Training Log Archive: Gswede

A rerun of the classic middle which I MPed a bit more than a month ago in 45:15.

This time it went well and interestingly I didn't really remember the course. Too much orienteering between then and now I suppose.

My legs didn't feel weak from the stomach bug anymore, but they did feel tired from the long run.

Today's course is the purple and blue line.
https://goo.gl/photos/6HEfgRRJQQbWLzNA7

Followed by 90 pushups, 20xpedestal, and 5 minute plank.

Did this later in the day to get groceries. Damn it's hot.

My attempt at the long from Peguerinos to La Jarosa. The total includes the run to the start and back from the finish. I did about 2:30 for the course. I decided not to go through Valle de los Caídos because I wasn't in the mood for getting crap while training.

My body wasn't really recovered from the stomach bug. As soon as I started to climb up to 11 I knew that it was going to be a long day. My legs were shot after climbing 50 meters and I had to climb back up the ridge and then run back to the house. I ran out of water at 13, and, while the sun was hidden behind the mountain ridge, it was still 30°. So, with weak legs and a dehydrated mind, I hauled my body up and did as much of the course as I could before I ran out of sunlight.

To sum it up, loads of things went not according to plan, but this was damn fun.

https://goo.gl/photos/fHZVYHvarXMoNpqZ9

So, as I have had more time to train the way I love to (lots and in the heart of nature), I've also had time to reflect on why training, racing, and physical challenges have engaged me to this extent. Many people would be content to exercise for the purposes of a sound bill of health, but that hasn't been it for me.

It would be no surprise if the members of our niche community of orienteers felt the same way, but, after meditating on it, I've come up with two major drivers of my athletic career: the adventure and the state of oneness.

The adventure seems to be equal parts external, barreling down a hillside in search of a small marker, and internal, going to one of the most exclusive locations--my body's physical and mental limits.

The state of oneness is much calmer, and more difficult to reach. It's the flow that we often talk about in this sport; that time when all the gears are changing smoothly and our minds are fully present. Oftentimes, I get distracted with various thoughts when I'm orienteering, a song, what I should have said in that disagreement the other day, and so forth. But really fun orienteering is when you can flow.

It's easy to find adventure; I'm able to have an adventure everyday to a greater or lesser extent. But the oneness, that's the difficult one. That's the one that is seems elusive as Mew in Pokémon go. To that end, I've started trying to meditate daily to practice it in relaxed conditions. Time will tell where it takes me.

Post-illness shake out. Legs were still a little achy from the fever. But tomorrow I'll be ready to conquer some hills.

Followed by 90 pushups, 5 minute plank, and 20xpedestal.

Woke up with a stomach ache, which quickly progressed to a low-grade fever. Probably a stomach flu. Might as well get this over with fast. Loads of rest on the way.

I had planned to do a really epic long course from one map to another here in the mountains. But it ain't happening today.

Update: Tried getting some work done at the computer, mainly to make Team USA's weekly armchair exercise, and I cannot even make it through that. Sorry guys!

Followed by 20xpedestal, 90 pushups, and 5 minute plank.

Getting to the downhill and going back home.

The 15-minute, 200-meter climb, 1.3-k run to the start, and then a 15 minute jog afterwards.

Quite a slow downhill.

I went slow in the upper section because the ground was very rocky, and one false step there meant I may not have made it home tonight. Then I went slow in the lower section because it was basically all green slash. But it was a new area for me so that was cool.

Really interesting how for every 100 meters you climb the climate in the forest changes. I started at 1480 masl and climbed to 1680. First, it was green slash, then it became open forest, and at the top it was open field (only above treeline because they were probably cut down a while ago).

https://goo.gl/photos/29scHGVFzLAZaXYX9

O-intervals on the southern part of the map. That was fun.

https://goo.gl/photos/DGqm1Qbqot28ZzKNA

One-Man relay with 4 legs in the northern rocky area in Pegue.

Still feeling tired from all the high mileage, but it's nice to know this will all pay off.

Only two fumbles where I mistook certain cliffs and rocks for others.

Really happy with my compass work and the level of focus I maintained during the course. Felt like my mind, body, the map, and the terrain were all working in sync.

Part 1:
https://goo.gl/photos/Ms7w876Z99Zmq3Cz6

Part 2:
https://goo.gl/photos/zPVcW1E6pVBRP6GR6

23-year-old Greg vs 26-year-old Greg:
https://goo.gl/photos/eeU3MNcX6aeQYENc6