Double Dukes SOL - The Trossachs - Black
A bit nervous for this with a poor set of legs still in the back of the mind from yesterday. I decided it would be a bit of a completion test so a gel in the pocket and an easy start was in order. I soon subconsciously decided a scrappy start would also be on the agenda so was playing catch up a bit, though not desperately, after the first few.
Pushed on after the road crossing and legs responded very well. A few good splits followed with a glimpse of Nixon 90s ahead going in/out of 9. Another two solid routes brought him to me but then let him go again with a silly route to 12. We played swap for the next 10 controls, while slowly getting past Tam and Will. I was shocked by the way he seemingly made any route work and improve on what I thought was solid choices from myself. Of course upon analysis afterwards he was navigating like a boss and simply showing my lazy technique up on every opportunity. But eventually I kicked ahead of him just as we were starting the long leg as I wasn't ready to be accused of following on such a key split.
A sketchy descent was followed by a full gas climb and finally I was happy to see him falling back. The gel I took at 30mins hit for the last loop and I felt no where near the wall that came so early yesterday, on incomparably easier terrain to today. Cruised into the finish happily and probably could have grinded out a good few more (flatter) controls before I was really finished, although legs began crumbling soon after starting the WD.
Very happy today, confirming that some good technique and rough/hilly terrain strength exists. Also successfully dissolved some worries about possible oncoming foot injuries, inabilities to take gels tactically+successfully, good breakfast dependancies and unexpected poor fitness from yesterday. Should maybe consider camping before some bigger competitions....
http://obasen.orientering.se/winsplits/online/en/d...
http://3drerun.worldofo.com/2d/index.php?idmult%5B...
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