Delaware Valley Orienteering Association

Topic created by Len on Wed Nov 7, 2012 at 7:30 am

Len
Num Posts: 124
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2011

Since Patty and I have a free day Sunday we were thinking of going out using a map from a previous event. As we have never done this we were looking for some pointers on what would make it most effective. We were thinking we would just walk a course and look for the features that the controls were placed on. Any  helpful hints would be welcome.

Reply by anniemac on Wed Nov 7, 2012 at 10:33 am

anniemac
Num Posts: 156
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 0

I have done this a few times, but I am no expert. 

I have noticed, though, that this as a practice has been great for me.  It forces you to look for features, what you should be looking for in the first place.  One thing I have tried that's been very productive is to practice constant contact with the map - always knowing exactly where you are.  Identify as many features you see around you on the map, improve map reading skills.  (For some gratification, I make a beep sound when I find the control feature.)

Also, be sure to pick a map of a place that was run at roughly the same time of year.  Maybe it's not true for all venues, but for some it is.  I learned this the hard way, at Ridley where there is lots of green and tough going in the summer.  I said to myself, Oh, that's why the meets are always held in the winter.:)

Funny, I was thinking about doing this same thing this weekend (not sure I can hack another 2.5 hour drive on Sunday for the Stumble.) Good luck and have fun!

Reply by furlong47 on Wed Nov 7, 2012 at 7:17 pm

furlong47
Num Posts: 372
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Bucks County Community College
First O: 1994

You can make yourself a line-O - draw a squiggly line on the map, all around different features, then try to follow it in the terrain. Works on keeping map contact & identifying features in terrain.

Reply by WindWalker on Wed Nov 7, 2012 at 8:22 pm

WindWalker
Num Posts: 164
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2011

I have done this at French Creek going from Charcoal terrace to Charcoal terrace. It is amazing what you notice when your not running.

Enjoy, Mike

Reply by Len on Thu Nov 8, 2012 at 7:22 am

Len
Num Posts: 124
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2011

Thanks for the pointers and hints. Good stuff we will work into our practice.
Ann - I know what you mean. We had a 4.5 hr drive home. :(  Unfortunately for us, there are few options for us under a one hour drive. Patty has wanted to re-run the NAOC middle, so we may do that. Its just under an hour for us.

Reply by rpboehme on Thu Nov 8, 2012 at 9:33 am

rpboehme
Num Posts: 129
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map: Nolde
First O: 2012

May I suggest that since upcoming events appear to be on hillier terrain (Antietam and Silas Condict), I suggest hiller maps like Nolde or Star Village in Bethlehem.  Depending upon how some other plans work out for me on Sunday, are you guys (Len and Patty) up for some company?

Reply by Len on Fri Nov 9, 2012 at 9:01 am

Len
Num Posts: 124
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 2011

Rich,
Good thoughts but as we weigh priorities, the Adams Creek map comes out on top. In addition to training it's also a reevaluation of performance. Were not sure of our schedule as were trying to fit other things in as well but possibly looking at the morning.

Reply by LarryG on Fri Nov 9, 2012 at 3:49 pm

LarryG
Num Posts: 80
Primary Club: DVOA
Fav map:
First O: 1998

I do this often for Winter training, both for exercise (hill climbing to get ready for ski season) and O practice.  One way to get a different perspective is to follow the old course backwards.  Makes for a new challenge finding the features from a different direction.