Orienteering race 1:57:30 [3] *** 13.88 km (8:28 / km) +78m 8:14 / km
ahr:152 max:169 shoes: Inov 340 Pair #1
While I felt a bit run out by the end of this, I had an enjoyable day that was only marred by a couple of vexing controls. After reading Mike's harsh self assessment, maybe I should view my run differently but I don't. As Tom noted, the purple course was pretty flat which lowered the effort level. The thing that raised it was the difficulty in selecting fast, direct lines between controls. I most often opted for straighter lines through rough open that varied between 80% runnable pasture grass to hacked down honeysuckle debris to taller-than-me (6"1') spiky grass with mixed rose bushes for fun (let's say 25% max speed running). Usually, some thinner bands of honeysuckle bordered by roses were added in for variety. The alternative was to take trail routes that seemed too long at the moment. I found controls 4 and 11 difficult. For 4, the top marsh was dry and the bottom marsh was a pond. I started too far south and took too long devining the depression at the S edge of the N marsh. For 11, I found the marsh/beaver pond but when the control didn't appear, self questioning about what was south really started to play in. I think a form line showing the earthbank along the S/E side of the marsh would be a nice addition to the map. Back to the self assessment, I do need to get out and run further more often so I feel more fleet on my feet; I thank Tom for the opportunity to do this at Possum Creek.
