WOC
is over and after a tough party I've had some time to reflect on the week. I
really enjoyed the races, the terrain, the atmosphere and the competition. I
ran well and I was proud of my performance. But I am disappointed and frustrated
as well. I have improved my control, technique and fitness this year and I know
I can do better than this! Still, this week has left me feeling really inspired.
Next year I will be back for more!!!The hardest battle for me during the week was the waiting game. I really believe that to focus on one or few races is important but this leaves you with a lot of time on your hands. There are only so many hours you can spend watching MTV or playing board games. It is hard to maintain your focus and excitement throughout the days. This is something I will plan differently next year.
As a team I think that the performance was good, but much more is possible! The relays were a highlight of the week and saw consistently good performances leading to a great result - nice one! Well done to everyone, especially the rookies in the team, and thanks to the staff and supporters - it makes a big difference.
Now I will take a break from orienteering for a few weeks and concentrate on starting a PhD (in Soviet art) and fell running. Then in November Jenny and I will visit Japan for a World Ranking Event and some preparation for next year. That is when it starts all over again. Bring it on!
18/9/04: WOC Middle Final... 22nd again
Oli
will be disappointed not to have finished in the top 20 at today's WOC final
but he came very very close. In fact at the pre-warning he was just 3 tenths
of a second off 20th place, he'll have to come down the track and train with
Hallamshire more this winter! In fact Oli's shoe laces were ripped off one shoe
by a branch after 4km causing him to slow down and his shoe even came off on
the run-in! Still all-in-all a great performance. Thierry Gueorgiou (FRA) held
on to his title from last year, with Valentin Novikov (RUS) 2nd and Anders Nordberg
(NOR) 3rd.