Orienteering race (London City Race) 50:35 [5] 5.5 km (9:12 / km)
weight:69kg shoes: saucony swerve
Again, entered this because Lu did (it being on her manor, 'n'all), but also because I've never done it and actually fancied a bit of urban-O. Can't deny the setting and sights were superb, but I wasn't in the best prepared state after a trying journey on yet another diverted, slow and ridiculously overcrowded train. Nice to see old O friends, though, after quite a substantial break. Biggest handicap was ability to see micro-detail on the map, which meant I occasionally resorted to running 'to have a look' rather than plot proper route. Missed a small alley leaving 5, which annoyed me. But lost about 7.5 mins altogether at three controls (12, 13 and 15) through being unable to devise a way past bridges or avoiding fences or football hooligans (St Thomas Street). Perhaps I was rushing. Might have managed a decent position if I'd slowed down a bit? Tower of London, the 'Gherkin', Lloyds building, Leadenhall Market, Lower Thames Street, Southwark Bridge, Borough Market, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Bermondsey. Not sure if it's worth the hassle though. The crowds and traffic are pretty dense throughout, and it's a miracle I didn't knock someone's coffee 'to go', 'street food', or phone out of their hand.