orienteering 50:10 [3]
Chase start for the Troll Cup.
Could not figure out anything out of the start - my eyes were tearing and I just could not get them to focus so I was totally at a loss as to what I was doing. Finally got going after Janet came flying by but still bounced around before finally understanding where I was and where I wanted to go. Next several controls were fine; kept seeing Janet leaving controls as I would get there but not really seeing her in between.
Went straight to #3 instead of out to the trail but was happy with that route. Had to stop just before #4 to wipe my eyes and use my magnifier since I wasn't really sure what I was looking for. I was doing mostly "go straight on a compass bearing and pace count" and hope to make sense of things along the way since my eyesight isn't really good enough for 1:10,000.
On the way to #8 I was doing fine but then lost confidence and went and checked a big huge boulder I saw to my right. Not what I wanted and was mad at myself for not being confident but then knew exactly where I was and had no problem getting to the control. Can't really say I spiked anything but I was succeeding using the go straight and know about when the control should be there and then use the clue description to try and find what I was looking for. Really need to do something about my eyesight issues.
Tried to run a bit but am really paying for it tonight. Knee not good but hopefully it will be okay tomorrow.
It was a long drive and I'm really tired but still glad I went. I love orienteering in those kinds of woods - low visibility but reasonably good footing with no loose rock. I thought both courses were good and used the woods well.