At the start of July the save the date went out to all possible victims (ahem, athletes) just before the Team Manager trotted off on her annual Lakes Wainwright bagging trip….and we were off on the annual VHI roller coaster……those being astute went for some World championship sprint training. The call to arms was out there!
Soo this year was home soil, newly mapped areas in Gortin, area embargoed, the advantage was to be had. No flights, no mad delays, no hire cars, it’s gonna be a breeze this year – we will take the expensive accommodation! With rule changes our 35s n 40s were to be left behind or diminished to single file…no fair our speedy legs will have to fall on those not injured, feeling spritely and those taking the best supplements.
Team gathered, with less travel on the cards, we could even take a few partners, kiddies and redundant squad runners in the accommodation. Plush beds with mattress protectors, ensuites and kitchen facilities. Oh how we laughed at the thought of the other teams communal spaces! The instructions and updates from the Fermo 2 were coming thick n fast. Never missing a detail, even sending a route gadget for homework of the courses in 2018, the swotting had begun.
As the weeks rolled in, so did the injuries, just when you think you have everything covered, bam!! Too many morning meetings interrupted with frantic whatsapping for age categories in the far corners of the island ensued, the 2 weeks before were gonna test the mental stability of one manager. That Irish champs results page for that lovely NIMRA like Long was invaluable. A bit of begging, we were back to full strength.
An Creggan HQ was set up by lunch time on the Friday by a nice warm fire…. as the troops all filed in……..some being better navigators than others (shocker)..… it did get dark being the excuse……one group did have the team manager standing out on the road with the flashlight on the mobile, only to flag down one car……no we don’t sell that here was the response……
Evening chats and dinner ensued in the 6 abodes, a visit from the team manager – don’t be late it’s a 45 minute walk to the start uphill, a light jog maybe 30. Be there on time! I have ibuprofen if you need it, so suck it up like good soldiers – though secretly one’s own foot was still sore from a dive across the heather, going full pelt around Doan, only 2 weeks previously.
The Individuals – VHI being given the space to compete before being chased down by the local contingent…..one by one the Irish team were off. What could only be described as visually challenging on the first few controls, the use of a torch might have been good kit, or was that a ploy by the planner!! Now things happen out there, as we all know and you think it’s only you until you return. Chats of timed out areas being used for a breather, a snack and pre planning the next few controls…..Marshalls saying keep running only to be sniffed at, you canny make me!!……lost dibbers, magenta mountain bike tracks, that bloody open, that carpark was in the wrong place and my personal favourite a dogwalker shouting they are all going that way……..running in the opposite direction just cos u can’t tell me what to do!!! Is not the best course of action……Everyone in & accounted for!
Lunch administered and left with far too many crisps – where’s the juniors – ahhh problem solved all gone. A nice afternoon of rest – rats relays need to go – mmmhh do we need to make any changes, not technically but timing required for the Sunday morning travellers. Bathed, fed and filled with tea n Steph’s healthy flapjacks, just a nice evening meal ahead. 2 1/2 points behind Wales, a motivational speech might be required…….a huddle….or just some threats of no dinner if you canny put the effort in the mara! We have work to do….
Bistro 6ixteen in Gortin was invaded by all 4 nations – very cosmopolitan for a Saturday evening – there was even a bar. Some opted for a glass of red to relax the mind & one was talking like a washing machine to anyone who would listen. Dinner was yum though there were complaints that there was no choice for starters on the meal list, that’s because you were getting soup…end off.
Everyone home by 10 – loungewear n slippers at the ready by the fire – 3 possible routes to Seiskinore from An Creggan- who was to be pole position at 8:30…..for those who turned left at the cottages….epic fail….& the relays hadn’t even started.
With all the weather warnings it finally arrived – that typical 50mm of rainfall in 20mins – good old Irish weather – the course is gonna be fun. 9:30 team photo, drowned rats, this looks like a nice wee forest…………
MWM off first …..followed by WMW …..spectator control and a run through…..ure gonna miss no one, so as Sir Ralph Fiennes says…..look like you have always done it!! After some time the first men started to move through, but no green, one nervous team manger was starting to wonder if it was the Bermuda triangle out there!! Phew there they are……as they arrived in lots of team advice of USE THE PATHS!!!! As one Wales runner arrived back with barbs akin to Ferrero Roche all over her, much to the amusement of all in the pen – what the heck are those!!! With the front relay runners all levelling out it was down to the last few teams to determine the Welsh Irish standing…….nail bitting stuff…….a mispunch…..the last 4-5 controls sending athletes in all type of terrain – it was all over!! Ireland closed the gap and as it could be said made the mirror signal manoeuvre past Wales – 6 points!!
Ireland after 7 years regained the stonewall trophy!!
Second year as manager – I used to be considered sharp but on two days of the year – I can barely remember my name & DOB – but to say am proud of all 24 runners would be an understatement. They show up, are patient with my emails and run with their hearts. I can ask for nothing more.
As for the home crowd marshalling and organising what fantastic hosts, if not a little biased, making my job just a huge bit easier. Major kudos to FERMO.
But if anyone sees a squirrel running around Gortin sporting a SIAC – a wee birdie tells me it was left like breadcrumbs for any orienteer coming behind who just happens to be a little bit lost….what a gift 😊
See ye all at Carnawaddy 😉
Sharon Dickenson, VHI Team Manager
