Training Log Archive: iansmith

Event: CSU Hammond Pond Park-O
 

My old, destroyed pair of trail runners is the same model and color as my new pair; I accidentally grabbed my old pair this morning. As a result, I orienteered in my sneakers (running shoes).

I had a clean run, with no major errors; I had about 15 seconds of hesitation at 7, a dumb route choice at 1, and a moment of confusion microrienteering at 12. I was slow. Ross started a minute behind me, and we punched together at control 3 (which I blame on my crappy route choice at 1). He made an error, so I beat him to 4, but he caught up at 5. I might have lost ten seconds to traffic, but he was unquestionably faster. I saw him leaving 7, and that was it. I didn't really warm up for this one, which probably contributed to my sluggishness, but I am nonetheless disappointed in my running speed. I think Ross finished in just under 18 minutes; Clem was slightly over 18 minutes.

Lessons for future sprints: concentrate and focus before you start, warmup physically, bring correct shoes, and run fast.

Vadim set up five radio transmitters for ARDF so those who were interested could try it. The controls were about one hundred meters apart and each transmitted for one minute. I had never tried radio orienteering, but it was very interesting. I had no real difficulty navigating while I was far from the control, but near it I struggled. Each transmitter was a small black box - flags weren't up, so visibility was a problem. Vadim also suggested holding my arms out with the receiver when I get close to triangulate.

I hope to try it more in the future; it was fun.

C • ARDF 6

I ran about with Ross picking up controls. We had pleasant conversation. Apparently he sometimes sings to himself as he's running if he's running well and in a good mood. It suits him; my conversation with myself while I contemplate route choice options is peculiar.

Advanced Course - Splits