Training Log Archive: lilypad

I got off to rough start this morning. The trail that led to the first control was a little confusing. I don't know if I actually missed the trail because it didn't seem very trail-like where I thought the trail was supposed to be and I ended up west of the trail at the edge of a field. I had to reset and make my way back to the control. I did well for 2, 3, 4 and 5, although I foolishly scrambled up a steep hillside only to discover a gentle slope around the corner to 5. I headed off to six and found I had to get up a really steep cliff. I wondered if it was necessary to climb it, but Mike Lyons was climbing it too, and I figured he wouldn't be climbing if he didn't need to! I was going along really well after my climb and found the trail I wanted but then had my doubts about where I was. It took me a loonnnggg time to figure out where I was and the fact that the control was directly behind me. I tried making up some time getting to 7, 8, 9, and 10, but somehow went a little off on my way to 10 and went by it. I fell hard over a branch and gave my right knee a good whack on the ground. I turned around and saw the people standing guard over the control on the radio to the finish. I guess they enjoyed watching me looking for the control. I really should have nailed that one, but once again I was distracted by all the runners and tired. I forced myself to run to 11 and to the finish with lots of self-talk to keep going. Despite my overall good navigation and pushing my speed I was still well behind my field, even without the big delay at number 6.

I had a great two days of orienteering and I'm happy with how I did.

Long - Brown - Splits

Event: Buffalo Orienteering Festival
 

This park had many trails and I was trying to navigate very carefully. I was doing well until I left control 4. I got distracted by another runner and ended up north of the control. Fortunately I realized quite quickly where I was and backtracked. Control 7 came up more quickly than I expected it to and I selected a rather long way to get to 8 that felt comfortable to me. I had a little problem hitting 9 due to the stream but really got into my worst problem on my way to 10. I was heading the right way but decided that I wasn't and went back and selected another route. I headed east which would bring me below the control but got into some serious brush trying to make my way to the control. I was glad to learn I wasn't the only one who made that error. I guess tired orienteers make strange decisions.

This sprint was easy to navigate, but a workout for a non-runner. I was pleased with my time, despite the fact that it was practically a half hour. That's a real accomplishment for me. This was a good exercise in speed map reading for me, and pushing my pace.

Middle - Brown - Splits

Sprint - Course 2 - Splits

Still soooo tired. I got home from work and decided to carefully take care of myself. Just doing a few jobs on my list and early to bed.