I've not been able to get it out of my mind for weeks. I feel sick with anticipation (or is it all this chocolate I've just scoffed).
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I've not been able to get it out of my mind for weeks. I feel sick with anticipation (or is it all this chocolate I've just scoffed).
Me too. Roll on 9am tomorrow morning!
No place for me :-(
nor me :-(
i got in at 1st attempt last year so should't complain........will look forward to 2013 instead i guess.
it's the Pennine Way for me at same time no that i know that i'm not going to the airport bound for Geneva.
No need to wait for the email btw - the details are up re: entry on the utmb website.
good luck to all who got thru the ballot.
Mark....
I'm "refused". I never seem to get in when there are ballots.
Not really interested in the TDS - so in order to wait for 2013 UTMB do you leave the 50 Euro deposit? Or ask for a refund?
My wife and I have been accepted into the CCC. Commiserations to those who have been turned down. I presume that you have a guaranteed entry next year. You'll need more points.
Tom, you'll get a refund.
Mrs C is in, oo'er better start sorting out the logistics.
she's all giddy.:thumbup:
I'm refused as well. 2013 for me then.
first time lucky for me - I am in for the CCC.
Time to get stronger for 2013!! no place for me boooo
Very few got in, it seems. The amount of pink in the list is quite staggering. Give it another year or two and they'll be scrapping the automatic places for refusals in the following year as well, unless the increase in the popularity of Ultras shows signs of slowing. They won't be able to cope.
Apart from the first year I've only ever got in on a refusal. I'm like you tomphillips, I've never got through a ballot yet. 2012 plan 2 it is then, which isn't so bad. I'd better get some entry forms filled in.......
A refusal for me and our group of 5. Oh well, plenty of time to train for 2013.
There'll be no space for first-timers in 2013, surely?
I'm in.
The reward for 2 years of stormy CCCs?
Weather must be better this year, but if not, at least I know what I'm in for.
She's always bloody giddy:wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by crumblydown
Well done to all that got in, comiserations to them that didn't, must be a bit of a downer.
I felt lucky making it in for the CCC. Was in Chamonix for work when the email came in so made it that little but sweeter. Looking forward to August now.
Sorry to hear how few have got in the UTMB, it says a lot about the event that such a challenge can be so oversubscribed. Enjoy it in 2013!
After a DNF last year in the UTMB, I'd already decided on a 100m+ embargo in 2012, so I'm pleased to have pre-registered for the TDS. Would love to hear a bit more about it from those who've done it (especially if you've got experiance of this and UTMB). From the DVD of last years event and knowing its "hillier" per mile than the UTMB, which I experianced 60m of last year I'm really looking forward to this challenge.
The UTMB blurb suggested 6 in 10 chance of getting in the CCC and less for the UTMB,1 in 2 i think.I must be one of the lucky ones,1st time and I'm in the CCC.Any tips for an M60? No country for old men perhaps,I don't think so.Commiserations(?) to those that didn't get in.
Plenty of stories and advice on the UTMB 2011 thread:Quote:
Originally Posted by cefn dave
http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showt...-UTMB-etc-2011
Judging by the numbers that didn't make it, this thread could be a bit sparse this time around!
Many thanks for that,have spent the morning reading it all.Lots of useful advice from yourself and others.great.Off on the bike now for a few hours to think about it all.
How to finish in the top 100. http://www.kikourou.net/recits/recit...arat_3h00.html
As long as you speak French;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Feet in the Cowclaps
Bit of a science or personal opinion question. Any thoughts from those who've maybe done more than one of the UTMB/CCC/TDS or similar events upto higher ground (GRP, etc...) on if its worth getting there more than two days early to aclimatise a bit to the height, heat, etc....? E.g. get a bit used to being up at 1000m generally in Chamonix and pop up and down the mountains in cable cars to get used to higher heights?
I arrived last in Cham last year the evening before, so in theory should have been in town less than 24hours before UTMB started, had the start not been delayed. I certainly seemed to suffer on second climb to Col du Bonhomme; headache, a bit clumsy, suprisingly sleepy. Generally very hard work - which I expected for such a big climb, but I wondered at the time if altitude (over 2400m) was causing some of this? I've hardly ever spent any time at altitude, highest I'd been in a run/walk before was about 3000ft in Lakes and thats not often. Oddly I was fine on the next climb to Col de la Seigne - maybe already getting used to being at higher level.
I've looked into it a bit and there doesn't seem to be much to suggest altitude issues being a problem at 2000m, but some articles don't seem to rule out some effects.
I was thinking of arriving Tuesday afternoon before TDS start on Thursday morning. But, I am also considering arriving a day earlier, if this had any perceived benefit? or maybe it'll just be another day to walk around adding to nerves? I'm interested in anyones opinions on approaches they've used and how it refelected on their event.
I posted a few thoughts here on the 2011 thread:
http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showt...059#post390059
Having the experience of another year doing the CCC, I would say that a few days preparation in advance of race day will help. I tend to make a couple of trips by cable car up to 2,500 metres on the Wednesday and Thursday (having arrived Tuesday) to help with acclimatisation. I also do a 40/45 minute gentle run on fairly level terrain at the 2,000 metre level on the Wednesday morning just to help the process along.
When I did the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges in 2008 I definitely suffered on the climbs to over 2,500 metres having come directly from sea level in late September.
I am hoping to make a 4 day trip around the UTMB course as part of a 2 week summer break in late June/early July and hope to get some lasting benefit from that and other runs/walks over that 2 week period.
From the sound of things, if you felt fine over Col de la Seigne your problems on the Bonhomme were likely caused by things other than the altitude. You wouldn't acclimatise that quickly.
This regime seems to help me, and I'll be sticking with it.
Cheers for the information Morgan. That is similar to the approach I had in mind. I think even if it doesn't benefit me in adaption terms there will be a worthwhile placebo effect and it's certainly no hardship taking a few pre-event trips up to the heights.
I'm in the TDS. Anyone fancy sharing a lift or accommodation?
Nice quiet thread this year!
I was able to run the initial 80 km section from Chamonix to Courmayeur on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week solo, save for some company to St Gervais.
Whilst the first 30 kms or so through to Les Contamines is a little uninspiring (by comparison with much of the course), things take a turn for the spectacular from Notre Dame de la Gorge onwards. It is the first time I have been over these mountains and I was suitably impressed.
Both days were hot and the section from St Gervais through to Les Contamines, with the associated navigational duties, made me suffer somewhat. Cool and calm were restored as height was gained.
I over-nighted at the Refuge du Col du Croix de Bonhomme, which was packed with large TMB parties, but they were able to squeeze in a single with 24 hours notice.
I was off by 6.45 am the next morning; the tethered mules outside the dortoir having provided a wake up call around 5.30 am. Aside of the drag up the road to La Ville Aux Glaciers and the flat section from Refugio Elisabetta to Lac Combal, this section is a total delight and the run across from the Arete de Mont Favre with the Aiguille Noire close across the valley is truly fabulous.
Arrived in Courmayeur by lunch time rather tired, but this day was the culimination of what I can only describe as a "Kilian" week; 117 miles and 30,000 feet of height gain. So that seems fair enough. :D;)
A couple of retrospective thoughts about kit used on my 2 day jaunt referred to above.
First, shoes. All my S Lab 3s are trashed so I have had to switch to S lab 4s. These seem to have a narrower last. The 3s did a bit of damage in the later stages of UTSDT in Mallorc so I have been casting about for another option.
(Incidentally, the S Lab 5 is even narrower. I tried a pair on in Chamonix. Not for me. :-( )
After an email debate with Bryon Powell of iRunfar.com I opted to try a pair of Brooks Cascadia 7s. Review here:
http://www.irunfar.com/2011/12/brook...-7-review.html
Brilliant! The most comfortable trail shoe I have ever worn. These took me over 117 miles of alpine trails in 5 days without turning a hair. Robust construction and a traditional drop so won't suit everyone, but fantastic for me.
With an overnight stop, I had to leave my Salomon Advanced Skin 12 set in the campervan and use an OMM Adventure Light 20l sac. I know it is not a bad sac but by comparison with the 12 set it was a complete nightmare. Pockets difficut to reach, significantly less comfy, bloody straps everywhere, didn't handle the bladder well. Not comparing like with like I know but the difference in design philosophy really stands out and carrying the OMM was not enjoyable.
Read with interest Morgan, brought back memores of last year. I did the not so scenic bit overnight and in rain in the event and told my running buddy "this isn't what I was expecting", thinking it would be wilder and more mountainous. Never too far from a town/village and with no huge climbs I could have been running overnight in Calderdale. But after Notre Dame de la Gorge I was not disappointed and often amazed! Fantastic up there looking over mountainous valleys then later glaciers. My personal fave was climbing up to the top of Col de la Seigne and seeing twin monsterous jagged peaks through the clouds to my left.
Different challenge this year though, featuring an even bigger thereafter more frequent peaks. 2600+ Col de la Youlaz first up, which looks awesome and otherworldly on the DVD of last years event. Going to be amazing!
Is everyone set for the week now? I've opted to stay in Argentiere, will be a change to Chamonix and if the excitement gets too much an escape. Though for anybody going for first time there is a brilliant atmosphere in Chamonix that week, I was almost disappointed when the UTMB finished and the whole place calmed a bit and reverted to normal the next day. Still plenty to do though.
Interested in your gear reviews Morgan. Sal Adv Skin 12 set sounds good and I can see the idea that it sits and moves with you. OMM AL 20 was the pack I used last year and whilst good, like you say is just a normal backpack, but made lightweight. Though I've stuck with OMM and have an ultra 12 for the event. More minimal strapping than 20 and fully loaded sits well as long as straps are tight. Not everyones cup of tea, but fine for me. Roclite 285's for the feet, done enough training in them to believe they will aequately cushion me for 70m.
The revelation of the peaks to the left of Col de la Seigne is a fantastic moment. Even though the view of its is far away and obscured, the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey is magnetic. I couldn't stop looking at it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Drunkeneuphoria
The best bit is that the AN and the south side of Mont Blanc remains in view pretty much all the way to Courmayeur, which is what makes that traverese from Arete du Mont Favre so enjoyable.
Chamonix for me again, with a small group including one CCC'er and one TDS'er and 2 who are sensibly doing nothing!
I used the OMM iDrate in the 2010 CCC and it was fine; wouldn't have done for my 2 day trip though. And still not a patch on the 12 Set. :D
Any one going over for the training weekend? If so say hi to me old mate Keith from NF
Short video taster here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf1Mz...&feature=share
Not long now. :D
Not been on the forum for ages but I have just read a lot of old posts with good info about the CCC. I have done a few long days on the hills but I the longest race I have done is the Mont Blanc Marathon so it will interesting to see how this one will pan out!
I have just returned from a week holiday in Chamonix and i should just about be ready now. Was meant to recce the whole route but I decided against an overnight stay so I have only done the first 35k and the last 30K.
The last couple of big climbs will naturally be quite a test so i have decided to take poles. I hate them but with tired legs late on, they must help.
I have invested in a new Salomon race bag, got my kit sorted so I suppose I am ready to go so bring it on!
Getting set for TDS now, recently done Lakeland 50 and Long tour of Bradwell and a few month prior some legs of BGR, as good a preperation as I can manage in this country and being on opposite side of country from lake District, on top of tough training routes. L50 had some good trail/path climbs, but plenty of runnable bits, so a bit of both. LToB has a mean first half, which probably gets as near as possible to the kind of ascent/descent per mile in TDS in an event within 100m of me - though nowhere near such long continuous climbs. Coped ok with it being warmer too, but I know could be a lot warmer (and colder) on TDS route, but I'll be going a fair bit slower - will be a nice long ultra-hike enjoying the views when I can and enjoying the continental fix on food and drink at the CP :wink:
Good luck Erik and De in your repspective races.
Couple of final training runs for me. I'll taper from Sunday evening.
After my "Kilian week" in Cham of 112 miles and 30,000' of climb in 5 days, I've managed a solid 5 weeks of 60-70 miles weeks with plenty of climb.
After 2 years of rough weather it would be great to have a settled spell for all the races; fingers crossed.
Solid training there Morgan, good luck everyone and hopefully good weather, my mate Mrs.Crumblydown is ready in the head. Bit more climbing training for her this weekend. Leg 4 BG support with me this weekend for Jon Steele.Quote:
Originally Posted by MorganW
Good luck to Jon and hope supporting goes well SF and MC.
Good luck to you too Morgan.Quote:
Originally Posted by MorganW
Got a few questions for you experienced UTMB runners.
What's on offer on the drink and food stops? Was just wondering how much supply to put in my bag.
If its anything like the Mont Blanc Marathon, the food stations will be quite spectacular!
Can you drop off a spare bag with supply somewhere on route or is that just for the full UTMB?
Stared tapering after I came back from my 8 days 'training camp with a daily 1000-3000 metres climb in the Chamonix Valley early August. I am down to 4-5 hours running a week now.
A lot of the food is hard to carry I.e biscuits, cake, crackers, cheese, salami. So I took a small bag and put breakable food in it and carried it in my hand. Most stops have some sort of energy bar (not all are that nice). Generally the food is good but some of it requires a short break to consume, soup, pasta (rarely) etc. personally I set off with a few cliff bars and some gels, Gu mainly. I think it's only the UTMB that allow a drop bag. This is at Courmayeur.(edit. Changed from Champex Lac)
Good luck with the weather this year. The full course has only been run twice, it would be nice to think the 10th running will be on the correct full course, as it is a beauty.
Erik
Aid stations will be similar to the Marathon.
Alan's right, it it is handy to have a sealable plastic bag to take some food and eat it on the hoof. There's usually plenty of dark chocolate if you are a fan. Try and get in and out quickly. I'm always amazed by how long some folk spend at the aid stations.
The noodle soup is fantastic and you should have this certainly after nightfall, with a couple of hunks of bread. That can keep you going between checkpoints with reduced night time speed levels.
I usually take too much of my own food, but it's not like it slows me down; I'm slow enough anyway!
I'm partial to my own humous and avocado wraps and am prepared to live with the extra weight of these to have them available to slip down when I want them.
I'll have a Clif bar on board and some Honey Stingers along with some jelly beans and maybe some dark chocolate for the dark hours. I'll resupply at Courmayeur.
Alan is correct. CCC runners don't get a drop bag. UTMB runners do at Courmayeur after 44/5 miles.