Training Log Archive: Linear Ice

Just a relaxed outing with Alice; .... ran down to my friend Leslie's house to recruit her and her dog but she was busy weeding!
So Alice and I jogged down to the big Afton creek, and I made my way through the river bottoms along the creek to the St. Croix. and then back.
Although only a mile or so from my home, I have never been down there before so it was fun to explore a little. Soggy though.

Event: MNOC Nerstrand Woods SP
 

I heard a few complaints about standing in line to get on the jungle gym for close start Control 324, but I kind of liked the opportunity to look at the map, plan a preferred route (or really direction) and decided to head South. There were many easy controls near the Start location, but I figured I'd try to pick those up near the end. Looking back now, I can see that (once again) my route choice was overly ambitious for my abilities. But totally fun, so no regrets.

Awesome park, with the open woods, ostrich ferns, grasses almost up to my shoulders (no one else was probably in THAT part), and really great trails. Loved it. Which is not to say I didn't have some problems.

Things to work on
Still need to stay more cautious on the first control. (In this case, the second.. 321)
Be more careful with compass bearing while running (301 to 309 to 302)
Use compass at least a bit when following shaky handrails (305 to 311- along spur)
Consider letting the farthest controls on the map just be.

Things I did well
Found and recovered from errors fairly quickly
Running through woods at a good clip.
Having a lot of fun
Keeping the right pace
Looking at map while running-preplanning
Not getting discouraged
Getting back in time

Route
Note My GPS shows a number of straight line segments near the end where I apparently lost satellite contact....too much rain/cover perhaps? And apparently there's a limit to number of correction points on QuickRoute. So everything after 311 is just wrong.
Also, distance is actual distance, not between points. (come to think of it, it's not even actual distance due to GPS errors). I should measure on map but probably won't.

I found my event. It's Maze-O. I got third, and with a little practice... who knows!!!

Very fun sprint. Will write more when I find my map.
But, I was very glad to have this event because I really liked the first event SO much, and wasn't quite done with Nerstrand woods yet.
So this was like an encore.
I had two "hmmmm" moments, looking for a trail that wasn't a trail and can't remember the other... but otherwise it felt so good.

Ian assigned me four Southern controls, which was perfect because
1) There was lots of opportunity for a good trail run down, AND a good run straight through the beautiful woods back
and
2) One of the controls was 311, which was my boom control that I just skipped and so I got a retry (but from the other side).

pwentz3l joined me, we ran what felt like a really good pace over the muddy trails (but when I asked it was 7:30; felt faster... but fun fun fun), and he let me do all the navigating with some helpful hints along the way.
Good training and good company, thanks Pete.

All in all a perfect day, the weather was rainy but made the run that much more enjoyable, and rain disappeared right when socializing began.
Great food and lots of desserts-all with whipped cream.
I much appreciated my $20 REI card which will be put to good use (probably as an excuse to buy something much more expensive).
And I have to say, it was one of the easiest officer elections I have ever witnessed.
Fun to sit around the campfire and not drink beer, hear everyone's stories, eat more.
(Okay, I have overused the word "fun" today.... but it was!!!)

Maze-O - Splits

Sprint-O - Splits

My log is looking a little boring with all running, but I have to say I'm enjoying myself quite a bit with the summer weather, nice gentle runs all week... feels almost indulgent.
Looks like great weather tomorrow... except the slim chance of rain which could put a damper on camping plans....

Got a late start, but still got a few very nice miles in before dark. Mosquitoes were enjoying my run...

Lost and Found:
If you took a shower in my master bathroom lately, check to see if you lost your blue and white comb.

To the park, loop on the path, and back.
Lots of deer - unusually calm tonight. Nice scenic evening.

Down to the ASP beach, with Alice.
Felt good, attribute it to my two days of altitude training and refreshing afternoon nap. =)