Spine 2019

[ba-ba]

Interestingly the Grauniad had an article in sports yesterday, then one in Lifestyle today. 50% right then...

[DrPatrickBarry]

I have being trying to do a bit of educating in the comments section of today's Guardian article.

[benshep]

@DrPatrickBarry I wouldn't waste your breath

[Travs]

Sorry to hear that BillJ...

I think that just goes to show, for all the preparation you can do, anything can happen which can break your race, on an event like this.

Still rooting for Steven Jones of Dark Peak to make the finish.

[DrPatrickBarry]

@DrPatrickBarry I wouldn't waste your breath

Na, to be fair most comments are complementary, just the odd she's mad/cost the NHS when she needs new knees, etc.

Looks like she will have a few SPOTY votes.

[anthonykay]

I've just been thinking: if I don't get too many injuries, some time in April my training mileage for 2019 will get up to what the Spine runners have just done in under a week.

[brett]

You are so fickle....

Oh well, you're still my hero!

[Derby Tup]

. . . and there was me thinking a Jasmin inspired Brett was throwing his hat into the ring for 2020

[wharfeego]

Barlick Fell Runner John Boothman finished this race in 8th place (including Jasmin).
It was JB's first attempt - so all the more impressive for that.
John has set up a couple of Justgiving pages...

Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraisi...qY2rksUMuqjryA

Pendleside Hospice - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraisi...noGtU-w9-ubUzs

Please bung a bit of brass to one or both - we all may require their services in time.

Thanks, Andy Holden.

[Travs]

I don't want to say anything out of place here (and i certainly wouldn't bring this up on the Facebook page for fear of being lynched)….

But wonder what people's thoughts are in general, of the rise in people who appear to be doing the Spine Race for charitable causes...?

I'm not referring to any specific case, such as the Barlick runner above (i'm sure they are all fantastic causes), but seems to be a rising trend in this, judging by the Spine Facebook page coverage.

Obviously the guy above came 8th at his first attempt, so not really directed at him... he obviously knew exactly how to prepare.

But with the slight increase in mainstream coverage, is there a chance that people may be attracted to the Spine in the same way that they are attracted to the London Marathon? I realise there is a world of difference, and you would think that the entry-criteria for the Spine would prevent this.

I'm treading very carefully with what i say. Anyone who completes the Spine probably doesn't care about what anyone else thinks. And i'm potentially a future competitor in that very race myself.

Or am i just talking absolute b******s.....?