The Original Mountain Marathon/Polaris Challenge
Training Camp. (29-30 September 2012)
This September we're running the third OMM Training Camp and it's set to be bigger, better and more popular than last year's hugely successful event. What's more, this year the event will be a combined OMM/ Polaris training camp allowing runners and riders to share ideas and tips on conditioning, navigation, nutrition, equipment and much, much more.
The OMM/Polaris Training Camp is an information-rich training camp open to everyone from mountain-marathon-or Polaris newcomers who'd simply like to find out how, right up to experienced campaigners, looking to fine tune their skills.


The weekend takes a workshop-based approach allowing you to pick and choose the sessions you attend to make sure you get the most out of the event. And there's a huge range of workshops on offer, all delivered by experts in their field.
On the Sunday there will be a mini-marathon and a mini polaris challenge where you can test out your newly honed skills on foot or on two wheels.
On top of that during the weekend there will be evening lectures from guest speakers, trade and information stands and the chance to spend a little down time with other runners, talking technique over a pint as you watch the sun drop behind Snowdon from the comfort of the bar.
The entire weekend including all two night's comfortable accommodation, great food and information-packed workshops and evening speakers is only £160.
*** Completion of the course satisfies the 'experience' requirement for OMM Events
Workshops you can choose from on the OMM/Polaris Training Camp
Running made easy
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In this practical outdoor workshop, you will gather an insight into how much good poise and posture can improve your running. There will be plenty of opportunity to analyse your style and to find out how you can improve your running posture and to discover how much easier things can be.
Riding made easy
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Find out from the pros how you can make your cycling more efficient. All kinds of tips, tricks and advice to keep you moving further faster and with less effort.
Downhill Skill
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Rugged, steep downhills can intimidate even the most experienced rider. Join our coaches as they equip you with strategies to iron out the bumps and straighten out the bends, transforming downhilling from a mentally and physically draining ordeal into an exhilarating enjoyable experience.
Eat yourself faster
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Nutrition plays a vital role in your performance and your enjoyment of a mountain sport. For many, nutrition is one of the most overlooked or misunderstood aspects of training. This workshop takes a good look at food. Including what food to carry taking into consideration the weight, size and implications of cooking or preparation.
Reading between the lines (navigation 1)
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Contours are paramount when it comes to map reading in the hills. With the right approach they can tell you just about all you need to know at a glance.
In this practical workshop you'll focus on contour interpretation, learning new skills and strategies to help you read the lines quickly and process all the information they give you faster and more effectively.
Relocation, relocation, relocation (navigation 2)
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Ever found yourself gazing into the distance for any clue to exactly where the hell you are? Let's face it, we've all done that at one time or another. This workshop will provide you with an immediate relocation strategy. A set of rules to apply to help you find out where you are. This one is a huge confidence builder for any mountain marathon newcomer, novice or those who have less than dependable navigational skills.
Mental mapping (navigation 3)
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This practical workshop focuses on ways of improving your ability to create that mental snapshot of your route from one quick glance at the map. Learn how to pluck the most important information from the map quickly and how to simply see beyond the unnecessary detail.
Talking tactics
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If you are looking to dramatically improve your race performance it might be time to start looking at some of the soft skills many racers take for granted.
Here we'll take a critical look at pre-race planning, selecting and race strategies.
Because tactics in the field can often make the difference between a disappointing mid-field result and a triumphant podium place.
Mid camp mayhem

Find out how you can make mid camp more pleasant for yourselves. In this workshop you'll take a close look at tents, stoves, toilets, how to dry kit, feed yourself, sleep well and even how best to protect yourself from midges and other bugs.
Fast and light
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Every few ounces saves time and effort. But where do you draw the line. Everyone has a different opinion on this one but this workshop will allow you to look at a range of options.
What is a mountain marathon?
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An 'absolute must' workshop for newcomers to the OMM. A perfect chance to ask all the wrong questions and get all the right answers. With no one to judge or assess you, you'll be free to find out exactly what to expect at an event. You'll even have a chance to discuss the range of mountain marathons on offer and which ones to aim for.
What is a the Polaris Challenge?
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The perfect workshop for newcomers to the Polaris Challenge. The ideal opportunity to ask all your questions and get all the right answers. With no one to judge or assess you, you'll be free to find out exactly what to expect at an event. You'll have the chance to discuss it all - the rules, equipment, navigation, carrying kit and camping arrangements. You ask it, our experts will have the answer.
Footwatch
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This workshop is all about looking after your feet. Good footcare, well-fitted running shoes, orthotic insoles and even socks - how everything you do with your feet can help you run faster and further.
Injury prevention
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Get some great tips on how to look after yourself and your team before, during and after events. Learn how to recognise symptoms early and discover what you can do to minimise the impact of injury on your running. In this workshop you'll enjoy a thorough overview of all common mountain marathon injuries including pulls, tears, strains, sprains, nerve pain and cramps including some ideas on 'self treatment' to cure runners knee.
Training Programmes
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On this outdoor practical workshop you'll get advice from the experts on long term, strategic training and how to maximise the effect of preparation including how to get yourself back on track after injury.
First aid on the hill
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Every event has a mandatory first aid kit list and we all carry what we have to. But who can say, hand on heart that they would know what to do in the event of an injury. This workshop is about dealing with injuries quickly and effectively using exactly the kit you will be carrying and nothing more. A real confidence builder, equipping you to deal with minor and major injuries that can (and do) occur on the hill.
Trailside Maintenance
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What do do when your bike breaks down. This workshop deals with what to carry, what to use and how to us it to get your bike up and running in the shortest possible time.
Change of Gear
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A look at all the latest in bike technology. Find out what is lightest, most reliable, most comfortable and the most efficient.
Get our experts opinion on what's right for you and your riding.
Doctor Bikeright's Clinic
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It your bike set up correctly for your?
Wheel it in to the Doctor's surgery and let our 'chain-surgeon' give you the diagnosis.
Size, shape and positioning are critical in long distance cycling events. If you experience a bad back or aches or strains in any area on long rides, our experts will discuss possible alterations or adjustments to help relieve the problem.

