Holway and Blackbrook - MapRun - 20th February 2019

Wednesday 20th Feb, I managed an early escape from work to travel up to Taunton for a Quantock Orienteers MapRun Event. The event centre was the Car Park of the Master Thatcher.  Quantock were offering a 50 min score event with two options. Long used the odd evens format. Start on odds, switch to evens when you want but you can’t count any odds from then on, this was handily annotated on the map using Blue and Red control circles. The second option short, was a straight forward score using all the controls. 

Instead of traditional pin punches or electronic punching the event used the MapRun app on a mobile. This was my first experience of using this technology, I downloaded and set it up at the event. 

Once registered, I was given a PIN number to access the event on the app, all that was left was make my way to the start. I was accompanied by Jeff Pakes planner and mapper for the event, who gave me the low down on using the app. I decided to carry my phone in my bum bag hoping the beep you receive at a control would be loud enough to hear. As I approached the start, map in hand I was reassured to hear a clear beep, and off I headed. The terrain was mostly an area of housing estates with an extensive network of paths. My strategy was to try and collect all the controls but reassess every 10 mins to see how I was getting on. It’s always nice to find the first control but especially when your phone is acting as control and punching system. Sure enough my first control, a lamppost was there on the ground and as I approached it I was happy to hear a reassuring beep from my phone, first control done. Jeff’s map was great, a really simple map taken from open source data, which he added to with a simple survey. As I carried on getting more familiar with the system, and coming to terms that I wouldn’t see the normal reassuring control flag, just the control feature followed by a reassuring beep, it started to feel more second nature. Occasionally the beep didn’t come when expected, once I had got it wrong, I’d seen a lamppost and ran to it thinking it was the control feature, when it was actually the path junction 10m to my right. Another time I was at the feature, and began scratching my head, another mistake? No just needed to shift 1m and beep goes the phone.

Now I love score events at the best of times, but this terrain, excellent planning and the use of the MapRun app combined for a great informal event. Soon 40 mins had gone by and I was looking for the best route home, I quickly take in two 50 pointers and put my head down and make for the finish. Just a quick run into the pub Car Park over to the finish control and beep, I’d finished - 24 controls/30 visited and a score of 810, 4th overall. I quickly changed and headed into the pub. All that was left was to press the upload button on the app and check the results on your phone. As always it was good to chat to other runners about their run, and checkout out their routes. What was especially nice was to see the organisers and planners in the pub, with the planner not having to go out and collect controls (although I still offered), that’s the real benefit of this system the infrastructure is virtual, so volunteer time is greatly reduced, always a positive thing.

Thank you to Quantock Orienteers for a great event, especially Jeff Pakes, Planner and Roger and Judy Craddock the organisers.

So am I sold on the MapRun app, Yes Yes Yes.  I think for local informal events it's a win win situation. I have listed a few Pros and Cons below.

Pros

Volunteer time and effort reduced
No control to be stolen or vandalised
Be able to make use of a variety of open public spaces
Simple to use
Instant results
Excellent for summer series, training or local urban events

Cons
Occasionally need to moved around control feature to find the beep
Beep not always loud enough if you are in an area of traffic (would need to check my phone or app settings)
Not sure how good it would be in covered areas, underpasses, tree cover in parks etc (would need to trial)

Devon and Cornwall Night League at Saltram House - 30th January

Hobbled around this nice little course yesterday evening, thought the planner did a good job in the total lack of terrain, it must have made planning difficult. Managed to get around in the 4.9km course in 55:45.  Just one bad control, number 9 where I headed back as I thought I has missed it in a patch of unmapped fight!  If I could get my left leg sorted then I might be running quite well!

Quantock Orienteers Night Orienteering - Bridgwater

So I found myself in Bridgwater for the WNL/QOAD leagues urban night event, a 1 hr score event.  After the recent wet weather I was glad to get a run in dry conditions.  After meeting in the comfort of a city centre coffee shop, it was time to venture out into Bridgwater so see what was on offer.  After getting the map I was struck by the complexity of an urban score, in the forest I can generally see a route and find it easy to have a big plan to adjust on the way around.  It's definitely not that clear in an urban setting. I quickly decided to just go for it and figure it out on the way with the overall goal to get all the 30, 40 and 50 pointers.   So off north to 101 a 10 pointer, no issues, decided on safe route to 122 to really get into the map.  Beautiful run past the docks full of narrow boats, one of the great things about urban orienteering is you get to visit places you haven't thought about going before. Out and back to 115 going OK, trying to keep it steady as haven't run for  a while due to a persistent calf problem.  Poor route choice south to 112 literally went around the houses, and poorly executed as well.  123 easy then the longest 75m control ever to 127, ran passed on the canal path but made sure on the way back. Straight forward to 121 27 minutes gone.  Decided to miss the 10 pointer by the canal, so to the 40 pointer 126, no issues, on the way search the map for the remaining 50 and 40 pointers.  Through 111 and off road to the 50 pointer 128 on the Meads.  18 minutes left time to head for home, the run across the Meads was soul destroying, the wet boggy ground sapping any remaining strength, starting to wonder if I am going to make it back in time!   Out of bounds on the road to the north starting to worry me.  Time to get my skates on. Down the canal path through the 30 pointer (124), take the 10 pointer (110) to the north or not? Decide to go for it, lack of running showing now.  110 tick, 106 tick then struggle to the finish.  It was great to get back to coffee#1, for a hot chocolate, bite to eat and the all important debrief, this how orienteering should be!  What a great area for a race, I really enjoyed it.  Thanks to all those who put it on especially the planner Gavin who gave us lots to think about.

Cornwall OC - Larkaborough and Goosehill 27th April

JK2014 Day 3 - Llangynidr

Route uploaded using GPS track so no hiding, that where I went.  Mine in yellow, Richard Barrett 5th Green

My expectations coming into the JK were very low, due to injuries I had only run twice since February, so the main aim was to get around injury free.  So approaching Day 3 it was a case of 2 down 2 to go!  We pitched up early in the van and got breakfast underway one of the many advantages we are finding out about the camper.  We sat and watched people on the way to the starts, it was obvious that cags were going to be compulsory, the clag was down, there was a strong wind and the temperature a barmey 4C.  I watched competitors going about their business hoping that the clag would lift as the terrain would be challenge enough.  As we came to 11am I was happy to see it improve.  Day 2 had left me with a blister on each foot so I taped them up and made my way to the far start and huddled down, waiting for my start time.  1 min to call up Helen and Abbie appeared, Oh I am in trouble! I must have forgotten to explain to her that she should be at the near start.  I open my mouth to speak when she presents me with my race bib!!  I unpin Abbie's and sheepishly return it to her.  Call up, I am fumbling around trying to pin my bib on under my waterproof, get my SI card checked and generally get ready.  4 mins to go off go the gloves and get two pins in.  3 mins to go start volunteer points out my glove on the floor, I get the other pins in! 2mins to go I stuff my gloves in my pocket, get my compass out and take an all too short glance at the map.  1 min to go and I mumble to myself how well everything is going.  Ella Bowles (Devon) is in the same start block and comforts me by saying something to the effect that it can only get better!  Off we go, cautious to start with as the quarry area looks technical. Under confident to #1 but nothing major through #2 and back to bearing and pace counting until I spotted broken ground and then straight into #3.  Decided on the path around option to #4 and came off the path and perfectly into the control always a nice feeling.  Long leg to #5 pretty vague terrain so slowed it down to avoid a big mistake.  No one around and felt quite isolated. Bottled it on the way to #7 decided to head for the path then back in, should have gone more direct with path as catching feature big regret.  Descent to #9 pick a depression any depression! Looked in most on the way past eventually got led in. Leg to #10 felt like a Mountain Marathon leg, really on my own now, 5m from control happy to have corrected my drift to the east, enjoying being out on my own.  Before I punch the control two elites have appeared, punched and are off again.  I punch and take after them, they are heading my way, 300m latter they are gone and I am knackered.  I jump over #11 and see it out of the corner of my eye, nice to have a bit of luck.  Then a rumble of thunder hits me, I try to remember my ML training, what do you do if your stuck in a thunderstorm on the hills?  Oh well carry on.  Like a moth drawn to the light I get drawn down the hill before #12 to a row of crags.  My GPS shows me on a prefect line before getting distracted which is very annoying.  Been alone now since the elites went, is there anyone else on my course?  Long leg to #14 need to get to the track leading into the control, bit all over the place but eventually get there, pass someone 500m out but still quiet.  200m and I can clearly see 50/60 people all over the place.  There is a lot of random searching going on.  Slight wobble near the control as I wander off indistinct path. 1hr 45min gone keen as always to break the 2hr mark.  Bearing and pacing to #15, no problems, just need to keep it going.  Run down the hill to #16 and over to #17.  #18 seems a bit of a waste of time, as it's a TD1 control described as Track on the control descriptions!  Mop up the rest and into the the finish tired but content. M40L 11.3km 180m 1hr 58min 01secs.  23rd/41.

Abbie managed to beat me on the run in 26 secs to 29.  Need to work on my finishing speed!

Link to the new improved routegadet which allows easy uploading of gps tracks or manual input of routes.  http://www.jk.routegadget.co.uk/rg2/#49 

 A few photos from JK2014      

  

CompassSport Trophy Heat Haytor - 16th February 2014

Edinburgh Street Race- Edinburgh University Orienteering Club

I was stood outside the Students' Union in Pleasance Courtyard watching the first competitors coming through the spectator control.  I stood there in my full waterproofs wondering if I could get away with keeping my waterproofs on and not look like a southern softy.  Its wet and cold and the dress state of the competitors coming through varies considerably, from full running waterproofs to singlets and shorts.  Whatever I decided on I wouldn't look out of place that's for sure.  I decided to keep my waterproof top on and abandon the trousers (waterproofs that is).  I jog to the start, 8 mins to go, I join the shivering crowd whilst watching competitors running to a control in a small park across the road.  4 mins to go I stand shivering in pre-start trying to work out how to fit my 33 control long descriptions into the holder.  Decided not to worry about the last 5 controls so fold descriptions accordingly. Managed to get that sorted in time for my start ...... just.  So off I go, I pick up my Men's Open map (still trying to avoid running the veterans course, sounds so old!) and start off down the path in front, long leg to #1 important to get it right.  Decide to go east and follow path through woods.  Then back onto road for final run into control.  All good.  #3 is situated on another University campus (how many are there?) turn north after entering the campus before realising I can't / shouldn't run through the building.  Coming out of #6 missed path after control so doubled back and headed south to small fence between building and wall.  Unsure whether I should jump it, decided to head back up east side of building.  #8 thought I had this one sussed but small gate to west closed so had to loop around to the north.  Finding the right ally is key to #14 which I nail, then stand trying to workout where the

control is.  Control description said steps bottom.  However nothing there........ soon a whippet turns up and seeing my predicament, and without breaking stride points to the control at the bottom of the upper set of steps.  If only I could read control descriptions!  He's gone before I can even thank him. The Educational Bit - Apparently (reading after the event) the symbol in the first column means upper ....... so Upper Steps Foot. 

Anyway onwards ....... #16 was of those urban controls where you can see the control but have to run past it to get to it, a few people stand looking at it longingly!!  #17 spectator control, don't care about splits at these just make it look like you know what you are doing!!.  

36 mins gone, turn the map over.  Lots more to do.......... clean through to #20, then the fun begins.  Find the steps to take me down to #21.  Head north along the building, I jink left into the control, no control!  Definitely in the right place.  Check control description hmmm, must be on next level up. Idiot!  Spilt 2:09 fastest split 0.35.  Run through #23 punching and turning left around building, confronted with uncrossable fence, competitor on other side thinking same thing, at least I wasn't alone.  Clean through to #29, although probably a couple of poor route choices to #28 at start and end.   Hesitate to #30 but nothing major.  On the way to #33 I run down the little ally on the right but as I turn the corner realise it's a deadend! Then into the finish, 6.8km 72.09, actual distance ran 11.2km.  A really excellent race, well organised and a great map and terrain.  Very happy with my run, and especially happy when I saw this Time Loss Graph.  57th/87, won by Murray Strain (who's he) in 43.11.


Results

Fight with the Night - EUOC 24th January 2014

Mount Edgcumbe - 15th December 2013

Quantock Red and Blue 1hr Score

Mendip North - Bristol Orienteering Club - 24th November 2013

A 1.6km walk/jog to the start meant that I was raring to go once I got there.  The remoteness meant that we carried our own rolled and taped map to the start.  I had difficulty folding the map to start with and ended up setting off up the wrong path.  I soon recovered, but my legs felt heavy as I started up the hill, was I paying the price for the previous nights blast around Davidstow? The leg to #1 was a long one, not the norm in orienteering races but I quite like the challenge of getting into the map on a long leg.  I made a pretty good job of it but as I thought the splits suggest I wasn't moving very quickly.  Clean to #3 and making good progress to #4, I impressed myself by checking out the attack point one the way to #1.  I lost confidence from the attack point and avoided the wooded area looking for the depression.  Then I realised the depression was in a wooded area and I was straight onto it.  Blast down the path to #5 and quickly I was through #7 and off down the track.  Overshot #8 didn't notice the parallel track.  Fell short to #9 entering the wood to early.  Went direct to #10 but track option quicker.  Took the track option to #13, then back onto the track along the valley, pace counted 300m then climbed diagonally to #14, took a deep breath for the nasty climb up to #15, 54mins gone.  8 controls left, decided to push the running speed and was happy not to make many mistakes just a slight miss at #20, through the final control and pushed hard on the 350m run in to be greeted by Jamie Hayward with his camera!! Really enjoyable race 7.8km 310m in 71:21 and 10th/26.

Night League - Davidstow 23rd November 2013

Excellent run around Davidstow on a clear and cold night, a total contrast to the stormy and epic conditions of last year.  This year we had the added bonus of an extension to the map to include the wooded area to the south.  This was to be my downfall, with two misses, it was a case of get the wrong ditch and pay the price.  Still managed to get around in 53.20 for the 6.2km (although the GPS tracked 8.2km!!)  The even better news is that this map can be extended into a massive area that stretches all the way to the A30!  That is what I call potential!!

Night League - Lanhydrock 16th November

Second Event of the Devon and Cornwall Night League - 4.4km 90m 39:45

Penhale Sands, South West Orienteering League - 10th November 2013

It's unusual to get a second run on Penhale in the same year, that doesn't however make it any easier!  I love Penhale the orienteering is incredibly absorbing and at the same time very physical.  I had in the back of my mind the 2hrs 5mins it took for my 11.8km course at the Southern Champs.  It was important get the pace right early on and as I was feeling pretty average to get the navigation right.  I started off well and was clean through to #3.  Got dragged south by better terrain and lack of concentration to #4.  Long leg to #5 Ok but got confused by lack of veg changes near to control which are usually so obvious on this map.  Slight miss at #7 but nothing major.  At #10 had it spot on but failed to spot the last climb to the control, lost confidence and went west down the valley until I realised.  Major mistake of the day to #15 ran confidently into fast run section but entered to far west and tried to make it fit, stood by large knoll scratching head until I worked it out.  Decided to loop north to #16 and run down veg boundary but probably good running took me too far north.  Really tried now and struggling, lined up #17 after cresting the hill after #16, and concentrated on keeping moving.  Got to the control to find it was wrong code!  Luckily it was my #18 only 200m away so over to #17 before doubling back to #18.  Last long leg to #19 decided to run on rough bearing and relocate off fence.  Ben Chesters charged past, thought about asking for a lift, but he was gone before I got chance.  Managed to keep it going through #20 and was happy to get onto the path for the run to #21 and the finish.  I was happy to finish the 8.9km course in 87:48 and lay on the soft grass the planner provided at the finish to celebrate.  


and finally........

  

Night Orienteering Season is Here

Burrator, Natrator Brook to start the night orienteering season!  That's an interesting call I thought, but hey who needs to ease themselves in!  The rain set in as I was leaving Plymouth just to make things even more interesting.  I picked up the map and set off 3 or 4 mins after Nigel Worsley.  I knew the area quite well from previous orienteering events, so decided to slow it down to #1, hit the river got slightly confused by wall not seen on the map.  It's always difficult to read the map at night, but add a plastic bag and rain it ramps up the difficulty.  Pass Nigel just before #2.  Locate #2, #3 and #4 clean but cautious.  #5 going to be difficult, I cross the wall and straight into boulders, try to keep on a bearing but which boulders are mapped?  (Post event I question if you blow up a 1:10000 map to 1:7500 do the features retain the correct position?)  I relocate on wall corner and eventually stumble on control, pit some distance from boulders! Out of control #8, make big error by deciding on wall option over path option and then get confused by where I have crossed the wall.  Try to relocate but, can't, on brink of retiring. Eventually see Nigel on the path south of me and join him. (Nigel was retiring as he had taken his map out of the bag as he couldn't read it and it had disintegrated.) Path through bracken takes me too high, follow the wall south come to another path which is the one marked!! 20min split to #9!! Follow wall to #10 (At night the earthwall symbol blends with the contour lines making reading this map all the more difficult).  From #11 I follow the gully north, over the path, over the wall, back over the wall to hilltop then down the hill north!!  Think my brains gone!!  Back up to large path, down path, then NE on wall to control.......  Clean through to the finish but disappointed by number of stupid mistakes!  The good news is it can only get better! 1:00:15 for 3.1km!!

Next Night Orienteering Race - Lanhydrock 16th November more details at www.cornwallorienteering.org.uk

Odds and Evens - Devon Orienteering Club Championships

I thought the opportunity to have a run on this dual map had disappeared, when I took up the challenge of planning the 2011 Tamar Triple event on these maps.  Fortunately the wheels of change turn slowly in Devon and the mining company have yet to start dumping the waste from the proposed Tungsten mine.  I was determined to get a run even with the remnants of a lingering annoying cold.  I knew that however big a task it looked on the map it was going to be possible to clear the lot for the top runners, but would I be able to scrape in under the time limit?  I started on evens and the big decision was soon upon me at #58, could I justify going out #60. I was only 8 minutes in and running OK.  I made the decision not to, but would I regret it?  I turned back to collect the remaining evens on the Wheal Florence section and was happy to be pretty accurate all down the map.  At #40 I actually started out to #35, before remembering the transition control that had to be visited, 21.55 gone.  Feeling pretty rough now but determined to clean up the rest of the controls, off I went on the 1:10000 map, which plays with your head a bit after the 1:2500.  Again clean, but slowing badly by the time I hit the 1:2500 map for the last time.  Happy to finish in 57:21 missing only one control and 6th/44, 4 runners cleared the course.

Scottish Six Days: Day 5 - Roseisle

Well what can I say what an amazing race.  Certainly my favourite area of the week.  Parked at RAF Kinloss and had a 3km walk to the start in the heat.  Happy to have an early start as it was already very hot for my 10:46 start.  Looking at the map I find it difficult to draw my route so this entry might be shorter than normal.  What I can say is that #1 came up very quickly and if I hadn't noticed a fellow Cornwall member punching I might have run right past, thanks Bernard!  Took the beach option to #5 but couldn't find the path off the beach as it turned out I cut in early straight to the path junction and into the control clean.  The whole course was very technical and there was no time lose concentration. It was good to find a breeze as I turned out of  #11 28 mins in and no major problems just a few hesitations.  This forest was super quick under foot and there were defiantly going to be some fast times.  Really nice plan to #17 and really well executed.  Misread the map at  #20 for the only major mistake of the day, expected the Reentrant to be on the west side of the hill.  Eventually relocated off the open area near the path to the east, 53:49 gone.  Went direct to #25 but dropped short to control in depression, really hot in this open area so glad to get back in the forest.  Slight miss to #26 ran hard to #27 but legs and lungs complaining a bit now 77:25 still a slim chance of dipping under 80mins.  Pushed through the last 3 controls and went as hard as I could down the run in.  8.6km in 80:03 in 33rd place.  Overall 39th with best 4 results to count.  Still possible to push up the results if I have a good run tomorrow!

Last day 9.2km 485m on Coulmony and Belivat

Mark Lockett
07779643449

Scottish Six Days: Day 4 - Loch of Boath

So how were my legs after a rest day, stood on the start line I wasn't sure.  My goal for the day was to have a clean, well paced run.  Going off to hard was not  an option today on my 8.2km 230m course.  Took the safe path option to #1  then used fence and hill to guide me into the control.  Good running pushed me to take the straight line option to #2, #3 and #4.  Thought about the track option to #5 but decided against it.  Crossed the ditch in the open area but drifted left and didn't cross second path.  Decided to relocate to fence line to the west, saw the fence and track before I got there and was able to pick new knoll to south of track as new attackpoint.  Cut through light green on the way to #7 which wasted a bit of time .  Clean through to #13, but fell waist deep in water crossing ditch in open area, girl in front only went knee deep, she must have special powers or could it be my lead lined shoes? Couldn't get the ground to fit the map after the fence on the way to #14 and drifted past.  61min gone at the road crossing decide to push and be confident looking for a sub 80min run.  Slight hesitation at #18 but clean through the rest to the finish. 79:18 and 33rd/52, best result of the week and the legs are feeling good.

Abbie walked around her course in the rain and blasted down the finish run to beat her daddy.  

Tomorrow the forested sand dunes of Roseisle.

Mark Lockett
07779643449

Scottish Six Days Day Three - Culbin.

First we were off to the string course and Abbie decided to go around on her own, it is great to see her grow in confidence as the week has gone on.  She also enjoyed her White course and manage to beat me on the finish split! She spent the rest of the time playing with Mazie in the Asembly field.  I am glad she is enjoying her first taste of a big orienteering event.

Now to my run! Drifted left to #1 and onto path but didn't waste too much time.  

#2 really set the tone tough going but looking forward to hitting the ride, never saw it eventually made it on to the path and turned wrong way, realised, turned back and hacked across to other track.  Took easy option of veg boundary as attackpoint and bearing in.  Met Will Hancock at #4 unfortunately injured and retiring.  Some relief of the hard going to #6 but once in the open area things got tough again so opted for path run to #7.  Nice run along the coast to #8.  To conservative to #10 hit veg boundary further SW than I wanted.  Energy going on the way to #11 but happy to see competitor speed pass 10m to my left, obviously on a track, switched to join it but nothing there, how do those guys run so quickly over this terrain.  Tiring big time to #17 but managing to keep it clean.  Tom longer track/ride option to #18 but ride did not provide the good running I hoped for.  Missed large ride on the way to #20 stood scraping head for a time but managed to get it back together.  Glad to get over the finish line cheered on by Cornwall OC club mates.  8.2km 80m climb 84:42. (Actually distance run 9.8km)

Next up a rest day and a spot of Dolphin spotting.  I can hear my legs saying thank you!

Scottish Six Days Day Two - Carse of Ardersier

Into overdrive!  Early start today so no tracks established early on.  Came off the track to #2 and quickly realised today was going to be tougher under foot than yesterday and with 9.2km and it being hot I needed to get the pace right for the whole run.  Major hill of the day at #5 all 15m of it but a steep little thing.  The technical side of things ramped up at #8, and the tough terrain and complex nature made for a slow split.  Made up for it to #9 and #10 with well executed nav.  Off track to #13 but came out of the light green and saw fence crossing in front of me. Phew! (not as route on map extract) #14 follow unmarked ditch from south all the way to control.  Caught a break going towards #20 picked up unmarked track from man made feature which took me all the way to path south of the control.  Scrabbled around a bit at #24 but nothing major and was happy to make it home in 87min 53sec for 9.2km (actual distance run 11.1km)

Abbie mean while completed her White course in 19.51secs, did the string, cheered in all the runners from Cornwall Orienteering Club and got a mention on the run into the finish from the commentary team. Way to go! 

Tomorrow the challenges of Culbin and 8.6km, it gonna be technical............