BOC Long - Brown Clee.
Not feeling particularly sprightly in the warm up, perhaps didn't have quite a big enough taper?
Worked out where 1 was in the start lane and decided to go up to the second gate, despite only ever seeing people go straight in. It meant that no orienteering was needed, but I was surprised to see Ali darting into the control from the left. He shot off to 2 and obviously wanted to catch up so put in more effort than I perhaps would have at that stage of the race. Using the field to judge it, but we were hesitant with the streams and vegetation being a bit weird. Fast down to 3, coming out just to the right of the open on the track and spiked it well. Nipped ahead coming out of 3 and was unaware of Ali bailing at the fence. Took a slightly different line across to 4, trying to avoid some of the climb coming out of the stream but didn't work and lost some metres to Ali. Caught back up though when he stopped in the circle. Was really struggling through the forest to 5, letting the gap to Ali grow a fair bit. Just wasn't feeling great physically and when I got to the crossing point with Tam coming the other way I could barely manage a grunt compared to his cheerful 'hi'. Into the open, the marshes and heather really not what I wanted. Took some more efficient lines than Ali and closed the gap a bit, then he stopped early and so the gap was closed. A bit of faffing coming into the circle but nothing major.
Again took a slightly different line after the crossing point, with Ali's coming out on top a little bit. Seemed like he was cruising whereas I was not enjoying life so took a gel on the way to 7 to try and get some energy. More of the same to 8 and then I decided to come straight back out of it which was better than what Ali did so were together again. Stopped early in the circle, something didn't seem quite right but it was.
At the crossing point back into the forest I expected nothing other than for us to turn left so it was a shock to see Ali bail into the green. Stuck to my plan though and went around the green. Very hesitant coming into the circle and no sign of Ali so assumed he had got away. Then suddenly he appeared which was a relief. Missed the crossing point to 11 which was irritating and a good kick up the backside, and then ran to a control on another depression.
Felt like death up to 14 trying to keep with Ali, then got ahead into 15 by going round the green a different way. 16 was easy, just saw the spur miles away and tried to up the tempo a bit. A bit hesitant in the circle again but all good. Went straight through the drinks point without seeing it, must have been out of it a bit. Bit left on 17, was unsure despite people running into it. Again a bit right into 18, Ali said he was heading to the path but I thought straighter would be better. Came out on the path behind him by a bit and he was motoring so hard to close it up again. Got quite nervous coming into it but Ali seemed pretty confident . Good to 20 but a bit iffy to 21 and Ali was in front again. He headed for the forest and although I wasn't sure this was best I didn't take the risk to go solo. Pushing hard through speccy but not the best line to 24 and banana'd 25 pretty bad. Last push through to the finish.
Mixed feelings at the finish, pleased to have a solid enough run but not as satisfying as if it was on my own.
http://obasen.orientering.se/winsplits/online/en/d...