Training Log Archive: Funderstormin

It wasn't warm, but it sure was pretty.

Trying to calculate actual time on wall...mas o menos! After being inspired by watching The Dawn Wall last night and not wanting to go out into the cold this morning, Tim and I spent a couple of hours at the Guelph Grotto playing around on the autobelays. This is always so fun and I'm not sure why I don't do it more.

Tim and I teamed up for the fourth year and I considered it our top or second best performance in terms of a reasonable route choice, number of fuck ups and team morale. I was pretty happy not to wear snowshoes as I hadn't been on them yet this year, and the microspikes felt like a perfect choice.

As always, looking at the map in hindsight I've got loads of ideas of things we could have done differently, but overall, was pretty happy with how this went. Toward the end especially, I was feeling very much in tune with the map and everything made sense...which it doesn't always for me!

One of my favourite races of the year not necessarily because I love running around in the cold for a bunch of hours but because of the opportunity to see everyone!

Ultimate core class.

Beautiful frosty run around Schneider's Flats after work. I love how the snow offers some false extra daylight!

Cold but beautiful morning for the TOC O-Cup. I felt like I was in desperate need of a tune-up before the Snowshoe Raid and I was right! I made a few strong decisions out there but also lots of questionable ones, especially in the second box. I am not sure why after 15+ years, every time I orienteer feels like the first time!

Cool new class being offered focusing on core and mobility. Definitely less intense than usual, but all very useful exercises!

I had originally planned to do a fell race on New Year's Day but a) my legs were really tired by this point and b) I just wanted to stay in Coniston as long as possible! One of the features that drew me to the area was Tarn Hows, so I saved this route for the last day: https://www.walklakes.co.uk/walk_80.html Having spent NYE at the pub, it seemed a gentle enough route!

I saw that the forecast was meant to be spectacular for this day and it certainly was, with the bluest skies and most sunshine I'd seen during the trip. Tarn Hows was pretty busy by the time I arrived there on foot, but it was still lovely to see. I most enjoyed the route back along the Cumbria Way, and imagined doing that route over a few days at another time!

My final stop in Coniston was the popular Bluebird Cafe, right on the water, where I most thoroughly enjoyed a cheese and chutney toasty and ginger cake before driving back to Newcastle.

This adventure left a good strong mark on my heart and the purchase of several more guidebooks before I left almost certainly guarantees that I'll be back!