Sunday, June 13, 2010
Today I joined a socalled O-Run. I am a new beginner so I should have taken the N-route but me wanting more of a challenge registered on a C-route. By accident I got a A-route map so in the end me a total beginner did a class 4 instead of a class 6 run. Very proud to tell you that I did find all the 10 posts even though I think I spent 60 minutes finding 2 of them nr 3 and 4. hehehe and used more than twice the time the routined ones used. The route master said it was impressive :-) and of course I take such words to my heart.
Unfortunately I got my feet entangled into a long branch and fell heavily on my knees, and that slowed me even more down.
This is what the International Orienteering Fedreation says for those of you that has not been in contact with the sport before:
Foot orienteering is an endurance sport which involves a huge mental element. There is no marked route - the orienteer must navigate with map and compass while running.
Equipment:
RACING SUIT: A lightweight, stretchy suit protects from undergrowth whilst allowing maximum freedom of movement even if it gets soaking wet.
SHOES: Light, strong shoes with non-slip soles allow sure grip on all types of ground - including mud and bare rock.
MAP: The map provided by the organiser shows the course with the control points which must be visited. The map is designed to give detailed information on the terrain - hills, ground surface, and features such as boulders or cliffs.
COMPASS: There is a wide variety of sophisticated compasses to choose from. Basically they can be divided into two main categories: base plate and thumb compasses.
CONTROL CARD: To prove that they have visited all control points in the right order, the orienteers have to punch their control card at each control using an electronic device.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Today we had had quite a bit of rain and it continued so the Top Ten routes which can become very slick was out of the question. We started out wanting to go to a place called Himmelriket but changed our minds because the mist and rain would have covered what would be nice landscape and views there. Instead we checked out a road that is supposed to lead into several nice fishing waters, Søvassmarka. This ended up being a boring wet trip which frankly gave us little joy.
Therefore we added a quick trip up to Oddeknatten once more. The rain was less by then and out outer garments very wet so we decided just to leave the rain clothes in the car and just get more wet wearing normal clothes. This trip really lifted or spirits, LOL I think we are getting hooked on having some inclines and getting to places with a view. 
This mountain nearly covered in mist is Viksheia the first high Top we visited.
And we do need to remember to enjoy the smaller visual joys as well.
The last stretch returning to the car we run. 