Training at Landahl

We did a short training session at Landahl after the event. We focused on contours. The exercise tested the effect of contours (up and down) on how well we moved through the forest. We tested up and down in the woods; flat in the woods; and flat on a trail. The test was simple - move at a consistent effort (running or walking) for 20 seconds, then count your paces back to the start point. With a set of paces in each condition, you can get a good sense of what slows you down.

Everyone went furthest on the trail. That's to be expected. Everyone was slowed by the hills and the forest. Again, that's to be expected. By doing tests like this, you can get a good idea of how much the forest and the hills slow you down.

If you do this sort of test with several other orienteers, then you get a sense of each orienteers strengths. Nancy moved well through the forest. Matt was especially strong going up hill. Joe blazed the downhills.

Submitted by Michael Eglinski