OMM2025 Straight Elite Mixed Award!!
I challenged the Straight Elite OMM2025 with Sachiko, also known as George.
The result was second in the mixed category and fifth overall (the true first in the mixed category was third overall, so we were lucky to be awarded early).
)
)It was a reunion with Sachiko since we fought together as Fukinoto in the 3-day adventure race called Real Quest in 2019, but both of us gained experience in different places (Hiroki and Fukiko in the U.S., Sachiko at TEW) and were able to showcase our powered-up skills.
Below are some thoughts and notes in bullet points.
I couldn't maintain the 5-minute lead from the first day and lost by 3 minutes. It's frustrating.
Thanks to George, there was more pressure than usual.
On the first day, we placed first in the mixed category and fourth overall, and I was surprised to be able to compete at such a high level.
The morning of the second day started with a bit of excitement. I messed up at CP1 & 2 but got over it.
On the way to the last key CP10 of the second day, I was in a pack with three other teams (Yanagishita, Marui, Tachibana) and feeling excited again. If I was watching people and not reading the map, I would have lost and couldn't recover. Of course, right? (laughs)
As expected, Sachiko has great stamina and is a positive force.
Skiier Sachiko has amazing off-road capabilities, so descending steep, slippery slopes was no problem.
I was able to focus on navigation comfortably throughout, and it was fun.
With less underbrush and a pleasant terrain with good visibility, the variety of route choices was enjoyable.
It's fun to have it set up in micro terrain where you can't let your guard down until the end.
There are parts that turned out great and parts that were a bit off, with plenty of room for improvement.
Poor fuel efficiency. I brought a total of 6800 calories, but it wasn't enough...← It seems quite a lot compared to others.
Reducing the weight of equipment is also a major challenge.
The booth was so much fun but too busy. By the second half of the first day, my brain was melting.
Our original gaiters, compasses, and keychains are very popular, and I'm so happy about it.
KATANA Adventure is also planning to power up for next year's OMM.
I started navigation in 2016, inspired by OMM.
At that time, I didn't know anything about adventure racing or orienteering. I can't talk about my life without OMM now.
Joint booth with Gurney Goo (Limited sale of TEW's The MAGNIficent clear files)
Just before the start of the first day
Finish of the second day! We did it!
It's frustrating, but I'm happy about the award!
