Its with great sadness that I have to announce my retirement from competitive Orienteering. Ive been advised on medical grounds to defer from running/impact/high flexion activities. I have arthritis in both of my hips and will likely need both hips replaced at some point. In order to defer the operations as much as possible (as is advisable given the expansiveness of some hip operations), I am heeding the advice and switching to more sedate activities. Although the decision is the most logical one, its impact upon me and my lifestyle are huge. Ive been lucky enough to meet a lot of great people from this and other great clubs, and I'll miss the regular contact with all of you. The Tuesday night runs and Wednesday army events had become staples in my weekly orienteering diet along with my regular weekend fix.
This hasnt been caused by running (its caused by an underlying condition that has been exacerbated by running), so this shouldnt deter anyone from taking part in running/orienteering activities. In fact, I hope the opposite is true, and that it should encourage you all to enjoy the best (yet still quite hidden) sport in the world and to be the best that you possibly can be. I urge you to set achievable goals and reach for them, you never know how good you can be until you try, I hope you can win the national title that will now elude me forever.
I'll still be around, the odd MTBO here, local forest events etc. I'll never fall out of love with the sport, I'll just have a slightly awkward separation...
Sam
Re: Competive Retirement
competitive retirement.