Training Log Archive: paul c

Event: London Park Race Series 2015, #5: Danson Park
 

Before and after.

I really enjoyed this and the planning made good use of the area.
Only dropped 10 seconds over the course with small hesitations and a stop to check #14 on the map.

C • Agreed 4

Nice ride in the sun to Wets Horsley.

Event: Harvester Relays / After Harvester Event
 

1st Leg.
It seemed to be a more loaded leg than previous years with the likes of Barrable, Squire, Windsor and Jegor. Then there were FVO, Rich and SOC to contend with.
After the mass start I settled into the map and made sure that I wasn't just following.
I got to my control first just after the faster runners went past it and onto theirs so at least I knew the gaffles straight away.
Overshot #2 but corrected quickly and 3 was just a track run with a cut across. The woods pushed me too far south on the way to #4 so ended up going the wrong way on the large track. The other gaffle came past me here so followed them up to the control. This was common for everyone so hopefully the next few would be as well.
I managed to tighten my head torch on the way to #5 as Barrable came past me after a bad exit from the previous one.
I think with exception of Jegor we were all together for 5 and 6.
I left 6 behind Ant and didn't pick up the Northing lines on my map so was drifting too far east. This led me to be somewhat confused for a few seconds that allowed Rich to take over the nav which was fortunate as I had no idea where I was. This is where we lost the front pack as we overshot the control. Fortunately I crossed the depression to the east and sorted it out.
SBOC were still going strong here along with FVO, SOC and Rich.
I managed to find #8 but then stupidly decided to go straight to #9 which was a F'cking awful decision. Going across the rough open with FVO I could see Rich and SOC going along the track overtaking us rapidly. Fortunately I managed to find a track on the way to #10 so was able to catch up but we all lost time in the circle as we found it hard to see all the depressions in the waist high brambles.
I held back a little from #11-13 as I let the others work in front and looked at the final section instead.
I managed to get in front just before the spectator and shouted out to Dmitry to be ready. The last section was simple although I hesitated out of #16 so had to work a bit harder to get to the front and stay there.
I really enjoyed that run and loved the mass start especially at night as it really levels the playing field than a day start. What was also promising is although the pace seemed fast at the start, I was more than comfortable on the last loop.
Shame about the area but I suppose summer doesn't always give runnable areas down south.
A great performance from an understrength team helped us into 3rd place above on paper, stronger teams. Nice...

Horsley loop.

Another day off due to late meetings.