Orienteer race (Red Ripley) 1:56:00 [3] *** 6.0 km (19:20 / km)
shoes: Icebug Spirit-L olx
I was feeling so good about this race for the first 9 controls or so. Pieces were beginning to fall in place, I could finally "see" the map, and it actually matched the terrain, and I was running slow but confident....and I thought.... "aha! just like that, it is all becoming clear to me!! I get it!" And then it all fell apart for me, and my head starting spinning like Linda Blair's in the exorcist.
On some of the short legs, 10 and 11, I had to go back to the previous control I was so confused. Nothing was lining up anymore.
Good thing I saw Pete and Biz at one of these, or I would have had to get back to get my headlamp just to finish the course.
(On the plus side, at least I could FIND my previous controls, so I see that as a positive development).
After my double double-backs, I sloowwwed down and was okay on most of the rest. But my confidence was shot and my "zone" had flown off the map. And then 17 and F were ok.
Looking at the map afterwards, it's just so clear. What a terrain change after 9, much more confusing, much more dense and more tangled features.
I certainly should have switched to a different strategy or at least slowed down or at least noticed that something different was going on!
I am going to study my map tonight. Picture the terrain. And wish I had another shot at it! I so enjoyed the weekend and the multiple courses. Can't wait for next year.
I'm very impressed with all of you who make it look so easy.