CheapTents.com Outdoor Gear Blog

What is orienteering?

According to British Orienteering, the National Governing Body for the sport of orienteering in the United Kingdom,

Orienteering is an exciting outdoor adventure sport which takes place in varying terrain over various distances. The aim is to navigate in sequence between a set of control points marked on a unique orienteering map and decide the best route to complete the course in the quickest time. The standard orienteering distance is known as a ‘classic or long distance’ race however modernisation of the sport has introduced the ‘middle distance’ race and ‘sprint distance’ race.

Orienteering can take place over any kind of terrain, urban or rural, from your local park or forest to remote wilderness, on tarmac or open countryside.

Orienteering Control Flag. Source: Flikcr by Glutnix

Control points are normally marked with a special white and red flag. Attached to the flag is a hole punch which is used to stamp a hole in a competitor’s record card, confirming that the competitor has been to that point. Electronic devises are also used for the purpose.

What Outdoor Gear do I need for Orienteering?

This will depend upon the exact nature of the orienteering race that you are taking part it. Generally speaking you will need cross-country running shoes or trainers, shorts or lycra tights and T-shirt or baselayer. For orienteering races in the open country you might wish to take a lightweight waterproof, windproof or softshell jacket.

You will also need a map and compass. It is also a good idea to take an emergency whistle and a high energy snack.

For more information on choosing outdoor gear see our trail running advice page.

Are there any Organised Orienteering Events?

Yes, there are many local orienteering clubs whose contact details can be obtained from the British Orienteering website. In addition to organised events, local orienteering clubs may be able to provide orienteering maps for permanent orienteering courses in your area.

National Orienteering Events

The 2009 British Orienteering Long Championships and Relay Championships will take place in the New Forest on 28 February / 1 March 2009. Entries for these events are now open. These events are organised by British Orienteering and more information can found on the British Orienteering Championships website.

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• iRoc Race: Run, Cycle and Orienteer on Durham Downs
• iRoc Race Special Offer!
• CheapTents.com enter the David Staff Fell Race!

The iRoc Race is a new race set-up by inov8, a UK company specialising in trail running shoes for UK running conditions.

The iRoc race is an adventure race relying on competitors to run, mountain bike and find their own way around a course.  We think this is great news considering how it will put a prominent race towards the end of what is known as the trail running season.

More about the race from iRoc and inov-8:

Uniquely each of the races will have a mass start and will pass back through the event village at least once before finishing. This will ensure that iROC offers the best adventure race spectating ever seen in the UK.

Each race will be between one and four hours long. They will be as hard as you make them… intense, or just challenging experiences that will contrast hugely with the relaxed, chilled-out atmosphere of the event village.

iroc-race.com

iRoc Race Dates and Times:

The very first iROC race will take place on the 18th & 19th of April 2009.

Running, mountain biking and navigation is a great way of testing your skills in some of the most beautiful UK countryside there is.  There will be 5 quite different and exciting races, of which will test you as an all rounder as much as they will test you during each race…most competitors will be taking part in all 5 races, but only the best all rounder will win.

iRoc Race Entry Prices

Prices depend on whether you are entering as an individual or a team of three, but bear in mind there will be an early bird discount for all entries received before the 31st December 2008.

The entry fees, as quoted above, will also include:

• Cash prizes for the winners and runners up!
• Organised, high quality adventure racing including your choice of 2 mountain bike races, 1 trail race and 2 orienteering races of which will test your endurance and wide variety of  outdoor skills.
• An amazing goody bag… actually a special edition inov-8 rucksack that’s never been seen in the shops before, and stuffed full of freebies from the race sponsors.
• Five Friends & Family race passes for those who want to do a little more than just spectate.
• Free weekend camping to include Friday and Saturday night.
• Free car parking over the weekend.
• Friday and Saturday (latenight!) bar, along with entertainment on Saturday.
• Accurate, pre-marked and waterproof maps for orienteering around the course.
• SportIdent electronic timing.
• On site catering for the duration of the weekend to help keep your energy levels up!
• Online results and reporting at the iroc-race.com website.
• Online purchase of action pictures at the iroc-race.com website.

iRoc Race Scoring

Everyone who completes an iRoc race will score points. The points that will be awarded are based on the number of competitors.  So if there are 500 starters competing in the race, the winner will score 500 points, second place 499 points, third place 498 point all the way to 1 point for the last finisher. After all five of the iRoc races, the person / team with the highest number of points will win. Rather than using cumulative time to determine the winner, this scoring system is designed so the overall winner will need to score highly in every races rather than just dominating one or two races.

iRoc Race Prizes

There will be CASH prizes for the winners and runners of the mens and womens races, as well as exclusive inov-8 rucksacks full of goodies from the sponsors too.

Race Competitors

If you are planning on getting involved in the race or supporting as a marshal, please feel free to get in touch and share your excitement!  If you’re taking part to raise funds or awareness to a charitable cause, let us know and we’ll be more than happy to plug your charity on our site!

More details to be announced soon!

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• iRoc Race Special Offer!
• A Brief Introduction to Orienteering
• CheapTents.com enter the David Staff Fell Race!

Headlines over the weekend have been highlighting what has been some of the worst storms to face ‘The Original Mountain marathon’, causing it to be called off for the first time in it’s 40 year history.

The Original Mountain Marathon, near Keswisk, Cumbria

Each year several hundred people take part in this mountain marathon, a fell run over very challenging terrain in the Lake District.

It involves teams of two, carrying all clothing, equipment, tent, sleeping bag, and their food for 36 hours, during the run. They must also navigate their own route and camp out overnight.

The race course follows the route along one of England’s steepest passes in the Borrowdale Valley, rising to some 2,000ft in height (610m).  The longest route of the 7 available is for the Elite class which is literally 2 consecutive marathon lengths and c2,500m of ascent over 2 days.

The race is typically for experienced mountain runners and most of whom were prepared to cope with adverse conditions.  Many though were without the right gear and could not find the adequate shelter, and suffered  with hypothermia from the severe conditions.

Horrific Weather

The race saw the worst weather it has ever seen.  Since Thursday, more than 1ft (40cm) of rain has fallen there, according to the Environment Agency.   The best way to gauge the weather is via footage, here’s a snippet along the Honister Pass, courtesy of Paul Dodd:

Overnight Stays

Because of the intensity of the storm, many runners opted in to hole-up for the night, taking refuge in barns and other building along the course of the race.

Missing Runners and Mountain Rescue

“Race director Jen Longbottom made the decision just before midday after several hours of torrential rain had resulted in extreme conditions on the mountain and severe flooding,” it stated.  Actually canceling it was harder said than done, having experienced a huge amount of torrential rain and winds across the hills where runners were scattered.

Although weekend reports were claiming that up to 1,000 runners were lost, sleepmonsters.com reported that there was more likely to be fewer:

Despite media reports of over 1000 competitors being ‘unaccounted for’ the true facts as of 02.00 in the morning were that 44 competitors had not been located, and by 12.00 this was down to just 8 pairs.

(At any normal OMM there are usually this number not checked in after the race has finished at around 17.00 and more often than not they have set off home without checking in.)

About 12 people have been taking to hospital with hypothermia and minor injuries, Northwest Ambulance Service have said.

Share your thoughts…

For all those that took part or have been interested in the news,

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• The Marathon Des Sables Race, 2009
• CheapTents.com enter the David Staff Fell Race!
• Running the Marathon des Sables for Charity

Sam Thompson is one of the most inspiring professional endurance runners in the world.  You can imagine the excitement when Sam agreed to be interviewed by CheapTents.com on his achievements, challenges and motivations.  For an insight into the life of a phenomenal ultramarathon runner, this is truly a great place to start…

Sam Thompson, Professional Endurance Runner

Sam Thompson’s Background

Born 24th October 1980, Sam is a native adventure runner of Missouri, USA, but currently living in Seattle.

Prior to 2006 Sam was well known on the endurance running / ultra-marathon circuit, including such challenges as the 2,000 mile+ Appalachian Trail.  From 1st July 2006 though, Sam’s prominence in the  world of ultra-long distance running caught the media’s eye on an international scale, as he started to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states of America, to altruistically raise money for hurricane Katrina Relief in the ‘Run for Hope’ campaign.

Swollen bleeding feet, agony-stricken legs and pure exhaustion is not enough to stop this runner from completing his goals.

What is ultramarathon running, endurance running and ultra distance running?

Ultramarathon running is also known as endurance running and ultra distance running.  It literally means longer than the typical marathon of 26.21875 miles, and stretches to be as much as 100 miles races, or multi-day races of 1000 miles or more! Endurance running raises the scary question of how much running can a person endure?!

Race courses are both on-road and off-road, including the Highland Ultramarthon of 200 miles, Britains Coast-to-Coast marathon of 170 miles, Sandbaggers Gobi Challenge of 140 miles of mountains, ice gorges and desolate sand, or even the infamous Appalachian Trail of 2174 miles across mountainous Eastern USA!

Sam Thompson Interview

Here’s a fantastic insight into the life and motivations of endurance runner, Sam Thompson…

CheapTents.com: What inspired you to get into Adventure Running / Trail Running?
Sam: I have always had an inner drive to desire to go further and push my body farther, and it continues to drive me today. I started running cross country and track in high school and although I loved them, the distances just weren’t enough, so I started doing triathlons on the side. Then I moved up to road marathoning and eventually into the realm of 50k trail races and beyond. Now 100 mile races are definitely my favorite distance.

CheapTents.com: What has been your biggest sporting achievement?
Sam: Being the first person ever to run 51 marathons in all 50 states (plus D.C.) in 50 consecutive days is probably my biggest achievement to date, but not so much just because of the pure sport of it. I consider this my biggest sporting achievement because of the awesome positive effects I was able to generate through this run to aid the Gulf Coast hurricane victims.

CheapTents.com: What is your biggest weakness?
Sam: Coffee. No doubt about it- I can’t get enough of it. And living in Seattle certainly doesn’t help this addiction.

CheapTents.com: When did you feel like you ‘made it’ in your field of outdoor sports? Do you feel like you’ve made it yet?
Sam: Haha, I guess I’m not quite sure yet what “making it” in ultrarunning feels like, so I’ll definitely keep you posted on that. Actually, I feel like that’s part of the beauty of the sport, and I hope I never “make it.” I feel like ultrarunning isn’t as much about a specific destination as it is the adventure in the middle.

CheapTents.com:  What do you find most challenging about training?
Sam: Lately I’d have to say just motivation to get out the door is the biggest challenge. I’ve never had much trouble with motivation, but now that I’m living in Seattle, the weather is a tough beast to contend with. Once I’m out the door, all is well, but it’s that step of lacing up the shoes and getting out the door that gets pretty tough on nasty Seattle days.

CheapTents.com: What has been your worst injury (if any), from outdoors sports and how did it happen?
Sam: I’ve had a handful of weird injuries from running, but probably my worst was a bundle of stress fractures throughout my lower legs and feet. I managed to procure these after running 4 road marathons in 4 consecutive days some years ago. The issue was that I ran them in light racing flats with no cushion (ooops). This had me out of commission for running for around 4 months, which has been my longest break from running since I started.

CheapTents.com: What will be your most challenging competitions for next year?
Sam: I’m crossing my fingers that I might get into Western States 100 this year, and if I do, that’ll definitely be the most challenging/competitive event for me next year. Another extremely competitive event I’ll be excited to run again this year is the North Face Endurance Challenge Championship race in San Francisco. The course is one of the most beautiful out there, and the competition is incredible.

CheapTents.com: Where would you like to be in 5 years time? Main Ambitions?
Sam: I’d like to still be running injury free, loving what I do, and inspiring others to do the same by pushing my body to the limits. I’d also definitely love to be a dad in 5 years time!

CheapTents.com: For other budding outdoor sports enthusiasts, what tips can you provide to help others compete at a higher level?
Sam: There are many routes to success, and just remember that success is ultimately defined by individuals and not by society. Just keep doing what you love, and stay focused on your ambitions.

One foot in front of the other…was my enduring mantra as I trekked through the CO mountains on some of the most gorgeous and challenging singletrack trail you can imagine.

[from seesamrun.com, after running 415 miles in just 7 days]

CheapTents.com: What are your favourite bits of gear, and why?
Sam: I love The North Face Hydrogen jacket, because it is the perfect lightweight jacket for this crazy Seattle weather. It’s super light, and can squish down to fit in my pocket when I’m not wearing it, and then when the rain starts, it’s the perfect little shell.

CheapTents.com: Any people or sponsors that you’d like thank?
Sam: I have to first thank my ever-faithful wife Kirsten. Without her incredible support, I’d never be able to do the kinds of adventures I do. Not only is her love and support invaluable, but because she is a dietitian, her help with my diet and nutrition is incredible too!

A huge thanks also to The North Face for their incredible support! I couldn’t ask for a better, more supportive and encouraging sponsor, and it’s an honor to run for them. To be able to have a helping hand in designing the most innovative and effective gear with them is an awesome opportunity.

CheapTents.com: Anything else you would like to say?
Sam: Thanks!

CheapTents.com: A monstrous thank you for providing this fantastic insight into your life as a pro long-distance runner, and we wish you the very very best with everything you wish to achieve in 2008, 2009 and beyond!

I’m inspired!  What gear do I need?

No body starts running ultramarathon endurance races over night.  Years of training goes into it, so be patient!  Gear is pretty basic as it goes, but what you do buy should be ultra-lightweight and ultra comfortable:

• Start thinking about whether you prefer running with a hydration pack, water bottle or waist pack.
• For footwear, there are specialist brands and models available, typically ‘traditional’ (I use this word lightly) trail running shoes by Salomon, The North Face and Inov8.
• Socks need to be comfortable cushioned running socks.
• Ultra -lightweight jackets are very popular and necessary for running in this country’s weather!  Breathable, waterproof and windproof?
• Comfortable, breathable t-shirt (long or short-sleeve).
• Nutrition, fuel, water, support, and a finish line a long, long way away.

For more information on endurance and trail running and appropriate gear, feel free to contact the CheapTents.com blogging team, or call (UK) 01925 411 385, and we’d be more than happy to help!

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• Nine Edges Endurance Event needs Marshalls
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• CheapTents.com enter the David Staff Fell Race!

We talk about adventure running, fell running and trail running all the time on the blog and with our customers. But did you know we actually take part in races too.

Paul, the Product and Retail Manager is a keen runner - he regularly takes part in road races around the 10km and the occasional fell race. Each winter he selects a handful of off-road races, usually Fell race and set’s about competing. Although, he does state:

I’m not competitive with keeping times or anything, but just like to compete with myself…It’s a good way of keeping fit and giving you something to train for.

With these word’s swilling around my head, I will be taking part too.  My first fell race in what’s to be a ‘mild winter’ I hear.  I can only hope!

In a race where almost all of the competitors were club runners, Paul was able to get a very respectable time of 48 minutes 23 seconds, coming 9th out of all the non-club runners.  Here’s Paul in last year’s David Staff fell race, about 2 minutes 50 seconds in to the YouTube video wearing the black windproof top:

…In case you’re wondering, I’m aiming for under an hour!

David Staff Memorial Fell Race Info:

Fancy joining us?  Here’s the details for the race…

Meet, The Bandstand (near The Kiosk), Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen GR SD676227 - registration and presentation at the Kiosk.

Distance: 5.1 miles, 1200ft of climb.

Fundraising: Well supported but small local fell race, in memory of young David Staff, a teenage Darwen Dasher, who tragically died during a race in Clitheroe in December 1994. Proceeds to CRY (cardiomyopathy charity for young people).

Registration: Registration opens approx. 10am. Run is straight up to Darwen Tower and around in a loop of moorland tracks then back down, basically!

Getting there: Sunnyhurst Wood can be found off the A666 - from junction 4 on the M65, follow Darwen direction for approx .5 miles. Turn right immediately after pelican crossing with large central island (Earnsdale Road). Please park carefully and with consideration for local residents - car share if possible - no parking at the Kiosk!

Fee: 2008 entry fees £3 on the day only. PM. Min age 16 on 1/1/08.

Contact: Jonathan Stubbs, 15 Chapels, Darwen, BB3 0EE, UK
Tel. 01254 773346
Email:  davidstaffrace@gmail.com

For a comprehensive calendar of races and events visit the UK Results running website.

Fell running gear…

• Lightweight waterproof jacket / windproof top / vest
• Lightweight shorts / leggings
• Fell running socks (warm and waterproof)
• Inov-8 Roclite / Mudclaw trainers depending on the weather and trail conditions

If you’re thinking of trying trail running or fell running competitively, or for leisure, read about it in the trail and fell running blog post.

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• iRoc Race: Run, Cycle and Orienteer on Durham Downs
• iRoc Race Special Offer!
• A Brief Introduction to Orienteering

As the trail and fell running season is well on it’s way, it seems like a good time to look into the sport of running in a bit more detail to help cover the differences between trail, adventure and fell running.

What is Trail Running?

Trail running is a general term typically meaning that runners follow off-road trails in or around the countryside.  The gradient can be flat or steep and can consist of varying distances.  People of all abilities can enjoy trail running as it accommodates easy to hard terrains.

Something for the weekend...?

What is Fell Running?

Fell running is typical in more rugged, boggy, upland hills, whereby runners contend with the odd stream, poorly marked paths and the obvious rise and fall of hillsides, or fells.  This may also be classed as hill running or mountain running.  This sport is particularly popular in the UK during Autumn/Winter time when there are many race dates.

What is Adventure Running?

Adventure running is the sport where all terrain surfaces are faced; these might include dirt, road, mountain, sand, snow and can take place anywhere in the world.  As with each of the above there are professionally sponsored adventure runners that compete in all conditions all over the world.  Adventure Running has a large endurance element to it as they cover long distances.  Adventure running also crosses over to ultramarathons or multi-day runs where distances of 100m are not unheard of.

Which one’s for you?

If you’re think about getting into running in a way that you can enjoy the countryside, any of these kinds of running will suit you just fine.  Although there are some other considerations you might want to take into account to:

• Do you have local places that are suited to your ability and other to test your whilst you train?
• Are you willing to travel for good training spots?
• Your locality to hot spots for racing?
• Available running clubs, teams and training partners?
• How much time do you wish to dedicate to training?
• Do you want to do multi-terrain running or focus on developing techniques in one area of running?
• All year runner / summer runner / winter runner?

What do you need to start running?

• Specialist Running Shoes for the terrain
• Running Shorts / Leggings
• T-shirt / Vest
• Appropriate running socks
• Platypus & Lightweight Rucksack / Camelbak hydration pack

Running Shoes

Of all the running gear that we sell, the most technically advanced is the range of running shoes.  These are from brands such as Inov8, The North Face, Salomon and Berghaus - brands that take outdoor sports very seriously.  Essentially, each of these brands build running shoes to withstand the rigorous testing of a variety of different terrains, tests and specifically runners needs.

Inov8 Cross Country Running

From the Inov8 website

We are a specialist off-road running brand made up of experts with proven track records in the footwear fields of Mountaineering, Marine and Outdoor Product design, development and marketing. This linked with a strong bio-mechanics input, coupled with a test team of elite athletes in the Mountain Sports environment and a passion for functional products gives Inov8 the creative culture for next generation products.

Inov8 Mudclaw 270 Running Shoes

Our whole design development process centres on optimizing the end user’s performance. The uppers are extremely functional with mesh in the forepart and tongues for maximum breathability. This creates a foot climate that helps you run at your best. When you run through water and the shoe gets soaked, it creates a pumping action that expels the water from the shoe allowing it to dry quickly. The lace webbing is positioned allowing a secure foothold without altering the natural alignment of the metatarsals. The back of our shoes are cleanly cut which allows your achilles tendon to experience high levels of comfort and minimum restriction - particularly when running down hill.

The North Face Cross Country Running

Like Inov8, The North Face sponsors a large team of trail and advenure runners, highlighting their dedication to the sport.  The runners spend their years running in the most challenges races all around the world - tackling mountainous peaks, deserts, ice, snow, and other feets of human endurance.

The North Face Hedgehog Mid GTX Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Cross Country Running

From Salomon’s website:

Trail running has deep roots at Salomon where innovations such as the Agile Chassis System on the new XT Wings shoe or Seamless technology on trail running apparel continue to take athletes further, faster. The collaboration of mountain product experts and mountain athletes, as well as Salomon’s commitment and heritage in adventure racing, has resulted in a complete trail running package from high tech and super stylish footwear and apparel to lightweight backpacks, addressing the needs and desires of every trail runner.

Salomon Trail Running Shoes

Berghaus Running

From Berghaus’ website:

After a revolution in its outdoor performance footwear in the Summer of 2007, Berghaus has continued to excel  and has developed a number of exciting new styles.

The new designs complement the comprehensive range that first appeared for summer, and continue to advance the way in comfort, grip, protection and construction. New for the winter are a lightweight mid-cut boot and low-cut trail shoe, and the addition of a GORE-TEX® XCR® variation of the Pro Rush Low style.

Berghaus have developed their brand over years of working and playing in the outdoors. They work closely with outdoor athletes to develop these ranges and now have a great range of running shoes available, including the ever popular Gore-Tex XCR Pro Rush Mid, as seen here:

Berghaus Running Shoes Construction

Specialist Running Footwear

Each of these outdoor brands are putting their name at the top of this field, by building what many regard to be the best running footwear for cross-country running (xcr) available.  It’s important to realise the importance of how each item of footwear differs from the other, and of course this depends on how the trainer is used.

Fortunately CheapTents.com are specialists in lightweight outdoor sports and even have members of our team that regularly take part in adventure running and fell running.  If you’re looking for any more gear advice, by all means give us a call on 01925 411 385.

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• CheapTents.com enter the David Staff Fell Race!
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