Training Log Archive: simmo

Australian Relays at Moondyne Rd, first leg. NSW was in front of me in the graveyard, but when I opened my map at the start, saw a long leg to 1, up over the hill that was staring us in the face, so took off. Didn't look round, but no-one passed me even though I walked most of the hill. The control itself was fairly easy, and when I came out of it I saw Qld 30m away looking at the wrong cliff, but unfortunately he saw me. 2 and 3 were both uphill, but no sign of Qld. I hesitated before 3, and was a bit wide but got it and headed to the radio control 4, then uphill (again) to 5. Still no sign of anyone, but just as I got 6, Qld came in from the side. Then we were 30-40m apart but obviously heading to the same area, even though I lost sight of him in the thicker forest a couple of times. Passed a rock surface which I checked off, but then lost concentration a bit. Came out on a spur which I thought was just before the control, the rocks on it seemed to fit, then I spied the knoll my control should be on, ran to it and Qld appeared from the other side and punched a split second before me. Unfortunately I didn't check the code. Turns out my knoll was on the same spur, but 60-70m lower. I was able to get away from Qld by half a minute or so over the last 4 controls, but then was shocked to find out about the mispunch on the download. Qld and I compared maps and realised what I'd done. Our courses had only two different controls, this one (7) and the one before the radio - those also were on the same feature (cliffs) less than 100m apart.

NSW did not come in for another 6 mins. Dan maintained our margin over 2nd Qld guy, and Ian pulled away, so we we would have won. What a dummy I am. Possibly also due in part to wanting to be first back as my last chance to impress selectors for the A/NZ Challenge.

Having said that, maybe it's time someone devised a relay where you can get descriptions at the last minute, say 30 secs before the start, just enough time to put them in a holder, but not enough time to compare them with other runners. Having to continually unfold your map to look at them is a pain. I know I did it for 10 controls (even the last one), but just missed the one. There would probably be fewer mps at relays if you could have your descriptions on your wrist.

C • Agreed 3

Australian Long Champs. Everybody made mistakes today and anyone with a reasonable run could have won. 1st leg was very short, but I lost 30 secs getting sucked into following the elephant tracks down to the wrong cliff. 2 was ok, could have run it faster but being cautious after the mistake at 1. 2-3 longish leg was executed well until the last 150m, misread the attack point and went in too early again to the wrong gully in a really thick area. When I finally found 3, 3 mins too late, I didn't have an exit plan and did a 180. In the process went down a particularly green and rocky slope so that when I realised after 200m there was a significant barrier or a long detour to 4. Penalty was at least 4 minutes. Not too bad after that, although I thought I was slow through 5, 6 and 7 apparently I wasn't losing time. 8 to the finish was reasonably fast, even though I'd become stuffed after the long, uphill leg to 7. In the end, was 3:20 down, but back in 5th place. Not happy.

Around the river, just PP & I. Scored the window table at The Daily, and two special muffins.

Hyde Park laps.

Kings Park short lap, probably should have done the full lap after just 13 mins yesterday and 28 the day before, but feeling better for it anyway.

Australian Sprint Champs at Curtin Uni, managed to concentrate all the way round, made a couple of short stops to check that I was going the right way. Probably took a couple of longer routes than necessary, but managed to sneak into 1st by 14 secs. Hopefully confidence will now return for next weekend.

Also fastest on course, so all those young M60, W50 and W55 obviously need to train a bit harder if they can't beat a half-fit pensioner.

M65A - Splits

Australian Middle Distance at Lovers Ridge. Just not fast enough and walking the hills. One bad mistake cost me maybe 2 mins, but no way I could match the winner today.

Aust MDC, Course M65A - Splits

Event: Karrak Karnival - Oz Champs
 

Event: Karrak Karnival
 

WA State Champs at Spice Brook. Lost 30 secs here and there, and 3-4 mins at 5 where I made a good route choice but lost concentration and messed up the final approach. 4 mins behind the winner, but less than a minute off 2nd. Could have taken that, as the starter wanted to send me off a minute early, but I demurred.

WA Long Champs, Course M65A - Splits