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Post by Andrew on Apr 24, 2011 23:38:29 GMT
Hi All Would you let me know what type of trainers to wear? What to expect in terms of refreshments at the check points ? How to prepare for the checkpoints in terms of drop-off bags. How difficult is the navigation? What is the best map to get? Andrew  |
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Post by Colin Knox on Apr 25, 2011 12:57:29 GMT
Trainers : What ever suits you!! is the simple answer. You haven't got that long to try differnt types on your feet. The route isnt that technical so you wouldnt really need specialist shoes (just my opinion). Most folk are now using a pair of normal road shoes with good cushioning. Trail shoes i suppose would be good on some muddy and rocky bits but its really what ever floats youre boat. But remember you'll be running in them for lets say 10hrs plus, so comfort is the important thing. You dont have long to break a pair in before race day.
Route finding: The route is fairly straight forward to follow, although there is seemingly a short diversion above drymen due to tree felling. Im not sure if thats been cleared (Maybe Tim D, when he reads this, can clarify on this). The best thing to have done by now would have been to familiarise yourself with the route. Its easy for me to say its not a problem to follow as this is my third fling and ive walked and run the route many times through training and hillwalking, so id like to think i know it very well. Harveys do a great map of the WHW, but do you really want to carry maps?
Checkpoints Refreshments: Water is available (although dont bank on this incase its been used up by the time you get to them.) Stick to the proven system of drop bags at each checkpoint. As to what to put in them. Again its what floats your boat. By now you'll know what works for you.
My preference is light on the stomach stuff....a small yougurt sized pot of pasta, obvious stuff like water, energy drinks, electrolyte replacement tablets or drink. Flapjacks and carbo loaded gels. Creamed rice pud is good and easy (for me) to digest. Dont make the mistake i made a couple of years ago and pack a weekly shop into each drop bag!! Thats the advantage of this system, you don't need to humpf your days supplies round the whole route, just enough to get you from checkpoint to checkpoint. Little often throughtout the day is better than a three course meal at each checkpoint!!! And again, by now you'll know what suits you. I wouldnt advise trying anything new on the day that might give you an upset stomach.
Im sure the other guys can advise you better but that covers what ive learned to date. If it aint broken dont try and fix it. stick to what has worked for you up to this point.
Enjoy the race!!
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Post by colinhardie on Apr 25, 2011 13:35:48 GMT
Route finding: The route is fairly straight forward to follow, although there is seemingly a short diversion above drymen due to tree felling. Im not sure if thats been cleared (Maybe Tim D, when he reads this, can clarify on this). Just read the following blog posting, probably indicates that the section you mention is open, whether this is the case for the race itself I would guess will be clarified before race start. runnertom.blogspot.com/2011/04/eyballs-out-at-conic-hill.html |
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Post by daviehall on Apr 25, 2011 20:10:57 GMT
I was at Balmaha checkpoint last year and anything not consumed from the drop bags of the first runners through was put to the side for the use of anyone who fancied something different.
Many runners have found that once they get started, they lose their appetite and just don't fancy what they thought they would eat when packing their drop bag. There are stories of friends and family being sent to buy stuff like rice puddings, when the runner doesn't even like them. It may be the brain's way of telling you what you need! Don't be afraid to ask if anyone has left something that you might like as an alternative!
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Post by daviehall on Apr 25, 2011 20:15:49 GMT
Further to the above, it helps to know your race number and be ready to reply when someone asks you what it is, as we had a system of asking for numbers as athletes approached as we could then have their drop bags ready. More than a few were asking why we wanted it as they ran into the checkpoint and then got upset when we couldn't get it to them quickly.
I think this was a good system but, and it was mainly English runners, many told us that in many of their races they just had to search for their own bag as the marshalls stood blethering. We are better than that!
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Post by Tim on Apr 25, 2011 21:35:36 GMT
Hi All Would you let me know what type of trainers to wear? What to expect in terms of refreshments at the check points ? How to prepare for the checkpoints in terms of drop-off bags. How difficult is the navigation? What is the best map to get? Andrew Less than a week before the race and NOW you ask? You gotta be kidding? Other folk have given you good advice but omitted a few helpful details. Shoes: Forget trainers, they're not man enough for the WHW. Full shank hill walking boots, with crampons if you have them. It can get pretty slippy up on Conic hill. Refreshments: No need to pack any drinks of your own. Chilled lager, white wine spritzers and lucozade sport are provided free of charge at each checkpoint. Drop bags: I would suggest a supermarket carrier bag. It's unlikely anyone else will be doing this so don't worry about labelling it with your name or number. I'm sure you'll spot your own bag easily. Navigation: Head north. How hard can that be? Best map: I like the Landranger (1:50,000) number 70 as it has all my local favourite places but I will admit it's a bit thin on details of the WHW. On the off chance that this WAS a serious question, I'll just say good luck - you'll need it! ;D I'll also apologise for the broken link to maps of the route. (Somehow got omitted when I updated the site this year). Apart for the ending (which is now outside the "By the Way" hostel, all these maps should provide with the info you need. www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/highlandflingrace/images/whwmap/highlandflingmap.html |
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Post by daviehall on Apr 25, 2011 21:40:34 GMT
Tim,Tim,Tim,
I thought someone as cerebral as you are would know that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit ;-)
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Post by com160 on Apr 26, 2011 5:57:06 GMT
I assume the op is asking a serious and inosent question about the trainers. They did not say were going to go out and buy a new pair, we have to assume they have both trail and road shoes at home in use, already broken in. All they were asking was which one to wear.
I will be wearing trail shoes as i always do, but many wear road shoes so its whatever you want really
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