Orienteering race 16:50 [3] 4.0 km (4:13 / km) +25m 4:05 / km
shoes: inov8 f-lite 195s July 15
WOC sprint final.
Only emotionally ready to write about this now. Really I don't know what happened. Was so pleased to make the final, and very excited to race, didn't feel that nervous (or so I thought). However, once I started, it was like my brain and legs were moving in slow motion. Lost time on the first, and particularly the second controls, basically getting stressed and doubting my choices of alleyways. A bit better for the next few then trouble again with alleyways at 5. Continued to be scrappy through a number of the next controls.
Anyway, was already having a very poor race by the time I got to the arena, and that was totally nuts. Could hear the commentary about me and being first starter, was first through the arena. I remember going for number 15, just before the run through chute, but then completely forgot to punch it?!? I can only think it was the pressure of the situation, and remember reading ahead so had ticked it off in my mind I guess. Then, to add insult to injury, I completely did not see number 20 and ran straight past that too!!!?!
I have never done this before. I was just so shell-shocked when I finished, no other way to describe it. Was numb. But then after a little while all of a sudden I was very very upset, and feeling so disappointed in myself and sad for letting all the supporters down :( :(
I don't want to keep making excuses for myself, but my only explanation is that I mentally was just not ready to deal with the crowds, screaming and the pressure. To be fair, my focus was on making the final, and I hadn't actually planned that much (mentally) for the actual final itself!
The other explanation is that the cryptic crossword I chose for quarantine was too hard - only solved two clues before starting! ;)
Anyway, I will be back, and there will be more opportunities, and in the meantime I will try to work out what I can do to handle these big race situations :)
Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive and still very glad to have been given this opportunity at all!