Training Log Archive: Mr Wonderful

Event: Cabin Fever 6 hr Rogaine
 

Some last minute tips from Rick Waldo pan out as I was able to snag 3rd solo at the Cabin Fever six hour Rogaine at Tar Hollow.

Dominated by a 200' spur/gully system, the map is imposing. I was first to pick up my swag bag and map after a restful night at the Chillicothe Inn. The innkeeper was very concerned I might smoke. I assured him I wouldn't.

I set up a cave in my Escape. Ever ambitious, I plotted a 13 mile route that had two ending loops if I were ahead of schedule.

I started the day by winning the $50 pre race raffle. YES!

Out of the gate I saw the bulk of the north folks pull away. That's my style - let 'em rip and reel them in. I chose an easy first first control, 40. Man, the hills are big!

I lost my beloved Mad Athlete swag water bottle sometime after 52, I think. Boo.

Everything went well until 80. I took the wrong spur, and didn't trust my compass, and fought through thick briars. To relocate I gave up elevation and went to the corner SW and then came back up. Fortunately, by that time, the flag which had been knocked to the ground was back up, so another team signed my passport (punch was missing) and I was back at it.

That was my only nav mistake, so I am happy with that. Still room for improvement, but confidence building. Granted, this terrain is easier for knowing your exact position.

I hit my 2 mph target time checks within minutes each time. Good deal. Even when I started to slow at 3hrs30mins on the giant climbs.

My tactical folly was revealed when I intended to skip a long out and back realizing I was tight on time, but rattled from having briefly lost my compass on a steep hill, I couldn't figure out which monster gully to take so I decided to follow the well-worn snow tracks to the long out and back of 71.

I knew I was in a time crunch so I dropped 74,skipping to 54 and heading for the hash house.

On the way back, I spotted Tony and Mike, but they had a good lead. I snuck up on them a bit, but Mike spotted me and they kicked it. They also had 50 more points thanks to a more point-dense route, so it didn't matter, but it was a fun sprint finish.

Tony and Mike won the team category, so I don't feel too shabby about getting pipped. 2nd solo had the same number of points, so I will be curious what time he or she finished.

Gear carnage was high - the lost water bottle, my INOV-8s are about trashed, and I destroyed a zipper on my pants, nearly lost my compass, whom I will nickname "Bubbles" for its <20° performance.

Next year I will plot the most point-dense 12 mile route off the bat, and then give one bonus loop. That will be more realistic and efficient.

And I will use my stair stepper to train! Michigan has no hills like that, unless you drive to Yankee and run up and down the soup bowl.

Very happy about the day. I could climb no more hills by the end, but look forward to returning and refining my performance. This event is highly recommended.

C • Nice! The weather was not t... 5

Packing up the night before the night before was much more relaxing than my standard scramble on Race Day Eve.

On an unrelated note, I may be able to field a coed four person team for the Rage, if all goes well. I should start exercising again.

C • interesting. 1

Could sleep all day. Certainly not because of exercise. I remember the good old days a couple years ago when five was good enough to function.