Advice on first race.

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03-01-2007, 12:02 PM
Raymond Hickman

Advice on first race.
Where should I start? To make the question a bit easier here's some background info:
- I'm 44 and I took up running for the first time ever less than a year and a half ago;
- I've completed a number of road and off road races (best times 5k road 19.07, 10k road 40.15, 1/2 marathon hilly road 1.37, 15 mile hilly off road 1.58, 20 mile hilly off road 2.42, Beachy Head marathon 3.54);
- I live in Brighton but realise I'm going to have to travel;
- I prefer longer distances - 1/2 marathon and above - to shorter ones;
- I am crap at map reading (but hoping/practicing to get better);
- I'm looking for my first race in March.
Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.

Cheers - Raymond
03-01-2007, 12:20 PM
GeoffB
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

Where should I start? To make the question a bit easier here's some background info:

I'm 44 and I took up running for the first time ever less than a year and a half ago;
I've completed a number of road and off road races (best times 5k road 19.07, 10k road 40.15, 1/2 marathon hilly road 1.37, 15 mile hilly off road 1.58, 20 mile hilly off road 2.42, Beachy Head marathon 3.54);
I live in Brighton but realise I'm going to have to travel;
I prefer longer distances - 1/2 marathon and above - to shorter ones;
I am crap at map reading (but hoping/practicing to get better);
I'm looking for my first race in March.
Any thoughts/advice much appreciated.

Cheers - Raymond
First race in March? It's got to be the Edale Skyline then. 20 (ish) miles - should be just what you want.
03-01-2007, 01:52 PM
Bog Trotter
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

I prefer longer distances - 1/2 marathon and above - to shorter ones;

I am crap at map reading (but hoping/practicing to get better)
8 or 9 miles on fell is about half marathon equivalent.
Get booked on the FRA navigation course, twice yearly, Yorkshire / Lakes, great fun, details in the FRA magazines

Good luck
03-01-2007, 01:53 PM
Raymond Hickman

Hello Geoff (and any others looking in) - If I were to do this, how important are navigation skills? Having looked at the photos (and read some reports) from previous events I don't want to end up lost in the fog and snow. Apologies if this is a really stupid question, but it is in the beginners forum after all.

Cheers - Raymond

p.s. Bog Trotter I posted this just before your reply appeared; I will check out the magazine for course details.
03-01-2007, 02:21 PM
Pav

I live pretty close to you in Steyning. Have you seen this race ?http://www.trionium.com/mm/
1/2 marathon with 3,000ft of climbing. I'll apply and you won't need to travel too far. Otherwise, join the FRA and look at the Fellrunner mag- has loads of races in there! Also got Steyning Stinger and 3 Forts coming up- both with 2500+ ft of climbing. PM me if you need any further info:)
03-01-2007, 02:23 PM
Mountain Hare

Raymone,

See my reply on Today's Training thread...

MH

p.s. This year Edale is an English Championship race so numbers are likely to be such that a 'mid-packer' like yourself (no insult intended) is likely to always have others in sight.
03-01-2007, 04:18 PM
Raymond Hickman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pav

I live pretty close to you in Steyning. Have you seen this race ?http://www.trionium.com/mm/
1/2 marathon with 3,000ft of climbing. I'll apply and you won't need to travel too far. Otherwise, join the FRA and look at the Fellrunner mag- has loads of races in there! Also got Steyning Stinger and 3 Forts coming up- both with 2500+ ft of climbing. PM me if you need any further info:)

Hello Pav - I'm already signed up for the 3 Forts (did the half last year and loved it...my first off road race...and I think the full course has nearer 3,500 feet of climbs). I've ruled myself out of the Stinger (certainly the full marathon) by signing up for the Hastings 1/2 the following Sunday; yes I know some peple could do both, but I'm not one of them...yet. Which leaves the Midsummer Monros; the route looks a bit contrived but it's certainly a possibility.

Thanks for the info - Ryamond

p.s. I forgot to say that I sent of my FRA application form two days ago.
03-01-2007, 04:21 PM
Raymond Hickman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Hare

Raymone,

See my reply on Today's Training thread...

MH

p.s. This year Edale is an English Championship race so numbers are likely to be such that a 'mid-packer' like yourself (no insult intended) is likely to always have others in sight.

Cheers MH - I 've seen your reply on the other thread. BTW I would be delighted to be thought of as a potential 'mid-packer' regrading Edale and also like the sound of having others insight...I think you've nearly sold me on the idea (now comes the presuasion and logistics to make it happen).

All the best - Raymond
03-01-2007, 05:04 PM
GeoffB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

Hello Geoff (and any others looking in) - If I were to do this, how important are navigation skills? Having looked at the photos (and read some reports) from previous events I don't want to end up lost in the fog and snow. Apologies if this is a really stupid question, but it is in the beginners forum after all.

Cheers - Raymond

p.s. Bog Trotter I posted this just before your reply appeared; I will check out the magazine for course details.

I was being serious, but have no doubt this is a tough race. However, looking at your experience I'm sure you're capable of going the distance & as Mountain Hare pointed out there should be penty of people to follow. I started running when I was 45 and first did the Edale Skyline last year (aged 47), so if I can do it, I'm sure you can. Don't forget it's pre-entry only.
03-01-2007, 06:26 PM
Margarine

YOu can enter online too! Just keep Geoff B in sight and you'll be OK! :D
03-01-2007, 06:30 PM
Margarine

He runs like a man twice errr... half his age!:rolleyes: :eek: :D Why can I only use 4 smileys at a time? :confused:
04-01-2007, 09:02 AM
GeoffB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margarine

He runs like a man twice errr... half his age!:rolleyes: :eek: :D Why can I only use 4 smileys at a time? :confused:

Who is this man that is half my age? And why does he have such a strange running style?
04-01-2007, 11:12 AM
Raymond Hickman

The entry for Edale is in the post.

Cheers - Raymond
04-01-2007, 02:27 PM
Penguin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margarine

He runs like a man twice errr... half his age!:rolleyes: :eek: :D Why can I only use 4 smileys at a time? :confused:

limits it's a bit like a speed limit but it don't give you a ticket..
07-01-2007, 01:13 AM
molehill

Raymond, don't be too worried or intimidated by
courses and geting lost etc. If you pick a race of no more than 10 miles you will get round - so long as you have the mental discipline to run slowly (don't try road race pace). Also, any popular race and there will be plenty of people to follow, short races are normaly marked or have marshals, and the field isn't too 'strung out'. Always someone in sight.
Was down in Steyning just before Christmas (realations there) I used to run a race from there over the Downs many years ago. Went training over the course the other week - they've even painted the treee roots and stones white so people don't trip up :D
10-01-2007, 10:51 AM
Raymond Hickman

Re: Advice on first race.

Just got confirmation that my entry has been accepted; so if you're going to be there look out for a slightly nervous/excited looking 40 something bloke wearing a black and orange Milton Keynes vest (if the weather's ok). I'll be the only one wearing one and a kind word would be much appreciated.

Cheers - Raymond
10-01-2007, 12:49 PM
Pav

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

Just got confirmation that my entry has been accepted; so if you're going to be there look out for a slightly nervous/excited looking 40 something bloke wearing a black and orange Milton Keynes vest (if the weather's ok). I'll be the only one wearing one and a kind word would be much appreciated.

Cheers - Raymond

Will you be doing 3 Forts RH? If you are, let me know (hopefully I will be injury free and running by then) and we can meet at the start. I did a 1.34 last year and was the best race of last year apart from Snowdon. Would like to know how you got on with Edale Skyline as may want to do it next year. PM me...;)
10-01-2007, 01:18 PM
Mountain Hare

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pav

Will you be doing 3 Forts RH? If you are, let me know (hopefully I will be injury free and running by then) and we can meet at the start. I did a 1.34 last year and was the best race of last year apart from Snowdon. Would like to know how you got on with Edale Skyline as may want to do it next year. PM me...;)

1.34 at 3 Forts??? you were flying -the winner did 3.21ish!!!

MH
10-01-2007, 01:41 PM
Pav

Re: Advice on first race.

For the half! Was looking to do the full this year and think 3.21 is quite achievable (if I wasn't injured- damn this PF)
10-01-2007, 03:02 PM
Mountain Hare

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pav

For the half! Was looking to do the full this year and think 3.21 is quite achievable (if I wasn't injured- damn this PF)

:o Didn't know there was a 'half'. You are right 3:21 is definately acheivable as long as you stay on course - a few more marshalls wouldn't go amiss - still a good race.

Good luck with your recovery.

MH
10-01-2007, 03:36 PM
Pav

Re: Advice on first race.

Cheers MH...
Yes- marshalling is a bit of a problem. Can we expect to see a hare on the course this year then?
10-01-2007, 03:51 PM
Mountain Hare

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pav

Cheers MH...
Yes- marshalling is a bit of a problem. Can we expect to see a hare on the course this year then?

I'd love to Pav but unfortunately I'll be pounding the streets of our glorious capital city for 26.2 miles (first and last time, I might add) in late April and so might fancy a bit of a break afterwards.

Never say never though...got a nice, warm handshake from the Mayor of Worthing last year who turned up in all his finery which really made my day:)

MH
19-03-2007, 10:11 AM
Raymond Hickman

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffB

First race in March? It's got to be the Edale Skyline then. 20 (ish) miles - should be just what you want.

Thanks GeoffB - is that what's called a baptism of fire...or should that be snow, sleet, hail and gales? I stuck at it though and made it round in just about one piece; so thanks for the suggestion...it was 4 and 1/2 hours I'll never forget.

So what should I do next?

Cheers - Raymond
19-03-2007, 07:59 PM
Harry H Howgill

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

So what should I do next?

Grasmere Sports Guides Race - You can be back in the car in 15 minutes flat!
19-03-2007, 08:45 PM
Mountain Hare

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raymond Hickman

Thanks GeoffB - is that what's called a baptism of fire...or should that be snow, sleet, hail and gales? I stuck at it though and made it round in just about one piece; so thanks for the suggestion...it was 4 and 1/2 hours I'll never forget.

So what should I do next?

Cheers - Raymond

Got to be Duddon Valley June 2nd. You never know, the weather might be better than Edale?

Second thoughts, Lake District? June? Good weather? No chance:D

MH
19-03-2007, 09:52 PM
Raymond Hickman

Re: Advice on first race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Hare

Got to be Duddon Valley June 2nd. You never know, the weather might be better than Edale?

Second thoughts, Lake District? June? Good weather? No chance:D

MH

Not guaranteed good, but surely a fair chance of being better than last Sunday?:confused:

Cheers - Raymond
24-03-2007, 11:25 PM
Grouse

Re: Advice on first race.

Do Rivington Pike - it's shorter than the walk from the parking field to Edale Village Hall!

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