Training Log Archive: FernWerm

Started out ok, although cautious, but then struggled to find 4 (I lost confidence on my way there, and again had to relocate several times) and 5 (I ran around the big knoll several times, not realising it was actually on the smaller knoll directly east). After those mistakes I started to get into the map and by the finish I was quite confident and enjoying myself. If there was another event here tomorrow I would definitely do well, although lucky for me, I can't prove that! :)
The ever efficient Wallaringan's packed up really quickly and we were on the road less than 1.5hrs after course closure. I always feel a bit sad driving south and leaving the Flinders behind. It would be great to somehow have a successful business there - like the servo in Hawker - so that we could wake up every morning to that amazing scenery.

C • Enjoyed your recounts 4

Course 2 - Splits

Yes, well, ummmm. I guess I was never 100% sure I knew where I was on this map - I just couldn't get into it. Especially after I couldn't find number 2 for 21 minutes despite relocating several times (I must have run very close to it at least twice!). I very quickly got tired of bashing through head-high bushes which seemed to cover a lot of many of our legs. By the time I got to control 4 and saw Jen running back towards 9 after doing the northern loop (she started after me) I seriously considered skipping the loop up north and going straight down the creek to 8, but I'm not one to give up easily. So I struggled on, taking a 600m detour down into the valley 7-8 just to avoid the bushes. Very tired at the end and had the sinking feeling of just not 'getting' the map at all.
On the up-side, Tyson and I did the walk to Arkaroo rock in the afternoon and went to Wilpena for icecream where we randomly ran into Tyson's boss. Then we had a great night with all our friends and family. I saw several shooting stars (but forgot to wish for greater orienteering skills) :)

C • Sounds hard 4

2 - Splits

Event: Flinders Ranges June Carnival
 

Woohoo! First time night orienteering by myself so I did the A Short course. Fun little course around Rawnsley Park, finishing by running over the dam wall. Took it easy and didn't really make any mistakes, except for running to a control on a knoll without looking at my map properly to see it was actually a round depression, not a knoll. :) Very cold tonight (I ran in a jumper and beanie), after campfire port we went to bed to find the car and tent with ice on them in the morning. Beautiful clear night, though!

C • the cold 2

Course 4 - Splits

Cold, cold, cold! T and I ran to Belair where Bridget was just finishing her run before she headed home. Jen arrived and the three of us ran back across the golf course to Zed's place to pick up her and crazy Callum. Then we ran up along the singletrack on the inside edge of the park and back down Olave Hill Road, stopping at a friend's place to serenade the birthday girl on our way past. Great run - just don't stop too long or the extremities will start to freeze. :)

Ran from Mitcham shops down memory lane... along Brownhill Creek past the caravan park and back. Such a lovely run. A few new/improved MTB jumps on the track south of the creek and a few new houses along the way too. We discussed how nice it would be to have a relatively 'flat' run option like this from our new house. I guess the hills will keep us fit! :)

Ran around the north adelaide loop. I was feeling really flat still a bit queasy, so I encouraged the others to go on without me. T stayed with me and put up with my grumbling. :) Quick stop half way at the cinema loo and I decided to do some faster pace stuff back from here. Hip/hamstring still sore - thus most of my whinging. Much better than it was earlier this year, but I seem to have reached a point now where it's not getting better or worse and I'm a bit worried about starting to cycle again or anything in case it irritates it. T tells me to go and see someone about it again (so far I've seen 4 physios and a sports dr), so I'm starting to think maybe alternative therapy (quack, quack).