Training Log Archive: Thraws

Event: SO level C, Rewell Woods, Arundel (incl event 4 of SO champs)
 

Was feeling much better at the start after a fairly sober October and looking forward to a hard run. But when I picked up the map I noticed the first five controls were all on brown features in the light green, a technical pick! With Barry a minute behind I focussed on hitting them cleanly, although the low light in the trees made reading fine detail impossible. Was a bit surprised to be leading Jack into 2 as he had started a minute ahead, but he soon got away, even though his route to 3 looked wayward. Used the paths for 4 and slowed right down for 5 and was running by 6. Saw others near 7 and was joined by Jack again, but he was much quicker through 8 and I followed him to 9 until his route went way too far right. I led him into that one but he overtook for 10. I went round the paths to 11 so I'd have a good AP for the scarp slope controls and was pleased to find the two reentrants quickly. Jack rejoined me at 12 and was obviously getting careless near the controls so I made a note to ignore him. I found 13 but his quicker speed meant he got to 14 first. I was alone for the tricky 15 but overtaken (!) by Jack on the downhill run to 16. We entered the quarry together but went different ways to 17 and at this point I was actually winning. I got 18 first and we were together to the spectator, but I slightly lost contact with the map near 22 and got two hills confused at 23. Lost more seconds near 26 as well, so the final sprint cost me first place in a good field, but mostly I was pleased with my fitness. It made the running a pleasure and allowed me to concentrate on the map. Really good event which all came together rather at the last minute.

Collected 9 of the mid-distance controls. Took it easy as had changed out of running kit.

Misty murky morning.

Warm for October. And dry. For the time being.

Got soaked by this weird wet stuff coming from the sky in the morning ...

Spur of the moment decision after I wasn't so long at the shops. Felt a bit better and was able to push on in second half (hip wasn't hurting), but time was slow-ish given the effort.