I had decided to try the Wednesday running training, and skip the Thursday Hill session. I was thinking of what the running coach had said. My body sometimes needs a break!
One of the Thursday runners, Geoff, had mentioned a ‘map run’ in Bethesda on the Thursday. I wasn’t sure what he meant. But Fliss, the lady leading the Wednesday training, mentioned it as well, and she gave a bit more detail. It was basically orienteering in a built-up area. And it sounded fun! And when I googled it I noticed that race headquarters were the pub just around the corner, less than 100m from my house. How could I resist a race like that? So I registered. And they gave you two options of doing it: with technology, or with pen and paper. And I opted for pen and paper.
On the day I got an email: the pen and paper option was not available. Everyone would have to log their checkpoints with technology. So I downloaded the app, downloaded another app you need for getting the app also on your watch, then put it on my watch, and uploaded the data of this specific race. I wasn't quite sure what's next but I figured I could ask at registration.
I went early, and indeed had both chaps of the organisation to myself. So they could talk me through how it all worked. And it turned out I seemed to have correctly installed the software, and the only thing I needed to do was start it when the race started. I was impressed with myself. But when other runners started to appear I briefly went home for a last cup of tea and toilet visit. Then I got back. I had a bit of a chat with the other competitors, including Geoff and his friend Josh.
After a while we were asked to go outside, where we would get our maps and could start the software. Our watches or phones would register if we would reach a checkpoint. So after the countdown I opened my map. There was quite a wide variety of places you could go! I decided to head east. Why not? And I figured the first checkpoint I could take was near the church. My watch didn't seem to be responding to anything. So I continued. But at the next checkpoint, still nothing happened. By then I was fairly certain my watch wasn't registering anything at all. Oh well! I could just do this for shits and giggles.
I continued on my way. A few more checkpoints in I had to negotiate a flirtatious pug. That was quite sweet. And I got to some checkpoints in the Braichmelyn area. Then I crossed the road and the river and tried to get all of them on the other side. I did make an unnecessary loop, but I did get them. And then I figured I still had time to hoover a few up in the direction of Tan y Foel. And then I only had five minutes left, and had to leg it back down to the finish. I was back almost on time!
It looked like I had indeed not registered anything. That's fine. At least I had started to log the run on Strava after the second or third checkpoint, so at least I had a record of where I had been. I could check how many points I would have had had the technology worked. I think it was 480, but I came in a few minutes late so I would probably have been docked 60 points (the going rate is 20 points per minute). If that is true I would just have managed to outperform Geoff! Unlikely, but not impossible. For context, the overall winner had 810. And the next time (if there is a next time) I will not leave the start until the technology works. I'm sure the people starting you off should be able to help with that. I'm sure it is more satisfying if you actively log something!
After the race I had a small beer with Geoff and Josh, and then we went home. A bit of a weird introduction to orienteering, but at least it had been enjoyable!
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