Gauteng Long Distance Champs
Had a good warm up to make sure I was ready to go out hard from the start. We had a horrible 1st leg (12 min split) which forced me to run hard to avoid loosing too much time (still lost 1 min to Ake). As it was path running, I was also able to read ahead the full map, and have a good look at # 16 and 17 enroute. Went well through the first 4 controls, passing Dylan (8 mins) without seeing him. Got sight of Garry (4 mins) at #5 as both he and I missed in the tall grass. Something not 100% right here, but I only lost about 30s, Garry getting out ahead. On route to #6, I went right around the hill and Garry left. Never saw him again. Aced 6, but then slightly too far left on #7 (15s). Too low at #9 (15s) and then fractionally too far left at #14 (5s). I chose the path option to #15 to save energy, but splits show that straight was faster. Stupid error at #16 (15s). Then chose the path route again to #18. Splits showed that Ake was only 50s behind at the start of this leg and probably took the lead somewhere along it. However, he messed up the approach and finished 7 mins down. Was tired up the hill, but I hit the remaining controls smoothly. Took the left option to the finish. First, with Ake second and Alex 3rd.
TE 4.7, EPOC 260, 1066 kcal.