Training Log Archive: maprunner

US Masters, day 2, Bigelow State Park, CT. Brown X

I was determined to do better in the beginning of today's course and focus on my navigation. But then, I didn't take the safe route to 1, and missed it again, and wandered too long. Not a good start.

Managed OK to 2 and 3 but then wandered a bit around 4. Then by 5 I was getting mentally and physically tired. I was looking at similar large boulders near "5", but totally ignored the contours. So I was really way too low and mucked around way too long. I thought I had only lost a minute or two here, but AP says I lost nearly 5. Time flies when you're wandering slowly over rocks.

I had a good plan to 7, to avoid the dark green, but then I didn't execute it. I should have gone higher up the hill to the south. Instead I got stuck in the dark green and lost a lot of time.

I had glanced at my map and thought 8 was the last control. But then I looked at the clue description for 8, and noticed 4 more controls. Yikes, I was definitely getting tired.

I wandered into the dark green around 9, then stopped and looked around until I spotted the flag. A wasted control, if you ask me.

Then I saw the easy final controls and felt I had to try to run, nothing left to lose. My foot was feeling pretty good, so I jogged a bit. But not much, was too tired really.

Not as much fun today in the woods today, between my brain, my tired legs and the thick vegetation. But another beautiful day and any time you're orienteering, it's a good day.

BrownX - Splits

Event: NEOC - 2022 Masters Nationals
 

US Masters, Day 1, Bigelow State Park, CT. Brown x

A perfect day for orienteering in beautiful NE fall colors. I took a while to get my head into the game, not used to being in technical terrain. I walked right by the first control, had to relocate from rock walls.

Slow on the way to 2, still wasn't really reading the map, wandered a bit even when I noticed I had passed the major reentrant. found the other brown course control before I back tracked and found mine.

After that, I settled down. I was reading ahead and navigating pretty well, but still had to work to maintain focus. It's hard to concentrate that long when you're walking and out of shape. I stayed off the trails because I couldn't run, so going straight was faster for me.

Overall, I enjoyed the course and had fun in the woods.

On the way to 2, I tested running a few steps on the trail. My foot hurt right away, so that was a good reminder that I was walking the whole way today. There were times when it was pretty rough on both my feet: rocky ground, marshes with downed trees, etc. At one point I got something in my shoe on my "good" foot and I stepped right on it in my arch and screamed out loud. Had to stop and remove my shoe and dump it out. By the end, both of my feet were sore and hurting, The injured foot was pretty tired and achy when I finished.
Stood around and visited with old and new friends. So great to see Gail and Peter again. And I met Susan Dunklee! We had a good conversation before and after the race. She was surprised to find a biathlon fan from Kansas!

BrownX1 - Splits

On our way to the Masters in CT. Only bummer is that I will be walking the course due to my PF. This was “my year” to try to win, since Kris and Peggy and others have moved out of my age group. I’ve managed to win every other time and I’m bummed to not be in shape this year.

But I’m taking the long view. I’m deliberately wearing hiking shoes instead of o shoes. My PF is getting better every day and I want it gone for good. And I’m able to move well enough, so I can attend my 32nd champs in a row. And hopefully I’ll be 100% for the Nationals next month.

Many positives for this trip: beautiful fall scenery, travel with Mike. And I get to see all my friends! Seems so much sweeter in the COVID era. And there is a chance I will meet Susan Dunklee!

C • PF 4

set 1
12X heel elevated body squat, body weight
10X pull down, 40 lbs
10X bicep curls, 10s

set 2
10X leg extension, 20 lbs
15X band press
15X triceps push down, 30 lbs

back in the high school pool. Earlier this time, so a different crowd of younger swimmers and lots of HS athletes outside.

Quick ride to the movie theater and back. I'm going to like exercising in the afternoons!