After some effort, (thanks managers) we were able to run the regional champs race at Santa Pola map today. I had seen this advertised and thought it would be perfect training as it is the lower half of the area we suspect the relay will be run on. So it was perfect, the Swiss team helped and we got a few buses together to take most teams to the event. Starting at 10.30am was roasting but we toughed it up faced the mental challenge and made the most of the training chance. I found it very beneficial to be in a racing setting with true controls (very bright orange against the dry dirt) and other people to ignore. The gullies were steep and rocky but not impassible as long as you keep going. My fear of them is overcome. The broad hills have scattered trees but we found it better not to try and read the green patches as they were ok to run around just set a strong bearing and go- check it often to make sure the trees dont push you off and use aiming off techniques. The gullies can be rocky to run in so some found it better to run on the spurs then sidle in early for the control. Once we got going the organisers at this event were good, with camera start and finish, and plenty of 1.5l water bottles for finishers. This 6.2km course was 54min for me at steady pace and I was happy, able to maintain focus and forget about the heat.
Spent the afternoon resting in the hostel and went to the local mall for some shopping.
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