Training Log Archive: Spike

Too sick to finish the 22nd Possum Trot (Covid negative, but feeling pretty crappy). But I figured it was better to be a DNF than a DNS.

I put a lot of mental energy in to being ready for the start. Fritz had said the start triangle was hard to find. So I had a good mental image of what to look for. I spotted the triangle right away and started moving to the first control. I took maybe 5-6 jogging steps. I was in the lead. That means I've held the lead of all 22 Possum Trots (even if just for a few seconds in more recent years).

I did the first two controls. I walked all but those first few steps. Then went back to the finish. Drove home. Took a nap.

Being at the back of the group on the way to 1 was interesting. You could see the control flag from about 400 meters away. But the line of runners was all aiming off to hit a trail and then turn right. It wouldn't save much time to go straighter, but it was kind of interesting that nobody ahead of me was going straight to the flag.

2

C • Bummer 1

C • No worries 1

C • DNF and DNS 5

Possum Trot A - Splits

Feeling better today than yesterday. But still not feeling good.

Negative Covid test is good. But a crappy cold sucks.

My current plan is to start at The Trot. Find the first control. Then come to the finish.

Not feeling well. But I figured I could do something to help with the Pre-Possum on Daisy Hill. I put out a few controls (maybe 250 meters of walking). I hung out at the parking lot to help people who arrived understand where to go. I spent some time at the start, sitting in a chair and handing out maps.

I gave instructions to first timers Emily and Neal. Emily is a Garmin employee who works with Bob B. I don't remember exactly what her title is, but she is not a programmer or engineer. She works with users. I told her we orienteers would like for "orienteering" to be a category in Garmin Connect. They've got "wingsuit flying" and "snowmobiling" but not orienteering.

Chances of starting and finishing the Possum Trot are down. I'm say 5 percent.

Another extra-easy headlamp jog.

I spent a lot of time around people over the last week+. At work and over Thanksgiving. I try to keep my distance and wash my hands a lot. But I've definitely got a light cold.

I'll take tomorrow off. Maybe I'll do a walk on Friday.

I feel mostly ok, but not quite. My current thinking about the Possum Trot:

10 percent (or less) chance I start and finish.
60 percent chance I start but don't finish (that will let me be the only person who has started all of the Possum Trots).
30 percent chance things get worse and I don't even start.

Mary's symptoms last week were a little bit of cough and feeling tired. I have less than that (less of a cough and only a little bit tired).

1

Extra-easy jog with the headlamp. Warm out (maybe low 50s?).

I'm writing this on my lunch hour. I'm eating lunch a bit later than usual and I've got the big soccer game on TV. I studied the NY Times article explaining the off sides rule (which was essentially what I thought it was).

I was in school at KU just before the NCAA added the shot clock. I remember a game where the visiting team went in to a 4-corners offense. That reminds me a bit of soccer. I'm sure I just need to watch more to have a better appreciation for the sport.

When I lived in Stockholm I once bet on soccer. It was the 1990 World Cup. Sweden was playing Costa Rica. You could bet on a specific final score. I don't remember the details, but I remember it was clear that Swedes were betting with their hearts rather than their brains. I bet on two scores (both with Costa Rica winning). Costa Rica won 2-1. I think I used the winnings to pay a month's rent

1

C • Watching Pt 2 11