Chris Curtis Web Site

I was determined to have a better run today. If I copied the map correctly, and stayed in proper contact with it so I did not get lost, I ought to do better.

It was cold but dry as I headed towards Tulley’s Farm. The event was based around the 100-acre wood area of the farm, well away from the farm shop and tea rooms (both highly recommended, by the way!). I arrived a little later than I usually do and there were crowds of people around: well over 100 runners, plus all sorts of walkers including families with push chairs. There was quite a long queue for registration and map sales, but I went through quickly enough. I copied the course onto the map and checked it with particular care. Then after another queue at the start and I was off.

I felt good from the very beginning. The long downhill run across a field into the woods, helped me to move fairly fast and easily so I was soon warmed up and running well by my standards. Things seemed to click into place. The map has a lot of detail, so there are lots of checking features to reassure you that you are where you think you are. My fitness seemed much better than recently too. I was able to run comfortably over fairly long distances – for the first time in ages – and I felt fine almost all the way round – fading a little by the last two controls, but not before.

Looking at the split times, I think I made a good route choice between 7 and 8, though while I was on the course I had my doubts. I came along the path and turned right at the junction to go past the two fenced areas. I followed the stream past the tall fenced area all the way to the control on the footbridge. The alternative route that I thought might be quicker was to stay on paths all the way round to the control, but it was much longer. Although the stream went through fairly dense forest and undergrowth, at the stream edge was a clear area all the way along and I made fairly good time. I went straight through the forest on a bearing to control 9 too. Again I think this was the best route and I was able to check off the fenced enclosures and ditch so despite the brambles (see photo above) I was able to move fairly fast.

I was tired by control 9 and tried to go straight towards 10, when this time the path would have been the best bet. I did go straight to the finish from 10, when I saw lots of people running up the road, and that was definitely right. I was faster than most of the field, despite being really quite tired by then.

I ended up doing under 64 minutes around 15 minutes per km – very much better than recently – and I was in much better shape all round than for ages. I was fairly pleased, really. I came 29th out of about 55 runners on my course. I beat a few people who are much better orienteers than me. Most importantly, I enjoyed myself much more, felt fitter (to motivate me to do even more training!) and had that magic sense of achievement. Who can ask for more?

The target remains doing green consistently in less than an hour, but if I can run every time like I did today, it does not seem so far away.