Have you guys talked running order at all?
With your lack of WOC/Sweden experience vs. Eric and Ross, would it make sense for you to go first to get into some pack running a little bit? Obviously, I'm no help to you, and neither is our nearby terrain.
If you're the first leg, practice running at 3:30/k for the first k or two and simplifying everything. You'll only have time to read the major details.
How many mass start races a year do you do Will?
Have not sorted running order. Mass start races, I dunno, four or five a year, though I generally prefer not to be on the first leg of a relay. I'm not so concerned about the "relay" part, more about the "forest" part. What is the terrain like, what is the mapping like, is there anywhere comparable in NA, etc.
How early are you heading over to Sweden? Do you have any time to get into the terrain before WOC? It would be pretty helpful if you could.
The big difference between anything we have in the US and Sweden is the footing. Everything is soft, and so all the forest running requires more leg strength than in the US.
The single biggest skill I would work on that you can replicate at home is running through the woods with your head up while looking at a map. I think people who are not used to Scandi woods spend a lot of time at first looking at the ground while running, which obviously takes away from orienteering. So set training courses for yourself and practice running with your head up while looking at your map.
For an endless trove of relevant maps, just check out TGIF's AP log for the last year. He has been on oodles of local training package maps.
Good luck!!
Also, I would not underestimate the relay aspect of things, either. As Greg says, it is impossible not to be drawn into running faster than you really should be. Do you and Eric live close enough to set up some head-to-head training sessions, preferably with some forking?
Will, The marshy grassy area in Magnuson Park is a good place to start.
Next best thing, a loop set up inside a Sleep Country USA warehouse with some factory direct Plush merchandise
I'm arriving on the evening of the 17th and the relay isn't till the 27th or whatever, so will have some time at least.
Thank you for the help, gentlemen! I will take those tips to heart.