Training Log Archive: BorisGr

Running around Nåsten with Patrick, a bunch of colorful posters, and a couple of hammers. We were enlisted as slaves for Linné's winter training premiere, which meant hammering signs and shiny reflectors all over the forest. We were really out there for 2.5 hours, and were cold and wet for the entire time, but I suppose just being cold and wet isn't sufficient for counting as training.

OK Linné's winter training Premiere, an event that is always full of pomp, circumstance, and a whole lot of surprises. This year's surprises included the one-and-only Per Forsberg as speaker at the event (the mp3 of his commentary is available on the website), fantastic fireworks, lots of colorful signs and reflectors in the forest, creating a sparkling, glittery effect in the middle of the dark woods, and finally, a long run through an icy cold marsh, where the entire way was lit up by burning lanterns, and the end of the marsh was marked by a control tree, a tree with about 20 reflecting O-flags hanging on it - it was like finding the mega-control on your course! Once the marsh ended, signs started appearing, teasing the runners: "You must be hungry now!"; "Want some pizza?"; "Don't you wish there was a pizzeria in the middle of Nåsten?", and so on. A few hundred meters later, sure enough, there was a pizzeria, with ham pizza, vegetarian, and even gluten-free pizza available, albeit a tad cold. The pizza was accompanied by some cider and a big-screen slide show featuring highlights from OK Linné's 2007 orienteering season. Filled up with some yummy pizza, it was easy to get through the rest of the course and get back to the clubhouse, where a hot sauna, warm soup, and the company of friends awaited. An excellent way to start off the club's winter training season!
As for the actual run, I ended up running with Kat, mostly letting her navigate and moving at her pace. It worked out well, and I was impressed with her improved map-reading skills at night and in Swedish terrain.

C • Wow! 5