Simon Fraser University Wednesday Evening Training

Organizers: Meghan Rance (Course Planner), John Rance (Course Planner), Joanne Woods (Event Director), Jules Tough (Membership)

Map: Simon Fraser University

Description

1. Quick Starts. This is a training activity focussed upon getting quickly from the start to the first 2 or 3 controls. There are about 10 very short courses. (between 200-450 mts) For each, pick up the map, make a plan and go! Since the courses are short, you will soon be back at the start to take a brief rest, think about what you did well, and try another. Meghan planned this for sprint camp but very few did it because of the snowy weather.

2. Dark Horizons. A conventional course using the parkland and trails near Horizons Restaurant. About 2,000 mts. 70 mts climb. Check your batteries. If you wish to run in pairs, that's fine.

You can sign up for both or just one.

Here are Meghan's teaching points for Quick Starts.

Many people struggle with their first control. The idea of the exercise is to practice flipping a map, find the start triangle and move efficiently toward the first control.

Your race starts well before the start line and you can gain a lot of informatation before you even start. Read the organizer's notes. Know the scale, contour interval, and type of map/terrain. Observe the terrain on the way to the start--what does the vegetation look like? What is the ground surface (ie: does pavement mean asphalt or cobblestones?) Can you see any runners already on course or spot any flags? Check your compass. Are there any distinctive features visible from a large area that will help keep you mentally oriented? ( mountain to the west, lake to the south, etc.)

Once at the start line, check your compass while waiting for your start time. At the start time, flip your map and immediately orient it as you head toward the start triangle. Indentify the start triangle on the map ( if you don't immediately see it, find a control and work backwards numerically). Fold the map for the first leg. Choose a route. Confirm direction with compass. Use the first leg to notice how the scale feels and what features are mapped and which are not. Take your first control slightly more relaxed than race pace to allow yourself to fully understand the map.

Schedule

6:15pm Introduction to Orienteering for Beginners

6:30pm Starts

8pm Course Closure, participants must report to the Finish before leaving.

Courses

Safety Precautions

Always use good judgement and common sense. Carry a whistle at all times. Headlamps are essential to see and be seen. Take care when crossing roads and parking lots. Watch out for other runners, cyclists, and trail/sidewalk users.

Parking/Start Location:

Post-Event Dining

Acknowledgements

Without volunteers, these events cannot take place. A hearty thanks to all those helping put this event on. If you would like to volunteer/help at upcoming WETs/WJRs or would like to organize a WET please let us know

Location