Training Log Archive: syd

Warmup/cooldown.

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.

C • Wow! 9

Event: WOC 2019 - Norway
 

Warmup/cooldown.

WOC Middle Qualifier - Heat 1 (3.9 km)

Not the race I was hoping to have for my WOC debut. 1-3 went well. I was running my own race and reading the map well. Small mistake on 4. I overran the control and corrected off the next set of cliffs. Refocused and 5-9 were clean. Then a massive error on 10 when I tried to pick up the pace. I did intend to go around the cliffs to the north, but my bearing was slightly off after climbing the hill and I wasn't maintaining contact with my map. When I realized I had no idea where I was I just ran around aimlessly (thinking of all those people watching my dot wander) instead of stopping and taking the time to relocate. Took way too long to figure it out. A disappointing run, but it was an awesome experience and I'm looking forward to the long tomorrow!

C • Watching the dot wander 3

Model event. We arrived later than most other teams and there were herd paths in the woods between the controls. I did a few out of order to make sure I was focusing on my navigation and not just following tracks. Went pretty well. Difference between knolls/hilltops/cliffs/unmapped rocky areas is really starting to click.

Jog out to 11.

Gillingsrod. I wanted to get in a few controls moving at a faster pace so I ran 11-14 on the classic course. It went well. I’m starting to have some flow in this terrain and I was able to maintain good map contact.

C • Yay! 4

Back to the car along a pretty ravine.

To the start.

Navimania. There were supposed to be flags up for this training, but due to some miscommunication only 1-10 had flags. 11-19 were unmarked. Most of the controls went well, but there were a few that did not. Very confused at 5. I think I just wasn’t low enough the first time? Once there were no flags I spent some time confirming I was in the right place. Felt confident that I was for each one, but wasn’t moving very quickly. I am finding it easier to run in this terrain as I keep going out.

After 3 (!) cancelled flights and way too much time spent in airports and on airplanes I finally made it to Norway!!

C • Flights 4

To the start.

Daelaene. 1-6, 10-8, back to the start. Checking out various terrain/features. Lots of walking.

Back to the car.