Discussion: Chin up!

That's the right attitude, Meridian. Next time will be better for sure, especially with those new O shoes. I went to my first international A meet this spring and there were a few times when I felt disconnected from my brain, particularly at the start of each race - it seemed to take forever to get into the maps. You've worked hard over the winter, and you're both faster and better at navigating than you were last year. It sounds like the main thing that remains is to work on concentration and mental focus, which will become more natural as you race more. You and I are lucky to have some great role models in O, but the problem is... they make it all look too easy. And it's not!

Thanks for encouragement!! I knew how hard it would be, i was just frustrated with the 2nd day and how that went. I hate throwing in the towel, but just wasn't into it after that error. As for the boys, they definately make it look easy but i always remember how many years they have under thier belts...experience in this sport is very valuable. I'm definately more hooked over the past while with orienteering. I'm committed to it as my main sport - may never be elite but there is tons of room to improve. Just need to work on the skill sets and need to be more consistant in training - hard to do this year. Thinking that shorter races like Sprints could be my niche...we'll have to see. Maybe Hammer et al. will take some bribes for coaching in the future ;)

Hammer is easy to bribe. Just get the biggest bottle of Coke you can find.

Blame it on the fact I wasn't around screaming and swearing. It's just something you're going to have to train yourself to get used to. :) Definitly sign up for Sunday. Don't forget, 4 months to sit around and stew about this, or you go out on Sunday, have a good time and then go to butt $@#% nowhere in a good mood. Plus Pixie will be there and we know you like that (oh how I'm giving the Hammer such good ammunition). :)

That should be: Baie $@#% nulle part (mais oui!).

On the recieving end as usual! With friends and collegues like you, who needs enemies! Tiny, glad you weren't there, i think you would have disowned me if that was an AR. But oh was i swearing alright on Sunday!

I recall my first A-meet at Sage Stomp two years ago... 36min on control #1. Wow did that ever discourage me and throw me off for the weekend. They can certainly be intimidating if you let them, but simply remember that you've done you're homework and training time. Plus you've got your first taste of an A-meet.

Actually, must be something about Sage Stomp... as last year my first control I was almost 20minutes. Better not happen this year with it being a selections race! I'll just have to remember I've done my training and plow ahead ;-)

See you Sunday I hope.