To run Elite or not?

[mat-d]

During the past year I have really enjoyed running the short elite races which are becoming more and more competative- but at the moment in time my fitness is put into question everytime that phrase "classic race" springs up...
...i always seem to be at the bottom of the pile for those races!

don't get me wrong, the name "elite" generally means that you are of a higher standard of orienteer than the usual weekender and it is always going to be harder to run in these races

...especially as the distance increases and those of a higher fitness become fitter!!!

never mind there is always more training to be done

also a bit off topic but-- i think it could be that orienteering does not appeal to more younger people because of this image of headbanging yourself around a 100 minute course on the top of a mountain- possibly sprint races are the way forward in the future (references to olympics London 2012- who would pay to watch the more 'boring style' classic races?)

any comments?

[FatBoy]

I'll agree that middle and sprint races are much better for tv and therefore better for attracting other people into the sport (see other topic). I'm sure they'll be all sorts of weird and wonderful formats come in as time goes by. How about 2 middle races in one day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon (have just realised I think the JOK race like this?). If you look at say mountain bike racing as it's become more popular and televised you see short 4-5km laps with cameras all around rather than 14km headbanging laps off into the highlands somewhere. Some would say (me included) not as much fun for the competitors but that's the price for fame I guess.

As for fitness and classic races - just goes to prove the 100min+ headbanging is what's needed to split the men from the boys.