IOC 2017 - Middle Distance
Léim Oirthiar, Galway
Probably one of my cleanest orienteering races. A few seconds lost but nothing massive.
Was feeling ok on the drive up from Kerry but sore throat again overnight. But was not going to let that stop me run.
Based on the results it didn't!
Had an idea where to run for the 1st control after seeing a couple of people start in front of me. Used the big crag on the climb to 2. Slight hesitation approaching 3 before another climb to 4. Hit the re-entrant just before 5 and then got the control. Saw roar crossing towards 8 on my way to 5. Got 6 and 7 fine and then came around the hill to 8, saw the big crag on the hill and it was a good attackpoint.
Slightly worried about the downhill leg to 9, didn't need to be, could see the control leaving 8! So just ran down the hill. Was hoping for a more direct line to 10 but hadn't climbed enough when I hit the drain. Saw boyzone at the top of the hill, climbing, so that was encouraging. Saw him leaving 11 then as I left 10. Used 6/7 to stay low on the way to 12. I didn't let boyzone distract me as he went too far left. So got there ahead of him. Wasn't looking back, just kept on running. Hit 13 spot on but felt lucky on my line.
Then 14 I passed the 2 boulders just off the line and then the line of 3 hills, and then saw someone getting the control, so no issues here. 15 also good. Landed on top of ndobbs who was punching the control as I dropped in to it. 16 I was hesitant on, just stopped too short of it, and took me a moment to realise the re-entrant with the crags was on the map but just not massively easy to read. Could feel someone breathing down my neck as I punched, wasn't boyzone, it was roar, hadn't realised i'd passed him at 15.
So that kept me running fast down the hill to 17 and then on to 18. Got 19 and 20 grand, and then pushed all the way to the finish.
Felt when i'd finished that i'd had a good run since I passed the 3 lads. But would have to wait and see what the other lads did. Turns out I was the fastest on the day, so my 2nd IOC Middle Distance title. Happy.
Results
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