Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

After yesterday's disappointment, the Long race was a pleasant surprise. I did run out of gas at the end as expected, but I managed to avoid cramping, and I actually managed to orienteer fairly well. Had a very solid start with the exception of #2, where I flew down the hillside but then was confused about where I was when I hit the lower trail. Nevertheless, I found I was reading the vegetation well from #3-#5, and was gratified to learn that I chose the same route along the ridgeline to #6 as PG (although sadly my execution was quite a bit slower). Despite this, I did catch sight of David Onkst (who started 2:00 earlier) as he left #6, and succeeded in reaching #9 before him. In between, was passed by Nate Lyons (who certainly looks like he will be among the next generation of elite US orienteers). Rest of run was solid if a bit slow. I question my route choice to #11, where I ran around E side of campus instead of going across the middle, and I missed a bit high on #15, allowing myself to be caught by David Onkst and Mike Norris, but otherwise I have no complaints. I ultimately finished seconds ahead of David and 2:00 behind JJ, which I found quite respectable given my expectations. All in all, was satisfied with my performance running with the big boys.

Blue Long - Splits

I was fully expecting this to be my best event of the weekend, as it did not show up either my lack of top-end speed nor my lack of endurance. However, it proved to be my least satisfying. I fought to maintain contact with the map all day long, and in truth, I only ran 3 legs well. I'm not sure which leg was most indicative of my day, although the leading candidates were certainly #2, which I salvaged only by stumbling across #3 first, #3, which I failed to navigate cleanly despite having just run the leg in reverse, and #18 (the GO control), where I spent 10 seconds running in the wrong direction around the parking lot, I'm sure to the amusement of the accumulated spectators. The scary part was that there were no real disasters and I even managed to run the hills, yet my time was an uninspiring 13:00/km. On the other hand, it certainly was a beautiful day, and I again finished comfortably out of last place. Oh, the simple joys of life.

Blue Middle - Splits

Event: US Team Trials
 

Warm up lap around my brother's neighborhood trying to work out the kinks after drive down late last night.

A solid run after the first few controls. Needed some time to get acclimated to map (particularly with regard to recognizing stairs) resulting in some slow legs on #2, #4, #6. After that, I was pretty happy. Had been caught by all three runners starting after me (Dylan Thies, Ian Smith, Eric Bone) by #10 which was a bit demoralizing, but then did at least have the satisfaction of recouping the lost time on Dylan on the lower half of the course. Ran most of the last half of race in sight of Ian. I had the brief pleasure of choosing a better route to #20, but then he sprinted by me again on the way to #21. Was happy that route was essentially all downhill as my uphill running is clearly a weakness. Finished comfortably out of last, which had honestly been my expectation going into event.

Blue Sprint - Splits

Usual jog in place with dogs. A few extra sprints up hill at end waiting for Sidney to catch up.

130 lb, 120 reps (25, 25, 25, 20, 15, 10)