Mountain Marathon - beginner!

Hi all,

Having been a Bob Graham WAG for most of last year, I got a bit inspired and started running. Having previously quite firmly in the 'can't run, won't run' camp, I decided to jump in at the deep end and enter the Saunders. EEP!

My training is going relatively well, I can now run and everything :-) I have entered the Wansfell class with my buddy Lou, who is also a MM newbie. So my questions is, what are your top tips for mountain marathoning? We are both mountain people and our nav is strong, if not particuarly quick. My training is consisting of hill reps, interval training and then a long run at the weekend. If I keep following my training plan I should be able to do two 12 mile days back to back, all be it along the smallish hills of the Cotswolds (which are walked up!)

Thanks in advance for the tips!

Rosilee

To be honest it sounds like your are doing the right things. The reps will improve your strength going up hill. Down hill just needs time out there to improve your skill/confidence.

Are you running with a pack on your back? That can make a big difference, so it's worth doing just to get used to the different feel. And having had to put a strange tent up in the dark before, I'd get used to doing that, too!
I've never actually done a Mountain Marathon though, just a few long weekends out. I take my hat off to you, and good luck with it!

Welcome to the forum Rosielee!

I asked a similar question before last year's Saunders. The thread is here

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Originally Posted by plodding bear

Are you running with a pack on your back? That can make a big difference, so it's worth doing just to get used to the different feel. And having had to put a strange tent up in the dark before, I'd get used to doing that, too!
I've never actually done a Mountain Marathon though, just a few long weekends out. I take my hat off to you, and good luck with it!

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Agreed, running with a pack can take some getting used to so practice. Also practice your nutrition and hydration. I've not done a 2 day event but I'd imagine a proper overnight practice of using all the kit you intend on taking would be of great benefit. Good Luck!

Navigation is more important than speed for an enjoyable w/e. Never feel tempted to follow another team.

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Originally Posted by cyclops

I've not done a 2 day event but I'd imagine a proper overnight practice of using all the kit you intend on taking would be of great benefit. Good Luck!

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If it stops snowing in scotland I'll be off to do a longish wild run with a camp. IF it stops snowing/raining....

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Originally Posted by ydt

Navigation is more important than speed for an enjoyable w/e. Never feel tempted to follow another team.

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Well said Yianis, I totally agree. It's no good running fast in the wrong direction...

In no particular order:

Long days in hills - not necessarily running

Practice running with full weight in rucksack

Practice nutrition and fluid on the move (something every 20-30mins works for me). Side pockets are useful IMO

Practice navigation (as others have said - don't be tempted to follow others) they like to make it difficult. Plus decide if your strengths play better to long way round but less hilly or direct route which is steeper. Usually options.

Have a luxury for camp. Some take a sip of whiskey or something sweet. Nothing like a moral boost when you're cold and knackered!

Good luck. :)

Training sounds good
Get used to your rucsac
Try out your kit, keep it light
Brush up on simple navigation
Enjoy and see you there
Nee Bother

Work out you're lightest kit set up, thats lightest comfortable kit set up!! Two carrier bags for inside your shoes at the overnight camp!! The nav thing is true, pick your best line rather than follow. It doesnt always work for the best but at least you've ran your race and sometimes its just quieter!! :)

This will be my first MM too.

Good Luck to the newbies. Say Hi- I will probably be on car park duty Fri early eve and then running over weekend.

My first also! :)

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Originally Posted by ukhursty

My first also! :)

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Eep! Hello other newbies, glad we won't be the only new ones!

Thanks for all the tips, I like the idea of picking our prefered line; I know I will go faster on a less direct trail on easier ground than something short but rocky. And I think I need to work on my nutrition also - I don't really enjoy eating when running, so I'm going to have to forcce myself to do that. (It doesn't feel very ladylike haha)

I was putting off the idea of a practise overnight camp due to the abysmal weather but it sounds like a popular tip so I will add it in to the plan.

Thanks once again,

Rosielee

I can't think of anyone who enjoys eating whilst running. I try to eat on long uphills when the pace slows, and consume sweets at every checkpoint.

Comfort at midcamp is less important than a light pack. The lighter the pack, the more fun the day in the hills so you're less grumpy and enjoy it all more.

Hey up Rosielee

As Matthew says eating on the uphill bits is the way to go. Its a good idea to nav and route plan on the Long climbs too.

Don't forget to enjoy yourself:D

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Originally Posted by Rosielee

And I think I need to work on my nutrition also - I don't really enjoy eating when running, so I'm going to have to forcce myself to do that. (It doesn't feel very ladylike haha)

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Nothing ladylike about MM's, peeing wherever you can find a hidey place and being covered in mud. That's not really why we do it is it.:rolleyes:

Most people don't eat proper food but snack. I like things like fig rolls and jelly babies and flap jacks. I can't eat banana's or take energy gels on board. You need to find out what works for you as the wrong thing will possibly give you stomach cramps but if you eat nothing you risk crashing.

A light pack is really important but is a fine line between travelling light and taking enough. I get really really cold when I stop so always take more than some other people for example. Know yourself and do what's right for you not for someone else.

Theres a lot if good advice there rosielee , the Saunders is a great first event it's very friendly and well orginised with a laid back atmosphere I'm sure you will enjoy it. I wouldn't worry about competing on your first it takes a few mms to get used to the setup of these events and to get your kit thinned down and sorted . Most things have been covered above, but keep warm on over night camp and eat enough calories sat night bags for feet and loo roll Defo I take a recovery shake powder for camp there filling and high in calories and such . Day two is where it all changes as a few will drop out or overdone it on day one and be fryed. Pace yourself on sat and save some for Sunday. ! You can always open up sun if youve some left in tank. Good luck too you and Lou and all the other newbies I'm sure it will be an experience :thumbup: