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I didn't get in either:(. I'd stupidly convinced myself I would get in as all seemed to get in last year! You get offered a place in TDS, but think I'll just skip it and wait to get my priority place in the main event next year and spend this year moaning about not getting a place;).
I wonder whether there will be an amount of people who won't take up their place, do they re-allocate those? As you can see I'm starting to clutch at straws...............
I'm in! :eek:
On the subject of poles, wouldn't you expend more energy using poles, your arm muscles are going to be worked harder with the pushing action, so could you be drawing calories away from the legs? What about the extra mental effort used to think about how you are using your poles? Again more glucose needed for the brain... I think that if we were designed to be four legged then we would be four legged.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin
I think they are a great workout, Nordic walking looks good, as does XC skiing, but I can't help thinking that all of that tech stuff that is currently used to sell what is essentially a stick (and they're not cheep) strikes me as just another marketing ploy to grab our hard earned.
I got in, 4th time for me, I feel greedy!!!
Poles, I see what you are saying Twister, but in all 3 races I have run in,at least 90 percent of competitors use poles, its a case of taking some of the 9000+metres of ascent of your legs and evenly spreading it throughout your body, they are also great to hold you up while you get your breath back or throw up. Its worth thinking a bit more about this!! The climbs are totally different from say a BGR and they become second nature to use after 30 odd hours! If you are a middle to back of the pack runner then use them.. if you are a talented runner say Ian Ridgeway, you can get away without them IMHO
But you will have a great time over their mate, Im sure:)
fair point that's a lot of ascent, perhaps I will look in to using poles one day... Got my sights set on the UTMB for 2012, which should give me enough time to get another 3 qualifying points...
Thanks for the compliment but I think you're over rating me a bit there:-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin
I didn't use the in 2008, but carried them, so had them out for the whole run in 2009. As you say because the route is very samey for hours at a time its easy to get into a routine. They made a massive difference. I couldn't believe how good I felt, and how strong I felt on every climb. On the latter climbs I was passing people continually, and that just pushes you on. Only on the last climb did I finally start to feel the ascents in my legs.
In fact one of the hardest climbs was probably the very last climb, a short climb up past the chairlift, telepherique station thing. That hurt so much.
Good luck Fell Mincer and Ronin, just get the mileage in but mentally prepare for a long day out and enjoy it.
The feeling after you finish is indescribable. We just never shut up talking about it for a few weeks.
Energetically, maybe. I think they save muscle damage. Because you are going quite slow I think you can keep the energy going into your system, what you've got to minimise is muscle damage. Keep as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Poles help in that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Twister
I'm in as well, :)
My disbelief was after last year's undersubscription. I got some nice email replies from the UTMB organisation to explain the oversubscription this year, which led to a draw, and the TDS as an alternative option. (Whenever a draw is involved it's automatic curtains for me.) Also, goups are entered as one entity, so either the group gets drawn or it doesn't.
There is another alternative on the same weekend if it has to be 100 miles in big mountains - the Grand Raid Pyrenees. I'm drooling again.
I would be interested to hear what the organisers said about the over subscription. It seems strange that everyone got in last year, but this years was something like 1200 over subscribed.Quote:
Originally Posted by BritNick
Email did arrive eventually.Quote:
Originally Posted by BGSec
Paid the balance, just need to sort the med cert.
Iain, where and why did you tape the RLs?Quote:
Originally Posted by IainR
Been using them on longer runs and walks. Trying to keep upright and definitely helping the lower back.
Dawa Sherpa will be taking part in the Vancouver Olympics in the 21k cross-country skiing event (Monday). He says his objective is not to fall over. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by saz
Anyone any experience of Mountain King Trail Blaze poles? They are (fairly) light and look ok but not sure they are really up to the kind of hammer I might inflict on them in a TMB.
Me, I've got some of those mountain king poles. They are pretty much same as the Raidlight ones, but little bit cheaper (and I think made here in Britain) and for those wimps amongst us much easier to set up. The cord that you pull up to make the poles straight is a bit more flexible than the raidlight one and also (in my opinion) looks a bit more robust.
As with any of these lightweight poles you wouldn't go and fling your whole weight on them like you would say with proper walking poles, but mine have taken a lot of stick and have had me leaning on them quite heavily in the latter stages of a few ultras here and the alps and look fine.
The other good thing about the poles like these and the raidlight is that they are so light and fold away neatly, that if you are having the poles/no poles debate pre-race you can just have them in the side of your rucker in case.
My Raidlights have been doing good service on various walks/runs in the Three Peaks recently.
There are some mega-hard snow banks on the PW route down PyG where they have been if not life-savers, then extremely helpful.
They do bend when "left behind", but no snapping yet. :D
Iain
Could you answer my earlier question on the other UTMB thread here:
http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showt...719#post303719
Otherwise it's PM time.
Didn't take my poles (Leki Titanium walking poles) on yesterday's BG recce but I'm going to try them for running soon :)
So if I find a corpse impaled on a pole I will presume you tripped over on one of your rapid decents :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
Only rapid descent I made yesterday was sliding on my @rse! :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Inov-8 Insider
Sorry only just saw this..
I taped them with climbing finger tape and later duct tape, at each junction. I found occassionally they separated. My poles had been modified by a previous owner and so came apart occassionally.
It meant once they were out they were out for good. But I didn't mind using them. I started in chamonix with them, not because I needed them, just to get used to them whilst I was fresh and I just knew I'd keep putting off taking them out.
Just did that, sorry didn't see the question..anyway give us a shout if any questions.. in the states now so may be a while answering.Quote:
Originally Posted by BGSec
This whole 'pole' question is doing my head in - I have some cheap poles which weigh 280g each - so roughly twice the weight of the lightweight raidlight/camp xenon ones - this means an additional 280g or spend £75. Is the expenditure worth it? Has anyone used regular weight poles in previous years?
Don't let it bother you too much, I used them, think they helped, others complete in good times without. I ummed and ahhed for a long time. The first year I ran and carried them for 50 miles, then used them when I was in pieces. This time I used them from the off, but this time I was really keyed up for the race havinG DNF'd, but it was also just more favourable conditions, full stop.
I opted for the raidlights, if you want you can borrow mine if you're in North Wales and see what you think (assuming you are chester). Give us a shout.
A big factor in me using them was talking to Chris N and Tim H, the two previous PB record holders and they both used them in their quick rounds. I couldn't believe how strongly Tim was descending at the end so assumed his quads had been saved by the poles. They used carbon leki type poles I think.
Like Iain I dnfd in 2008 without poles, also like Iain I completed in 2009, but again without poles. If you are good at using them I'm sure that they help. I personally prefer the purity of just using my feet.
For a comparison in 2005 I completed (again no poles) on a shorter course in 38 40 mins. In 2009 I completed in 32 52. Most people use them, but in terms of completing it in your best time I think it’s more down to the conditions on the day and judging your pace accordingly (it can get very hot in the valleys). As Iain says the conditions last year were much more conducive to the Brits.
Killian never used poles in 2009 either, and he won by over an hour!
Headless (Eddie Winslow) used poles right from the off on his winter BG in December 2008.Quote:
Originally Posted by IainR
He says they helped him a great deal and, using them for the downs as well, they saved his knees and quads to some extent.
You'll soon get used to them DT.Quote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
Mine have been with me on all recent long runs/walks and they are starting to feel like part of me, finally.
Reccied the first half of Trollers on Friday and I was keeping up with the wife uphill. She was running and I was poling.
If you can get used to using them downhill, they will save your knees and quads a fair bit.
I used them when I walked TMB a few years ago plus in Pyranees and Lakes but not for running. I should be okay with them at Ilkley Moor on Sunday, shouldn't I? :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by BGSec
That would be classic!Quote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
Watching everyone trip over your poles on the run up to the Tarn. Ha, ha.
Be worth a Wharfee vid.
It might raise a few questions in Bar t'at afterwards! ;):DQuote:
Originally Posted by BGSec
Cheers Iain, thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by IainR
No probs with separation yet, but the more I use them, the more likely that is I suspect.
Increasingly, I'm starting longer runs with them out and ready. Might as well get maximum benefit.
Brian mentioned the odd harsh word exchanged in the early part when he was spiked and before he got my Raidlights into action (else he could have fought back:D).
And indeed on the Forum.Quote:
Originally Posted by Derby Tup
Big fuss when Al Powell tested his poles round Ennerdale. ;)
Just one little thought about poles and then I'll never say it again.
It's all a bit European isn't it?
I mean what next, green lycra one-piece running suits.
Im not planning on using them, but are poles aloud on a registered Bob Graham Round attempt?. Last May I had a dodgy knee and did a leg 3 Clockwise recce, used poles and they where are a pain in the arse at Broad Stand!!
Oh yes, you can a-hear them a-miles away.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin
The answer to the questions is that using poles is no problem.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin
To give 2 examples, Steve Birkinshaw used poles in his attempt on the 24 Hour Fell Record. This was discussed by the BG Club committee at the request of Mark Hartell. All we asked Steve to do was to ensure that he made it clear in any written material he produced that he was using poles so that his approach/style was transparent.
Eddie Winslow (Headless) used poles on his winter round in December 2008.
One might say the same about using GPS. Unheard of for years, but now an accepted part of navigation for long distance endeavours. (I won't have one in the house, but that's just me.:D)
Times and styles change.
You shoudn't need to use a GPS to get round your house now:DQuote:
Originally Posted by BGSec
Just looked at the course map for the CCC, from last year:
http://www.ultratrailmb.com/page.php?page=parcoursCCC
Looks like there's Guinness available at the refreshment stops. :D
Merrylegs, just up your street. ;)
There are to be some rule changes to the qualification process for the UTMB 2011.
They have tweaked things because they turned 1,400 people away this time, so you weren't the only one Nick.
The basic qualifying period is reduced from 3 years to 2 (so only races/events completed in 2009 and 2010 will count for 2011 entry.)
The 5 year period to count UTMB and related races is reduced to 3 years.
You will now need to amass 5 points (rather than 4) for the UTMB itself.
Morgan
Knee high black compression socks a la Toulouse Lautrec prostitutes. Judging by photos of European mountain races, a majority of Continental runners wear them (sometimes in bright blue). If I ever manage a long event, I shall use compression socks AND poles, but one-piece running suits have obvious drawbacks for women.Quote:
Originally Posted by Twister