From memory, I would describe the course as relatively flat with three 'shortish' hills (each 3-4 minutes long at my slow pace) (the first soon after the start, at around 3 miles, and then again at around 13.5 miles). There is also the very occasional " lumpy" bit. Hill training is always beneficial in a general training regime but I wouldn't overdo it purely on account of preparng for Halstead. Others may, of course, have a different perspective!
I only really remember one particularly nasty incline (that you go up twice). There were a couple of forumites marshalling at the top. Course knowing the people at the top meant I couldn't resort to a walk as I probably would have done otherwise!!
Apart from that all I can remember from last year is the heat!!
I have just entered this marathon online and have sent an email requesting to be considered for the ultra. Hopefully my credentials will be OK. Ive run 10 marathons and 1 ultra. Last marathon was in Hastings last month in 3:35:33. Here's hoping. Been on the other forum of a similar subject title and its a bit lonely over there.
Peter & Ultra - thanks for that, I had also heard that this race was undulating. It is good to paint an acurate picture of the route beforehand. I night try those hills before the big day. I take it that the route is still the same?
Thanks for the route guidance.. that means I am happy girl now with training over here as I have found a good route that is unulating in quite a few patches and has two nasty short hills so sounds perfect!!!
I had a bad run yesterday which was actually great in many aspects - I always think you need a few duff one's to re-awaken your mind a bit to being able to turn yourself round and get through the tough parts.. 3hr training run in all - was very chuffed after it although shattered last night - I am off on a work trip for 2 weeks though on Friday so I wanted to get a long long run in to give my self the boost that it IS in there - and it is
Heat is something to think about also.. have to review kit I think
I wonder whether Flynn and his mates might direct those who are worried to a course profile. I seem to recall seeing one last year or maybe it appeared on the Halstead site even farther back. That would dispel all these irrational fears that people have! I HATE HILLS. I LOVE HALSTEAD. THEREFORE HALSTEAD ISN'T HILLY! Hippo. I ran my 100th at Halstead..... there is nowhere better to celebrate your big day.. HONEST! The 'H' on my keyboard is now worn out.
Halstead's not particularly hilly - bit lumpy but nothing too bad. Living in a very flat part of Essex I tend to have a different perspective on what's hilly to other people! If it didn't bother me then it can't be that bad!!
I am looking forward to this race now more than FLM. It is just a matter of the weather over the next couple of weeks. Don't mind cold, just worried about icy pavements.
Up at 6am! I didn't get to bed till 3am! No wonder you peple are fit and fast. Chinese New Year celebrations tonight so I'm going to have a(nother) lazy day! 4 weeks to Valencia so I'll have to start something active sometime soon.
I'm an old fogey - I was in bed by just gone 10 altho' read/listened to music till 11.30. On long run mornings I get up at 6am to get my brekkie and then take it back to bed to eat and snooze till it's time to get up.
All that good sensible living will keep you looking young. I also am an old fogey but I look my age.... plus. But it does make me feel as though I'm now old enough to offer others advice!!!
Reading all these comments made me think I should go for a run. But as I look out the window the snow is falling in lovely Essex. So .....................I'll wait a while. I need to limber up for the Liverpool Chelsea footie game. As a Man. U. fan I can't make up my mind what result would be best. Isn't life difficult!
Comments
Well, it depends on how you look at it.
For me, Halstead and Essex is an international one!
On the subject of undulating i was wondering how undulating it was so thanks for bringing the subject up
Stet - in your opinion how does it compare to Benfleet runs
I only really remember one particularly nasty incline (that you go up twice). There were a couple of forumites marshalling at the top. Course knowing the people at the top meant I couldn't resort to a walk as I probably would have done otherwise!!
Apart from that all I can remember from last year is the heat!!
Pammie, it's a great course, there are a couple of inclines but nothing like Essex Way!
Out of interest, what distance is everyone running this Sunday in training?
My training plan wants me to have a day off.........so I guess I will! I have 8 miles on Tuesday, 6 miles on Friday and a few short runs next week.
i'll probably be doing something in the region of 15 miles
Thanks for the route guidance.. that means I am happy girl now with training over here as I have found a good route that is unulating in quite a few patches and has two nasty short hills so sounds perfect!!!
I had a bad run yesterday which was actually great in many aspects - I always think you need a few duff one's to re-awaken your mind a bit to being able to turn yourself round and get through the tough parts.. 3hr training run in all - was very chuffed after it although shattered last night - I am off on a work trip for 2 weeks though on Friday so I wanted to get a long long run in to give my self the boost that it IS in there - and it is
Heat is something to think about also.. have to review kit I think
Hills?
(withdraws entry immediately)
I wonder whether Flynn and his mates might direct those who are worried to a course profile. I seem to recall seeing one last year or maybe it appeared on the Halstead site even farther back. That would dispel all these irrational fears that people have! I HATE HILLS. I LOVE HALSTEAD. THEREFORE HALSTEAD ISN'T HILLY! Hippo. I ran my 100th at Halstead..... there is nowhere better to celebrate your big day.. HONEST! The 'H' on my keyboard is now worn out.
peter, i might be running my 100th at halstead, or maybe windemere
i dare not count
Trace, beachy is DIFFERENT
Dear Hipps
Halstead is not hilly. Windermere is hilly ....all up and down. But both are excellent events.
Halstead's not particularly hilly - bit lumpy but nothing too bad. Living in a very flat part of Essex I tend to have a different perspective on what's hilly to other people! If it didn't bother me then it can't be that bad!!
Yes Hipps, Beachy is different
Hippo - only having a laugh dear.
I am looking forward to this race now more than FLM. It is just a matter of the weather over the next couple of weeks. Don't mind cold, just worried about icy pavements.
Kaz - are you running today?
At 6am (when I got up to get my brekkie) I planned to run but come 8am (when it was time to get up and get dressed) I felt a little differently!
Going to the gym instead.
Peter,tut tut, you drink alchol leading up to marathons
and windybum is quite hilly, but the views are worth it, so i dont mind that much
My fiend has told me that Halstead is a lovely place, so looking forward to it more now.
Reading all these comments made me think I should go for a run. But as I look out the window the snow is falling in lovely Essex. So .....................I'll wait a while. I need to limber up for the Liverpool Chelsea footie game. As a Man. U. fan I can't make up my mind what result would be best. Isn't life difficult!