Discussion: and 3)

it's pretty good practice for reading a map while running...

I've occasionally brought books to read as well as old maps (or maps for places I'm going to run later - e.g. I should be carrying WOC-middle terrain maps soon...) I can read and run, but I have a hard time going even full 'slow' pace while reading continuously.

I ran the same 4.1km paved loop on Tue. & Thu. AM this week - on Tue. I was reading a book I couldn't put down, and on Thu. I was watching my HRM, keeping up an 'easy' pace, and the difference was 27 min. vs. 21 min.

I suspect most of the top orienteers could do their full easy pace and read a book just fine. Or at least a map. I should try with a map as maybe that's easier than a book...

Gosh, would be amazing to run at near top speed, reading or map-reading, so totally unimaginable. Maps might be a bit easier than a really gripping book, at least map reading you're forced to keep your head up looking around a bit more!

Hope the hip-healing pre-WOC goes well, and good luck for the middle!