Orienteering race (Relay) 57:36 [5] **** 6.9 km (8:21 / km) +180m 7:23 / km
spiked:18/24c
WOC Relay @Darnaway
We had the same combination as AsOC Relay last year, but I've never run the 1st leg at WOC before. The pace out of the gate was insane! I tried my best to hang on at the back of the pack while still being careful to read the map to the first control. But by #3, I had trouble deciphering the map while keeping pace. As a result, I went to the wrong control (50). By the time I recovered, the train had left! Made a compass error on the way to #6 (56) and took a bit of time to recover. The Chinese runner was having trouble as well, so he ran with me until #12 (just after the map change) when I made another compass error. Still not 100% sure what happened but the terrain just didn't match up with my map visualization. Ran around trying to relocate without success. Finally found a control but in my slightly panic state I failed to check the code on the map and just thought it was the women's control. After running away momentarily, suddenly came to the realization that control was in fact my #12!!!! By now, my pace has slowed a bit due to tiredness. The navigation was at least acceptable, until #20 (41) where I was slightly off west of the circle and made a small loop before realizing where I was. On the run in, had trouble seeing a cross point and nearly went through the fence at the opening where we had jumped over during the run-out to the start marker. Took a little tumble into the rough to stop myself, then ran in as hard as I could.
Glad to have completed under an hour, but a bit disappointed that I made so many mistakes out there. The excitement and craziness of running the 1st leg is definitely an experience I won't ever forget. If I am lucky to get another chance in the future, I will be more ready for it.