Run race ((orienteering)) 2:15:38 [4] *** 12.7 km (10:41 / km) +570m 8:43 / km
spiked:39/44c
Expected this to be an epic and it was - a long, hilly race on a hot day, and given that I haven't done any runs longer than 1.45 since November, it's perhaps not all that surprising that that's about where I hit the wall. A real struggle for the last 30 minutes, walking even minor hills, and I certainly didn't have more than fumes left in the tank when I finished. Dropped about 3 minutes to Ricky (and probably others) over that section, probably losing four places or so.
Started reasonably well on the first loop, mostly through keeping my head while others were losing theirs in terrain which reinforced Belair's reputation as the most continental map in Australia - vague contours and point features in sometimes low visibility. A very annoying 30-second miss on the last control of the first loop through not seeing a side track. Was worried about my back on the first climb but it settled, and the first half was decent physically - also technically through the small rock around the map change. I think I might have been close to the top ten at that stage.
Things unravelled a bit on 9-10 on the final loop, a long leg where I was counting on a small track through steep downhill green which I didn't find, and look to have lost 3-4 minutes bashing through the bush (compared with Craig who had the same forking as me). That set us up for the next long leg. I went wide left; at that stage the idea of a couple of kilometres gently downhill on roads was pretty appealing, and since I knew I was going to be walking any sort of hill I thought I might as well do the climbing in one hit at the end of the leg out of Echo Tunnel. From there, even though there was no more climbing, it was definitely a case of clinging on for dear life.
I can't be happy with this sort of result, but having this race under my belt will make things a bit easier for the next long distance, on Easter Sunday. With a bit of luck it might be a bit cooler too.
Good event, and good course-setting. A few surprising results - Victor Mansner is someone who's going to make his presence felt during his stay in Australia. Also impressed with the junior women - all 13 of them lasted the distance (the only DNF was a wrong control), and Lanita got what looks a real breakthrough result. Nuggets also on top in both senior grades, and the junior women (the Cockatoos not getting three men finishing was a bonus there).
Unsurprisingly, it was a very inactive afternoon.