Heart Research UK’s Heart of Scotland Appeal is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) in Edinburgh this July. This partnership combines the excitement of orienteering with the vital mission of promoting heart health.
In this Q&A, we speak with British orienteers Kirstin Maxwell and Mairi Eades, who will compete in the elite races at the Sprint WOC 2024. Read on as Mairi and Kirstin share their passion for orienteering, the health benefits of the sport and practical tips for keeping your heart in top shape.
Q.1: How did you first get into orienteering?
Mairi: “I’ ve been orienteering my whole life. My parents, who both started at a young age, met through the sport at university and brought me up orienteering. It’s a fun family affair.”
Kirstin: “I’ve been orienteering since I was 10 years old. My dad, always a runner and involved in motorsport, found orienteering to be more family-friendly than car racing. As I participated in more orienteering events, I was invited to a development day for the Scottish team. I met many people and realised how great this outdoor sport is. I began to really enjoy orienteering because of the opportunities it provided. As my passion grew, it became a huge part of my life, and I’ve never looked back.”
Q.2: How has orienteering influenced your overall health and fitness, particularly heart health?
Mairi: “Orienteering provides me with continuous goals to work towards. It motivates me to train and stay healthy, so I can perform my best at competitions and maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. It also encourages me to ensure I have a balanced diet to fuel my performance.”
Kirstin: “Orienteering keeps you active and it’s said that one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to exercise. It’s a sport where you can either walk or run, and if you do run, you can go at your own pace. Orienteering is a great way to exercise and boost your health; it takes your mind off the exertion and into a beautiful place.”
Q.3: In what ways do you maintain your heart health through your training and lifestyle choices?
Mairi: “I like to keep active outside by walking, jogging, running, and cycling. This can be for commuting to work or recreation. Listening to the body is key and hence sleep is always a priority for me. No matter how healthy you’re eating or how much you’re training, you always need to rest and recover.”
Kirstin: “I take care of myself because I want to be the best I can be, which has a knock-on effect on my overall health. Through my training, I’ve learned to pay close attention to things like my heart rate. If it’s elevated, it might indicate that something’s off, prompting me to adjust my activities accordingly. Being an athlete means being quite in touch with your body.”
Q.4: Can you share any personal experiences or stories about heart health that have impacted you?
Mairi: “My mum had a heart attack recently which shows that heart diseases can occur unexpectedly to anyone, even if you’ve lived a healthy lifestyle your whole life. So, do your best to prevent any health issues and maintain a good lifestyle, but don’t be discouraged if something happens. Unfortunately, even with a lifetime of healthy habits, things can still go wrong.”
Q.5: This year, the World Orienteering Championships have partnered with Heart Research UK. How do you feel this partnership can generate awareness and promote heart health within the orienteering community?
Mairi: “Exercise is essential for a healthy heart, and orienteering exercises both body and mind simultaneously. It offers a fun challenge and adventure. This partnership is a fantastic reminder for everyone, including elite athletes, about the importance of heart health.”
Kirstin: “It’s great to be working with the charity. Orienteers may become more conscious about heart health, and charity supporters might see orienteering as a way to stay active. This partnership can encourage people to maintain their fitness and view orienteering as a viable exercise option.”
Q.6: How do you balance the competitive nature of the sport with the enjoyment and adventure of orienteering?
Mairi: “It can be difficult to balance these, especially during big races, but at the end of the day, I always come back to the realisation that this sport is so fun and unique. The sport allows us to travel to amazing places around the world, meeting new people and making friends across the world. I am always grateful to be a part of it and all the benefits that come with it.”
Kirstin: “As I’ve matured, I’ve realised that when you’re young, a bad race can feel like the end of the world. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling upset, but experience has taught me that hard work is what truly matters. Reminding yourself of the good times, like getting selected or having an amazing run, helps on tough days. When you truly enjoy something and work hard, the buzz you get makes it all worth it. If you’re not enjoying your training every day, it’s time to change something about it.”
Q.7: What advice would you give to someone who is interested in taking up orienteering?
Mairi: “People are often nervous about trying orienteering, but I believe you just have to give it a go. If you find it difficult, don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you need. Dive in and don’t fear getting lost. Even elite athletes still get lost, so it’s not a problem.”
Kirstin: “There are local clubs all over the UK and you can find events on the British Orienteering website. If you’re near Edinburgh, come watch us at the World Championship races to see elite orienteers, many of whom represent their countries in athletics. Just get out there and try it, don’t worry if you don’t succeed right away. The important thing is to enjoy the fresh air and keep trying until it clicks.”
Q.8: What message would you like to share about the importance of heart health?
Mairi: “Remember that your heart is very important, so take the time to look after it. A few simple things, like getting outside, staying active and resting when you need to, can make a big difference. Listen to your body and keep it healthy.”
Kirstin: “It’s important to take care of ourselves, especially our hearts, and enjoy life since we’re only here once. This means finding what works for you, especially with exercise. While exercise is beneficial, it doesn’t have to be intense. Enjoying activities with friends or family, like orienteering, can make a big difference. The key is to find what works for you and enhances your life.”
Taking place from 12th to 16th July 2024, Edinburgh will host the Sprint World Orienteering Championships. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the sport, join us for the WOC Tour, featuring six exciting races for all ages and skill levels. Explore the best of urban orienteering and be part of this incredible event in support of the Heart of Scotland Appeal.
