First Training Camp of the Year

The British Orienteering team hit the forests of the Lake District last week for a training camp geared towards the World Championships, which will be held in Trondheim in August. Team Inov8 members Oli Johnson, Graham Gristwood and Rachael Elder all took part in the camp, which involved lots of high quality training in the technical terrain surrounding Lake Windermere.

Heather Gardener disappearing into the dark forest...

Snowy conditions made the going tough in the forests, and a thaw later in the week meant that there was icy water everywhere. The soft snowy terrain might have felt tough, but Trondheim is renowned for its spongey, wet marshes and heavy underfoot conditions, so this was excellent preparation. We got the chance to test out the new O Roc 280s in the most testing conditions possible, and they certainly stood up to the challenge, feeling much lighter than a standard o shoe when saturated with freezing cold water and providing great purchase on the icy slopes.

Relaxing in Bilbo's Cafe, Ambleside with a hot drink after a tough session

The snow also meant the cancellation of the Warrior O Trial, a long race that was supposed to be held on the upper fells of the Pike of Bliscoe. A low level alternative was swiftly arranged by team coach Martin (Bilbo) Bagness around Grizedale Forest, which provided a tough conclusion to the week. Next stop Portugal for some members of the team, which can only be warmer!

Jenny Johnson racing through the snowy terrain

Read More...

Summary only...