AOC #7, 8 and 9

Here's a short review of the last 3 Austria Cups.


AC # 7 took part in a new area in East-Tyrol at the end of September. It's wasn't just a new map, it was also the very first time a O-event took part in East-Tyrol!

The terrain for this AOC (at the same time Middle-Championships for the Elite classes) was really interesting and challenging. My course (about 5,5 km with 320 climbing) first offered a part with very good runability and after the spectator control a really challenging and detailed part with many rocks, boulders and so on. I just made one big mistake in the detailed part (a stone in a green area). I finished 4th. My best result this year so far.



Last weekend it was time for the last 2 national competitions in Austria in 2007.



Event: AOC # 8 (Austrian Night Championships)
Date: Sat, 2007-10-20
My Start: 19:23
Course: 9,3 km, 125 climbing
Weather: +1° C, 5cm snow, snowfall, no wind



This was my first night-run with a good headlamp since I started orienteering and also my first night-race since 2004. It was really necassary to buy this lamp!
The controls did not reflect.



Start-C1: fastest time: 5:01, my time: 6:08

I ran on the left side of the line in order to hit the path and follow it as long as possible. Just before the fence I turned right into the smaller path. Until here I had full control, but than I somehow had a little blackout and didn't know my exact position. I stopped and thougt "Oh shit, not already at the first control!". I decided to run back the the bigger way to relocate and suddenly I saw the flag in front of me. I think this is the best example for a BINGO-control :) I just lost some 30 seconds :)

C1-C2: (1:33 - 2:07)

Just straigth into the semi-open area until I reached the blue line on the map. No problem but not full speed. Didn't want to make a mistake.

C2-C3:

Fastest leg time 1:30! Easy control.

C3-C4: (6:05 - 6:43)

I used the road to keep my speed high. Snow fall increased and I just could see a small distance. It was quite a long leg, but just road-path-running. No problems finding the flag.

C4-C5:

Fastest leg time with 3:31! I first wanted to use the path, but after some seconds I decided to run straight because it was quite easy running in the forrest as well. I hit the crossing and ran onto the open area.

C5-C6: (3:27 - 4:49)

My first mistake. I first followed the path to the end of the forrest. Here I should have used the compass more precisely. I was a little bit south of the flag and needed some time to find it. I lost 1,5 minutes?

C6-C7:

Fastest leg time 1:58. This control was a big problem for many runners. I also lost about 20 seconds, so I don't know why it was enough for a best time. At this control I was in the lead the first (and unfortunately only) time.

C7-C8 (3:43 - 6:02)

A typical mistake for me! It seems that I can't handle parallel situations. Should have had more plan about how to run this control.....

C8-C9

Fastest leg time 3:28! Just headed out to the open area and followed the little path. No problem at all.

C9-C10 (5:08 - 5:43)

Just running along the end of the forrest and the fence. Afterwards little problems with the direction. Some seconds gone.

C10-11 (3:27 - 3:47)
Used the path as long as possible and turned into the terrain as I saw the fence. No problem.

C11-C12 (2:22 - 2:31)
Easy.

C12-C13 (2:22 - 6:01)
My personal Waterloo today. I crossed the open area and used the track. I think I saw the semi-open area and left the track. There were several other runners searching for a (maybe mine) control. I ran back and tried it again, but didn't find it...... FU..!

C13-C14 (1:23 - 1:25)
Just straight.

C14-C15 (2:58 - 4:02)
50 meters before the flag I ran through a thicket which kicked my headlamp from my head. I had to stop and put it back. I lost concentration and was a little bit unsure were my exact position was. One minute gone?

C15-C16
Fastest leg time 2:38! I just went straight and had no problems finding the flag.

C16-C17 (2:34 - 2:57)
Ok, but a little bit to slow.

C17-C18 (2:33 - 3:36)
I don't know where I lost this one minute. Maybe I should have pushed myself more!

C18-C19 (1:09 - 1:24)
Easy. I should learn to suffer more at the end of a race!

C19-C20 (2:12 - 2:14)
No problem.

C20-C21
Best time with 1:01. Just running.

C21-Finish
BEST TIME 0:45

I gained a 4th place in M21 Long just 17 seconds behind Alex Srb. Without this stupid mistake at C13 I would have been the 2nd spot. That's life! I have to be satisfied with this result. My club-mate Markus won the race.

Event: 9th AOC
Date: 2007-10-21
My start: 10:22
Course: 10500m, 165 climbing
Weather: 5 cm snow on the ground, + 5° C

I first wanted to make a summary as I did at the Night Champs, but that's too much work. Here's the short version:

I had a good speed for about half of the race but than it was just suffering. Some best leg times (one on a 1,1 km leg) and one REALLY big mistake which cost me 6 minutes. 2 times I was just 5-10 meters away from the flag and didn't see it (C 10). Just have a look at the Route Gadget!

I ended in 7th spot. Not really good.

STILL TO COME:

On Friday there's the Salzburg Sprint Championships in Hallein. Let's see what I can achive.
I'll take part at the annula O-event in Venice this year again. I'm really looking forward to the Men Elite course!

So, that's it! Have a good time!

PS: My english is really bad!