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Snowdonia Marathon 2014
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Thanks chaps for all the advice - much appreciated by this Snowdonia virgin.
I normally aim for 8.30-8.40 pace until I tire around 20 miles but I'm going to potter around at 9 min miles I think. Take in the scenery, dig in uphill and not get carried away on the descents.
The miles are in the legs I suppose. I trained hard for Berlin (no flaming hills there!!) three weeks ago and then did 13.1 on Sunday.
A mate of mine though who ran five or six Snowdonia marathons before his knees packed up said he walked everyone at some point. And he could run around the 3 hour mark. That's what scares me.
If it had been last weekend i would certainly have gone down the vest and shorts route, maybe even wearing my original 1995 race kit but it's certainly wrapping up time.
The forecast is changing every day with now a 60% chance of rain on the day.
Getting wet at 17 miles onwards in very cool conditions may lead to a DNF with Bwlch Y Groes quarry certainly much cooler than the rest of the course.
It's Helly Hansen short sleeved top for me and my lite weight fully waterproof top.
I am not sure about what to wear on my legs, possibly shorts or loose fitting lycras.
It's quite annoying, last weekend would have been too warm and now with wind and rain forecast unpleasant if one takes the wrong kit along for the journey.
I will make my mind up tomorrow night but only the brave or very fast (sub 3.30 runners ) would just risk vest and shorts in such changeable conditions.
They say 10-11C is the perfect conditions for Marathon running, the world record of 2.02.57 set a few weeks ago in Berlin was done in 8C dry weather.
It's not going to be dry and it's quite possible it might be as cool as 8C on Saturday morning.
Choice of kit is not going to be easy for some of us.
Very tricky to select the right kit indeed...
I think I'm going to go for my short sleeve Ronhill thermal base layer along with my club vest over the top. Then just the usual shorts.
I've tried running in waterproof tops but as i'm already a very, very heavy sweater, putting on a waterproof layer tends to lead to rapid salt deficiency and cramps - no matter how many electrolytes I can take in!
As I'll be standing round Llanberis all day 'working', I've been watching the forecasts this week too - funny, on one it's got wetter (for Saturday) since Monday and on another it's got dryer.
Since my only dilemma is 'fluffy hat' or 'souwester' (the orange hi-vis goes on regardless), I don't envy the choice you guys are going to be faced with!
For those of you looking for a breeze running down the long hill into Beddgelert, you'll get one. Forecast is for a 21mph headwind (again).
Doesn't seem to be rain forecast which is a tad unusual.
Get well soon, brer.
HH top under a club vest with shorts, carrying a bum bag with a windproof jacket and some gels.
All of the above are subject to change between now and 30 secs before the start.
as Mokshaeight says ..HH top under a club vest with shorts, carrying a bum bag with a windproof jacket and some gels.
All of the above are subject to change between now and 30 secs before the start
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Struggling a bit tonight TRex, legs have gone a bit wobbly, early night and fingers crossed for quick recovery over next 2 days.
Kit for me-shorts, shirt, arm warmers, trainers, gel belt with Montane coat tied around it, Welsh Dragon headscarf, several layers of pairs of cheap gloves to be discarded in bins on the way and a massive cheap second hand shop coat to wear before start..to be discarded at the last minute. I'm a Hobbit, I need maximum warmth at the start but need to be able to off-load the gear, as and when I need to. AND, hopefully a big smile for the TV cameras, you are all being filmed for S4C coverage!!!
I've lost my mojo with respect to running, it will 'just' be a day out with a magnificent route and atmosphere.
FR
Get well soon Brer - hopefully you'll have enough time to throw it off before Saturday.
Roger - the Snowdonia Parc is definitely a brew-pub, and it also brews on behalf of another brewery too.
Good luck to everyone running this weekend. Wish I could be there with you all, but I know I've made the right decision to pull out and I've made another runner very happy with my place
From a spectating point of view, my hubby and friends have always driven up to the Llanberis Pass before the road closes to watch the race from where it goes off road at Pen Y Gwryd (watch where you park though - a lot of the roads around there are clearway and there's no parking or it's pay to park, even on the verges and the traffic wardens will be out in force!). Once we've gone past (slow, so most of field will have gone through!) they drive on to Rhydd ddu to "refresh" at the pub, whilst we go past, then they drive on down to Waunfawr. After that, it's a quick hop over to Llanberis via Ceunant to see us cross the finish line. I think if you just watch the start from Llanberis and then go to Snowdonia Parc pub (great though it is!), you'll have a lot of waiting around without much to see.
Have fun, folks! Will be thinking of you
More good helpful tips - thanks very much to everyone. I will be definitely making a visit to the Snowdonia Parc after the race clutching my slate coaster like gold.
Okay, last question I promise, about directions. Say Mrs D watches me start in Llanberis, then hops into the car and drives to Beddgelert in the opposite direction that we run (heading south along the A4085 going past the Parc). Is she then stuck or can she go back along the A4085 north heading towards the pub and Waunfawr as we run in the same direction. Or will the the road be closed completely to traffic by then for the benefit of us athletes!!!?
the pass is the only road closed on the day (from 10am), and that's only while the race starts and a 'rolling road block' following the runners up to Pen y Gwryd.
All other roads are fully open, so all runners, spectators and drivers all need to be extra alert!
There is also a small diversion in place in Waunfawr (although the Ceunant road will be useable albeit via the diversion) and the Llanberis High Street will be closed from the Capel Coch road to the bypass for the duration of the race.
I thought the road was closed one way last year (in the direction of the runners) until a car overtook me , which woke me up a bit.
Parked up in the big car park opposite the Mountain Railway last year, does anyone know if you can leave then re-enter without paying again ? (provided it isn't full of course)
No training today so a bit bored. So would the marathon be " Faster " if ran the other way round !!!!
Last visit here before setting off for our digs in Beddgelert. I wish everyone a successful and enjoyable day round the mountain. Hope to bump into a few of you on Sat and hear the tales on here next week. Happy SNODDing!
Hopefully see some of you in Llanberis or on the course..
(will probably be at registration around 530 ish tomorrow)
Well, we are nearly there gang. Cold is still lingering so my target is to just arrive, trot and enjoy
Good luck everyone, I'm off to my caravan in Waunfawr tomorrow lunchtime, see all in Y Pantri at 6pm for a shot of the finest caffeine in North Wales.
Quick msge for John Bach! Smash it on Saturday buddy, I know how much it means to you
Sleep well tonight, everyone.
It's two miles down the road from Waunfawr and just about where the race gets really tough and challenging.
Bettws Garmon has enough parking space for enough cars so congestion is never an issue, and it's a short distance from the Snowdon Ranger Youth Hostel.
Having done the race so many times it's somewhere near The Snowdon Ranger and Bettws Garmon where the race really starts to hurt.
If you need encouragement or performance enhancing DRU, Sweets then it's in those three miles where you will need it.
Thanks for all the advice everyone it's been a big help????
Thanks for the Pantri list. We have decided not to do the buffet option due to lack of interest but will have a few additional items on in the evening as well as the day menu to include Vegetarian Lasagne, Welsh Beef Curry (not sure the runners will want this one Friday night lol), Creamy Pasta, Vegetarian and Non vegetarian.
See you tomorrow.
SS
T Rex - vegetarian
Chimney - buffet/meal easy
Run Juno - buffet/meal easy
Mrs RJ
BritNick - chai latte
Sir John a Lot - pasta
brer rabbit - coffee
UDS - chai latte (the best ever!!) and CAKE
Good luck everyone and see you in town perhaps. I'll wear Union Jack buff on head!
Got tomorrow off work, probably heading down from Stockport mid morning. Get to lodgings, get to registration and relax.
My mobile is 07793214129 if anyone needs to get hold of me for meeting up for Y Pantri.
see you tomorrow. Very excited
John
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