Orienteering race (NOL Middle) 57:24 [3] ***** 5.7 km (10:04 / km) +250m 8:16 / km
spiked:15/22c shoes: Jalas FLX
Another poor race but at least this one was in fantastic, challenging terrain. A wobbly start was followed by a good stretch then 3 shockers in quick succession and then a pretty steady run to the finish, mostly alongside Kieran. Time lost was probably 10-11min.
Despite attempting to start steadily, I got a little off-line on the way to 1 and faffed around the in rocks losing about 40s. I then pulled my head in and ran strongly through to 6. On 7 I lost contact but had managed to get into the circle and found the control with only minimal time lost. Exited 7 in the wrong direction but caught it with only 10-20s lost. Then 2-2:30 lost at 9 after losing contact mid-leg but managing to relocate of a little spur. 10 was good but then I lost 4min at 11 in an error I can't explain. Finally got it when Kieran came through and showed me where it was. We both proceeded to stuff up the next one by about 2:30min but then summoning some focus, proceeded to run fairly well through the next stretch. There was a small time loss at 16 and a bigger one on the very short 18, and clean from there to the finish.
I had a lot of trouble working out what rock was mapped and how it was mapped, and how big the rock was going to be. I noted particularly that bare rock didn't seem to be mapped all the time. I don't usually have problems reading granite but sandstone is quite different and I need more practice.
I'm really pleased that I strung some good legs together but disappointed in the several big errors. I could do a lot better.