Utmb

[MorganW]

Sorry only just saw this..

I taped them with climbing finger tape and later duct tape, at each junction. I found occassionally they separated. My poles had been modified by a previous owner and so came apart occassionally.

It meant once they were out they were out for good. But I didn't mind using them. I started in chamonix with them, not because I needed them, just to get used to them whilst I was fresh and I just knew I'd keep putting off taking them out.

Cheers Iain, thanks.

No probs with separation yet, but the more I use them, the more likely that is I suspect.

Increasingly, I'm starting longer runs with them out and ready. Might as well get maximum benefit.

Brian mentioned the odd harsh word exchanged in the early part when he was spiked and before he got my Raidlights into action (else he could have fought back).

[MorganW]

It might raise a few questions in Bar t'at afterwards!

And indeed on the Forum.

Big fuss when Al Powell tested his poles round Ennerdale.

[Twister]

Just one little thought about poles and then I'll never say it again.

It's all a bit European isn't it?

I mean what next, green lycra one-piece running suits.

[Ronin]

Im not planning on using them, but are poles aloud on a registered Bob Graham Round attempt?. Last May I had a dodgy knee and did a leg 3 Clockwise recce, used poles and they where are a pain in the arse at Broad Stand!!

[Spelling Bee]

Im not planning on using them, but are poles aloud?

Oh yes, you can a-hear them a-miles away.

[MorganW]

Im not planning on using them, but are poles aloud on a registered Bob Graham Round attempt?

The answer to the questions is that using poles is no problem.

To give 2 examples, Steve Birkinshaw used poles in his attempt on the 24 Hour Fell Record. This was discussed by the BG Club committee at the request of Mark Hartell. All we asked Steve to do was to ensure that he made it clear in any written material he produced that he was using poles so that his approach/style was transparent.

Eddie Winslow (Headless) used poles on his winter round in December 2008.

One might say the same about using GPS. Unheard of for years, but now an accepted part of navigation for long distance endeavours. (I won't have one in the house, but that's just me.)

Times and styles change.

[XRunner]

One might say the same about using GPS. Unheard of for years, but now an accepted part of navigation for long distance endeavours. (I won't have one in the house, but that's just me.)

You shoudn't need to use a GPS to get round your house now

[MorganW]

Just looked at the course map for the CCC, from last year:

http://www.ultratrailmb.com/page.php?page=parcoursCCC

Looks like there's Guinness available at the refreshment stops.

Merrylegs, just up your street.

[MorganW]

There are to be some rule changes to the qualification process for the UTMB 2011.

They have tweaked things because they turned 1,400 people away this time, so you weren't the only one Nick.

The basic qualifying period is reduced from 3 years to 2 (so only races/events completed in 2009 and 2010 will count for 2011 entry.)

The 5 year period to count UTMB and related races is reduced to 3 years.

You will now need to amass 5 points (rather than 4) for the UTMB itself.

Morgan

[Alexandra]

Just one little thought about poles and then I'll never say it again.

It's all a bit European isn't it?

I mean what next, green lycra one-piece running suits.

Knee high black compression socks a la Toulouse Lautrec prostitutes. Judging by photos of European mountain races, a majority of Continental runners wear them (sometimes in bright blue). If I ever manage a long event, I shall use compression socks AND poles, but one-piece running suits have obvious drawbacks for women.