cape orienteering champs at lebanon - long distance

For me, the long distance event at the western cape orienteering champs was one long punishment. Pain, followed by more pain, big and rough hills, it was just too hard for me.

I started with a few silly routes, going around in stead of straight, then where it counted, I went straight in stead of around. Then at control no 16, the water point, things started really going wrong. I was just too tired. I made a small mistake going to no 17, a bigger mistake going to no 18, and a 22 minute, of the map, didn't know where the hell I was, mistake going to no 19.

At this point I decided to quit, I chose a road and started running in the general direction of the finish. Then Andy popped out of the forest and was kind enough to show me where I was. From then onwards it was just a painful slog to the finish.

I'm a little disappointed with my big error. I hadn't made one of those since, well, the last champs in the same area! As for the pain, I guess I should have known it was going to hurt (insert lack of fitness disclaimer here)