Training Log Archive: maprunner

Woo hoo, sixty eight degrees! Perfect night to move around Bonner. Still had to walk some parts of the course, but I jogged all the way up the hill to the tree tonight. Next time, I'll push a bit harder, and try for a PR.

Bonner Park - Splits

at SMP after work. A brief thunderstorm hit the park at 5:30, which kept the mountain bikers away, so I had the place to myself. This was the first time I covered the entire length of both loops. Boy, these are nice new trails. Perfect for a long slow run.

Another fun evening in the basement.

Tower Grove sprint #1. My goal today was to treat this as a race; keep the pace high, read the map on the run, under pressure. I managed to keep running (as opposed to jogging) for most of the course. Only slowed down once or twice to double check a control feature (there were no markers). I was pleased with my map reading; I also did a good job of keeping my head up and looking ahead.

Tower Grove sprint #2. I started this sprint only a few minutes after finishing the first one. Again, I was pleased with my ability to move quickly and smoothly. At control #7, my legs began to protest, and begged me to walk. But I kept on running. After control 10, the course switched from a 1:5000 map to a 1:1000 map. I gave myself a few seconds rest to try to adjust to the new scale. But then I started off again, quickly. Mike was following along at this point, but not saying anything. I thought I had found the first micro O control and was moving on, when Mike called out that I was incorrect. Damn! Very confused, but "punched" at the correct bush and moved on. Again, feeling stressed because I was tired, and being watched. Screwed up again. This map was making no sense! Oh, I'm off the map. Back on, but still confused. Again, Mike corrected me. At this point, I asked him not to follow, because I couldn't handle the stress. Pretty sure I finished the course correctly, because I calmed down and settled into the map. I must learn to deal with the stress; what if I had been at a spectator control, and people were photographing me to prove I really had punched?

Most unusual AOWN moment today, at a Missouri highway rest stop. We saw a woman walking her macaque and marmoset. Got to pet them, and have them crawl up my legs and grab my sunglasses. Very cool.

Forest Park,course #1. We are doing a park O training camp in St. Louis this weekend. Eric Buckley met us this morning, and provided a large selection of maps/courses. These are all sprint O courses, but since I decided to take it easier today, I'm calling it park O.

It took me until the third control to be comfortable reading the map--it's been too long since I orienteered on an unknown map. But after that, I was pretty steady. It was hot and humid (what a surprise!) and my body has not yet adjusted this year. But it's always fun to run around this park.

Forest Park, course two. This one went better, because I was warmed up and could keep a steady pace. Managed to jog most of the course, with the exception of the big hill to the pavilion. Read the map well. Lots of fun. Thanks Eric!

C • yer welcome! 1

After running in Forest Park, Mike and I spent a couple of hours walking around the art museum and zoo. My legs got tired, so I'll give myself some credit, and log it as just enough training to bring my weekly total to 4 hours :)

Lafayette Park, course 1. I had never been to this park before (even though I lived here for 8 years) so this was a lot of fun. Small park, with two quick courses back-to-back. Had to dodge weddings guests, brides in horse-drawn carriages, and photographers, as well as many made lakes and pavilions. Lots of action packed into one tiny park. I was tired from our earlier activities, so I did these courses at a slow jog/walk.

Lafayette Park, course 2. Another slow jog/walk. Mike met me near the end and followed behind, making sports announcer commentary, such as "Will she take the left or right route choice?" Added a tiny bit of pressure to have Mike watching, so of course, I went to the wrong bush at the last control. Oh well. I also missed that #3 (or 4?) was on the outside of the fence, until Mike pointed it out to me at the end. So obviously I was tired this afternoon. Time for a nice dinner.

SLTC training weekend