Training Log Archive: EChild

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It started out with a tricky control and had a few fast legs before a long one. I actually had a very good race, but I just don't have the speed of the fast guys. I did my best, though, and still finished 5th North American and 2nd US.

I probably could have saved about 30 seconds because I was trying to go too fast, but I did run a fast race and I made up some time on the leading Canadian junior team. The woods were open, and I was feeling pretty fast, so I really attacked the course to the best of my ability. My goal was to make up as much time as possible, and I did make up about 45 seconds, but having that extra 30 would have made me feel better. It all worked out, though, thanks to an Amazing anchor leg by Izzy!

Sprint - Course 5a - Splits

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I ran for the juniors today because in theory I can do more for the junior team than the senior team, and we wanted to Future Champions cup. My race itself was spectacular as well. I knew before starting how important compass would be based on the day before, where if I had checked my compass just once I'd have saved four minutes. I knew that a good run today would mean not forgetting to make that compass mistake, so I made a very conscious effort throughout the whole race to keep an eye on it, and I had an almost perfect run because of it. I made a small mistake on number 2 because of scale where I left a trail too soon, and after the map exchange I almost made a big mistake because the terrain changed from broad to technical, so I had to alter my strategy with it. I managed to keep everything together, though, and even though I could tell my ability to think was dwindling by the end I was able to simplify things enough to make safe routes to my last few controls. I also had good energy the entire time, so that helped my flow as well.

C • Also 2

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Long - Course 9 - Splits

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Warm-up map

I started out fairly slowly just trying to get into the map. All I had was the warm-up map because I never had a chance to do the model. It took me a while to get into it, and then on my way to number 8 I got distracted by Ian and forgot to check my compass. I drifted left, and the extra distance and hesitations lost me about four minutes. On the bright side, after that point I wanted to make up time, and my flow became a lot better, so the rest of the course was very fast and clean. Would have qualified for WOC if I just checked my compass, though...

C • sweet spot 2

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Middle - Course 10 - Splits

2 people got hit in the face and started bleeding today. Haven't had that happen before.

Feeling pretty sick. No energy, stuffed nose, coughing... Definitely not good for the week before NAOC.