Training Log Archive: possum

Today I got off to a terrible start by getting literally bogged down. It was almost like quicksand and I ended up taking about ten steps through it. I was sunk in about half way up my thighs, fell down twice, and expended huge amounts of energy trying to get out, although I was right on target to control. 1. The only control I had trouble navigating was 2, where I went too far west and had a long trek back to it. The rest of the race went fine.

After this weekend's debacle, I made up some rules which I will copy, enlarge, and put in my gear bag to read over before every race.

ORIENTEERING RULES-what I learned this weekend.

1. Use my inhaler before the race. If long or hilly, carry it with me.
2. If longer than a sprint, carry food and eat at or before an hour passes.
3. Don't get bogged down even if you see footprints.
4. If you don't know where you are, STOP instead of being STUPID. Figure it out or at least head for a known location.

Middle Brown X - Splits

Today was total disaster, I haven't done this badly in a long time. After a 1 km completely uphill walk to the start, I got off to an ok start, and hit the first 3 controls well. I hit 4 on target, but I think there were better route choices. Then 5 and 6 were easy. I decided to aim off on 7, hit the trail and take it down near control 7. For some reason (probably low blood sugar) my brain totally shut down and stayed that way for a couple of hours. I was totally lost and wandered and wandered, and got into some very scary situations. I think my brain finally got really scared when I was near the top of a shale (bad footing) peak that was straight down on one side, and almost straight down on the other. By then I knew it was too late to do anything, and concentrated on just getting back. It was a horrible day.

Long Brown X - Splits

Event: 2014 US Nationals
 

Normally I am very poor at sprints, in part because I'm slow, and in part, because the change in scale confuses me. Today I did pretty well. Having controls 6 and 9 in close proximity was a little confusing going to 9 since I had my map upside down and they were so close. Otherwise navigation was really good. I think I could have done a little better with a different route choice from 5 to 6. I was satisfied and got the bronze medal, I think for the first time in a sprint.

Sprint Brown - Splits

Today as work your legs day, and we did lots of squat-type of stuff. I thought it was a little more vigorous than usual. The last round was swimming planks, where you were supposed to spend three minutes in plank position, alternating arms making swimming motions. No, I couldn't do it for the entire three minutes--I took some rest break moments.