Training Log Archive: maprunner

Event: West Point A-meet
 

West Point Middle, day one

Start to 1: Ugh! Rarely have I looked at a leg and had less desire to do it. It didn’t help that the hillside was covered with rocks, downed trees, mountain laurel and leaves. I should have stayed on top, but instead, I contoured around until I could see the rocks and the flat terrace below me. Then I went straight down the hill.

1 to 2: as I was approaching the hill, I told myself to look up, in case I could see the marker. I did see a marker, but told myself it was too soon, and went on. Of course, it was my marker, and I had to contour back to get it.

2 to 7 went fairly smoothly. I wasn’t moving fast, but I was paying attention and reading the map.

7 to 8: I decided to go a bit south to skirt the hill, but I went too far south. I was really tentative on this leg, and couldn’t make sense of the flat area. I was a bit confused about where I was when I crossed the trail, but the marsh gave me a clue. I continued on until I hit the big cliffs along the reentrant, to be sure I knew where I was. But I was flustered at this time, and stupidly ran north to another control, just because I saw a bunch of folks leaving it. Stood there a second, got my bearings, and went over the hill to 8.

8 to 9 was fun: a chance to actually run downhill!

9 to 10 was a poor route execution, and then choice, then execution. Meant to leave the control to the SW, but went straight S. I was confused when I hit the road, and went the wrong direction. Then, I saw the option of running on the road, but chose instead to go through the woods. This was a slow slog, where I had little confidence, and stopped at two other boulders (with markers) before hitting mine.

10 to finish: glad to be done.

Overall, I was very happy that my brain showed up at the start today. And it functioned fairly well when I had to relocate. Also happy that I was not exhausted after this effort.

route

West Point Sprint, day one

After an enjoyable couple of hours socializing with Sandy, Barb, Gail, Valerie and others, it was time to sprint. I was looking forward to this race, as a test of my (possibly?) increased fitness. But I should know better than to think about running, rather than navigating. Also, the course had some tough woods running at the beginning.

1 to 2: I saw Jenny go bounding past me, as I was tentatively walking over the rocks, and I foolishly thought, “I can run too”. Alarm bells were going off, that I needed to stay near the steep part of the hill, but I ignored them. Came to the pipeline, and finally stopped and looked around. I noticed that all the steep contours were above me, so up I went. Ugh.

2 to 3. Maybe still a bit brain dead and hesitant.

6 to 7: something is funny with my track here. I definitely stayed in the road as I left the control, and turned up the path.

10 to 13: I was pleased that I was able to move steadily and confidently here.

13 to finish: I beat Jenny :)

So, pleased with the physical, disappointed with the mental effort in this race. Must remember that mistakes are deadly in a sprint.

route

Day 1, Mid, Green Y - Splits

Day 1, Sprint, Green - Splits

Putting out markers for the Tour de KU. Weather was great, turnout was great, folks seemed to have fun. I just wish we hadn't had an ebox stolen, and plenty of issues with Or/Java/Wifi.

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