Training Log Archive: Thraws

Event: Dorset Delight
 

Good job the rain stayed off till the afternoon. Otherwise could have been grim. Fairly easy orienteering on a fast area as long as you could avoid the deepest heather and marshes. Really enjoyed it. Only gripe was that you couldn't tell whether straight was better than round paths, as it all depended what the heather was like en route and that wasn't on the map. I opted for paths where possible. First battle with heather was on the way to 4, where I had to stop for quite a while to sort out my shoe laces. I didn't recognise her at first, but Jan led me into the pit control and then set off at a pace I struggled to match. We had the same next control and my round the hill route turned out a bit quicker. I missed the road route to 9, but the forest was lovely, and I had a river crossing between 11 and 12. The long leg 15 offered a choice of dull (but presumably quick) tarmac and path, which I went for for aesthetic reasons. Probably lost 2 mins going to 16 as I neglected bearing (and had to stop for the loo), but was pleased to be still pushing at the end. All good training for Steep Down.

Event: SO SOG A2 Rivers Wood, north of Haywards Heath
 

Had ages to look at the map beforehand, and did, but it doesn't seem to have helped AT ALL. Rather, I switched off a bit while running the longer legs, lost contact, and then lost lots of time by not being able to run with confidence in the right direction. Went wrong on the way to 3 first, because I was running too hard, then panicked before relocating. Was OK to 7 but couldn't find 8 - along with a load of bumblers - and am pretty sure it was in the wrong place (or map was wrong). But biggest mistake was 10, where I suddenly realised track I was on wasn't going in the right direction! Was lucky not to lose more time. Map around 11 and 12 was more confusing than helpful, but I alone was responsible for 'switching off' again on long leg to 16 and only spotting mistake when, weirdly, I ran past number 3 again. More confusion on the way to 18 just about topped off a poor morning's work. On a positive note, I was running well and did not feel any fatigue after. And I did enjoy the workout despite the result.

Got caught in a huge shower. Soaked.

Fancied a run, but worried that my back might complain, especially with two races at the weekend. So went for a brisk 75 minute walk instead.

Big puddles.

Cycled to Waterstones in Chi and back to do a library stockpick. Improving weather.
And after all that I still had the energy and enthusiasm for ...

Have been walking a lot to use up energy, but needed a run. Unsurprisingly, felt smooth and relaxed and had lots left in the legs at the end. Time was average, but I had plenty in the tank. I'm so relieved my hips have cleared up.