Training Log Archive: slow-twitch

For what it's worth, here's the map. There are several legs I really don't know how accurately the route I've drawn reflects what I actually did....

Relay, Castle Hill. The reason I travelled down for Nationals this year and was felling good enough to take on the first leg, so really should have enjoyed this. But really did not. Got through the first loop ok although the 2 big climbs hit hard. Was staying about where I'd expect to in the pack though. Then somewhere around 25 minutes started to really hit the wall. Thought I was on the verge of an asthma attack while in the rocks north of the arena, fortunately (or maybe unfortunately) by the time I was back in the spectator area that had passed, so kept going even though I was right down among the dregs on the leg at this point. But as soon as I'd committed myself to the long loop to the northwest just lost it physically, which do doubt contributed to a couple of big mistakes (and it wasn't nice starting to feel dizzy in amongst those big rocks..). Again the big DNF looked tempting coming by the arena one last time but <1km to go so forced myself back into the rocks and somehow switched the brain back on enough to stay in front of the few leg 1 runners that were still around me (while trying to ignore the fresh looking leg 2 & 3 runners gambolling around). Really don't know what happened there, surely can't blame the altitude, some water on the course would have maybe made a small difference?... guess I shouldn't be surprised if I wake up with a mega-cold tomorrow...

Hopefully one day I will be back and in sufficient shape to appreciate what is an awesome place!

C • wow 1

A bit of a wander up on the Port Hills from No Sign of the Kiwi then along dad's track before coming back through Victoria Park. Have tried to factor out stoppage time and when you take that out it was energetic enough to hopefully be useful! Much nicer way to spend the day than being smashed by Carsten, Darren and Phil at Dalethorpe.

Middle distance champs. Pretty happy with this given where I am fitness and confidence wise, even though it was one of those slightly annoying ones where I was usually where I wanted to be but never certain enough to put the gas (what little I had) on. Lots of bearings and counting off clearings, not how I normally orienteer but seemed to work more often than not. 4th, but quite a bit off the podium, not sure I would have broken through if I was back in shape.

Map Routegadget reveals yet again another close battle with William. I can see a few chances for him to get ahead right near the end that went begging... hopefully this time next year we'll both be fit enough to challenge for the podium, but if Kev learns in the mean time to find the controls on first attempt the rest of us have no chance.

Event: NZ Orienteering Championships
 

Map

Yes, this was a sprint race - but a very intense one, very little chance to get into any sort of flow either in running speed or navigation. Mostly was hard enough to just keep in touch with where I was "now" at any time - so much for planning ahead! (and while I pretty much agree with how the ISSOM symbols had been made to fit some fairly unusual features, it took most of the course for the appropriate mental translations to come into play). Of course this should have suited me nicely while I'm lacking speed, but the brain didn't really seem to play ball on that account. Had to play it safe with foot placement on all the railways of course.