Borrowdale Fell Race

[Rob Furness]

Are you sure you did not drink too much Rob? Did you weigh yourself before/after?

I didn't weigh myself, but drank two litres of zero from getting up to arriving at the race, then drank probably a little over two litres of fluid whilst racing, then about a litre or so immediately after finishing. I didn't need a pee for several hours after the race and still feel dehydrated today so I doubt I had too much (had salts as well as fluid too).

I've been thinking though, and the second litre of zero before the race contained caffeine as well, and I also had a coffee just before the race. It's possible the caffeine in some way caused me to react strangely. I don't think I've had caffeine in that sort of quantity before a race before so it's something I'll have to watch out for. More likely though, is that it was just a bad day for me. It happens often with me, I can be a little hit and miss at times and it's hard to pin down exactly why. My run at Holme moss a few weeks ago was considerably better. Who knows what happened.

On another interesting note, one of my big toenails is stuffed and almost certainly will be a gonner before too long. Not lost a toenail for ages

[skennaugh]

I have never suffered cramp like that! I knew i wasn't really fit enough, and realistically probably should have pulled out. Still, fantastic day out and enjoyed most of it.

[Livi]

Glad you're back safely Manhar! I pulled out before Bessyboot - my knee simply wasn't up to it :thunbdown: Next year though
A great night and cracking band in the pub but heads paid for it today!!
Thanks to all involved in organising - you were truly lovely x

[Hes]

That was brilliant! I'm so chuffed to have got round on my first attempt and the great weather conditions helped. It was a bit too hot really. I'd been so nervous at the startline not helped when I discovered that my compass was pointing south instead of north and had to quickly buy a new one from Pete Bland! I did make a slight 'detour' in a bid not to be a sheep but soon got back on track and back with the pack. I took it pretty steady all the way round and was pleasantly surprised not to cramp up on Dalehead and I enjoyed the run in through the slate mines even though my legs were a tad wobbly by that stage. Great to see a few familiar faces and I really enjoyed running with Skennaugh, good to meet you at last. Am aching today but had a lovely walk up Haystacks with Stolly and friends and that has helped stretch a few muscles.

[Mike T]

I didn't weigh myself, but drank two litres of zero from getting up to arriving at the race, then drank probably a little over two litres of fluid whilst racing, then about a litre or so immediately after finishing. I didn't need a pee for several hours after the race and still feel dehydrated today so I doubt I had too much (had salts as well as fluid too).

I've been thinking though, and the second litre of zero before the race contained caffeine as well, and I also had a coffee just before the race. It's possible the caffeine in some way caused me to react strangely. I don't think I've had caffeine in that sort of quantity before a race before so it's something I'll have to watch out for. More likely though, is that it was just a bad day for me. It happens often with me, I can be a little hit and miss at times and it's hard to pin down exactly why. My run at Holme moss a few weeks ago was considerably better. Who knows what happened.

On another interesting note, one of my big toenails is stuffed and almost certainly will be a gonner before too long. Not lost a toenail for ages

I think you are right to wonder if all that caffeine - 90 mg per litre of Coke Zero plus that coffee - did not upset you somehow; I would not be happy with over 2 litres of fluid inside me before a run though overall, it does not sound like you drank too much that day. You may find it interesting to weigh yourself before/after your next long race - I am not suggesting you take scales with you but if for example you weigh 60 kg first thing and 58 kg after the race and tea/cake then you have not drunk too much, whereas if you weigh 64 kg then you may well have done so.

[burnout]

photos of borrowdale from sty head and great gable great day out
https://picasaweb.google.com/1156898...CIXQz9mmqIDmMg

[wharfeego]

...Another year another retirement on top of Gable...

'ard Luck Manhar


Borrowdale Fell Race 2012 by Andy Holden, on Flickr

You seemed to be gannin ok on the ascent to Bessyboot

[Fozzy42]

Was with the familly in Borrowdale yesterday, enjoyed friendly atmosphere in and around the field opposite hotel, watched the start, then took our lass and the kids up Castle Crag, before coming back into Rothswaite for the finish. Bloody 'ell is was a warm one. Hats off to everyong who took part, great event. Hopefully our holiday in the Lakes next year will coincide with this race 'cos I'd love to have a go at it, maybe out of my league though. Congrats to everyone

[Rob Furness]

I think you are right to wonder if all that caffeine - 90 mg per litre of Coke Zero....

Not coke (I'm not entirely daft), but hi5 zero electrolyte mixture. Hi5 xtreme has added caffeine which I don't remember that I've used on long runs except once, when I also had some similar issues.

[wharfeego]

...Hi5 xtreme has added caffeine which I don't remember that I've used on long runs except once, when I also had some similar issues.

Forget all that 'sports drinks' stuff...all your body requires is simple watter and a bit of solid food. Don't waste your brass lad!