Training Log Archive: Thraws

Woke up with a really high temperature and feeling absolutely terrible. Sort of explains why I felt so very very cold and tired yesterday. Virus.

Event: GO Regional (Level B) Event
 

OMG was cold. Expected it to be rough going, and it was. Never felt once that running speed was a factor. It was more a test of 'character' really, the desire to keep pushing when the hills and brashings and mud were all conspiring against you. Counting rides and streams was the name of the game and you'd waste a lot of time if you got the wrong one. I was well into the excellent map by about 4 and enjoying myself. Some exuberance caused me to overshoot 11 and lose about 2 mins here, but total time loss elsewhere was probably only about a minute. Kept focussed and kept going even though I knew I wasn't moving quickly. Thought the planning made brilliant use of the area and really could have been in Scotland or the Lakes. Not my favourite kind of orienteering but this is what you usually get at the major champs.

Was a bit cold after almost two hours on registration. The mud was appalling but hardly seems to merit a mention these days as that is currently a given. Went out very late so didn't have the usual help being led into controls, but didn't have the bumbler distractions either. Missed path on way to 3 and was too far right (30 secs), and totally c**ked up bearing leaving 6 and missed easy track route to 7 (70 secs). Neglected compass for the sake of running fast to 10 and was way right (20 secs), but was otherwise OK-ish. Given the terrible conditions, the event was excellent, and I'll be surprised and pleased if the OO Trophy courses tomorrow are as good. Garmin gives 4.94 miles and an average heart rate of 95% max and a maximum heart rate well in excess of 100% max!!

Wind, rain and cold all returned in the afternoon, behind me thankfully.

A weather window. Took it, enjoyed it.