Training Log Archive: maprunner

Tower Grove sprint #1. My goal today was to treat this as a race; keep the pace high, read the map on the run, under pressure. I managed to keep running (as opposed to jogging) for most of the course. Only slowed down once or twice to double check a control feature (there were no markers). I was pleased with my map reading; I also did a good job of keeping my head up and looking ahead.

Tower Grove sprint #2. I started this sprint only a few minutes after finishing the first one. Again, I was pleased with my ability to move quickly and smoothly. At control #7, my legs began to protest, and begged me to walk. But I kept on running. After control 10, the course switched from a 1:5000 map to a 1:1000 map. I gave myself a few seconds rest to try to adjust to the new scale. But then I started off again, quickly. Mike was following along at this point, but not saying anything. I thought I had found the first micro O control and was moving on, when Mike called out that I was incorrect. Damn! Very confused, but "punched" at the correct bush and moved on. Again, feeling stressed because I was tired, and being watched. Screwed up again. This map was making no sense! Oh, I'm off the map. Back on, but still confused. Again, Mike corrected me. At this point, I asked him not to follow, because I couldn't handle the stress. Pretty sure I finished the course correctly, because I calmed down and settled into the map. I must learn to deal with the stress; what if I had been at a spectator control, and people were photographing me to prove I really had punched?

Most unusual AOWN moment today, at a Missouri highway rest stop. We saw a woman walking her macaque and marmoset. Got to pet them, and have them crawl up my legs and grab my sunglasses. Very cool.