautiously to not miss a trail and get going on good motivation. We mostly descended and descended and I skimmed over the course (when I could) as the going was rough again yet less muddy than yesterday. I was apalled at the course. Going down, from there uphill to do a loop and coming back to the lowest part and from there going back all the way up to where we started. Kind of mindless and these uphills were steep, I had to walk and push my bike a lot. There's just no pleasure in doing bike-O like that. I know I don't seem to have the strength anymore for some uphills, but I'm trying my best.
Today, I came in 4/13 and probably the oldest in that field of 60+ (no 65 class).
A good workout though.

Ride back down from the finish, the most fun single trail I had all day!

Sprint race of the French Champs: did have some problems getting into the map and the course: couldn't believe how easy it was like a beginners course. On a sharp bend in the high grass got caught on a huge branch and fell over my bike, but I landed softly. Still a little shaken up I continued and sure enought made a mistake as I cut too early for my control, but I could save it by going straight down to it and turn right back up. Lots of mud and water, it was technically demanding in spots. At the end, finally some fine orienteering on little gnarly trails with lots of riders criss-crossing and I could always find my correct trail or cutting through which was quite fun.
Came in 3/13. Surprised and happy by it.
Light rain and cold at 1000 m.

Event: 2021 Orienteering USA Nationals