Orienteering?

[Deleted User] · April 2004

Are there any orienteers out there? I used to dabble about 5 years ago, used to do W21S distances. I wasn't into running at the time though, so it was more of a slog throw the undergrowth than proper racing!

Anyway, I have recently taken up running - I'm doing a 5K in 4 weeks time.

Now I'm gettig into the swing of the running lark, I'm thinking of going orienteering again.

My question is - if I am looking at doing a 10K in Autumn, is orienteering compatible with my training or should I just concentrate on one thing? I know there won't be many events on overthe summer anyway, but I'd like to hear from others to see what their experience of mixing orienteering with 'proper' running is.

Doubly Bionic Ironwolf · April 2004

Yes! Orienteering is super cross-training, you are doing strengthening cross-country running and sharpening your mind at the same time. Plus it gives you a break from the regular grind of plain running training.

[Deleted User] · April 2004

Did a 3.5k event yesterday. I'd class that as equivalent to a 3 or 4 mile run on the road, if we're talking equivalent effort. First event I've done for about 20 years, really enjoyed it! I'd probably treat it as a hilly fartlek session. Certainly worked the muscles more than an ordinary run, I had to high step over brambles and bracken, and there were a couple of log hurdles.

Go for it, littlemissgreedy, I think it will definitely help your training, and I plan to do more events as training myself.

Seela · April 2004

Go for it, its off road and less damaging. I've usually found its a bit like fartlek too. You know, a few moments resting, scratching your head trying to work out which way to then next control than a manic dash through the forest.

As a general rule I take about as long to do an orienterring event in kms as I would to do the same distance in miles. i.e a 10km orenteering event takes me about as long as a 10mile road run.

I usually do colour coded events, and frequently do 'green' courses.

[Deleted User] · April 2004

I started out on this last November. I find it greta cross-training as above and more especially the soft surfaces are kind on the joints. I don't run as hard as I would in races and often use it as a gentle effort the day before a road race.

I do green courses and always make at least one BIG mistake that I look back and laugh at.

Go for it LMG.

WildWill · April 2004

i dont do any events but do like to do some treking in the hills / mountains - normaly aim to carry a large(ish) pack

tis great x-training

[Deleted User] · April 2004

Thanks all - once I get my 5k out of the way, I'll be looking for local events...

[Deleted User] · April 2004

i recently contacted my local club.. and intend to go along to some of their events.

[Deleted User] · April 2004

Orienteering in the South East

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