okansas.blogspot.com Occassional thoughts about orienteering
Wednesday, October 30, 2002
5 thoughts before the US Champs
Goals My goal is to have two clean runs. Recently, I haven't managed to put together a good race. I put in a few good legs, then boom. At times I've navigated and run well...but only for a few legs at a time. I'm hoping to put together two clean runs. I don't expect to win, but I might be able to fight for a top 3 place.
Yardstick This race should give me an idea where I stand. I'm not in the best shape and I'm not orienteering especially well. How will I stack up against the competition? The level of competition looks good -- orienteers like Joe Brautigam and Greg Balter are running M35 although they'd probably be competitive in M21.
Nice courses? When Mary and I went to Peggy's wedding in June, we got her to design a couple of training courses for us. The training courses she designed were good -- plenty of variety and some tough controls. I'm looking forward to a weekend of good courses (Peggy is setting one of the days).
Is this Mook's year? In the pre-race speculation on the Attackpoint discussion, Mook's name hasn't shown up. But, I think this is a race where Mook could shine. THe last time a strong field was assembled in this sort of terrain was at the short and long champs in 2001. That race was in Ohio. Mook dominated. He won both races.
