Training Log Archive: jennycas

Who doesn't love to go rogaining when it's approx 35 degrees with a strong north wind? But it could have been so much worse without the cloud cover.

Zara and I began by dropping our packs on the edge of town (the thriving metropolis of Yacka), running up a side road 1km and back to get a couple of controls, by which time I was already hot and thirsty. We headed northeast throught the paddocks full of grass seeds (ow ow ow), hit a water drop about an hour later and made good use of it, then basically followed the Broughton river 10km upstream, along a ridge on its western side. The northernmost control, 80 points on a ruin, was really pretty, the drop to and squelch across the river (black mud eats shoes) was followed by an uphill to 90 points that caused headspin, indicating a need for rest and water.

We hit the water drop at the ford 20min ahead of schedule, allowing us to sit in the river and cool off, whiile I internalised a scoop of dry powerade to replenish my salt levels (mmm tastes like sherbet). Still beats me why other people tiptoed across the steppingstones trying to keep their feet dry rather than cooling off.

Left the water behind at 3pm (4 hour mark) and headed into the hills(Yackamoorundie range) figuring that we had 6 hours to do the 20km to the next water drop via a lot of up and down. A quick rethink of the order we' d do the controls in, so that we could go down one ridge and up the next, and it started to look not too bad. If it was flat, we ran it, but most of the ups and downs were too steep for that. At 5pm (6 hour mark) a creek with a spring provided enough water to wet hats and faces. We took a route choice off the eastern edge of the map to avoid a >100m contour drop and climb, the track didn't quite go where we expected but it was still more efficient.

Next (southern) water drop reached at 8pm rather than the anticipated 9pm; we had not seen any teams going faster than us and started to think this might be winnable. Decided to add in a couple of extra controls just north of us as long as we could be back to the road with 90min left for the 12km run in. It did seem a long run in the dark and it was a relief to leave our packs at a crossroads on the edge of town and run the last 2 controls packless. We still had time for a leisurely stroll to the hash house 200m away at a sedate pace rather than racing in then lying in a corner feeling decidedly ill, as a few heat-affected teams did.

Ended up winning by 240 points which was nice. Very good teamwork, thanks Zara! A top mens team would have beaten us, obviously, if there was one, but we were really pleased with the way we managed the heat and got the salt-water balance right. The worst bit was actually trying to get to sleep after going to bed at 1am; the cool change didn't arrive till 4am and it was just stifling in my tent. The best bit was lunch at Skillogalee winery on the way home....

Before anyone comments, yes I am crap at swimming. But it's pretty hard to be stressing about life when you are trying not to drown, so it's quite relaxing really.

Not sure if it was relaxing for the soldier who was trying to do survival stroke, fully clothed, while the army fitness instructor timed him!

C • WOW 3

Trailing behind Zara, Simon, Troy, Scott, John. If my legs were leaden on the flat, they were never going to like the hills. Just can't lift them from the hip. The new track along the creek through the cherry blossoms to the redwoods, and the singletrack through the forget-me-nots, made it worthwhile though. Plus we got a rest when a 4-engine freight train took a LONG time to go past.

Arrived late and had to leave early for OASA meeting so did Deep View loop without going all the way into 3rd falls. Nice to have Sus for company to take mind off my legs. L hip is bugging me again since long run :( shins slightly better since physio.

Went to get sat on by physio again today. This time she wiggled the needles she stuck in my leg and made mutterings about compartment syndrome (please not again!)

Long run with John N from home via Shepherd's Hill, Eden Hills, Blackwood, Belair, Pony Ridge, Brownhill Creek, Mitcham (to hear about Susanne's and Fern's 50km Trailblazer epic).
Lots of drinkstops and some Powerade at the BP at Belair ($4.90 for 1L vs $4.10 for 600mL)
L hip stiffened up again after, it had finally come good after the badge event in July....