Training Log Archive: Jay-T

Rain stopped play.

Feeling fine surprisingly.

Leg 1 for Men's Premier 'Maid Marian'

If yesterday was my kind of terrain, then today was definitely not. Off the pace from the start; only still in 'the pack' by having the shorter initial gaffle. However, then wasted 30s visiting #17 on the way to #3 and it was all downhill from there.

On the plus side I did have to do some navigating and beat three people back!

Team was technically last, but only because those slower than us were disqualified...

Event: British Orienteering Championships
 

Up to the start.

Well evidently I am the 9th best orienteer in Britain ;)

No expectations in advance for this; feeling reasonable when warming up and perked up a little more upon noting the amount of wood (more than expected) on seeing the map in the start line.

It turned out to be an excellent area; with suitable physical and technical challenges to befit the supposed status of the event. Apparently it was a bit rough but (other than in the deep heather around #15) I honestly did not notice.

Very steady to start with up the hill; lots of map contact, but struggling to pick off any point features on the top. Used the contour shape to get in the right general area, briefly pausing on the fairly significant unmapped ride, then was a little fortunate to spot someone leaving the control - turned out to be Ben Stevens my 3min man.

That was unexpected, but anyway followed his line to #2 without consciously pushing to catch him, being aware that I didn't want to expend too much energy this early on. In hindsight this was a mistake because I didn't spot him dip into the flag (re-entrant) and hence overshot [60]

Settled back into steady mode for the next couple, but was then very surprised to catch Lewis Taylor (9min) on the way in towards #5. Somewhat distracted I took a hybrid route choice to #6 (never a good idea) [40]

Led Lewis through to #7 before I got away (it transpired he subsequently retired at #8).

Good to #9, but then route to #10 was probably a bit too far off the line [20]

#11 was easy and hit #12 (gel on the way here) and #13 well.

Well and truly stumped at #14; mapped as being in the main re-entrant, which wasn't my interpretation. After an initial fruitless search I stood still for a bit to match up the rock features as an alternative means of attack which was probably the right thing to do [130]

Tough climb to #15 through some deep heather, so made use of the path in my route to #16.

Duncan caught me (12min) shortly after leaving #16; I was able to keep in touch with him for the next few, largely by taking a few different (better?) lines.

Momentary confusion at #20 as the appearance of some big rock features appeared to indicate that we had climbed beyond the control. However, use of the vegetation (principally the handy green blob) helped identify the control feature without too much time loss.

Duncan dropped me on the climb out of #24. Attacked #25 from the south as although it was slightly further, it was more importantly much safer at this stage of the race.

Mini-disaster as I entered the wood at #25 as the insides of my thighs (adductors?) started cramping (pretty sure that this is badminton related). However, almost as soon as it came it subsided again (although I was cautious thereafter to prevent a relapse for the rest of the race).

The GG train came past at #26, and I benefitted from its presence through to the finish (even though there was not even the slightest semblance of my hanging on at all).

Probably only 5min or so of errors which is very satisfactory given some of my recent performances, as was 122% of GG's time and being 9min ahead of a (former relay, now M40) World Champion!

1 Graham Gristwood FVO 102:49 7.3 m/km
2 Dave Schorah DEE 106:22 7.6
3 Hector Haines INT 109:16 7.8
4 Duncan Archer (M35) CLOK 109:47 7.8
5 Murray Strain INT 115:13 8.2
6 Nick Barrable (M40) SYO 115:19 8.2
7 Jonathan Malley EBOR 121:48 8.7
8 Matthew Vokes CUOC 123:00 8.8
9 Joe Taunton NOC 125:21 9.0
--- Championship time --- 128:31
--- Gold time --- 132:41
10 Carsten Joergensen (M40) Penins 134:10 9.6
11 Thomas Fellbaum MDOC 134:34 9.6
12 Tim Beale SN 142:19 10.2
13 Antonio Franco SMOC 150:21 10.7
14 Scott Collier KERNO 155:15 11.1
15 Ben Stevens OUOC 156:12 11.2
--- Silver time --- 159:13
16 Mark Burley BOK 160:00 11.4
--- Bronze time --- 212:18
Thomas Cochrane SLOW rtd
Robert Farrington HOC rtd
Lewis Taylor WCOC rtd
Robert Kelly EUOC rtd
Duncan Grassie SLOW rtd
Adam Poole UDOC rtd
James Walsh SROC rtd
Ian Webb SLOW dnf

Leisurely doubles, then an (almost) set vs Bob, 5-2.

Failed attempt at a repeat of my hill interval session from a few weeks ago - managed one (slow) rep, but it was not worth continuing as it was too sticky and slippery in the woods to be worthwhile.

Retreated to the canal where the surface was better for running a little quicker (but still not great). Lower calves / achilles complaining.

Back home - no time for anything else.

Scotland visit postponed.