Interview #11: Training in Lockdown with Ben Squire (NOC)

Before Lockdown did you attend any of the talent training camps? If so, what were the key things that you enjoyed?
“Being a part of the talent squad, I went to 4 camps over the winter and early spring in the Lake District and Scotland. These allowed me to practise my techniques in areas better than the East Midlands! They also gave me the chance to talk to coaches 1-1 about my training which I found useful. Also a great time to catch up with people who I wouldn't see outside of major competitions.”

What advice have you got for other athletes or members in a similar position with their on-going training?
“Try out new types of training, keep things fresh and use this time with no competitions to train consistently with the hope that the season restarts in the Autumn.”

What is your number one Lockdown training session?
“Long runs exploring different places with less people around and enjoying the nice weather we've been having.”

Have you still been able to access support from your coach or orienteering athlete friends, and if so how?
“I've still kept in touch with friends through social media who I'd been looking forward to seeing at the JK and British Champs. My Dad is my coach so there's no getting away from training!”

What box sets have you been able to catch up on during Lockdown?
“Money Heist and Brooklyn 99 which are both very good.”

Have you got any Lockdown projects on the go at the moment?
“My running club has a Covid-19 virtual relay where everyone is allocated a team (odds/even) depending on your birthday. You then run for 19 minutes with a baton of your choice (an orienteering flag as my choice) and post your distance on the club page adding a bit of competition at this time. I'm looking forward to the Lockdown Orienteering event also too.”

Thank you Ben. We wish you all the very best with your on-going training.

Thank you to all the GB athletes for helping and providing a useful insight into their training during lockdown.  On behalf of British Orienteering members we wish you all the very best and look forward to seeing you competing for GB in the future when it is safe to do so once again.

Did you miss any of the interviews? 
You can access the interviews on the following links as follows:

GB Gold Medal winner Grace Molloy talks about her training in Lockdown. 

Interview #1: Training in Lockdown with Alastair Thomas (EUOC / WCOC)

Interview #2: Training in Lockdown Interview with Jo Shepherd (INVOC)

Interview #3: Training in Lockdown Interview with Fiona Bunn (TVOC / CUOC)

Interview #4: Training in Lockdown with Kirstin Maxwell (RR)

Interview #5: Training in Lockdown Interview with Hector Haines (AROS)

Interview #6: Training in Lockdown Interview with Cat Taylor (SYO)

Interview #7: Training in Lockdown with Sarah Jones (Lakeland OC)

Interview #8: Training in Lockdown - Jonathan Crickmore (SHUOC)

Interview #9: Training in Lockdown with Alice Leake (Airienteers)

Interview #10: Training in Lockdown Interview with Euan Tryner (SYO)

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As a sport, we must work together to resume orienteering responsibly as and when the relevant government determines it is safe to do so.

The latest statement from British Orienteering can be found here.
Resumption of Orienteering