Callow

[PeteS]

Results are now up on the Mercia web site.

[Dave_Mole]

so, that unusual thing: a post about an actual "race".

Mercia are putting on the Callow race as a MapRun. It will be a "run anytime" event and open until 13th September.

I can't attach instructions to this thread, as the file size is too big, but DM me your email and I can send them. You can park in the village of Little Stretton and the start is just beyond the Small Batch campsite. Results should upload automatically to the MapRun app, but if you could DM me them as insurance, I'll pass them along.

If you don't know the route, the MapRun app will show you the CPs and the straight-line between them, but you're advised NOT to use this. I can also email route instructions if you DM me. A basic version of the route is here.

It's a cracking AS race which packs in 760m of climbing in 8km. Some of Shropshire's best descents and climbs!

[PeteS]

Thanks Dave

I'm aiming to have a pop at this sometime over the weekend - weather permitting.

[Dave_Mole]

weekend weather looks OK, Pete.
It's different running it without the marshals: I'd convinced myself I'd gone wrong a couple of times when I ran the route last month!

[PeteS]

It will be odd without marshalls but equally strange without other competitors. I'm wondering how I'll fair without the physical competitive element. Will I mentally slip back into training mode?
I signed up for Buttermere Sailbeck race last night and thought this would be a good way to test out the MapRun app.

[Dave_Mole]

I know what you mean about lack of competition... not easy to get into race mode.....the app seems to work fine. Just make sure your phone can run it "in the background" or it might loose GPS when the phone goes to sleep.

[Travs]

I found at Four Fans I was able to switch into race mode quite easily... Think if you treat it as a normal race it helps... Had a proper warm up etc.

But then I am competitive in nature, and any form of competition gets me fired up!

Which is why I'm unlikely to do this one... As I briefly mentioned to Dave Mole on Facebook, I've got too much on already, and I won't be able to do myself justice if I try to squeeze Callow in somewhere...

[PeteS]

Just downloaded the Callow race to MapRun. Is there a way to view the map/CPs without starting the race?

[Dave_Mole]

I don't think there is, but you don't have to start the race you can go back to the main menu instead by pressing the little house icon.

[PeteS]

Callow fell race done and dusted this morning. Quite enjoyed using the app and had no problems other user error. (Managed to upload it twice somehow!) Anyway, It was lovely morning for a run and I even got a little bit of competition as I spied a chap on the skyline of Yearlet as I began the climb and then caught him on the ascent of Grindle - I think he had a bit of nav error to be fair.
I was 10 minutes slower than last year's race which I attribute to 3 factors:
1. I haven't been putting the miles/hills into my running this year. Lockdown, no races and been cycling a lot instead.
2. I think the lack of other competitors meant I didn't go as hard at the climbs and I also held back on the descents as the without marshals and other runners around a hard fall could be quite serious.
3. I met about 20-30 ramblers between the stile and footbridge before I'd even got Ashlet. Robo-rambler at the rear instructed me to "back-off and stay 2 meters away!" Were she not blocking my path I could have quite easily got round them all without any social distancing issues but she wasn't having any of it. Anyway, how is alright for 20 + of them to be all congregating together???

Anyway, on balance an enjoyable morning out and I'm looking forward to my next MapRun race - Buttermere Sailbeck.