Week of the Sun: Day 1

Today was the first run of the Week of the Sun orienteering event. The first race was the long distance. Luke and I had an easy 3.6km, Mum had 5.5km and Dad nearly fainted when he saw that he had 9.2km to run. "I haven't run 9km in years!" That's the moment Dad decided that he wouldn't have a beer the night before... okay maybe one.

The day before was a model event to get a taste of how the forest was mapped but we had a look at the full map on the bulletin and it didn't even give you a good look at what the forest was. A new item on the map we learnt is that in Italy a brown cross means a charcoal burning area (in Australia it is a root mound) and god they don't stand out when you run by. Luke, Mum and I had the first three starts of the day so we got there at 9am for a 10:01 start for Luke. I was the first back with a brilliant run but Luke and Mum were quite the opposite but still had a nice time.



Then having his start one hour behind us three Dad came (or crawled) down the finish chute looking like he had run up Mt. Everest. He walked over to us had his lunch and water then piped up with a question... "Do you know if they're selling beer anywhere?" Much to Dad's delight there was a drinks vendor selling the coldest beer Dad's had in Italy.


We all had a great time (but not all of us had great runs) and none of us DNFed or mispunched. Tomorrow are the Relays,hopefully we can come through with a good time. Tomorrow is Luke's birthday as well as Luke keeps reminding us.

Jake

Location:Umbra Forest