Orienteering 2:10:51 [4] 9.14 mi (14:19 / mi) +254m 13:11 / mi
ahr:108 max:147 21c shoes: Falcons 1
WOC Long (11.7 km)
I was told at 8 pm the evening before the race that I would not be allowed to run in the long because I did not have a race with a world ranking score >600. (I have never run a WRE before the WOC middle qualifier). This was incredibly disappointing as I had travelled across the world to run in this race. It does state that somewhere in the rules, and I am fine with following the rules, but that should be checked well in advance. Not the evening before when a start list has already been handed out. Erin and the team were fantastic. A complaint was filed and the committee ruled unanimously that all of the athletes could run (there were a number of others in a similar situation). It wasn't all sorted until 9:30 pm, so I really was not in an ideal mental place for the evening before a big race. But at least I got to race!
Spent the morning in quarantine getting in the right mental state for some solid orienteering. Goal was a clean race.
Started in the arena! That was a neat experience. Tried to look like I knew what I was doing while standing on the platform. Had a good first control which helped settle my nerves. Took the road around to 2. When I came over the hilltop there were like 8 men with cameras camped out on the other side. Lots of clicking as I punched. I figured they were calibrating their settings while waiting for the top men to come through. Clean through the first loop and then on to the first long leg. It took me longer than it should have to come to a decision on a route. Not sure that I picked a great route, but I did execute it well. A few short controls and then another long leg. I took the road around, but maybe should have cut through earlier? Some hesitation close to the circle, but sorted it out quickly. Went straight to 11 and drifted a little N. Probably should have gone around. Then through the arena passage and on to the last part of the course! Went around on the trail to 15. Then just had to keep my focus for the last few controls. By the end I was almost used to all of the cameramen in the woods.
Quite happy with this race. I had a clean run and enjoyed the course (although it did seem like a lot of road running). I had a loose goal time of 2:10 and I came very close. I feel slow comparatively, but I am definitely satisfied with my run.