Orienteering (Course length) 3:16:08 [3] 26.0 km (7:33 / km) +1000m 6:20 / km
My first Hudson Highlander at Rockhouse/Surebridge South.
I also think this was my first race in Harriman since a relay win as an HKF'er - with Donaldson, Hammer and Nina? - also on the shores of Lake Welch - maybe Sebago. It might have been an unsanctioned North American club championship. Anyway, it was an auspicious win.
Felt quite strong physically - technically I was a mess. Leaked ahead on a few occasions only to be caught by the group chasing behind.
With Greg out of reach on his training run, I got about a 2 minute lead on Boris, Will and Ken after the trail run. They reeled me in a couple controls into the Surebridge loop. With zero confidence in my navigation, I settled in with them for a chatty run into the finish. They all looked very strong and smooth out there - super fun cruising around with my map in my pocket (lol!).
Towards the end there was some 'sprint or not to sprint the finish' talk, with the 3 of them assuming I'd pull away. That was the plan coming out of the last control until I made a comical 20 second error into some thick stuff dipping off a trail. Ended up catching Kenny in the final stretch but Boris and Will horsed it home.
Should have been a team guy and cruised in together - as we considered. Sad.
Anyhow, a really enjoyable and humbling run with those guys which showed how much work I have to do with my orienteering.
Calf held up really well, but now my thumb doesn't work - jammed it pretty good on some rocks.
Good fun in Brooklyn with wifey too!!
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I think back in the 80's or 90's, the second baseman for the Dodgers (Steve Sax) had a terrible stretch where he couldn't make a routine throw to first base. That is my navigation right now - I'm straight up spooked. At one point the group caught me after a shit route choice through a bloody parking lot - a parking lot!!!!