[ARDF] 2003 US ARDF Championships - Thoughts, Improvements, Etc. (long)

[Sam Smith]

Marvin Johnston wrote:
 > Marvin discusses bearings, map boards, exercise, etc.

I have been wanting to prepare a web page with my routes, etc. but 
haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe this week? Anyway my technique 
seems to be pretty different from what others are doing. I am not saying 
you should do what I do - run your own race...

No map board - hold the map in the left hand with a left hand thumb 
compass, just like I do when orienteering. Always keep it oriented to 
magnetic north by folding it in my hand. Radio is in the right hand.

I never draw on the map. Well, never say never. At the start line I draw 
the exclusion zones, then I put the pen in my pocket. I prefer to 
remember where I think each control is.

I always know about where I am unless I really screw up.

How fast to go? If it's too easy you are not running fast enough. World 
class orenteers maintain a steady pace - that's impossible for me. In 
the past I have practiced by going fast - slow- stop - walk -fast - stop 
- fast ,etc. In other words train by simulating an orienteering event.

I use my watch a lot. I know when my target transmitter is coming on and 
how far I can go before then. I will turn the radio off or RF gain down 
and concentrate on orienteering quickly during that off time.

I get outside the exclusion zones as quickly as possible, the start and 
the ones around each control. Don't linger within 400 meters of your 
last control - what good does that do? Unless you don't know where to go 
next :-)

I think I averaged 15-18 min/km, maybe more? Are you using straight line 
distance or running distance for your average min/km time? In 
orienteering we use straight line, I can average 10 min/km on a good 
day. My big problem was running right past the controls when they were 
off, sometimes within feet of them. Visibility was not good in the 
control locations - I don't think they were hidden, but at running speed 
I ran by a few. My opinion is that if you get there you should see it, 
especially since we have no description.

My order for both days was 5-4-3-2-1. I could have taken a few minutes 
off day 1 and maybe 30 minutes off day 2 if I hadn't run by them, etc.

My opinion is everyone needs to start a physical training program 
(myself included). Nothing that you do will improve your time more. Next 
  find a local club and go orienteering. You can get better at thinking 
when tired and physically spent by practicing it.

Sam N4MAP