Hey. Another season is upon us, and spring training has begun - although March and April so far have offered more of a combination of winter and summer training weather, without much spring. The asphalt offers the only place to stretch one's legs at this time of the year, and it only makes me look forward even more to the woods drying out in May. Once the snow has gone from open areas in April, though, I usually look out across the field that adjoins our backyard and marvel at how good the ground looks already. Undisturbed, it looks truly tempting. As a result, for the past three years I've embarked on runs - prematurely - across the fields, down the back roads and along some trails. Last year, led by my fearless neighbour, they were particularly memorable. (Lesson 1: Do not covet thy neighbour's advice.) Even the farmer had not yet let the horses or cows into the upper paddock (probably for fear of losing one or having to airlift them out as a minimum). One might think that several ankle deep steps would discourage the average runner (or orienteer with any common sense) but we ran on. The roads which joined the field on the far side were like soup. (Lesson 2: Do not run in white socks.) Consequently, we elected to head for the trails. Neither of us could recall the stream-crossings being so deep or so wide, or so cold. Well, my socks were white again anyway. (Lesson 3: Cold water cleans whites just as well as hot water.) Having lost feeling in most parts below the knees (and above the neck), we elected to abort the run and head for the street. More soft road and field had to be crossed before culminating in a manure pile (it looked like a straw pile, my leader said). Not again this year, although if it's anything like our yard looks, it might be okay...
Santa brought me some shin pads, for orienteering. Wow. What a guy that old Nick. He brought a thumb compass last year which allowed me to run and scratch efficiently at the same time. And now this. My orienteering kit bag is getting pretty big. But I refuse to believe that wearing these things will allow me to run even more recklessly through the woods. If this is the case, then I may be looking to supplement my kit bag with some orienteering elbow pads and orienteering shoulder pads. I haven't heard much lately on the debate over mandatory orienteering face masks. Unlike the thumb compass which was supposed to improve my course times (but didn't), the shin pads are supposed to improve my comfort level following the run (they will). Pretty soon you won't be able to tell me from the experts (if you don't watch me navigate or look at the meet results).
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