Our club Chairlady...Diane Jacks
How and when did you get into orienteering?
I first orienteered on a school trip to Arthog, plus with the Air Training Corps when I was a teenager.
I joined Wrekin in 2008 many years later.
What is it you like about orienteering?
I like the challenge of the map reading. The more technical the area, the better. My main aim at an event is to complete the course without making any map reading errors. Not making mistakes then usually means a good result.
What is your favourite discipline?
I like them all. Long, middle, sprint, urban. It’s good to have a variety. All have a different aspect to them.
What is your favourite area you’ve competed at?
I really enjoyed the Scottish 6 day event at Moray 2013, where 4 of the areas were forested sand dunes. Culbin, Roseisle, Carse of Ardersier, and Lossie. The maps were 1:7500 with 2.5m contours. These areas were runnable and very technical.
Who do you admire in the sport?
Everyone who is determined to complete their course no matter how long it takes them. Those that will not give up, and will find that control no matter what, and then come back again to have another go. I also admire those that have the dedication to put in the training and effort required to keep improving themselves.
What would you change in orienteering?
I would like to clear all forests of brashings, and bring in the Munjac deer to get all the brambles eaten. More prizes/trophies at events to encourage more competition and recognise the achievements of the winners.
Do you have any orienteering ambitions or targets?
Yes I have lots of targets, I think it’s good to have goals to aim for. My targets are constantly changing over time. I have a few people targeted, normally in my age class, who are better than myself, these are the people I aim to try and beat, and when I can beat them on a regular basis, my targets then move on to someone else. I find it helps not to set your goals too high. Small steps is good, and this then gives you lots of successes along the way. Plus when you look back over a few years and identify your previous goals, you are amazed to see how far you have come.
Other interests-what do you do when not orienteering?
I have a dance class that I attend on a Wednesday evening. I run with the Shropshire Shufflers running club on a Monday and attend their track sessions on a Thursday.
How and when did you get into orienteering?
I first orienteered on a school trip to Arthog, plus with the Air Training Corps when I was a teenager.
I joined Wrekin in 2008 many years later.
What is it you like about orienteering?
I like the challenge of the map reading. The more technical the area, the better. My main aim at an event is to complete the course without making any map reading errors. Not making mistakes then usually means a good result.
What is your favourite discipline?
I like them all. Long, middle, sprint, urban. It’s good to have a variety. All have a different aspect to them.
What is your favourite area you’ve competed at?
I really enjoyed the Scottish 6 day event at Moray 2013, where 4 of the areas were forested sand dunes. Culbin, Roseisle, Carse of Ardersier, and Lossie. The maps were 1:7500 with 2.5m contours. These areas were runnable and very technical.
Who do you admire in the sport?
Everyone who is determined to complete their course no matter how long it takes them. Those that will not give up, and will find that control no matter what, and then come back again to have another go. I also admire those that have the dedication to put in the training and effort required to keep improving themselves.
What would you change in orienteering?
I would like to clear all forests of brashings, and bring in the Munjac deer to get all the brambles eaten. More prizes/trophies at events to encourage more competition and recognise the achievements of the winners.
Do you have any orienteering ambitions or targets?
Yes I have lots of targets, I think it’s good to have goals to aim for. My targets are constantly changing over time. I have a few people targeted, normally in my age class, who are better than myself, these are the people I aim to try and beat, and when I can beat them on a regular basis, my targets then move on to someone else. I find it helps not to set your goals too high. Small steps is good, and this then gives you lots of successes along the way. Plus when you look back over a few years and identify your previous goals, you are amazed to see how far you have come.
Other interests-what do you do when not orienteering?
I have a dance class that I attend on a Wednesday evening. I run with the Shropshire Shufflers running club on a Monday and attend their track sessions on a Thursday.
