Training Log Archive: Kat

Event: 28th Annual Billygoat Run
 

The Billygoat. I was right behind Sam in the beginning of the course, but my calves started to get really, really tight on the way to #3, so after punching I stood around for several minutes trying to decide whether to continue or whether to DNF. It was a mental struggle, but I decided to go on. So I walked uphill to (the eastern) #4. Then, while heading downhill, Kseniya caught up to me and after chatting a bit, I decided to run away from her. So I sped up and got #5. Then, Angelica caught up as well and we sort of ran together for the next 10 controls or so. By this point, I was feeling good again. My calves felt ok on downhills and flats and the navigation was going well for me. It was really fun to feel like I was running *with* someone, but at the same time, to be navigating on my own. Angelica strayed too far left on #15, but I contoured around the hilltop and hit it right on. I was careful to #16, not wanting to make a big mistake, and then careful again to #17. My route choice to #17 was solid, but I guess I was expecting to actually see a gray smooth rock ground so I missed #17 by perhaps 20-30 meters, ended up going into the green (perhaps even off the map), then coming back, not seeing it a second time, and having to relocate from the trail. I was quite frustrated by the time I found it. The control site really wasn't what I was expecting! But I pushed onwards. I actually made it through most of the course. It was #20 that killed me. By this point, all the main packs had passed and I was alone trying to find a rock on a steep hillside. I spent at least 20 minutes wandering up and down through the bushes trying to find the stupid rock. This again made my calves hurt a lot and after coming back to the top three times, I decided to give up and go down. This was a tough choice to make, but I think it was the right one.

Warm-up jogging before the start.