Discussion:
in: Orienteering; Training & Technique
May 22, 2007 1:10 PM
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I'd say all of those things are useful and all should be done at least a little bit. For me, control picking is by far the most valuable map training because it forces constant contact with the map (St. Louis terrain allows you to be a bit sloppy without heavy penalties). Line-O also works contact, but I don't really like line-O very much.
May 23, 2007 12:45 PM
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Volunteer.
Help put on a local meet several months hence. Or do some mapping updates, course setting or vetting.
Just being repeatedly out on a map, with a specific responsibility, definitely sharpens your technical skills.
After all, how much grief would you get if somehow you misplaced a control? That's enough motivation for me, to make sure my technical skills are dead-on.
Help put on a local meet several months hence. Or do some mapping updates, course setting or vetting.
Just being repeatedly out on a map, with a specific responsibility, definitely sharpens your technical skills.
After all, how much grief would you get if somehow you misplaced a control? That's enough motivation for me, to make sure my technical skills are dead-on.
May 24, 2007 2:33 AM
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I think this is an excellent topic, very essential, applying to very many orienteers.
Assuming we are talking conventional O training, I will continue to make the case for Line-O. I will acknowledge that in less detailed terrain, like much of the Midwest, the difference between Line O and Control Picking is negligible.
The main point, as ebuckley says, is to force constant contact with the map, while running, not just picking up all the details, but doing it for an extended time without a lapse in concentration. This is the most fundamental building block skill, and it is the biggest source of lost time for all but the very best navigators, for whom technique polishing becomes more of a factor. Even for them, I think Line O is a good foundation especially early in the season or training cycle.
Why line O?
Technical relevance- If done correctly, and with discipline I think Line O forces map reading, like nothing else, more features per minute than Control Picking in moderate to very detailed terrain. You are always "within the circle" or attack area.
Ease of preparation- All you need to do is grab a map. You don't even need to draw a line. In fact going "lineless" allows for improvization, to deal with unexpected conditions, and to pick a route that best suits your ability and goals for the day. The easier the preperation, the more likely you will do it regularly.
How long?
I advocate doing this as one long continuous workout, as long as you can make it, within reason relative to your past training, going slower if needed, as long as you are still working mentally faster/harder than race intensity. (My PR Line O was 3:20 on Lake Sebago)
(Multi stage workouts are clearly appropriate to "technigue polishing" workouts.)
Two reasons-
First technically, I think pushing the concentration endurance is very important, addressing the main source of time loss.
Second physically, Line-O is very compatible with an over distance physical workout, directly addressing the one of the primary physical needs, in fact a foundation builder somewhat analagous to line O on the technical side. You are already in the most relevant footing conditions, in terrain, and probably with some hills. Especially if this is your one chance in the week, make the most of it, but also minimize the risk of injury, associated with going faster.
Higher intensity workouts, at threshold and faster are usually possible to arrange in shorter time blocks, closer to home. Except for over distance, technical workouts tend not to address physical limits very well, since it is difficult to push both limits simultaneously. This does not apply to high level club sessions like Halden or the French Team who have the skill level to match the group adrenaline level. Nor does this mean one should pass up any technical training opportunities, which will probably do more to improve performance than any single high quality physical workout.
Assuming we are talking conventional O training, I will continue to make the case for Line-O. I will acknowledge that in less detailed terrain, like much of the Midwest, the difference between Line O and Control Picking is negligible.
The main point, as ebuckley says, is to force constant contact with the map, while running, not just picking up all the details, but doing it for an extended time without a lapse in concentration. This is the most fundamental building block skill, and it is the biggest source of lost time for all but the very best navigators, for whom technique polishing becomes more of a factor. Even for them, I think Line O is a good foundation especially early in the season or training cycle.
Why line O?
Technical relevance- If done correctly, and with discipline I think Line O forces map reading, like nothing else, more features per minute than Control Picking in moderate to very detailed terrain. You are always "within the circle" or attack area.
Ease of preparation- All you need to do is grab a map. You don't even need to draw a line. In fact going "lineless" allows for improvization, to deal with unexpected conditions, and to pick a route that best suits your ability and goals for the day. The easier the preperation, the more likely you will do it regularly.
How long?
I advocate doing this as one long continuous workout, as long as you can make it, within reason relative to your past training, going slower if needed, as long as you are still working mentally faster/harder than race intensity. (My PR Line O was 3:20 on Lake Sebago)
(Multi stage workouts are clearly appropriate to "technigue polishing" workouts.)
Two reasons-
First technically, I think pushing the concentration endurance is very important, addressing the main source of time loss.
Second physically, Line-O is very compatible with an over distance physical workout, directly addressing the one of the primary physical needs, in fact a foundation builder somewhat analagous to line O on the technical side. You are already in the most relevant footing conditions, in terrain, and probably with some hills. Especially if this is your one chance in the week, make the most of it, but also minimize the risk of injury, associated with going faster.
Higher intensity workouts, at threshold and faster are usually possible to arrange in shorter time blocks, closer to home. Except for over distance, technical workouts tend not to address physical limits very well, since it is difficult to push both limits simultaneously. This does not apply to high level club sessions like Halden or the French Team who have the skill level to match the group adrenaline level. Nor does this mean one should pass up any technical training opportunities, which will probably do more to improve performance than any single high quality physical workout.
This discussion thread is closed.