{"id":1152,"date":"2014-09-28T17:52:44","date_gmt":"2014-09-28T21:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/raz-family.ca\/RunKristi\/?p=1152"},"modified":"2014-09-28T17:52:44","modified_gmt":"2014-09-28T21:52:44","slug":"a-different-kind-of-running-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raz-family.ca\/RunKristi\/?p=1152","title":{"rendered":"A Different Kind of Running Event"},"content":{"rendered":"

This morning I tried my first orienteering event and had a blast. \u00a0Until last spring I had no idea that this city\u00a0had a very active orienteering club called Orienteering Ottawa (ottawaoc.ca)<\/a>. They hold numerous events throughout the year\u00a0in both Ontario and Quebec. \u00a0The boys joined their “Kids Running Free” program in the spring, quickly learning the basics of map reading. Essentially orienteering is like a giant treasure hunt in the woods so they were both quickly hooked. \u00a0This fall when we signed them up again, we also registered them for the\u00a0“Intro to Competition” session. \u00a0This means they are orienteering twice a week, once at practice and once at an organized event on the weekend. \u00a0I decided I should learn a little bit about what they are doing, so I joined the basics class for adults.<\/p>\n

Today’s event (number three for the boys) was on a beautiful property in Quebec used for cross country skiing. \u00a0You have a choice of a novice course (what I did), intermediate, short advanced or long advanced. \u00a0At the novice level most of the controls are located along the trail and a compass is not really necessary. \u00a0But if you try advanced be prepared to do some serious off-trail work to find your controls. \u00a0There were runners coming in with mud up to their knees from the more difficult courses. \u00a0Once you register you receive a map and you can rent a finger SI chip – yep, this is the great outdoors with a little technology thrown in.\u00a0 You simply have to \u00a0put your finger stick into the control and it will record the time you arrived.<\/p>\n

I admit I went into this event a little worried I would get completely lost. \u00a0I can’t say navigational skills are a strength of mine. \u00a0As it turned out I didn’t get lost exactly, I just couldn’t find all of the 16 controls with ease. \u00a0In fact, it was the final control that had me running in circles, not to mention running down a very, very steep hill only to realize I was way off and had to go back up. \u00a0I just kept reminding myself that hill training is a good thing!<\/p>\n

In the end, regardless of my errors, I had a great time. \u00a0The trails were gorgeous and the course was great fun. \u00a0Orienteering is also the perfect family activity. \u00a0And much like a road race event, there is something for everyone. \u00a0Some people walk, others bring toddlers and small children and others are very competitive. \u00a0You can make this sport suit your needs.<\/p>\n

A few other things I learned today:<\/p>\n