Training Log Archive: markg

Another good, steady run but a little further down the field today, I think because of the easier navigation. I nearly missed my start, arriving at the end of the pre-start, and proceeded to make a 40-odd second mistake on the first. Focussed more after that but made a small mistake going into #4. I did alright on the long #7, taking the left route with the climb at the end. Felt slow through the pines and was getting pushed around a bit. Lost a few seconds on #10 and maybe 30s at #12 but had a nice run from there through to 16. Lost 20s at #17 but enjoyed the run down to the spectator control. Unfortunately a blister on my big toe had ripped and was starting to bother me but I don't think it slowed me down. Stopped at the run-through to scoff a gel and some water which probably wasted 45s but I was keen not bonk like at the WOC trials last year. I was starting to feel tired by this stage and struggled to keep moving up the hill to #23 but then picked up the pace again nicely on the next couple of before struggling again on the hills on #27 and also getting confused contouring around into the control. A good run overall, with only 1:30 of mistakes, and not badly placed overall. Hard to believe how far behind Jules everyone was - that guy is running so bloody quick.

Not a super fast run but a really steady one with only one real mistake near the end so I was really pleased to come in 10th. My strategy to go slowly through the rock worked nicely and I probably still lost time being uncertain but on a day when most of the field made big mistakes I'm not worried about going slowly and not screwing up!

I started really slowly but nailed the first 6. Had a slight hestitation coming into #7 but only 5s or so. Shep caught me from two minutes just after #8. I held on to him until #9 and then went past him when he made a little mistake on #10. He blew past me again and I was slowly dropping off across the hill to #11 but he disappeared as soon as we crossed the fence and got into the thicker stuff. Couldn't believe how fast I dropped back. I was pretty pleased that I managed to hold Shep off that long. #12 was a bit scary but after I extracted myself from the bould field around #11 I got around the hill with a pretty good idea of where I was and using the giant rockface on top of the hill as a guide I got into the circle pretty easily. Nearly missed #13 but caught myself making the mistake and then was pretty steady through the next 3. Got caught in some green and rocks on the way to #17 but found the control pretty well. Nailed #18 and #19 though starting to struggle on the hills. Couldn't identify the right rock for #20 and lost maybe 30s. Had a great time flying down the hill and for the last 3. Really enjoyed this course. I think the whole setup was great and nice combination of fast/slow, techinical/open. Kudos to Lazydave and the Hoggster (and everyone else) for pulling it together.

Event: Orienteering Easter twenty10 Carnival
 

Easy jog in the morning to loosen up. Felt like I was coming down with a cold and not especially good.

Cold symptoms has eased a little but still didn't have much energy.

Easter Prologue: failed to attend #20, DNF. Apart from the aforementioned MP it was an average sort of run. Was running pretty smoothly at the beginning and was keeping pace with my fellow Queenslanders but lost a few seconds at 8 running wide around the garden when I misunderstood Grant's instructions at the mis-mapped bit. Good through the next few if a bit slow along the top but then stuffed around picking a route choice back through the buildings for #12 and got confused on #13 and lost 40s. Managed to pick up the pace a little back through the spectator but then gambled on being able to run through the green to #18 before having to run around the long way. Was feeling it up the hill to #19 but kicked in with some the angry self-talk to keep moving. Then I didn't see #20 and ran straight to #21 and then smashed (for me) the rest of the course.

Really angry about missing the control; really disappointed not to be in the overall standings; really disappointed about having to start 5 hours after Jules on Monday ...

Sprint splits are online. Looks like I lost about 1:40. I was only 5s behind Olly at the 2nd last control but lost 40s running around instead of through the underpass and I reckon another 20s for the same reason to the finish. Will have to do better this weekend.

A Mona's fartlek at lunchtime to put the finishing touches on my preparation for Easter. Feeling pretty good actually, seemed to be moving well, a bit of bounce in my stride ... geez, I think I'm feeling a little bit fit! Anway put in a good session and had to dig to finish strongly.