Training Log Archive: Thraws

Event: MV Balcombe Estate (Level B)
 

Slightly more focussed than yesterday. But only slightly. Probably due to the cold, which was very unwelcome. Nor did the area look promising, small bits of scrappy woodland separated my muddy fields. The planner had had a proper job getting some decent courses out of it. Biggest problem I had was selecting the info I needed from all the clashing colours and detail on the map. First three controls all needed fine micro-navigation in the circle as the flags had been carefully placed for maximum difficulty, 6 to 8 were across the fields, and there were battles with rhodies, slippery mud and brambles for 9 to 13. 16 and 17 were rock features on a very steep and slippy slope, as was 23, but the rest were fairly 'southern' type legs. None of it was easy and nowhere was I fast, but apart from a minute miss at 12 I didn't really go wrong. I'm not sure whether the cold, the scratching, the slipping and the hills amounted to a pleasurable experience, and my calves were really stiff afterwards for some reason, but I got some exercise/practice. Which was something I suppose.

I like running at Friston even though it's a long way, but today I wasn't feeling very competitive. Just wasn't. Preoccupied. Kept running past the buildings on the way to 2 and missed the turn so went through the forest instead which was probably as runnable. 3 through 8 were all good, flags usually visible from some way off. Aimed off throughout so I'd know which side flag would be on but was a bit too far left for 9 and had to keep going up the hill. It felt like a good run by 12 so tried to keep it together in light green for 13 to 15 and was pleased to finish inside planner's estimated time. Still got beaten by seven others though. Must eat less next week.

Afterwards took around 80 mins to cover around 7km and collect the ten furthermost controls. Sun came out and would have enjoyed it if I'd remembered to lock my car!