Training Log Archive: Thraws

Glad I did this one first as it was by far the most technical, in fact a proper TD5 course on a light green area. Was so glad to see the flag for 2 as I didn't really have a plan, and after going straight through the brambles to 4 and losing all map contact it was just a fluke that I came out right on top of a control, the control! Lost a bit of time at the next three and a lot at 8 after my good fortune betrayed me and my lack of AP was found out. Spiked 9 and saw Lu leaving it so went the other way round the fight and probably lost half a minute. Gorgeous forest to 11. Exhilarating course.

This was the fast one. Having manned the start all morning it was fitting I had the fastest split to 1, then really motored up the hill. Was a bit right at 6 and lost time at 8, though I don't know why? Went too high and was right at 9, but was OK after that. Really enjoyed this as well.

Rested a bit before the last one as I had the time, but was starting too stiffen up so jogged a bit then decided to go. With two good runs I decided to push this pretty hard. The brambles after 1 weren't too bad, but they forced me rightwards at 3. Had a shock at 4 when the tree I ran at had no flag, then I saw there were two in the circle. Undergrowth and fatigue started to mess with my concentration, and I kept thinking I'd overshot 6 because I couldn't be bothered to check the map. Then I found the wrong depression near 7, but thought it was the one to the south-east and ran around for a minute before realising it wasn't. Was losing fight with vegetation through 8 and 9 and didn''t work hard enough up hill to 10. Was a bit further down results on this course, but most people probably struggled on their third run. Really enjoyable day, and just £7 for the two of us.

Alex and I did the control pick, then attack points, then compass bearings exercises. Some of the undergrowth was very wet and in places the bracken made it impossible to run on a bearing. The map was a bit out of date and some of the legs were a long way off being a quality orienteering experience. Useful focus on basics.

For the 'relay' you had to hang a control, then run round the course (hung by all the other runners), then collect your control and take it back to the finish. I was too far right on 1 and 2, nearly forgot 4, and made a hash of leaving 9. Massive thunderstorm during lunch had made everything even wetter.

Got soaked on way home.