Training Log Archive: PG

At some point after last Sunday's run, where for some period of time I was heading for the wrong control, I was thinking about this bad habit of mine. And I was reminded of an event that could either be interpreted to be good news or bad news.

The event was the relay in the 1978 World Championships. I was running first leg for the USA. If I remember correctly, besides the obvious motivation to beat as many other countries as possible, there was also the motivation to have a better time -- even though our courses were forked, they were similar -- than the other members of the USA team. :-)

Here's my map. And the reason I mention it is that on the way from 1 to 2, I went to the right of the bunch of cliffs, and then after a bit I happened to notice that I was right on course to spike #9. I don't know what I thought at the moment of discovery -- yes, O' truly is "discovery," though this may not be the intended situation -- nor do I remember what I may have said to myself, since I'm pretty sure that at that long ago time WTF has not yet been invented.

I believe I corrected rather well, moved on to 2 without much loss of time, and in fact moved on around the course with very little loss of time, 77 minutes for a course that was about 10 km (results). The other thing I remember was running all the way up the hill on the way to 11, saying over and over, got to beat **, where ** was another member of our men's team. You get motivation where you can.

Anyway, if I am worried about the deterioration of my mental skills, then this is good news, because I have been doing this particular fuck-up now for over 30 years, and therefore I am no worse than ever. Though I suppose it could also be bad news, because if I have been doing this particular fuck-up for over 30 years, then it is pretty likely going to happen again. I can hardly wait.

C • Still running? 7

So a (very) few people are hoping to do a little training at Mt. Norwottuck, I'd be surprised if it's more than 6 or 8. My involvment is that I've offered to hang a few streamers.

And the following e-mail arrives this morning from Joanne Sankus --

Hi Peter,

Ross had requested permission to use NEOC maps for the training at Norwottuck on Saturday, presumably to make copies for anyone without an old Norwottuck map in their pile. (That's that old copyright problem.) As you are probably aware, small groups of less than 25 do not need a permit to use DCR property. Since the training has already been advertised on Attackpoint, it brings up the concern of how many people will actually show up. As a NEOC member I know you are invested in not jeopardizing the club's land use privileges, and DCR property makes up over half of our most useful maps.
What is your take on how these training events are seen (or not seen) by the rangers? Granted this is not a bunch of rowdies having fun at a park, but giving permission to use a NEOC map does infer responsibility by the club, even if "possession of this map does not constitute permission by the landowners".

Not a lot of fun when you have to think in these terms :). But that's part of the job description. Was there a rumor about you running for a club board seat ? :)
Joanne

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A valid point. But think of the e-mail that could have been written --

Hi Peter,

I hear there will be training at Norwottuck on Saturday. Sounds like fun. Wish I could make it. Have a great time!

Joanne

PS. I'm sure you know, but groups of 25 or more require a permit. I'm guessing you'll be well below that number, given that most people will be saving their energy for Sunday.

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And, no, I sure don't plan to run for the NEOC board.

C • friendly email 13

Short ride, more vigorous than intended, but I said I wouldn't be gone long -- big heading tonight, heading to Vermont for dinner because Valerie has never been in Vermont. She's psyched.