Training Log Archive: Larker

Caddihoe Chase, Day 2, Mallards Pike East

Too hard. I slowly found my way around the first 6 controls. Looking at the splits I'd probably have been last anyway, but I was coping, until I took 45 mins to find 7. I got to the right area quite easily, but unaccountably went off in completely the wrong direction, wandered around aimlessly for 30 minutes, and had pretty much given up when I stumbled across 5 again.

Having re-found my bearings I found 7, and got to 8 without difficulty despite it being the longest split in terms of distance. I had a quick look for 9, but was reluctant to go back into the woods, and conscious that the course closed at 3 followed trails and paths to the final control - 16 - and finished with about 10 minutes remaining.

So, another woodland dnf, and timewise, some way behind the 21 other M60s who completed. I'm still learning, I realise that, and I'm contending with injured knees, but I expected better. Maybe I should stick to urban, or go back to greens or even orange, to get the experience I need to work this out. But I don't want to do that, I want to act my age and stick with blue. Very disappointed and confused.