Training Log Archive: Rosstopher

WOC Middle Distance. My first time running in an individual WOC final. I was super nervous at the start. I chatted with all of the volunteers manning the call-up lines to ease the tension.... :)

My race started really well. I was clean and in control for the beginning 21 controls. I then made a decently big mistake, my oxygen deprived brain made me think I was just above instead of just below the 22nd check point. After I recovered, I finished the race without further disasters.

Ultimately very satisfied with my performance, given my current fitness. I look forward to more races like this one... ones where I am clean and secure in my navigation and where I push to my physical abilities.

C • Sounds like a good race - h... 8

Middle distance relevant control pick on a map that still had some streamers out. The orange tape was getting a bit faded, but it is very nice to have some added confirmation at each checkpoint.




(This map is number 100, posted on my DOMA site... I should post more)

Kseniya and I scrambled to the start triangle together (stopping to pick some chanterelles and blueberries) and then went out at a moderate effort aiming for about an hour.

Beautiful forest, my favorite parts were the wide open marshy sections. Learning that it is a challenge to keep the head up to look for features as they appear and also to not trip and fall in the little holes.

On the whole a wonderful morning. My left heel is feeling a bit uncomfortable, but really only noticeable as a sort of bruised feeling when my foot comes down hard on a rocky bit. I suspect that the sprinting yesterday is the culprit, and I will have a couple of days to try to reduce any feelings of plantar fasciitis remaining from Saturday.

Heading off to spectate the sprint relay now! Go USA.

Winsplits for Men's A Qualifier

DOMA Map from today - Route drawn in -


Today's race went pretty well. I asked for the earliest start block, thinking that I might get some help from being with the slightly slower runners near the beginning. The start was in the arena, along the track, and I was happy and calm, enjoying the sensation of being at WOC and feeling confident.

I wasn't rushing at the beginning and I let my two start partners push the pace on the way to the start triangle, and did my own thing, spiked the first flag, and flowed on out to the next. I was surprised but happy to see Ken standing there taking photos. Hi Ken. I was moving very well through the first part of the course, but the competition is tight at this level and looking at the splits, I pretty rapidly settled into 27th spot, where I stayed until the last leg. My end position was 31st of 36. Another level of fitness is required, but I am satisfied with my own performance.

So my one big route choice error happened near the end, as I left 18, I hesitated for a moment, waffling between left and right, and ultimately chose wrong, taking the stairs, believing the route to be shorter and safer. It was not a good route for me, and my legs filled with acid as I climbed the stairs. Tired legs into the finish, though I was happy to break 15 minutes.

Next race will be the middle. Looking forward to it!

C • He lives! 8