Karin Lindgren has test run Långa dagen
With approximately 8 months left to Tiomila, we interviewed Karin Lindgren (born Persson) who has run the “Långa dagen” (leg 3, Damkavlen). Karin has lots of experience from the terrain and we hope that you value her tips.
Who are you, Karin Lindgren?
I am born and grew up in Örebro and I am a member of Hagaby GoIF Örebro. My merits include a USM gold, at least one each of the 1-10 prices at JSM, and I have participated in the JWOC. I ran a lot in the Kilsbergen mountains while growing up. Therefore, many of my strengths as an orienteer are associated with this type of heavy wilderness terrain. Technically, I read the contours carefully, and I think this is really needed here. Aside from orienteering, I have an education in design, I am creative and like painting a lot.
What is special with the Kilsbergen mountains?
We who are Kilsbergen enthusiasts think it is increadible. The forest is very different from Närkeslätten (plain area surrounding Örebro). Kilsbergen is to a large degree characterized by large trees and untouched wilderness terrain with few paths, many landforms and marshes in between. The visibility is good, the ground is soft with a lot of ground vegetation. The blueberry bushes and heather make the run heavy.
Which preparations do you recommend?
One should run a few training packages to get a feeling for this type of terrain. This provides a good understanding on how to find good route choices and how to attack the control points. Since there are few paths, it is about reading the contours and marshes. I recommend contour training. Physically, this is the opposite of running on plain asphalt. It is good to run a lot in marshes and terrain with high ground vegetation. Even though the terrain is hilly, the slopes are not as long as in ,e.g., Dalarna or Gothenburg.
What should one think about in order to perform the best?
Focus at the orienteering, route choices and taking the controls. Do not loose contact with the map, make sure to carry through the route choices and read on details when getting close to the control points. Look up to find good passages, sometimes there are traces after animals that can be useful. Avoid being greedy by not taking an extra contour to save energy, it can make the control points unnecessary difficult. It is not a good strategy to take out a compass direction and just run in a direction, it is also necessary to read the map roughly along the route as well. Mentally, it is about not losing the spirit when it goes slowly and when it feels heavy to run. It is heavy for everyone, even the best will have to walk occasionally.
What type of runner do you think will perform best on ”Långa dagen”??
Someone who has trained enough to run for a long time and has the energy to keep fighting. Keeping the map contact is needed since it can be hard to regain it in the wilderness terrain with only a few paths. “Långa dagen” will be decisive, both technically and physically. Do not be fooled by the relatively short leg length, it will demand its woman!
Author: Malin Sundqvist
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- Last Updated: Monday, 20 September 2021 20:06