I reckon that if you're wearing a wetsuit it means you're a Southern Softie!!!
Went up there with my new bike today. Went around in 1hr55. The struggle is well... a struggle. Took a run around the course after a 10 minutes of SIS / Kendal mint cake frenzy. Looking forward to the weekend should be tough but fun. See you all there.
You might see me at the start, but everyone'll have gone home by the time I finish! I'll be in a polka dot jersey (who says I don't have a sense of humour).
If the weather's OK it'll be a great day.
Yes i'll hang around afterwards and eat / chill out. I'll look out for the king of the mountains Or I could blow on the struggle and have everyone go past me up Swirral edge. Its a tough event. Anything could happen!
I'll be there, somewhat daunted already - never done anything this extreme before. Anyone have any suggestions re refuelling / hydration?
'Too much sitting is ruining my body'
Bob,
Make sure you eat and drink plenty as soon as you can on the bike - the food especially will help you later on. Make sure you empty your water bottles in Ambleside - you don't want to be carrying any extra weight up The Struggle.
Also leave a full bottle in transition for before you go out on the run - if you down half a bottle it should get you to the top of Helvellyn.
Having said that, last year I ran with a Camelbak type hydration pack - didn't really slow me down much and meant I good have a drink on the way up the hill - just make sure you don't take too much water up with you - I always seem to finish long races carrying half a kilo of water!
Good luck all - it's a real cracker!
MH
Bob
2 other tips from the recce weekend. At the top of Swirral Edge turn right - you don't have to go all the way to the summit. The race is about trying not to go too slow (if that's not an oxymoron), ie don't kill yourself on the bike and the swim
bvb
Are you sure we don't have to turn right and go around the summit cairn?
Good point re emptying the bottles before the struggle. Want to be as light as possible!