|
Post by sheffieldnick on Apr 19, 2013 9:16:54 GMT
I've built this interactive pace/splits calculator, based on the results from last years race: climbers.net/race/The-Highland-Fling-2012be very interested to get feedback, suggestions for improvements, etc. Thanks
|
|
|
Post by stuartm on Apr 19, 2013 10:38:26 GMT
good effort - well done. I love geeking out on numbers before an event!!!
One of the interesting things that jumps out at me as a newbie to the race (and ultras) is the difference in split times:
a) All finishing time splits start faster and get progressively slower. Is this normal in ultramarathons? or does everyone just start too fast??
b) For all times under 11:26:00 the Rowerdennan->Beinglas split is slower than the final split Beinglas->finish. Ive heard that this is a rough section underfoot.. is that the reason for this?
Happy days! S.
|
|
|
Post by fatherjack on Apr 19, 2013 20:03:59 GMT
Rowardennan to Beinglas is rough from what I remember. One thing surprised me looking at the splits was how close I was to the average for my time on all of them, yet during the race I thought I'd gone pretty quickly to Beinglas and then blown up and shuffled home at a snail's pace. I guess that most people slow down noticeably towards the end too!
|
|
|
Post by stanb on Apr 20, 2013 11:43:46 GMT
Stuart,
It is a great website and an interesting tool.
Rowardennan to Beinglas is a terrific section, sensational views, fast downhills, long ups and some very technical ground include a ladder climb.
Most of us split this into 2 sections - R'dennan( 27.4mls) to Inversnaid(34.3mls) and I'snaid to Beinglas (40.8mls). Row- I;snaid - wide forest road for all but last 2.5 mls which reverts back to path. I think you can term this section undulating. I'snaid - Beinglas has roughly 3.5 mls of v technical running which many find difficult to get any rhythm going. after that path opens up with some decent running before a little hill on approach to Beinglas.
Hope this gives a flavour of why these sections are a bit slower than final one.
Hope you enjoy the race, it is a cracking route.
|
|
|
Post by Andy C on Apr 20, 2013 17:44:11 GMT
I think this is a really helpful for anyone doing the race for the first time, good job Nick!
In answer to the other posts above, I've analysed splits from a lot of ultras over the past few years. What you see is that everyone slows down as the race goes on, no matter whether they are an elite runner or an average performer. This effect is exascerbated in the Fling because the first 17 miles are almost flat with easy ground underfoot, then you start to get bits of singletrack and real climbs later on in the race.
What is interesting is that in all races, the runners near the top of the field run at a more even pace than those lower down. You can speculate whether the slower runners start too fast, or whether running a more positive split is the best way for less fit runners to get their best result, I think the jury's out on that.
|
|
|
Post by Bros on Apr 22, 2013 8:35:02 GMT
thanks for the calculator..it'll be my first fling and longest ever event. Hmm, re evaluating my strategy now!
|
|
|
Post by sheffieldnick on Apr 23, 2013 14:53:43 GMT
Glad people like it I've now added a altitude profile graph of the course, and you can select any section of the course to get stats about height gain/loss of that section.
|
|
|
Post by sheffieldnick on May 2, 2013 11:23:35 GMT
My splits calculator is now available as a app for your smartphone, and you can use it without a mobile signal. Should work on all modern phones. Feedback very welcome. climbers.net/racem/The-Highland-Fling-2012For iPhone/iPad users: To add the app to your Home screen, click the link above in Safari and tap the Share button at the bottom of the Safari window. Then tap 'Add to Home Screen'.
|
|
|
Post by Jodie on Nov 11, 2013 19:30:09 GMT
Fantastic app, thanks very much! Was just trying to work this pace out myself and check the terrain on OS maps. Thank you!
|
|