Discussion: Map Memory Practice
in: Orienteering; Training & Technique
Nov 18, 2011 6:49 PM
#
I told Ali after the Ski-O WOC that we did a map memory exercise back in Stockholm. Here is a variation. I tried to set up one in conjunction with the local A-meets this fall but that fizzled (no permits).
It's basically two concentric circular (more or less) tracks with sizes some 50 and 100 m across and with a bunch of full and partial spokes. I decided on 20 and 40 paces (appr. 17 and 34 m) diameters making the tracks close to 800 m total. The "map" is universal for any location!
An open field is the best venue and I had planed to mark all tracks with ~ 1x1x2" blaze orange wooden markers. Other ways are marking with bleached flour or ground limestone. On the MM Circle there will be some 20-30 "check points", consisting of 4x4" ridged pieces with numbers placed flat on the ground. No punches or anything like that - this is a practice. I hold the markers in place with 5" spikes - painted orange so not to lose them (for show, there is a spike on top of the marker).
The participants are handed packages of pages with strip maps covering S to F. Here is a sample with legs of increasing complexities.
If you hate to have North in varying direction, use "flip maps" with e.g. four legs per sheet. If there are few runners then another variation is to have a next leg map snippet displayed next to each marker. The full map is posted near the Start for those "lost". A compass is nice but not really needed.
The course can be reused by running it in reverse direction a second time; requiring A and B direction maps. I suggest to alter directions for each runner if there is a crowd.
Timing is probably a good way to increase the intensity. Coach says that trail running (1 km) before entering or reentering the course would also be beneficial. Smart alicks are not allowed to use their geometric minds to make shortcuts.
This exercise is great for skiOers but good for footOers also. Works well as a youngster game when smaller and with punches, control cards and fewer CPs.
In snow conditions, the circles can be larger since the trail marking is much easier. Have maps showing next control at each CP - map flipping is no good on skis.
Now Amherst Gang - test it out. Have fun!
It's basically two concentric circular (more or less) tracks with sizes some 50 and 100 m across and with a bunch of full and partial spokes. I decided on 20 and 40 paces (appr. 17 and 34 m) diameters making the tracks close to 800 m total. The "map" is universal for any location!
An open field is the best venue and I had planed to mark all tracks with ~ 1x1x2" blaze orange wooden markers. Other ways are marking with bleached flour or ground limestone. On the MM Circle there will be some 20-30 "check points", consisting of 4x4" ridged pieces with numbers placed flat on the ground. No punches or anything like that - this is a practice. I hold the markers in place with 5" spikes - painted orange so not to lose them (for show, there is a spike on top of the marker).
The participants are handed packages of pages with strip maps covering S to F. Here is a sample with legs of increasing complexities.
If you hate to have North in varying direction, use "flip maps" with e.g. four legs per sheet. If there are few runners then another variation is to have a next leg map snippet displayed next to each marker. The full map is posted near the Start for those "lost". A compass is nice but not really needed.
The course can be reused by running it in reverse direction a second time; requiring A and B direction maps. I suggest to alter directions for each runner if there is a crowd.
Timing is probably a good way to increase the intensity. Coach says that trail running (1 km) before entering or reentering the course would also be beneficial. Smart alicks are not allowed to use their geometric minds to make shortcuts.
This exercise is great for skiOers but good for footOers also. Works well as a youngster game when smaller and with punches, control cards and fewer CPs.
In snow conditions, the circles can be larger since the trail marking is much easier. Have maps showing next control at each CP - map flipping is no good on skis.
Now Amherst Gang - test it out. Have fun!
This discussion thread is closed.