5/22/2012

Late update

Yesterday was the first warm day of Summer. Temp reached 77F and life was of course way better than before. During the last 12 days I ran an excellent fartlek (10x2'2min., 10k lap 36), enjoyed a sick day, ran a pleasant hill workout in rain and participated in an adventure race w/ sweetie.


The latter was an entry level race which comprised orienteering by bike, feet and canoe. The whole effort took 3 hrs and 43 minutes on our behalf while the winners spent only 3:04 on the same course. But it was fun and entertaining. As a related matter I think that it's fair to share some notes for you all who are thinking about adventure races:
  • If you have too much or too little clothing on while racing, never start to adjust them at a checkpoint which is a checkpoint which is just a stop-and-go checkpoint. Especially if you are at 4th position.
  • Right place and time for adjusting your clothing might be when are at another checkpoint waiting for your turn in a line. Especially if you have dropped from 4th position outside top 10.
  • Never be afraid dunk your Garmin into swamp if you fall down. It will survive.
  • Think twice about conquering a steep hill while carrying your MTBs at the same time. There might be an easier detour available. Just look at your map which is handed to you.
  • Don't stop and wonder if 60+ lady easily passes you by while orienteering in the woods. She is just so much better than you. Deal with it.
  • Usually quite many individuals, who have trained canoeing, canoe faster than those who have less canoeing under their belt. Simple as that.
On Sunday I was supposed to run 20k tempo but my legs said no. Actually they said "NO!" Instead I ran ez 28.5k with youngsters. Yesterday legs were heavy as hell, but it didn't prevent me for running too fast just moments before when I found myself biking a 38 miler. Half of which was colored by head wind which I hate so much. Now and forever.