Occassional thoughts about orienteering
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| okansas.blogspot.com Occassional thoughts about orienteering |
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Monday, October 24, 2005 Orienteering environmentSome discussion over at Attackpoint has got me thinking about the orienteering environment. Take a look at "best places to live..."I touched on the subject a couple of weeks ago when I wrote about what I'd do if I was 20 years younger. I find the topic interesting and something worth putting some thought into. In particular, I'd like to think more carefully about what makes a good orienteering environment. I'd also like to think about how to create that good environment. A few more thoughts on the topic: 1. I'd pick a good group to train with but bad terrain rather than good terrain but not many people to train with. Of course, the ideal is good terrain and good people to train with. 2. If I were weighing options, I'd put a lot of weight on living somewhere that had forest access right out my door. Being able to train in the forest without having to drive is nice, very nice. 3. For the U.S. I'd consider travel issues. One of the good things about living in Kansas City is that we can fly anywhere in the U.S. for a weekend without having to take vacation (i.e. we can usually catch a Friday afternoon flight) and without having to suffer jet lag. We can travel to either coast for a weekend A-meet. Take a look at how travel made a difference for the baseball player, Jermaine Dye, over at baseballmusings. 4. I'd like to be able to reach a map in about half an hour. If it takes longer, it begins to feel like a chore. Within 30 minutes from my home, I can reach four parks I can train in (and a new map, just 9 minutes from my home is underway). There is one more map within 30 minutes, but access is a bit of an issue. There is also one more map, but it is just a small park O' map. Now, all of those maps are "typical Kansas terrain" -- so they leave a lot to be desired in terms of terrain. 5. It is hard to measure, but the culture or personality of the club is important. I've run for four clubs and all four were distinct. But, some felt better than others. I think it has something to do with the level of organization and the goals of each club. In some clubs I've felt more motivated than in others. 6. I'd pick clubs that put emphasis on relays. posted by Michael | 7:37 PM 
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