Discussion: Thierry Gueorgiou's presentation 10/17/09
in: Juniors
Oct 22, 2009 2:57 AM
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First let me say that this is a summary of my interpretation of the technical aspects of orienteering presented as part of Thierry Gueorgiou's (Tero), "If you can dream it, you can do it" presentation. It was very inspiring to be at the actual presentation and hear about the determination and perseverance necessary to become world champion as well as a little of his philosophy. Unfortunately, that is not captured in this summary and there are no video clips or sample maps to illustrate his concepts. Certainly it is best to hear the presentation live but for those that couldn't be there, here are my notes on the technical aspects of orienteering.
There are 3 types of orienteers; Type 3 are those that know where they have been (probably most of us), type 2 are those that know where they are now, and type 1 are those that know where they will be in the next minute or two. Tero used to be type 2 but realized after finishing (only!), 18th at WOC 2001 with virtually no mistakes that he would need to change the way he orienteered if he wanted to become world Champion. He credits his Finnish club coach with helping him to become a type 1 orienteer---one that doesn't know exactly where he is at every moment but soon will know exactly where he is because he is heading toward a "distinct feature" that will bring him right back into contact with the map.
One of the keys to this technique seems to be the ability to pick out those "distinct features" that are visible from some distance away AND readily recognizable. Note that if you want to be World Champion, you need to be able to do this quickly for each control while running full speed through the forest. Tero says he can run fairly straight using his compass and that is how he gets to his "distinct feature". He does check off obvious features along the way but since he is running a fairly straight line, he only has to look for those features along the line. Those orienteers who stray off the straight line have to consider all the possible features in an ever widening corridor which makes the task of checking off intermediate features much more difficult
That seems to be the general philosophy of Tero's approach. Some of the specifics of his training are that just about half of all his training is doing actual orienteering. And, much of what isn't actual orienteering, (i.e. running), is still done with a map in hand to practice picking out features,etc. under the stress of exercise. (All this training with a map must be how he can pick out the "distinct features" so quickly)
He had a graph showing the amount of training he does but the only number I remember was that as an 18 year old, he did about 350 hours for the year. Again, about half of that was actual orienteering.
He says that for him, there is no difference between competition and training. I think what he means is that he trains just as hard as he races so when he gets to a competition, it is just like another training event.
More specifics:
When asked if he checks control codes his response was "it depends". He always checks them during relay races and if something didn't seem right during the leg. If he is sure, he doesn't check. And yes, he does DQ sometimes.
When asked about checking the clues, he says almost always. However, one of his teammates told me they have practiced knowing exactly where the center of the circle is. That way they can tell by eyeing the center of the circle, if the control is on the north end of the small marsh or wherever. This is handy in sprints where things happen quickly and it's good to know which side of an object the control is on.
When asked about pace counting he replied that he only does it a few times a season. However, he said it can be quite useful in night O's.
When asked about planning ahead he says generally he doesn't plan any further ahead than the next leg.
His formula for success is Success= skill X Motivation
His Motto is "Full Speed, No Mistakes"
Another question and answer I found interesting was in reference to the more detailed maps that exist today versus 20 years ago. Thierry gave examples of this and when asked what he prefers, he said "it makes no difference". As long as the mapping is consistent, he is fine with either.
The whole talk was very good and I think everyone there enjoyed it very much.
There are 3 types of orienteers; Type 3 are those that know where they have been (probably most of us), type 2 are those that know where they are now, and type 1 are those that know where they will be in the next minute or two. Tero used to be type 2 but realized after finishing (only!), 18th at WOC 2001 with virtually no mistakes that he would need to change the way he orienteered if he wanted to become world Champion. He credits his Finnish club coach with helping him to become a type 1 orienteer---one that doesn't know exactly where he is at every moment but soon will know exactly where he is because he is heading toward a "distinct feature" that will bring him right back into contact with the map.
One of the keys to this technique seems to be the ability to pick out those "distinct features" that are visible from some distance away AND readily recognizable. Note that if you want to be World Champion, you need to be able to do this quickly for each control while running full speed through the forest. Tero says he can run fairly straight using his compass and that is how he gets to his "distinct feature". He does check off obvious features along the way but since he is running a fairly straight line, he only has to look for those features along the line. Those orienteers who stray off the straight line have to consider all the possible features in an ever widening corridor which makes the task of checking off intermediate features much more difficult
That seems to be the general philosophy of Tero's approach. Some of the specifics of his training are that just about half of all his training is doing actual orienteering. And, much of what isn't actual orienteering, (i.e. running), is still done with a map in hand to practice picking out features,etc. under the stress of exercise. (All this training with a map must be how he can pick out the "distinct features" so quickly)
He had a graph showing the amount of training he does but the only number I remember was that as an 18 year old, he did about 350 hours for the year. Again, about half of that was actual orienteering.
He says that for him, there is no difference between competition and training. I think what he means is that he trains just as hard as he races so when he gets to a competition, it is just like another training event.
More specifics:
When asked if he checks control codes his response was "it depends". He always checks them during relay races and if something didn't seem right during the leg. If he is sure, he doesn't check. And yes, he does DQ sometimes.
When asked about checking the clues, he says almost always. However, one of his teammates told me they have practiced knowing exactly where the center of the circle is. That way they can tell by eyeing the center of the circle, if the control is on the north end of the small marsh or wherever. This is handy in sprints where things happen quickly and it's good to know which side of an object the control is on.
When asked about pace counting he replied that he only does it a few times a season. However, he said it can be quite useful in night O's.
When asked about planning ahead he says generally he doesn't plan any further ahead than the next leg.
His formula for success is Success= skill X Motivation
His Motto is "Full Speed, No Mistakes"
Another question and answer I found interesting was in reference to the more detailed maps that exist today versus 20 years ago. Thierry gave examples of this and when asked what he prefers, he said "it makes no difference". As long as the mapping is consistent, he is fine with either.
The whole talk was very good and I think everyone there enjoyed it very much.
Oct 22, 2009 12:11 PM
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nice summary of an inspiring presentation. I found the comment on mapping quality interesting. I've often heard that people don't feel they can orienteer in North America using Tero's style because our maps aren't good enough. His comment of consistent mapping being more important was an interesting one. I would guess the more detailed the map the better for him since he can simplify so much better than most racers. again nice summary.
Oct 22, 2009 3:26 PM
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Ye, thanks great summary..
obviously us non-americans couldn't make it so great to get a summary of what sounds like a very good and motivating presentation
obviously us non-americans couldn't make it so great to get a summary of what sounds like a very good and motivating presentation
This discussion thread is closed.