Discussion: orienteering

Well, who knows if I will orienteer successfully again, but I haven't given up on it. I guess I generally feel more vulnerable playing golf than I do orienteering. The twisting involved seems to be difficult for me to sustain, and carrying a bag is not as effortless as it used to be 8 or 10 years ago when I was playing a lot. I haven't given up on rowing, either, but I expect I will have to keep it short and slow for a while. Meanwhile, you are doing really well with your city running, bicycle excursions, golf, and rowing.

do people blow out shoulders or knees on the swing?

Definitely swinging too hard if you do. My problems have been more in the legs and low back. Elbows are also vulnerable.

Gee Charlie, you're a man for all seasons! I didn't know you used to play golf. Did you give it up because of injury?

I've been fortunate; in the five or so years I've been playing golf, I haven't sustained any real injury. But I don't hit that hard either...200yds is my maximum drive. And never having played at a higher level, I still enjoy getting a bogie, two-putting a sloping green, or breaking 100 on a course with a high slope rating. And too I enjoy the challenge of finding my way from home to the golf course on public transit...my form of orienteering these days!

Yes, I did give it up because of injury, but it seemed like it was a different injury each year for a while. Rotator cuff surgery, a broken wrist, a back injury, maybe something else. After a couple of years I just didn't miss it and haven't had the enthusiasm to go back. And now my favorite golf partner has withdrawn from the field, so even less reason to take up the clubs. I have played once each year for the last several years, and probably 5 times in 2015 when Zack was interested in it.