Training Log Archive: Akhilleus

AC with Marks, Matts and Tim.

Mark had a very solid run, I went out a little down on the leading back but with a few others who I dropped straight away, I then ran nearly the whole course on my own aware that there was a small pack about 30 secs back. I was actually really scrappy and dropped maybe 3 mins, biggest error was screwing up the route to 5 and running down to the lake, then when I got there the veg was a bit dodge but this was the only bit of the map that wasn't spot on. Near the end I kept making 15 sec errors especially getting tired which was a bit poor but I avoided any big errors which was the main thing. Course was great.

Then Craney put in an absolutely legendary performance, I don't know how he did it but he got us onto the podium which meant closing a 4 min gap! It's been a long time coming, and I'm delighted with it, so happy when he appeared in 3rd. So close to 1st too. Fantastic end to the weekend, cheers guys!

Event: British Orienteering Championships
 

Started really well, overtook my 3 min man (Tom) somewhere between 4 and 5 which gave me a boost (I was in 12th at 5), 6 looked like an easy control so just nailed it straight to the feature, I was shocked to find no control. Started to really panic as I was convinced I was in the right place but then started to doubt myself. Tom turned up after a bit and I searched a bit with him but it was getting silly I was now convinced it was right. Chris turned up and looked, we discussed it and decided it was clearly missing and the course was going to have to be voided when Chris spotted it in the re-entrant next to the feature lying down covered in leaves (pretty sure it was hidden by some kids on BMX's seen hanging out there) . The general opinion was then that we'd put it back but the course would be void anyway. I'd spent 6 mins there at this point so we carried on but after a couple of controls decided it wasn't worth flogging myself round, I'd lost my mental focus and just didn't see the point continuing round a void classic when I knew we had a decent chance in the relays the next day. I also thought it would be good to let the officials know asap so they could deal with it.

When I got back I told the officials but they already knew as someone had been back and told them already. I was pleased with this as I couldn't face telling Oli as he'd clearly put so much effort into planning a great course. As the day continued I became concerned that I wasn't aware what was going on, a couple of people mentioned that it would probably take someone to protest to get them to do anything about it. I didn't really understand why and didn't really want to be the one to do it. A fellow competitor (who was himself affected) then came over to plead with me not to protest. I said I'd speak to the others who'd been affected, having a course voided is pretty awful and I didn't really want it done to Oli's course and as it turned out Doug who'd had a brilliant run, but the course clearly wasn't fair and I didn't see any option, as sad as that may be.

A couple of people I spoke to initially agreed we would have to put in the protest, I certainly didn't want to do it without support. I felt awful to be put in that position, it was either take the race away from athletes I respect and many of which are mates or screw myself over, it didn't seem fair that I was put in that position, why wouldn't the officials deal with it anyway?

I had a brief conversation with the controller who said we would have to put in a protest if we were unhappy, he "advised" that the jury would take into account how many people were affected and whether it was significant, the feeling he gave was that 8 people wasn't (what!?) and whether any of them would be likely to finish in the top 3. The action would be to reinstate anyone who missed 6 and leave the time loss as it was...how can you do that!? It's a bloody world ranking event!

Eventually it came down to the wire and my support wavered and eventually died away. It seemed I'd been worst affected and it came down to a decision - do I take the decision to attempt to get the course voided and screw over my mates or do I completely screw myself over. I chose the latter. I resent the fact that I had to make the decision and the whole thing has left an extremely sour taste in my mouth.

C • Difficult decision to make... 3

WU

Studying and travelling. Felt fresh and up for the British, nice taper if nothing else.

Feeling really dodgy and aware my body was fighting (Keith borne) infection so decided not to run so I at least got to the start line Saturday in a fit state.

To Horfield for urban-o.

Taking it easy round the urban-o but still lost a minute at 3 when I thought the gate the other side of the fence when through the fence, realised part way there. Then lost a little at the end as I wasn't reading my descriptions/paying enough attention...but at least I got to the right place eventually ;-)

AC after submitting my work.