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Thames Path 100
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The rucksack im running with is an Inov8 Race Pro 12. Ultra lightweight pack which has the really handy bladder built into the waist band. This holds 2l of flluid and even when full doesnt bounce about on your back as its securely fastens around your waist. I shant have too much in it, but plenty of pockets for food, nibbles, mobile, blanket, Montane running jacket etc.
hillheader, interesting concept!
Strategy? Oh dear....
I want to get to 100km <10:30 for sparta qualification.
I have no idea what my normal long ultra averages out at as I just keep going until I finish.
I therefore have to take things steady I guess...but re-assess if I am on/off schedule.
Ribs are still a bit sore, but I got a HM pb at the weekend....which lifts one's spirits
havent been on for a few days, so came on to ask some questions, but they seem to have been answered.
Luckily my head torch comes with its on pouch, my phone will be in a arm band type thing, then hopefully the rest will be in my waist bag as im not having a rucksack. does anyone know if the nbackup light has to be carried at all times, if not ill put it in the 51 mile bag.
the only real bag issue i have is what to use for the 51 mile bag drop.. i hear everyones ideas of storing clothing, im just not sure if im too keen on stopping long enough to change, ill have me dayt clothes which is a compression base layer top and shorts, then my normal shorts and top. for night all i have extra is a warm hat, gloves and a running jacket.
Lee, from the official race website..........
Runners must carry the following mandatory equipment at all times:
Im not packing any shorts, its leggings and tights all the way for me but with Under Armour compression shorts underneath the Ron Hills
Can anyone tell me what to expect under foot on the first half?
I've run the second half and know what shoe i'll be wearing for that but not knowing the first half at all i can't decide on what to wear.
The first half is pretty mixed underfoot. Most of it is decent hardpack trail, some tarmac, but not too much, some grass and a some mud just before Windsor and again just after Marlow.
The second half is mostly easy to follow, but beware the sections where you leave the river, I missed a turn near Cholsey as the sign was hidden behind a hedge, hopefully with the extra signs on the day things should be obvious. There are a couple of steep hills after Whitchurch, again its mostly good underfoot, a bit more grassy than the first half, some mud to watch out for just after Abingdon.
The first 10 of the Thames Trot so the the last 10 of what we will do was horrendous. It was rutted, very uneven and i suspect when not frozen solid very muddy.
Dougie. I take it if there is grass and mud roadies are a no no. I only wear a hybrid shoe anyway never a full on trail shoe so I will probably alternate between two different types.
I wore snug fitting road shoes on my last big trail race which worked well except my feet were so swollen that the swelling created creases in the bottom of my feet which turned into 2inch round blisters. Ouch!
Lesson learned! Make sure I have plenty of room in my shoe during the last 40 mile.
Asics Gel Fugi ES for the first half then and Brooks Trail blades for the back half.
What's everyone else wearing?
I think you could get by on road shoes for the first half, the muddy setions aren't very long, but I'll be in Saucony Jazz Trail which are more of a hybrid shoe. The section by Marlow was frozen when I recced so I don't know how bad it will be when thawed.
Hmm can't risk road shoes if there is any mud. Especially next to the river, probably end up in it!
I think hybrids are a good call. Being that i'm not the lightest runner I need that little bit of support and cushioning.
The best shoes to wear are those that don't pick up all the mud.
My wave inspires don't behave like that. As soon as I hit mud in those they tend to just slide across it.
It's whatever suits you really and knowing how your shoes deal with different conditions.
How was the last 10/15? I bet that was muddy and hard going.
Unless we have a very dry spell in the next ten days, I expect it to be fairly sticky underfoot.
I am leaning towards my Brooks Cascadias at this stage.
Of course, a major criteria when I pick my road shoes is their performance on mud.
I imagine that a major factor for how road shoes perform on mud is the angle at which your foot hits the ground, where on the sole you land and how your foot then rolls
Personally I will be wearing Asics Gel Trail Sensor 5's for the whole race. They are a well cushioned hybrid shoe
Just ordered up a lightweight running backpack for 51 mile mark for warm clothes and rations.
Totally the same deal for me too Lee.......................I plummped for my Asics road shoes!! theres no going back just 20 odd miles of pretending to be an aeroplane again
Asics road shoes for me all the way unless it gets very muddy. I did 95 miles of very rough running last year in road shoes with 26 hours of rain. I like the extra cushioning. I had 3 pairs and changed when I needed to treat blisters.
Shoe choice is very personal (as are socks,rucsacs etc.).
You can always put a change of shoes in the drop bags and change if you feel the need. If I get wet feet and it is not pouring with rain I will also change socks and shoes. One small pleasure is dry feet!
Good news - my 2 big toenails have now fully grown back from last year. Just in time ............
Remember the sandals (or large shoes) for the finish.
Will run the first hour and then 25/5 for at least the first 50 miles . Will drop down to 4 miles per hour for the second half . Will carry all nutrition and compulsory equip for the first half at least (Had to at the Brecons Ultra anyway) and then will get my support to supply me food etc on the last 50 . Although they won't be running .
Carrying only the compulsory kit + waterproof, 1.5l of fluid and enough food to see me through the next two checkpoints. My mum (and assorted volunteers) will crew throughout and keep everything topped up. I plan to meet them at all aid stations but to carry enough to get me though 2 checkpoints in case for some reason they fail to meet me. I'll also have a pacer for the 2nd 50.
for a split second there i miss read your srategy Ewan and thought you were going off at 6min/miles!!!!!