High-speed scavenger hunt is a high-octane workout

Looking for something different to spice up your outdoor fitness routine? Why not try orienteering? (Here's one woman's experience on the course.) Orienteering is a foot race like no other. Racers gather at a park or wooded area and get assigned a card. Then, using only a map and a compass, they must find 9-12 different flags scattered throughout the wilderness. At each flag is a different hole punch, and the first person or team to fill their card in the shortest period of time, wins. The sport combines the physical aspects of hiking, light climbing, and racing with the mental challenge of a scavenger hunt.

To prepare, make sure you're in good enough physical shape to cover rough and rugged terrain at a fairly fast pace. Also, make sure to get some lessons in map and compass reading if you've never done so before. If you discover it's really a sport that you love, you'll be happy to know there are lots of variations: ski orienteering, mountain bike orienteering, canoe orienteering, and even a similar sport called rogaining.

Orienteering races range from ultra-competitive to family friendly...you just have to find the events that suits your style. Anyone here ever been orienteering? Share your experience with us!