TT - you're not wrong there- really hot one- didn't realise there was water except for checkpoint at the bottom of the hill!! Anyway, first time racing off tarmac and LOVED it!! What a fantastic friendly, well organised, value for money event!! Legs turned to total jelly after coming off the mountain - the field and woodland part, but managed a second wind to carry me through!! Can't wait til next year - think this is my favourite (if slowest!!) event. Only thing I would mention is that the photo link on the race website doesn't seem to work - or is it me??
What an incredible race. Never seen anything like it. I missed the cut-off point at 1 hour 15, but carried on & finished anyway, as an independant runner. I met at least 5 of us in the same position, but we all finished.......eventually......
What about the views from the top...... WOW.....
How on earth were people sprinting down the really steep bits? They were like mountain goats....
Probably the hardest race I've ever done - going down the biggest challenge for me. The weather was also a killer, not to mention carrying waterproofs etc. On that, I was not alone it seems in being a little peeved to see so many clearly ignoring (and being allowed to ignore ?) the FRA rules about mandatory carried kit for this race. On such a day, and on such a course, this was a significant handicap for those that did play fair and lug 'full body waterproofs' (Pertex not allowed), compass, whistle, map etc to the top of Cadair Idris and back
That aside, a great day out and very rewarding. Many thanks to those who organised and supported. I loved the view from the top, inspirational sight of the front runners storming down The Mountain, plus the run-in to the finish and post-race athmosphere.
Will be back next year - will bring stronger quads though !!
OFT - you beat me to it to advertise Alastair's photos. Many thanks to him, though I'm not looking my best!! I did carry all the required kit, but got to admit I forgot it was there. Did people get away with not carrying it?? I know they checked for bumbags/ sacs before start, but guess not the contents -??. Definitely with you on the stronger quads!!!!!!!!!!!! Still can't walk up, or more especially DOWN stairs very well!!! Also agree with your thanks to everyone, including the inspirational band. Never had so much fun with my clothes on!!. See you next year!!
Yeah, I saw loads of people carrying no kit at all. Saw no checks being made either. We passed by a marshal who was supposed to be checking kit, but I saw no-one being asked to open their bum-bags, & those with no kit weren't stopped. Felt a bit silly lugging all that gear when others didn't bother. I think some people didn't bother with all the waterproof stuff once they saw the weather & that there was no chance of rain.
It's longer than Cader, but fell all the way. It's also less steep, but plenty of up and down ( in fact the overall ascent is apparently 2,500'). Grassy and boggy and in the middle of sunny Pembrokeshire!! ( Close to home for me). Have taken Duke of Edinburgh Award groups up here, nav not a problem really - ridgeline all the way. Sounds like a great day out to me!!
That sounds boss, jason. i've friends who live in Narberth and I pass the Preseli on the way down - superb scenery. Alas, I'm looking at the Yorkshire Wolds HM from Bishop Wilton nr Pocklington the day before - mega hilly and stunning surroundings. Bar, cake stall & country show at the end!!
Ria - unlucky on missing the cut-off, but Well Done on continuing!
Due to the unfeasible heat, I paced myself on the run-out and the ascent, but went quite mad on the descent (always my fave bit) and was completely dead for the run-in (or walk/stagger/jog-in in my case) 2:40, but happy just to finish in one piece really
the campsite that we tried first (that had said how quiet they were and that we didn't need to book) had FULL signs up when we got there on Thursday afternoon , but we found a site 5 mins out of Dolgellau right next to a ruined abbey that was so brill we stayed for 4 nights in the end
Hooray!! Legs still don't bend properly after throwing myself down cader with a bit too much gusto, but got out for a very slow and stiff 9m tonight. Actually stayed in The Ship after the race for a bit of luxury - surprised to find rooms left.
p.s. managed 2:12, which I was very surprised and happy with - especially as I found myself walk/staggering through the field and woods at the bottom!!
I probably will do it again in the future, but there are a few other races that fall at the end of May that I want to do first - Duddon springs to mind...
Comments
Good luck, you gals & guys
Stay cool.....
phew, that was hot !
the results are up..
http://www.cader-race.co.uk/English/results2009/1main2009.pdf
What an incredible race. Never seen anything like it. I missed the cut-off point at 1 hour 15, but carried on & finished anyway, as an independant runner. I met at least 5 of us in the same position, but we all finished.......eventually......
What about the views from the top...... WOW.....
How on earth were people sprinting down the really steep bits? They were like mountain goats....
Well done everyone !
There are lots of great (and free) photos here c/o some fine person on the FRA website
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/alastair.tye/RasCaderIdris
Probably the hardest race I've ever done - going down the biggest challenge for me. The weather was also a killer, not to mention carrying waterproofs etc. On that, I was not alone it seems in being a little peeved to see so many clearly ignoring (and being allowed to ignore ?) the FRA rules about mandatory carried kit for this race. On such a day, and on such a course, this was a significant handicap for those that did play fair and lug 'full body waterproofs' (Pertex not allowed), compass, whistle, map etc to the top of Cadair Idris and back
That aside, a great day out and very rewarding. Many thanks to those who organised and supported. I loved the view from the top, inspirational sight of the front runners storming down The Mountain, plus the run-in to the finish and post-race athmosphere.
Will be back next year - will bring stronger quads though !!
Got the taste now!! Anyone fancy this one: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=48937 ??
It's longer than Cader, but fell all the way. It's also less steep, but plenty of up and down ( in fact the overall ascent is apparently 2,500'). Grassy and boggy and in the middle of sunny Pembrokeshire!! ( Close to home for me). Have taken Duke of Edinburgh Award groups up here, nav not a problem really - ridgeline all the way. Sounds like a great day out to me!!
Wow! What a MONSTER of a race that was!
Ria - unlucky on missing the cut-off, but Well Done on continuing!
Due to the unfeasible heat, I paced myself on the run-out and the ascent, but went quite mad on the descent (always my fave bit) and was completely dead for the run-in (or walk/stagger/jog-in in my case)
2:40, but happy just to finish in one piece really
the campsite that we tried first (that had said how quiet they were and that we didn't need to book) had FULL signs up when we got there on Thursday afternoon , but we found a site 5 mins out of Dolgellau right next to a ruined abbey that was so brill we stayed for 4 nights in the end
Daz, that's a respectable time. Nice one. Told you the campsites would get full!!
We drove up the Cader road, turned onto a B road, & threw the tent up in a field!! It was fab!
Daz - know what you mean about the staggering!!
Hooray!! Legs still don't bend properly after throwing myself down cader with a bit too much gusto, but got out for a very slow and stiff 9m tonight. Actually stayed in The Ship after the race for a bit of luxury - surprised to find rooms left.
p.s. managed 2:12, which I was very surprised and happy with - especially as I found myself walk/staggering through the field and woods at the bottom!!
Here are some great places near Cader that we visited over the weekend. Make a note if you are coming back next year.....
Fairbourne beach. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairbourne
Aberdovey. http://www.aberdovey.org.uk/
Water wheel at Furnace. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/history/pages/dyfifurnace.shtml
Furnace waterfall. http://www.severnvisionphotographic.co.uk/photo_2862246.html
Lake Vyrnwy. http://www.vyrnwy.co.uk/
Barmouth beach is very popular
I can also HIGHLY recommend the drive down the B4405 to the Tal-y-Llyn lake and onwards to the old-stylee seaside resort of Tywyn
We need a week to explore the area next year......
Who's up for next year by the way???
ME!!
you two are mental - I'm gonna give it a miss!
I probably will do it again in the future, but there are a few other races that fall at the end of May that I want to do first - Duddon springs to mind...