Training Log Archive: vmeyer

Trying to start the new year the way I ended the last year...active and sober, so I hatched a plan a couple of days ago to orienteer today, and to invite people to join me. I knew choosing an early start time (9-10 am) would limit the participation, but I was interested in having an afternoon nap, so early it was.



Not the hardest course in the world, but I was happy that the climb was reasonable, and we stayed in what I consider to be the nicer woods...and, it was a beautiful morning - started about 40 and went up to 50+ by noon time.

In deference to Roger's concern that I have been limping around, I took the bike and passed on actually doing a course today.

The attendees were Amy, Kris, Florence and Tom, John V and Caleb, Craig and his sheltie, Mark M and David P. Getting a jump on fundraising efforts, $110 was collected for the Senior team!

C • 250 3

Putting out 5 controls which needed to be added to get course closer to 6k and control count to 17.

On the observation tower - possibly the only gratuitous climb on the course...




The fence

While walking to control, I left my bike on the side of the indistinct trail, then I was having doubts that I could find it again...but, I did. Whew!

The ditch/stream junction which I was walking to...didn't feel too hard to do in my bike shoes.

C • Don't feel bad 2

Rode out to park entrance and then around to entertain myself while people were in the woods. Hit probably my top speed every, about 21 mph on the way back. Whee!!

The new park entrance sign


Tom N finishing in about 54 minutes...


And, then going back out past control 10/refreshment point to check on Florence, who did the whole course despite any concerns to the contrary. Congratulations Florence!


John V and Caleb...


Valerie and Kris, just after Kris finished. I need to work on the whole "big head out front" thing.

C • Big head out front 4

Picking up three visible controls. Left rest out for another day. Rode back on unpaved trail to get more off road practice.

Picking up the observation control


Tried for an artsy shot...


TIme in the woods, albeit mostly on the bike, and happy people orienteering, and a nice nap after. Yup, it was a good day, indeed!

It is going to be a busy day with a lunch date with Sarah et al, then Lailah for the afternoon., so I squeezed this in while I could.

2 mintues at 3 mph,18 at 4.5 and 10 at 4. Left back of knee didn't like the walking. Right heel remains sore after, not during.

Putting out controls for some training on New Year's Day. Figured it would take me about two hours at a mostly walking pace. Was finished quicker than that, including starting my watch from the parking and a detour to the observation tour, so I figured something was wrong with the jpg map scale, and it was. My 6K course is only 4K.

Beautiful day in the woods, though very windy in the open.

C • Great photos! 5

So windy on the outbound - 20-25 mph winds. But, with the sun out, and knowing I was going to be on my feet for other activities this weekend, I wanted to ride today. MTB again, which was good for grip when the winds came from the side. So hard to get up the hill to the house, like I was crawling, but I made it! Then a couple of "victory" laps at the end into the wind some more, but knowing I was almost done made it easier. No inhaler today, on purpose, to work on deep breathing. All was good.

Before the ride, Sarah, Matt, and Lailah visited today, which was perfect timing...first, they helped to unload the van, and then Lailah and I started dusting and organizing the dollhouses.







Wanted a updated Lailah and Grammy photo. However, I had to tickle Lailah out of her posed smile first. It mostly worked. :)

About 52 (15 degrees cooler than yesterday). Shorts and two light weight long sleeve shirts. Perfect.

Mountain bike - 29er but heavier. Needed air in the tires. Was short in time, not getting out unti close to 4, but I am glad I took the time since I like how sturdy this bike is. Lots of rough pavement to traverse on this route.

A guy passed me coming back and inquired if I was cold. Nope. He was overdressed in my opinion.

On the way out, I was sure I wasn't even going to try the hill to the house, but about halfway back I thought I would give it a try. And at the bottom, I was told myself - you got this! Which I did, except I almost ate it when chain jammed going from mcr to scr. I didn't panic and unclipped casual like and fixed it.

So happy to get this in after spending the earlier part of the day in Baltimore clearing out my mother's/sister's house getting it ready for resale. This should be my last trip to my childhood home. Now what to do with the equivalence of three van loads of dollhouses and all the trimmings. I guess my sister got the last laugh. Sigh.

C • That is a LOT 4

Came home a day early, suffering through lots of traffic on 95. What a beautiful day wasted in the car! In the mid 60s. Rather have cycled but running had to suffice. Lungs are getting stronger!

Walk home when I had enough of the whole running thing. Strong up the hill.