Oslo Training Weekend

The SEJS October Training Weekend this year took a trip to Oslo, Norway

On Friday 20th October 17 juniors with 4 coaches met at Heathrow for a flight to Oslo. After queuing forever to drop bags off, we made it through and onto our plane, the coaches glad not to be sat in rows 25 & 26. Arriving late into Oslo meant we opted for the taxi transfer to the youth hostel.

The next morning, waiting at the bus stop we soon realised it was a bit colder than at home. Hats & gloves were quickly found while we had a quick lesson in Norwegian from Carol. 15 mins later we were off the bus and walking into the forest. Whilst the controls were being hung Alex and the juniors went off to explore the ski jump (Linderudkollen). The forest was lovely and runnable and once you were moving it didn't feel quite so cold. The morning exercises were Hills or Reentrants with no paths on the map, or some easier Star and Line courses.

We stopped for lunch, just as it started snowing! We didn't think it had snowed much until we took the tent down. A short walk to a different part of the forest for a quick single person clock relay - everyone hangs one control, runs round the rest of the controls, then brings their control back. With the snow still falling and the app saying the next bus is in 10 minutes we quickly got back to the bus stop and the bus was on time!

It was back to the hostel for a very welcome warm shower. Under Brendon’s watchful eye some of the juniors then set about making dinner for everyone. A short tram ride took us. into Oslo to have a walk around and see the Opera House, fortress and palace before heading back for the evening.

Sunday morning, we all packed up and then set off to a different bus stop, todays destination was Lillomarka arena. We were joined by Ralph Street. Ralph had been very helpful whilst we were planning this trip so it was great that he was able to join us for the day. Heading into the forest to setup camp for the morning, the first task was to hang the controls. Luckily Ralph was happy to help with this and the juniors only had the closer ones to hang or check.

The exercises included aiming off, visualisation and for the older members a long legs exercise. After lunch we moved slightly and it was time for another clock relay, this time in pairs, where one person hangs a control, the next person picks up the kite and moves it to the next control, and so on until the first team makes it all the way round. Other than the usual moving the wrong kite, not putting the kite in the right place, or going backwards rather than forwards, everyone had fun but were pleased to stop once Luke & Ralph had finished.

We then were able to make use of the Lillomarka club hut for showers, warm drinks and repacking before heading back to the airport. It was great to have Ralph with us for the day, and the juniors who he shadowed were very appreciative.

For the journey back to the airport we used bus, tram and train just to make sure we got most forms of transport in, with a dinner stop at Oslo Central Station. All too soon we were boarding the plane back to Heathrow. Certainly felt easier than driving back down the M6 or along the M4.

A great weekend with a lovely group of juniors. Thanks to all those who have bought cakes from our cake sales and LOK / SEOA for their support, and thank you to Ralph for his assistance.