Training Log Archive: ernst

Was going to join Jess & Co for an 8 am run out of NewRoad, but nobody was there - likely got canceled. It had rained along 125, but not further north in Strafford. So drove to Strafford Town Forest, and explored trails on and around Parker Mt. Missed the red/blue trails going up, but just bushwalked instead from the end of the logging cuts. Then ridge going S to the overlook cliffs. There was a sign posted that forbad "unauthorized trail flagging" due to ecological sensitivity. Beyond the sign was a nice trail but it merged with older logging roads which deteriorated over time w lots of knee to hip high saplings (all birches etc). It is unfortunate that the logging of about 15 years ago promoted large areas of this "monoculture". Supposedly the bunnies like it. I hoped to find the "mystery" trail that loops to Evans Mt, but ended up just flanking on the back side of Parker, and eventually bushwalked back up to the top away from the sapling. Then scouted out for the blue and red E ascending trails and found them, which led me back to the town forest. Distance and climb estimated.

jog w Jena over to far causeway and back - a chat along the way with M the neighbor.

w Jena before dinner loop.

Run to work via VW field in, and BrookDale on the return at 6 pm.

Jog with Jena on Clyde's trails.

Jog with a few tempo sprints added in for variety over at Spruce Hole. Legs felt good.

Classic Green Course. 5.2km . I felt this was generally easier on the navigation than yesterday. Also, most of the running was on trails, so just had to pay good attention to attack points and not missing turns., Control locations were also not very difficult; course had more orange feel to it. I pushed hard at the beginning and moved pretty good through 4, but then started to get a bit brain-and body tired. Went N around to 5 which implied unnecessary climb. Took the trail down to long cliff leading to 6. Again did not read the contours well and never saw the up-around route choice. Drifted E from the attack point off trail to 7 and lost 1 minute. Then reved it up through 8 and 9, then too the middle route half top 10, but then changed to the left around option. Was just behind Stefan who took the right around after the half point. Surprisingly I arrived before him at 10. Then pushed moderately through the end having Stefan on my tail. Slow into 12 (thought that control was above the reentrant), and lost a bit of steam go 14. I was really surprised to be first on the course. I expected to be 3 - 5 minutes behind the winner.
A superb weekend - great orienteering - perfect weather - fun time hanging out - Thanks NEOC!

Warm down to the Parking lot and back to arena

Classic Green X - Splits