Training Log Archive: BorisGr

Barebones 4 - Splits

Ottawa Knock-Out Sprint: Qualifier

It was pouring buckets at the start, which enhanced the experience for me. I looked at the start field and decided that a clean, controlled race would be enough to get me through my heat into the quarterfinals.

This was working well, and I was feeling pretty good and in control of my races until two things happened. First, there was a staircase that was crucial to a route choice that was closed off. There was a vague note to this effect at the start, but it was not obvious that it was this particular staircase, and there was no event official nor sign at the staircase itself. Still, I avoided using it, but could see a bunch of people going through the barriers and using it. This annoyed me.

Then, as I ran on and started figuring out a different route, I was cutting through an underpass that served as a parking garage entrance. As I was running through, the parking garage boom lowered onto my head and knocked me flat on my ass. This left a good bump, and I unleashed a very loud string of profanities. (Sorry to anyone who was around!!). When I got up, I was a bit dizzy, but was able to keep going. The mix of adrenaline, anger, and confusion caused me to run hard, and I pushed the pace the rest of the way, qualifying in third place in my heat.

C • boom 4

C • OOF 2

The quarterfinal was much less eventful. I figured I again had a decent shot at advancing with a solid race (top 3 of 6 advanced), but took my own route choice to the first control and immediately ended up having to chase. My legs didn't feel great, and the pace was pretty high, so I fell behind in my map reading and ran right into the trap on a multi-level control, along with the rest of my heat! We eventually figured it out and went back downstairs from the overhang we were on. At that point, things stretched out with Luke Raz in front, the ageless Francis Falardeau next, and then me, just ahead of Darius. Darius was running strong, but faded just enough at the end that I did not need to sprint in for 3rd place in the heat.

The semifinal is where I expected for my day to end, as Luke (winner of Q6) and Robbie (winner of Q5) were pretty clearly faster than me, and only the top 2 advanced. Add to that Francis and speedy young Etienne, and it was clear that the speed would be high.

That's pretty much how it went. I fell a bit behind early, but closed the gap on a better entry into the spectator control. Then we split off on the butterfly loops, with me, Robbie, and Etienne all having the same forking. I gradually fell further back, even though I felt pretty good, and ended up 5th in my heat, just in front of Greg Schrago. As expected, Robbie and Luke made the finals.

This was so much fun! It was a great format, and I enjoyed being a part of it. Looking forward to trying it again in a year!

O-Fest Long 8 - Splits

Event: Canadian Orienteering Champs & Ottawa O-Fest
 

C • Not seen... 5

O-Fest Middle 8 - Splits

Moreau. Lovely.