Quantock Orienteering Event - Staple Hill

Although I have been orienteering in the South West Region for 10 years now I have to confess this was my first Quantock event. Now I had heard stories about how their areas where tough and Staple Hill didn't disappoint. It was difficult to get into any rhythm at all, light green and white often seemed to blend into each other and all terrains proved tough going, so I guess that I wasn’t too disappointed with 1:29:16 for 5.5km 255m, but as so often it could have been so much better. Quantock’s also use the Joe Lee punching system as seen on the KIMM for a number of years and this does seem rather fiddly compared with SI or Emit. Having said all that I did enjoy trip and would go back.

My Marathon Days are over........

So the Marathon has been and gone, and the medal is gathering dust. The training didn't go to plan and a head cold and hot conditions made for a trying day and a slow time 5.26.33. But the cold has gone and the benefits of the training seems to be shining through. I have been out with a running club this week and wished I had joined before the marathon, I got a friendly welcome and think that this maybe the key to improved running speed and training motivation. I have been itching to get back out orienteering and so today after running a coaching session at a local primary school I went to the permanent Orienteering course in Central Park, Plymouth. What a great way go for a run. The map is available at http://www.devonorienteering.co.uk/

Time : 34:01

Route: 10,26,1,22,27,2,23,3,28,5,4,6,7,8,29,11,24,12,30,17,18,31,32,19,25,20,33,13,34,35,21,14,15,36,16

so there's the challenge

Enjoy