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Tom, no need to carry the map or a compass. These aren't part of the compulsory gear. The courses are all marked.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom R
At night if you feel like you haven't seen a marker for 3-5 minutes, you have almost certainly gone astray and need to backtrack.
Thanks for the updates Morgan, always read with interest and much appreciated.
Are those shoes made for you specifically or the Salomon team in general?
I tried on someone's Salomon Crossmax last weekend and was mightily impressed, so much so that I fancy (yet another) purchase.
If anyone is still looking for accommodation at this late stage I have an apartment rented in Les Bossons (down the valley between Chamonix and Les Houches) with three spare places, available from 23 to 30 August. Cost £87.50 per person. PM me if interested.
Hi Nick, hope all is well.Quote:
Originally Posted by BritNick
No, the S LABs aren't made for me! Nice thought though. :D
These are the beasts in question:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/salomon-s-lab-3-xt-wings/
And here is a review:
http://myrunningaddiction.wordpress....-running-shoe/
Last year I ran in Speedcross and as you know from our chat during Grasmere LDWA, I had been doing plenty of miles in some Roclite 295s. I decided the 295s just weren't delivering the comfort levels I needed for 20 plus hours.
I am seriously impressed with the S LABs, especially for Alpine trails. They performed brilliantly over the 2 days of running over the CCC course, and there was plenty of wet and damp on day 2. The grip on damp ground is way more impressive than the sole suggests it will be; must be a great compound.
They feel like slippers when you put them on, and just like road shoes on the road. But then on trails, they just seem to adapt effortlessly, and they are by far the most comfortable trail shoes I have ever worn.
I'm enjoying running in them so much I may trash them before August and need a new pair.
I've only tried on the Crossmax, not run in them, so can't make a direct comparison.
But if you get the chance to try on a pair S LABs, go for it. I'm sure you would get plenty of use out of them in other ultras. I did leg 5 of the BG in them the other day, and did a long day in the Far Northwestern Fells in them too.
Enough rambling. Be good to catch up for a beer in Cham.
I'll PM you nearer the time.
Anyone any thoughts on which group to go for with the start of the CCC? If I pick the front group am I in danger of going too quick? I need to leave some juice in the tank. If I put the last I'm worried about the cut offs and just getting stuck in traffic particularly with Morgan's recent post about the slight route change .
Also, how do the trails compare to the Lakes. I know it's heresy to say it on the FRA forum but my least favourite bit about running in the Lakes is scrambling over broken rock and boulder fields etc. From the videos on the UTMB website and You Tube it looks more of a parallel with the Brecons or the Three Peaks (Yorkshire) route, which I really enjoy running on.. As long as I know I can prepare- are there any bits that are more difficult along the route in terms of the trail quality?
Andy
I managed to get to Vallorcine in about 19.30 last year in the hideous weather.
I've opted for the 21/22 hour slot in the hope that I'll get in the second wave. By the time I was stopped last year, I was at about the 1,000 mark in terms of numbers.
There is no very difficult trial in British terms; the worst you will get is on the climb up Bovine, after leaving Champex. You may well do much of this in the dark. Plenty of rock steps and done in deep forest until you pop out and start to traverse to the Bovine check point. If it's raining it is very wet.
Most of the rest of the trial is typically alpine, some nice and wide, some less so (like the start as I mentioned), a fw rocks here and there but almost always excellent underfoot.
To be honest a steady start is a very good thing, so don't get in a sweat about that, just take it as it comes whilst keeping an eye on the clock. From Tete de la Tronche to Rifugio Bertone is downhill, so you will be able to push along on that section. The angle is nice and easy bar the final descent to the Rifugio which is a good bit steeper.
So I'd avoid the front group in case you get carried away (quite easy because the start is very emotional for a first timer; just you wait!)
Thanks Morgan. Sagely advice as ever. You're right about the emotions at the start- just got the final 3 hard weeks to crank out now. Bring on the taper!
Hi The UTMB is getting mighty close!
i am making final preps and note that there is a requirement for insurance which needs to cover costs of possible search and evacuation. Does this mean i need to get specialist insurance or can ordinary holiday insurance cover this?
Also i note the need to carry a reserve of 1 litre of water at all times. Is it ok to drink this between checkpoints and top up before leaving each one or is it s reserve that must not be touched?
Ta
(Starting to get nervous)
Tom
TomQuote:
Originally Posted by Tom R
You need an insurance policy that covers rescue by helicopter and repatriation to the UK.
From memory you could look at the BMC insurance product, Trailfinders (who I think do altitude type cover) and Dogtag which I use and renew annually. cover for all purposes up to 5,000 meters I recall.
As to the reserve, I took my empty bottles in their bottle holders with my kit to registration and don't recall anyone paying much attention. I believe that they expect you to have this amount with you on departure from checkpoints, but I don't recall any checks.
If its hot, you'd be barmy not to have these sort of levels with you at all times on exiting checkpoints.
I'm taking a Raid Light 750 ml bottle plus a Nalgene 500 ml bottle; they'll be full at the start!
And relax and look forward to the experience of a lifetime!:D:D
Join the Austrian Alpine Club (about £35) and you are covered for search, rescue, medical treatment and repatriation but not for cancellation or loss of luggage. Check that it does cover races.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom R
No ignore the advice given by Alexandra. There are severe limitations with Austrian Alpine cover. BMC cover is about the best out there - the premium reflects the level of service should you need to actually depend on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alexandra