Training Log Archive: maprunner

Mike and I heard it was tough before we went out. So I stuck with my plan, and walked to the first control. I moved slow enough so I could be cautious approaching 2 and 3, and was able to find the controls by looking around once I was in the circle. Small bobble to 4, then made a 180 leaving. This should have been a warning sign of what was to come.

Moved towards 5, and I know now, drifted to the right. I was stuck in a parallel universe, and I couldn't relocate. Ignored the signs when I thought I had relocated (like the voice that says this doesn't look right, why is there a ditch here?) Finally decided to go all the way to the road to relocate. Of course, I didn't know at this time that I had drifted right, so I didn't notice that I was on the wrong road. Took a few minutes to figure this out and turn around. Totally disgusted with myself.

Slogged through the rest of the course with minor bobbles, trying not to think about The Mistake. Completely disappointed that I was not able to read the map and realize where I was. Also, did not have a plan to bail out, and wasted 30+ minutes on one control. I was quite unhappy, and wondered who's stupid idea it was to publicly announce that I was trying to win F40 this year.

See routegadget for my best guess of what I did out there.

Day 1 Green Y - Splits

Event: US Champs
 

walking around on the model event

Easy shuffle around the high school. The new stadium and track look nice, but I can't figure out what building is going up on the east side.

We leave tomorrow for the US Champs. I'm proud of what I have accomplished so far: losing weight, starting to run, prudent recovery from injury, improved orienteering. But now, after two years of planning and training, it's time to step up to the plate. I have to put together two good days in a row, at the right time. At the beginning of the year, I was hoping to have 75 (ranking) point runs; I think the best I can hope for now is 70. But if I have two good runs this weekend, I will have accomplished my goal. I'm nervous and excited; it will be an interesting weekend!

C • Have a safe trip! 5

nice and easy at SMP

Re-ran a PTOC course at Fleming Park. I ran it backwards, since I vaguely remembered some of the legs from last year. Goal was to practice reading a map that I don't know so well, and to move steadily through the woods. Walked a lot of the course, and once deliberately chose a woods route instead of the obvious road run. I feel good about my map reading, and relocation. So-so on maintaining concentration. The woods were really crappy in some areas; I should feel right at home next weekend!

A beautiful fall day; wonderful to be out in the woods (which is one of the main reasons that I'm passionate about orienteering).

Red - Splits