| Hudson Highlander VIII. What a glorious day to be outside! Is there any nicer place in the world to be on a crisp fall morning but Harriman? Not for my money! Picture it: trees starting to turn colors, fog lifting off the lakes, fishermen out in their canoes, the woods so inviting and beautiful. I was totally mentally ready for the challenge of the Highlander. With 7 already under my belt, I knew what it would feel like, and I was ready for the pain and tiredness. Happily, neither of those hit me too much, despite this being my slowest Highlander yet. It was also, perhaps, my favorite. Great map, enjoyable course, very challenging both physically and technically, and great company. George Walker and I were together for nearly the entire race; I remember seeing him at #1. Our pack morphed a few times but in the end (the last 2 1/2 loops) it was George, Rick DeWitt, Bernie Breton, and me. A fun, strong crew. I think I could have run more the last loop or two but I was content to stay with the others. And maybe I would have run into problems (physical or technical) if I had broken away. My hip flexors got pretty tired by the last loop, and my knee started to hurt on the road run to the 41st control, but otherwise, no major hurts. Just not in shape to go any faster. Still, I was pleased with my orienteering -- in general, I was navigating well. And when I was a bit off, there was always someone else who knew exactly where we were. Really fun! Thanks to my group -- we finished together and it was truly enjoyable. Thanks also to the folks who pulled this together in such a short time. |
| Greenbelt Park, from Sweetgum parking lot to Good Luck Road and back. Ran with Dale and Melissa, a bit faster than I would have on my own. They started out asking me orienteering questions so I ran with them and just stuck with it. Thought they'd go on the campground loop and I could slow down on the way back, but they also were happy to do the abbreviated route. Not terribly fast, and probably good for me to be pushed a bit, just wondering if I should run at a near-4 level the day before the Highlander. Oh well. Felt good. Cool, sprinkles early. |
