Training Log Archive: Mr WonderfulIn the 31 days ending Oct 31, 2014:
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| We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday Oct 31, 2014 #
5 PM
Walking 1:15:00 [3] 1.0 mi (1:15:01 / mi)
Trick or treat. Eventually I'll be able to feel my hands.
Thursday Oct 30, 2014 #
11 PM
Biking 1:23:59 18.76 mi (13.4 mph) +48m
ahr:119 max:154 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Sleepy. But not cold feeling, despite 42°F.
Wednesday Oct 29, 2014 #
Note
No power for over a half dozen hours this morning!
Reasons not to host an A meet:
* Many maps are dated...when they were used in 2008
* We have overmapped boulders
* Is there any way in hell we get printing right?
Reasons not to host an A meet:
* Many maps are dated...when they were used in 2008
* We have overmapped boulders
* Is there any way in hell we get printing right?
6 PM
Orienteering 55:20 *** 3.98 mi (13:54 / mi) +105m 12:51 / mi
ahr:140 max:168 spiked:3/5c shoes: Inov8 Roclite 319
Planned an ambitious night o training, but screwed up my #3 (walked through circle, looped around, then got it), then sniffed the circle of my #5 before stupidly wandering away. But, once I was established in my wandering, I did realize where I was. By then I was tight on time to meet my ride so I cruised back on roads.
Monday Oct 27, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking 41:38 2.75 mi (15:08 / mi) +241m 11:54 / mi
ahr:115 max:149 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
1/4 flat, 1/4 12%, 4 mph
If you are using AP's grade conversion for climb, but did an uneven number of reps, you can enter the even number of distance (eg, 2.5 miles for me in this case), convert the (12+0)=6% grade to climb, then update the 2.5 to 2.75 to add in the last non-paired segment and you'll keep the right climb number. if you care that much, and I suggest not caring that much.
If you are using AP's grade conversion for climb, but did an uneven number of reps, you can enter the even number of distance (eg, 2.5 miles for me in this case), convert the (12+0)=6% grade to climb, then update the 2.5 to 2.75 to add in the last non-paired segment and you'll keep the right climb number. if you care that much, and I suggest not caring that much.
Sunday Oct 26, 2014 #
Event: Chilson
6 AM
Biking 50:07 9.18 mi (11.0 mph) +97m
ahr:114 max:168 shoes: The General
Last fling with the island, firing up my headlamp and trying not to clip any ninjas. Only accidentally trespassed a little bit. Lungs and legs burned on final climb up Fort.
Saturday Oct 25, 2014 #
Event: Great Turtle Races
10 AM
Walking 22:44 1.54 mi (14:45 / mi) +9m 14:29 / mi
ahr:115 max:158 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Hurried warmup.
11 AM
Running race 41:17 5.7 mi (7:15 / mi) +55m 7:02 / mi
ahr:177 max:186 slept:8.0 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Great Turtle 5.7. 41:17 for a 35 second PR, 1st in M35, 13th overall. WOO WOO!
Report on how I went out too fast when I get home. :)
Splits
2014 / 2013
7:19 / 7:50 - wow, much faster. It felt okay. I had a clean shot at the start, since I had the good sense to start in front of the TMNT hoodie wearers....
7:33 / 7:56 - still faster, but I see I need to work on rollers as it's less climb than Mile 1 but still slower both years
7:06 / 7:19 - tried to stay with the masters winner until he floated away
7:08 / 7:10 - haha, that's pretty even between the two years
7:24 / 7:18 - up 6 bpm average despite slower pace. Haven't run enough this fall, plus payment for the opening hill sprint? At least this explains why I felt pretty rough on the way back.
~.7 final 4:51 / 4:28 - Ouch. Closed at ~6:52 pace last year, versus 7:14 this year. No kick left at all! In tiny part, no one to chase like last year; the people ahead were not close enough to even see much of the way.
Next year I should try for Top 10 and sub 40:00.
Report on how I went out too fast when I get home. :)
Splits
2014 / 2013
7:19 / 7:50 - wow, much faster. It felt okay. I had a clean shot at the start, since I had the good sense to start in front of the TMNT hoodie wearers....
7:33 / 7:56 - still faster, but I see I need to work on rollers as it's less climb than Mile 1 but still slower both years
7:06 / 7:19 - tried to stay with the masters winner until he floated away
7:08 / 7:10 - haha, that's pretty even between the two years
7:24 / 7:18 - up 6 bpm average despite slower pace. Haven't run enough this fall, plus payment for the opening hill sprint? At least this explains why I felt pretty rough on the way back.
~.7 final 4:51 / 4:28 - Ouch. Closed at ~6:52 pace last year, versus 7:14 this year. No kick left at all! In tiny part, no one to chase like last year; the people ahead were not close enough to even see much of the way.
Next year I should try for Top 10 and sub 40:00.
4 PM
Biking 1:07:50 [1] 10.73 mi (9.5 mph) +64m
shoes: The General
Kimberly took a nap, so I took a lap. Retraced some of the 5.7 mile race, then bore west around a bit. Thought about trying some of the sketchy little trails, but then remembered I wasn't wearing a helmet and only had a single gear and no skill and there was a large drop off.
Friday Oct 24, 2014 #
Note
slept:10.0
Ah....the internet lite in laws' house.
3 PM
Walking 2:12:07 [0] 3.98 mi (33:12 / mi) +12m 32:54 / mi
Shopping. Mapmyrun ended up with six miles!
6 PM
Walking 14:49 [0] 0.52 mi (28:29 / mi) +1m 28:19 / mi
further shopping
Wednesday Oct 22, 2014 #
6 PM
Orienteering 1:39:29 *** 5.36 mi (18:34 / mi) +164m 16:57 / mi
ahr:136 max:207 spiked:18/24c rhr:53 shoes: Inov8 Roclite 319
Pre run Chilson all controls as a score O. Light on @ 40 minutes, and certainly needed by the one hour mark. Good equipment check for Pontiac Lake.
Oddly, one of my cleanest orienteering bits. Nice and tidy (by my standards) in the fading light. Then three bobbles in the dark, one wrong trail junction, one probably would have seen with reflector, and one typical Igor trick where I got pushed off and didn't see the break over reentrant top.
Course will be fun!
RHR down in the low 50s sometimes now.
Oddly, one of my cleanest orienteering bits. Nice and tidy (by my standards) in the fading light. Then three bobbles in the dark, one wrong trail junction, one probably would have seen with reflector, and one typical Igor trick where I got pushed off and didn't see the break over reentrant top.
Course will be fun!
RHR down in the low 50s sometimes now.
C • 207? 10
Monday Oct 20, 2014 #
10 PM
Erg rowing 1:25:20 4.0 mi (21:20 / mi)
ahr:92 max:114
Probably annoyed the rest of the house laughing at Bad Grandpa
Sunday Oct 19, 2014 #
Event: Yankee Springs
Event: Freep Marathon and Half
1 PM
Orienteering 1:50:13 *** 8.2 mi (13:26 / mi) +184m 12:34 / mi
ahr:149 max:179 spiked:6/10c shoes: IceBugs
Mike lulled me into complacency as I destroyed the first seven controls, so I let my guard down on 8. And at 9 I went off the map, which made relocation difficult. I failed to respect it; I should have run a pace and bearing from the last significant trail bend. Well really I should have run up to the bowl and taken trails around as cross country was slow and pushed you around. I also should have trailed to #8, but didn't unfold my map to see the route.
Then I was tired and screwed up 10 a little, but still had a good finish split despite the 7.5 miles I did prior. Woo woo.
Then I was tired and screwed up 10 a little, but still had a good finish split despite the 7.5 miles I did prior. Woo woo.
3 PM
Orienteering 21:42 *** 1.66 mi (13:06 / mi) +67m 11:38 / mi
ahr:135 max:157 1c shoes: IceBugs
Mike gave me 9 for pickup. :)
Thursday Oct 16, 2014 #
Note
I haven't gotten in much faster pace stuff with just nine days or so before my 5.7 mile race a week from Saturday, so I'm shooting in the dark a bit....I think I am deciding...screw it, let's go for 7:20 pace again and hope I don't blow up. I will try to line up in the top 30, praying that competition is light and I can crack top 20 again. Anything slower than 7:35 and I'm out of the prizing, so go big or go home.
Looks like last year I was able to stay sub 8 average on the up hill; I should do that but then try to keep the final bit faster, as much as possible, really let loose on the downhill and feel the pain on the flat back to the finish.
Looks like last year I was able to stay sub 8 average on the up hill; I should do that but then try to keep the final bit faster, as much as possible, really let loose on the downhill and feel the pain on the flat back to the finish.
Wednesday Oct 15, 2014 #
6 PM
Walking warm up/down 15:13 [0] 0.99 mi (15:18 / mi)
ahr:79 max:87 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Running 43:25 4.2 mi (10:21 / mi) +4m 10:19 / mi
ahr:138 max:151 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Zig zagging around, lot of dirt.
7 PM
Walking warm up/down 20:33 1.18 mi (17:21 / mi) +2m 17:15 / mi
ahr:92 max:101 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Monday Oct 13, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking 29:00 [3] 1.42 mi (20:25 / mi)
Sunday Oct 12, 2014 #
4 PM
Walking 1:15:00 [3] 1.5 mi (50:00 / mi)
non stop sort of day, have to count chores.
Saturday Oct 11, 2014 #
5 AM
Biking 2:40:39 32.88 mi (12.3 mph) +251m
ahr:119 max:162 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
Westside Hill Finders Meeting #1. 5:30 am, Silver Lake park and ride, back to the lot by 7:30, weekly.
Somewhat chilly. Thanks for the toe warmers, w4j!
Somewhat chilly. Thanks for the toe warmers, w4j!
Friday Oct 10, 2014 #
4 PM
Running 41:46 4.19 mi (9:59 / mi) +72m 9:28 / mi
ahr:153 max:171 shoes: Brooks Ghost Red
Poor man's blue loop. Still haven't found the semi-official pick up for the one little segment on the west side of that dirt road up to Al & Roddy's. Probably should try it once from the side I know works...but running in wet feet is good training. :)
5 PM
Running 17:47 2.27 mi (7:50 / mi) +1m 7:50 / mi
ahr:166 max:174 shoes: Brooks Ghost Red
After a brief intermission, cranked it up a bit for a little "race pace"ish work.
Wednesday Oct 8, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking warm up/down 15:17 0.9 mi (16:56 / mi) +2m 16:49 / mi
ahr:101 max:141 slept:8.0 weight:199.6lbs shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
Running 33:30 3.0 mi (11:10 / mi) +3m 11:08 / mi
ahr:148 max:163 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
8 PM
Walking warm up/down 9:53 0.61 mi (16:06 / mi) +2m 15:56 / mi
ahr:126 max:143 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
10 PM
Biking 1:36:58 22.48 mi (13.9 mph) +139m
ahr:128 max:171 shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
If USARAs taught me nothing else, it's that I should live on my bike for the next year.
Retrieved truck from the Mini dealer the longerish way.
A2 hills are so cute!
Retrieved truck from the Mini dealer the longerish way.
A2 hills are so cute!
C • A2 Hills 25
Tuesday Oct 7, 2014 #
7 PM
Walking 46:13 3.12 mi (14:49 / mi) +241m 11:57 / mi
ahr:112 max:140 shoes: Brooks Ghost 5s
4 mph, alternating 1 and 10% on the quarters.
Realized my parents in town the weekend of Yankee.
Realized my parents in town the weekend of Yankee.
Monday Oct 6, 2014 #
12 AM
Note
Woke up in the night reacting to something. Didn't see much poison stuff out there, also it's in spots that were covered? Took Benadryl and drew some more mapmyruns while hoping the itch dies down for sleepy time.
Saturday Oct 4, 2014 #
6 AM
Orienteering 3:30:00 [3] 5.5 mi (38:11 / mi) +350m 31:53 / mi
spiked:4/4c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552675308
Savage River Score O
Controls were given a point value - you were credited with 1 CP for every number in the 10s place (42 = 4 CPs). We had swagged the bike back at 24 miles, and picked 6 mph for a pace estimate, so we needed to leave by 10 am.
We also needed to not climb too much, so that naturally led to grabbing the four flags worth 42 points that only required a single big climb.
Navigation went well; I got nervous about picking the right reentrant to get the spur, but I was awesome and we hit it spot on. Phew!
Taking the ridge to the softest saddle ever used in AR was mostly fine, other than it felt really long to get the last bit to the flag. I hallucinated the flag once, even got the passport from T but nothing was there.
On the way back along the ridge, T kept us in easy walking, but I did have to grab him back as he started to veer towards the south spur at the fork, so we trusted our compasses and gave up the open stuff to be sure we didn't screw up.
That was the big success - most times T or I were going to screw up, the other one would catch it with spidey sense or a compass check. It's a good team. T is about 95% certain he is right at any moment, and keeps us moving confidently. I am 30% certain I am wrong, so I double check and get concerned which minimizes many errors, but when I'm hemming and hawing, T can grab a decision and go. In a perfect world, T might back off to 90% confidence and I might go up to that. Some self doubt is healthy; too much is a curse.
We caught up to MRA 1 (with 7 cps worth?) along the way, and were saddened to hear of Hil's ankle woes. Then a MI team reunion at the TA to the final bike with MRA 1, 2, and WAR!
Savage River Score O
Controls were given a point value - you were credited with 1 CP for every number in the 10s place (42 = 4 CPs). We had swagged the bike back at 24 miles, and picked 6 mph for a pace estimate, so we needed to leave by 10 am.
We also needed to not climb too much, so that naturally led to grabbing the four flags worth 42 points that only required a single big climb.
Navigation went well; I got nervous about picking the right reentrant to get the spur, but I was awesome and we hit it spot on. Phew!
Taking the ridge to the softest saddle ever used in AR was mostly fine, other than it felt really long to get the last bit to the flag. I hallucinated the flag once, even got the passport from T but nothing was there.
On the way back along the ridge, T kept us in easy walking, but I did have to grab him back as he started to veer towards the south spur at the fork, so we trusted our compasses and gave up the open stuff to be sure we didn't screw up.
That was the big success - most times T or I were going to screw up, the other one would catch it with spidey sense or a compass check. It's a good team. T is about 95% certain he is right at any moment, and keeps us moving confidently. I am 30% certain I am wrong, so I double check and get concerned which minimizes many errors, but when I'm hemming and hawing, T can grab a decision and go. In a perfect world, T might back off to 90% confidence and I might go up to that. Some self doubt is healthy; too much is a curse.
We caught up to MRA 1 (with 7 cps worth?) along the way, and were saddened to hear of Hil's ankle woes. Then a MI team reunion at the TA to the final bike with MRA 1, 2, and WAR!
10 AM
Biking 3:00:00 [3] 21.5 mi (7.2 mph) +730m
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552677658
Final Bike
We budgeted 4 hours for this final bike, having map wheeled off 24 miles during the long TA, figuring 6 mph should cover it. Maybe 4 mph would have been a better estimate...
We were okay at the start, then began the interminable climb from the Savage River valley. It never ended. We were passed by a roadie like we were standing still. Because for all intents and purposes, we were. M was fine, but T was struggling with a weak leg, and J was in usual end race fade (why?). I walked my bike an embarrassing amount. :(
We reached a fork and were coming to the same conclusion: We were going to be in sketchy shape if we tried to bag another big hill, bike on bumpy trails, and expect to make the cut off. Bailing on those three points, taking a flattish route to the finish, and maybe bagging the easiest final O CP would be our best chance. So we did. I felt bad. I could picture my fan club seeing our resignation on the tracker and being disheartened, like a Michigan football fan. I felt they deserved better. But they would probably forgive our pragmatism in the fog of late race decision making.
It was still a long bike! The hills were replaced with wind in the exposed gorgeous farmland. Another team yoyoed with us, going ahead, stopping for maps, going ahead, stopping for maps, ultimately beating us.
Final Bike
We budgeted 4 hours for this final bike, having map wheeled off 24 miles during the long TA, figuring 6 mph should cover it. Maybe 4 mph would have been a better estimate...
We were okay at the start, then began the interminable climb from the Savage River valley. It never ended. We were passed by a roadie like we were standing still. Because for all intents and purposes, we were. M was fine, but T was struggling with a weak leg, and J was in usual end race fade (why?). I walked my bike an embarrassing amount. :(
We reached a fork and were coming to the same conclusion: We were going to be in sketchy shape if we tried to bag another big hill, bike on bumpy trails, and expect to make the cut off. Bailing on those three points, taking a flattish route to the finish, and maybe bagging the easiest final O CP would be our best chance. So we did. I felt bad. I could picture my fan club seeing our resignation on the tracker and being disheartened, like a Michigan football fan. I felt they deserved better. But they would probably forgive our pragmatism in the fog of late race decision making.
It was still a long bike! The hills were replaced with wind in the exposed gorgeous farmland. Another team yoyoed with us, going ahead, stopping for maps, going ahead, stopping for maps, ultimately beating us.
1 PM
Orienteering 30:00 [3] *** 1.0 mi (30:00 / mi) +100m 22:54 / mi
spiked:2/2c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552679088
Final O
I was worried we would get back to the finish and ever eager Tizoc would want to grab some o points with sketchy time. So I tried to swag out some conservative estimates during the final bit of the final bike - if we had less than one hour, we locked it in. Any more, we would have to grab #33, nearby in a massive reentrant.
We had 68 minutes left. I informed Michelle we would have to go for one more point. Her eyes welled, but she nodded yes. So T and I checked the resort map for a hint on route, and we hiked over and up. We saw Tecnu coming in and cheered them. They looked great.
I forgot/didn't realize this would actually net us two points, one for the CP and one for "finishing" the foot o, so we got back 2 of the 3 bike points we missed. And this may have better matched our team energy and strengths (we hike better than we bike).
Final O
I was worried we would get back to the finish and ever eager Tizoc would want to grab some o points with sketchy time. So I tried to swag out some conservative estimates during the final bit of the final bike - if we had less than one hour, we locked it in. Any more, we would have to grab #33, nearby in a massive reentrant.
We had 68 minutes left. I informed Michelle we would have to go for one more point. Her eyes welled, but she nodded yes. So T and I checked the resort map for a hint on route, and we hiked over and up. We saw Tecnu coming in and cheered them. They looked great.
I forgot/didn't realize this would actually net us two points, one for the CP and one for "finishing" the foot o, so we got back 2 of the 3 bike points we missed. And this may have better matched our team energy and strengths (we hike better than we bike).
Friday Oct 3, 2014 #
Event: 2014 US Nationals
8 AM
Adventure Race race 1 [0]
slept:7.0
2014 USARA National Champs
22nd/36 co ed, ~27th/60 overall
tl;dr Need moar bike power; Michelle and Tizoc are awesome
22nd/36 co ed, ~27th/60 overall
tl;dr Need moar bike power; Michelle and Tizoc are awesome
Walking 30:00 [3] 1.0 mi (30:00 / mi) +170m 19:38 / mi
shoes: Keen Sandals
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552334128
Hike up to the whitewater center. I was trying to pare down, so I didn't bring extra shoes, then decided I didn't want wet feet for the start, so I wore my treadless Keens. Slippery!
No packs or equipment required, just stuff for the boogie board.
We should have inspected the ski runs a bit more earlier just to be smarter about the route up, but no harm done.
Hike up to the whitewater center. I was trying to pare down, so I didn't bring extra shoes, then decided I didn't want wet feet for the start, so I wore my treadless Keens. Slippery!
No packs or equipment required, just stuff for the boogie board.
We should have inspected the ski runs a bit more earlier just to be smarter about the route up, but no harm done.
Swimming (drowning) 1:00:00 [1] 0.66 mi (1:30:55 / mi) +7m 1:28:01 / mi
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552338254
Boogie Board
Team had to perform three runs or a trail run sub. No details on the trail one. I was not thrilled about doing this. I have no swimming ability, I sink, it would be cold...I considered having Tizoc go twice for speed (he's a strong swimmer and not a fraidy cat), but then most other people went and I said stuff it and took a crack at, after T and Michelle did great on their runs.
Water was cold, but it was instantly unnoticeable.
I found swimming on the board difficult. So I almost got pulled out into the large eddy in the start pool before the first drop.
RD advised going feet first, but that gave me only face fulls of water so I gave that up just before being spun out in the first of many eddies I would ride, which worked out to be a great break because I was exhausted after just a few waves. I switched to face first and then I could at least see and anticipate being dunked in the aerated water.
That worked well, although I fell off the main current a couple times, and it was something tough to get back in.
The final one before the big pond...oh man. I took a breath for the big hit, popped up, then went under again, which I was not ready for. Scary! Popped up and tried to make my way around on the board, but that was too hard just I did face out crawl using the life vest and towing the board.
Changed and then down for the bikes.
Boogie Board
Team had to perform three runs or a trail run sub. No details on the trail one. I was not thrilled about doing this. I have no swimming ability, I sink, it would be cold...I considered having Tizoc go twice for speed (he's a strong swimmer and not a fraidy cat), but then most other people went and I said stuff it and took a crack at, after T and Michelle did great on their runs.
Water was cold, but it was instantly unnoticeable.
I found swimming on the board difficult. So I almost got pulled out into the large eddy in the start pool before the first drop.
RD advised going feet first, but that gave me only face fulls of water so I gave that up just before being spun out in the first of many eddies I would ride, which worked out to be a great break because I was exhausted after just a few waves. I switched to face first and then I could at least see and anticipate being dunked in the aerated water.
That worked well, although I fell off the main current a couple times, and it was something tough to get back in.
The final one before the big pond...oh man. I took a breath for the big hit, popped up, then went under again, which I was not ready for. Scary! Popped up and tried to make my way around on the board, but that was too hard just I did face out crawl using the life vest and towing the board.
Changed and then down for the bikes.
9 AM
Walking 20:00 [3] 0.92 mi (21:44 / mi)
shoes: Keen Sandals
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552344962
Hike down. Didn't chose the best assortment of ski runs; also, descending in gripless sandals is challenging. No harm done.
Hike down. Didn't chose the best assortment of ski runs; also, descending in gripless sandals is challenging. No harm done.
10 AM
Biking 1:30:00 [3]
:insert map drawing later: :adjusting all times, distances, etc. later, I have no idea when we did what:
1st bike. We didn't see the ski lodge road up the backside, so we ignored the RD's tip of "don't" and did take the paved road up with our friends from Wisconsin. Bit of a climb! Then we mostly did okay getting to 3, except we took the wrong trail a few meters low of the correct trail for #5, but no big deal; we dropped our bikes and hiked a few meters up to the correct trail, jogged to the point, and even found our bikes again.
We took the trails around and up to four, deviating from our original plan to use the wider, less direct trail to my favorite CP, #4, with its glorious massive boulders and flag on top. Highlight of the race for me!
I saw 47 mph on my bike computer descending back to the ski lodge. But it reads ~3% high so I was probably only going 45.
1st bike. We didn't see the ski lodge road up the backside, so we ignored the RD's tip of "don't" and did take the paved road up with our friends from Wisconsin. Bit of a climb! Then we mostly did okay getting to 3, except we took the wrong trail a few meters low of the correct trail for #5, but no big deal; we dropped our bikes and hiked a few meters up to the correct trail, jogged to the point, and even found our bikes again.
We took the trails around and up to four, deviating from our original plan to use the wider, less direct trail to my favorite CP, #4, with its glorious massive boulders and flag on top. Highlight of the race for me!
I saw 47 mph on my bike computer descending back to the ski lodge. But it reads ~3% high so I was probably only going 45.
11 AM
Walking 20:00 [1] 1.25 mi (16:00 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Jogged down to the marina. Didn't feel like lugging PFDs so we brought our paddles and used their vests. Unlike Thunder Rolls, we selected a boat with handles at each end. I'm slowly learning this sport!
12 PM
Canoeing 1:30:00 [3] 4.45 mi (20:13 / mi)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552465720
Holy cats
I'm not having the best track record with races this year.
Thunder Rolls = lightning on the Mississippi
USARA Nationals = swells! wind!
We tried mixing up my terrible steering by having Michelle run the back while I tried to form a power section with T in the front. But the weather and perhaps weight distribution didn't help. T got hit with waves, the little extra wobble in these yellow boats started to get M a bit seasick. Finally we broke towards shore to hope for boundary layer. It did seem a bit better, but maybe it died down a little. At least would we would have a huge tailwind back!
Holy cats
I'm not having the best track record with races this year.
Thunder Rolls = lightning on the Mississippi
USARA Nationals = swells! wind!
We tried mixing up my terrible steering by having Michelle run the back while I tried to form a power section with T in the front. But the weather and perhaps weight distribution didn't help. T got hit with waves, the little extra wobble in these yellow boats started to get M a bit seasick. Finally we broke towards shore to hope for boundary layer. It did seem a bit better, but maybe it died down a little. At least would we would have a huge tailwind back!
1 PM
Orienteering 3:30:00 [3] *** 8.1 mi (25:56 / mi) +330m 23:01 / mi
spiked:4/5c shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552574872
First Foot O section
Navigation seemed relatively straightforward. My biggest mistake was not figuring that the houses could mean private property, or not figuring out a way through via charm, begging, bribery, etc. so we had to backtrack a bit to enter the park proper. Tecnu headed out that way too but we never saw them again so they found a way.
Stealthily bagged #11 and then informed T and M that "the map says we should go north", which confused them both until such time that I could reveal I had punched it and we needed to go north to get to our next CP.
#12 was very easy and straightforward. Too easy! This is the national champs! Fun to be passed en route by Dart Nuun (I think).
#13...wish I had a watch; we did a pace count from the overlook, but when we hit the terrace we had overshot it. We estimated ~250 meters, paced to 220, and still went past by 30. At least I saw it! Then we charged with confidence as if were further west; hopefully we misled a few teams. :)
#15 was a sweet point on an old mine entrance.
We saw a of teams coming back from #14 - MRA2, most notably. But we elected to run off the end of the spur and take the road back; I would love to have had a high refresh rate to see if that choice paid off for us. It was quick moving on that road along the water.
First Foot O section
Navigation seemed relatively straightforward. My biggest mistake was not figuring that the houses could mean private property, or not figuring out a way through via charm, begging, bribery, etc. so we had to backtrack a bit to enter the park proper. Tecnu headed out that way too but we never saw them again so they found a way.
Stealthily bagged #11 and then informed T and M that "the map says we should go north", which confused them both until such time that I could reveal I had punched it and we needed to go north to get to our next CP.
#12 was very easy and straightforward. Too easy! This is the national champs! Fun to be passed en route by Dart Nuun (I think).
#13...wish I had a watch; we did a pace count from the overlook, but when we hit the terrace we had overshot it. We estimated ~250 meters, paced to 220, and still went past by 30. At least I saw it! Then we charged with confidence as if were further west; hopefully we misled a few teams. :)
#15 was a sweet point on an old mine entrance.
We saw a of teams coming back from #14 - MRA2, most notably. But we elected to run off the end of the spur and take the road back; I would love to have had a high refresh rate to see if that choice paid off for us. It was quick moving on that road along the water.
5 PM
Canoeing 1:15:00 [3] 4.25 mi (17:39 / mi)
Hooray! Time to ride that wind back to the marina.
Only it was dead calm.
Oddly, this gave Michelle issues steering the boat; perhaps it was not challenging enough to hold her attention, so we quickly swapped to give me the stern. We only had some light rain starting up shortly before the take out.
Only it was dead calm.
Oddly, this gave Michelle issues steering the boat; perhaps it was not challenging enough to hold her attention, so we quickly swapped to give me the stern. We only had some light rain starting up shortly before the take out.
6 PM
Walking 30:00 [3] 1.25 mi (24:00 / mi)
shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8s
Back to the lodge, this time with a teeny tiny shortcut, but not on the new hiking trail. Rain picking up....
Walking (TA) 45:00 [1] 0.01 mi (75:26:17 / mi)
shoes: Barefoot
Mega long TA. It was pouring torrentially; we were looking at 18+ hours without resupply of any kind. So we were not exactly super efficient. Something to work on.....
C • rain 3
7 PM
Biking 11:30:00 [3] 51.35 mi (4.5 mph) +1600m
shoes: Jamis Dragon Sport 29er
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/552673578
The Long Bike
We had chosen what I thought was a clever route - we would go east, then take 17 from the east on a flat route that saved some 250' of climb for just one more flat rollin' mile. Perfect for a team that is not strong on bike climbs (more so the men than the woman who pedaled up most stuff).
Except...USGS had an extra little road segment..and our navigation team didn't check compass bearings after the turn....not noticing that WNW is a lot different then NNE....
So by Accident we ended up in Accident, MD, which we discovered when we checked the front of the post office.
This put us on the same line as many other teams, just with an extra ~four miles. And then we had to do the same wicked climb out of Beaver Creek as most teams - a climb that had words on it, I kid you not, like "Suffering".
With that resolved, we did things as best we could until we got back on plan.
Took 18 first, elected to go for 20 next, then 17 as an out and back, then 19, and onward to the next set. Lots of teams in an around at this point.
Did well at 21, 22 no problem. Elected to think road was faster, but now given our climbing ability, maybe we should have back tracked on the trail rather than descending on the powerline to the road. Power line descent undid Michelle's skewer, but she heard her wheel squeak and we fixed it, phew.
We paid for our road ride climbing back up to 23. We dropped bikes and hiked in figuring we'd be pushing them anyway. That worked out okay. Map adjustment under an awning at a small store just below 23.
I'm not entirely sure what we did to get to 24...it involved pretending paint on trees were blazes for the two track we thought we were taking. And I swear T and I both checked compasses, but somehow we were not on the right trail once we bikewhacked to that system, but the park markers got us sorted and we got 24 via orange and purple, then 25 via the green trail, and then exited the area via the higher trail through the cabin area.
26 saw the most frightening moment of the race. T and I were pulling up to stop for the reentrant and we heard a bike crash noise. We turned around expecting the worst for Michelle but she was standing on the side of the road and her bike was laying in the middle. Whuh?
She had fallen asleep. And managed to unclip and walk out of the crash while asleep. Other racers gave her some high caffeine gel.
Long bike to the TA....
The Long Bike
We had chosen what I thought was a clever route - we would go east, then take 17 from the east on a flat route that saved some 250' of climb for just one more flat rollin' mile. Perfect for a team that is not strong on bike climbs (more so the men than the woman who pedaled up most stuff).
Except...USGS had an extra little road segment..and our navigation team didn't check compass bearings after the turn....not noticing that WNW is a lot different then NNE....
So by Accident we ended up in Accident, MD, which we discovered when we checked the front of the post office.
This put us on the same line as many other teams, just with an extra ~four miles. And then we had to do the same wicked climb out of Beaver Creek as most teams - a climb that had words on it, I kid you not, like "Suffering".
With that resolved, we did things as best we could until we got back on plan.
Took 18 first, elected to go for 20 next, then 17 as an out and back, then 19, and onward to the next set. Lots of teams in an around at this point.
Did well at 21, 22 no problem. Elected to think road was faster, but now given our climbing ability, maybe we should have back tracked on the trail rather than descending on the powerline to the road. Power line descent undid Michelle's skewer, but she heard her wheel squeak and we fixed it, phew.
We paid for our road ride climbing back up to 23. We dropped bikes and hiked in figuring we'd be pushing them anyway. That worked out okay. Map adjustment under an awning at a small store just below 23.
I'm not entirely sure what we did to get to 24...it involved pretending paint on trees were blazes for the two track we thought we were taking. And I swear T and I both checked compasses, but somehow we were not on the right trail once we bikewhacked to that system, but the park markers got us sorted and we got 24 via orange and purple, then 25 via the green trail, and then exited the area via the higher trail through the cabin area.
26 saw the most frightening moment of the race. T and I were pulling up to stop for the reentrant and we heard a bike crash noise. We turned around expecting the worst for Michelle but she was standing on the side of the road and her bike was laying in the middle. Whuh?
She had fallen asleep. And managed to unclip and walk out of the crash while asleep. Other racers gave her some high caffeine gel.
Long bike to the TA....