Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Outdoor Activities => Exercise, Fitness, Training, Competitions and General Health => Topic started by: LandyLiam on May 01, 2012
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Entries now open at www.mourne2day.com
I've booked a spot in class D (10:20 start), hoping to do it with my son again this year.
Anyone else up for this?
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Maybe!!
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I've wanted to do this for years. Just have to find someone as slow and unfit as me but who nevertheless loves being in the hills!!
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This has been on my list for years but unfortunately I'm not ready yet.
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I'd like to think that anyone could get fit enough to complete this if they started practising now until september. Thats plenty of time.
I may think about entering myself.
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I would only consider doing it if I was able to get out more between now and then as both my fitness and nav would need to come up big time ;D.
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I would only consider doing it if I was able to get out more between now and then as both my fitness and nav would need to come up big time ;D.
There is your excuse.
"Oh whats that hunny, your mother is coming to stay for the weekend? And she is bringing her dog? Oh thats alright, I have practise organised for the Mourne Mountain Marathon this weekend anyway."
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It is a hard slog, but you do get plenty of time to complete it so just go at your pace and if you haven't packed too much weight you'll through it. If you feel you're going to be slow then just do an early start so you can be sure you'll reach the checkpoint before the cutoff time. (I think you can start as early as 8am, that would give you nearly 2.5hrs advantage over me)
The 7 7s is great practice run for this, its an even harder slog but you will have less weight to carry, i failed on the 7 7s last year but still managed to do the MMM.
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I would only consider doing it if I was able to get out more between now and then as both my fitness and nav would need to come up big time ;D.
There is your excuse.
The issue isn't being getting fit or being able to increase my nav, it's gathering the time to do it I suppose. Unfortunately I only get two days off a week, and I don't choose those. Plus travelling expenses contribute big time to how many times I could apply myself to it.
Maybe another time. :)
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I'm definately up for it in the class c but not taking it too seriously. Fitness wise I can just about run 10k on the flat, but I'm a stubborn old mule and can keep the head down and keep plodding.
Need a team mate tho ... anyone else game for it? I know I'll be nowhere near a fitness level to run most of it and would probably be walking with a bit of jogging involved.
Let me know if anyone's up for it
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.... Actually make that class D! ;D
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Yup, already booked it off work. Doing the 7sevens too, and the Causeway Coast Ultra 2 weeks after the MMM :-\ Might not be the best idea in the world, but I'm confident that my summer training will go well ;D
Will be looking a partner for B or Elite (almost guaranteed a top 10 finish just for entering ;) )
I feel some UL MYOG syndrome coming on this summer...
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Rusty phoned me asking me to do this :P sorry my legs say NO :-X
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Maybe I'm not reading correctly. But is it say for group D, 35 kms over 2 days 1 night? Or have I got the idea totally wrong?
Shhh. I never said that.
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That's me entered.... excited and bricking it all at once ;D anyone any nuggets of advice / wisdom?
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That's me entered.... excited and bricking it all at once ;D anyone any nuggets of advice / wisdom?
- Go light or go home - ;D Bit over the top, but seriously, try to only take what is on the suggested/required list. It does make a big difference to speed (especially on the 2nd day) and it's all part of the adventure race experience.
- Eat & drink all day - Good breakfast and big dinner, but have a handy feedbag of snacks to munch on throughout the day so you don't have to stop to eat (like a polar traveller). Electrolyte tablets like High5 Zero, or Nuun are a good idea to stop any cramps...especially if you're crammed in slightly small tent.
- Have your partner get/put things from your pack as you move on easy ground to save you stopping and taking it off
- Mark up your map all at once at the start of each day - should keep the map drier and help avoid tired mistakes later in the day or missing checkpoints. My partner and I both marked up our maps and then compared to double check. It took 15mins, but it was done and we knew it was right.
- Don't follow the crowd - use your compass and stick to your own game plan...it only takes one group to make a mistake and a lot of sheep to look like a good idea. Sometimes the different classes will have checkpoints near each other - get the right one!
- Practice some orienteering over the summer - have a go at some of the LVO WEE (Wed Evening Events) to get used to the lingo, clues, and the types of places checkpoints are hidden. Also check out some of the previous MMM routes for your chosen class - practice marking them up and think about how you would travel between them...maybe even do one of the days when you're in the hills.
- Try not to hang around at the checkpoint - have an idea what direction you should be heading next and move off. The checkpoints themselves usually aren't in the best place to survey the land, and it keeps everything more elusive for your competitors.
That covers most of it. Nav mistakes cost the most time (& effort), but all the little stops also add up quickly and can drop you many places down the results - better to find a pace and keep moving. Enjoy - you'll get to see parts of the hills you normally don't... quite often the middle of a bog ;D
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Cheers!... See u there! ... I'll be the small spot you see from the summit way below in the Valley lol
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everything that 20c said, plus cut your toenails ;)
good to see a few more ni-wilders, now all we need is someone to deliver the drink for the sat night party 8)
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I could do that lol!
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I would like to give the D class a go if I can find someone to form a team. :)
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Ahh, make or break time again! Seems like a few years have gone by with me saying "maybe next year...".
Think will see if Kat will enter this with me as a mixed team in Cat D. Will give us something to look forward to after our honeymoon :D
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looking like a good crowd from ni-wild this year :)
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No way i'am fit enough to prolonged running,so it's marshalling for me,I'd be more that happy to carry,foods,fluids,clothing for any ni-wild participants ;D
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Defo take u up on that... There can't be that much running involved ;D ... Good navigation and a brisk marching pace on the steeper bits should cut down the need for all out running all of the time.... Hopefully!
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there's no need to run unless you're trying to win a prize (or your navigating is shite), last year we started near last and still made it to the checkpoint with an hour to spare, and you're supposed to carry ALL you're own gear ::) but if i do meet you at a marshalling point john and the frying pan is on, it would be rude not to stop for a bacon buttie ;D
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I'm hopefully entering c class again this year. Just need to find a partner an get hill fit.
Anyone for c class need a partner?
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everything that 20c said, plus cut your toenails ;)
good to see a few more ni-wilders, now all we need is someone to deliver the drink for the sat night party 8)
I could do that lol!
My toenails are getting a bit long too, could you cut mine as well?
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I was talking about doing the booze run..
Cutting toe nails boke!!
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I am definitely up for this!! Will be my first time so not sure what class to enter and also need a partner!!
I've downloaded the route card from last year so hopefully gonna give it a run soon and see what time i can roughly get out of that, that should give me an idea of what one. Id prob say either C/D since first time and all.
Anyone interested let me know :)
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Hi Lou,
I'm looking for a partner too, if you're interested. I've never done anything like this either.
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Hey chem_j ...yey im definitely interested. guess we could head for a hike someday soon and go from there. What you think??
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Sounds good to me. When would suit you?
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@chem_j sent you a PM!
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Anyone fancy doing the Mourne Mountain Marathon this year for free? It's class D so there's loads of time to make the points and I'm not expecting anyone to do any major amounts of running: just walk at a good pace consistantly will do me.
My team mate is making noises about not being able to do it and I feel the excuses coming on already so I'm trying to see about reserves.
Anyone fancy it?
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Hello team mate ;D count me in for sure!
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Excellent! ;D .... I'll send you a wee PM here. Give you a shout when I get back from holidays on Saturday and we'll see about the first training session!
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I am definitely up for this!! Will be my first time so not sure what class to enter and also need a partner!!
I've downloaded the route card from last year so hopefully gonna give it a run soon and see what time i can roughly get out of that, that should give me an idea of what one. Id prob say either C/D since first time and all.
Anyone interested let me know :)
Route card any way you can provide link?
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2011 route cards here
http://www.mourne2day.com/app/webroot/files/File/Route%20Cards/Cards11.pdf
and all the other years available here
http://www.mourne2day.com/Results%202011
(just click on the year tab to the left)
and they have a new facebook page here
https://www.facebook.com/mourne2day
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Nice one Liam :)
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Liam can you remember the starting times for D class,it's just I want to use last years route cards as a bench mark for training?
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you just pick your own start time, for d class i would start late unless you think you will struggle to meet the checkpoint, poor navigation is more likely to slow you down than poor fitness, i know you have the legs for it so if you navigate ok then no point in starting really early as you have to spend more time at the campsite with not a lot to do (well you can't carry much beer ::) ) also if you start late you find a bit of a trodden path to the markers 8)
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Rusty phoned me asking me to do this :P sorry my legs say NO :-X
No way i'am fit enough to prolonged running,so it's marshalling for me,I'd be more that happy to carry,foods,fluids,clothing for any ni-wild participants ;D
Hello team mate ;D count me in for sure!
;D ;D Admit it Mourneman, you were just playing hard to get.
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Rusty phoned me asking me to do this :P sorry my legs say NO :-X
No way i'am fit enough to prolonged running,so it's marshalling for me,I'd be more that happy to carry,foods,fluids,clothing for any ni-wild participants ;D
Hello team mate ;D count me in for sure!
;D ;D Admit it Mourneman, you were just playing hard to get.
:) ha ha,seems a bit mad I know but I never knew I could walk it as well,so the D class suits fine & I need a wee challenge,looking forward to the navigation & team work,team SURGE...... Begins training this week with last years route cards,some pacing & timing but more over a bit of crac training
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It would be worth doing a wee orienteering event for a little practise too, i think there's one on in Hillsborough Forest next wed evening.
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He's just show boating for the crowd: I caught a glimpse of him sprinting up Donard the other week Rocky style ;D
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only a few weeks away now, tomorrow my partner is doing his first hill walk since last years event :o going to try and get some navigation practise in so looking forward to some rotten weather :)
found some good advice on equipmemt here http://www.planetfear.com/articles/The_planetFear_2012_Mountain_Marathon_Kitlist_1129.html but thats aimed more towards the elite/B class, i will be packing much heavier than their suggestions.
a little snippet of advice from that website
Ear Plugs
The overnight camp is going to be crowded and you'll be camped very close to your fellow competitors. If one of your neighbours likes to snore or shag (yes it has happened!) then your ear plugs will be very welcome. Oh and at the Scottish based MM's there's often bagpipes before dawn to rouse the competitors, tough luck if you've a late start, luckily we like bagpipes.
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thankfully don't think there'll be any 5am bagpipes!
I'm still looking a partner, will probably end up a last-minute thing when someone pulls out.
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If my partner drops out, i'll do class C with you, you would of course have to carry ALL the kit to balance us out :D and i might add a few rocks too 8)
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Sounds fair, apart from the rocks... surely we would be slipping them into competitors bags ;)
If my partner drops out, i'll do class C with you, you would of course have to carry ALL the kit to balance us out :D and i might add a few rocks too 8)
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Been thinking about a new rucksack for the event, i have a 20L, 35L, 45L & 70L. Last year we took the 35 and 45, we want to go lighter this year and the 20L might be just a bit too small. Thinking of getting this 25L one, was £35, now £20 in Argos with free delivery
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/104846/Trail/searchtext%3EDARE+2B.htm
(http://www.dare2b.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/products/extralarge/DUE005.jpg)
Team Steptoe & Son
(http://modculture.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/steptoe.jpg)
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I'm partnered up now with my team-mate from before 8)
I don't know about the bag Liam, size depends a bit on the kit and the layout. Those sno-board bags are quite shallow. I used a 20L last time, but it was a big drysac style tub with a bungee and two stretch pockets. It was only 200g and the straps ripped. Similar but sturdier may be the Alpkit Gourdon 20.
I have a 20L Deuter but haven't tried packing it yet (as I don't have my kit together). It's about 500g. I may end up using my Haglofs Tight 30L (700g) as it sits so well... the Deuter straps shift into my neck sometimes.
May chance my arm on here to borrow a light bag as my summer bag is only rated to 12degrees.
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The website says it 0.11 kg :o i'm assuming they mean 1.1kg, which isn't very light :( it doesn't have side mesh pockets for my water bottles but it does have the platypus pocket which i might use this year (always stuck to bottles before). It does have an attached waterproof cover which i do really like (the unattached ones always seem to fall off on me and blow away in the wind!) so i've gone ahead and bought it, i had to buy something new for this year :)
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New rucksack has just arrived in the post :) very pleased with it, think i'll spend this evening weighing stuff ;D have also got my nuun tablets and some dehydrated porridge packets, just have to sort out something for dinner, thinking of getting some ofthe travelunchs meals from cotswolds, bit pricey at £5.50 each, and some mixed reviews on their edibility
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/product/travellunch-travel-lunch-main-meal/fuseaction/products.detail/code/92220003/id_colour/1020/group/5343/level/3
or i might just go for my old favourite, pasta and dolmio stir in sauce with a sprinkling of cheese ???
edit:
now weighed bag and it tips the scales at 550g, nice :)
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This guy dehydrates his own meals. &feature=plcp
some nice ideas here, i heard you can do this in a low oven. He also has a website http://www.maddythegoose.com/
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If you've not got a partner yet Liam I'm looking someone to do the class D with me .... and yes I'll carry my own tent ;D
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funnily enough my partner is having difficulty getting the time off work, he has to work sat evening, and may have to get picked up from campsite and dropped back later that night :(
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If he's not able to do it I'd be more than happy to fill in for him. I'm happy as long as I get to attempt the MMM! Don't mind not getting the glory! Seriously if he's not able to do it or if you wanna get a wee team sorted give me a shout.
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sorry, he's just told me he's determined to do it, but now i've got a wee ankle injury, could be a sore weekend :(
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Greetings all. Hope you have all got sorted out with partners for the weekend.
I'm doing the C with Mrs Mad. The scales are out on the kitchen table and by the end of the week I'll know the weight of a tesco freezer bag.
Forecast looking good so some lighter kit options are a possibility.
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I knew there there was something else to buy, i'd forgotten the freezer bags :) but my foot injury is now giving me some concern and i may have to pull out, i'm gutted :'( hoping i'm able to at least start the event, and if the route takes me near meelmore lodge i might make a detour for lunch and stay there ;D hopefully we'll see you sat night, we need some sort of sign for the ni-wilders tents ???
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(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2010/sleepy7s/1meelmore/P8240756%20(Small).JPG)
if i can find the flags this is how my tent will be decorated ;D (different tent though, haven't decided whether i go for the lightweight 1.9kg or the comfort 2.5kg option) party starts 8pm, BYOB
(http://user26557.vs.easily.co.uk/landrover/team-blrc/graphics/photos/2010/sleepy7s/7donard/DSC04791%20(Small).JPG)
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how much does each flag weigh? ;)
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how much does each flag weigh? ;)
good point, i'll have to divvy out the flags BEFORE the race so we all carry our fair share :D
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Good luck to everyone competing ... I know it'll be emotional ;D
Got my kit set-up finalised:
Buff Swiss Army Knife Hexamine Stove + Fuel
Shermagh Gaiters 2 litre water bladder
Buffalo Jacket Hiking trousers water purification tabs
Waterproofs Boots Food
Skins base layers Spare Socks Headtorch + Spare
Small FAK Map & Compass Energy Gels
Tent (Karrimor x-lite) Lightweight Sleeping Bag
.......trying to stay lightweight.... anyone spotting anything else obvious I'm forgetting?
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Head torch & spare,love it :)
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I actually learned my lesson with that one from the Summit Camp: I got to the top and my torch had went off in my rucksac... totally drained of battery. Always thought a spare was a good idea after that one!
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Got my kit set-up finalised:
Buff Swiss Army Knife Hexamine Stove + Fuel
Shermagh Gaiters 2 litre water bladder
Buffalo Jacket Hiking trousers water purification tabs
Waterproofs Boots Food
Skins base layers Spare Socks Headtorch + Spare
Small FAK Map & Compass Energy Gels
Tent (Karrimor x-lite) Lightweight Sleeping Bag
.......trying to stay lightweight.... anyone spotting anything else obvious I'm forgetting?
not sure what a shermagh is ??? buffalo jacket might be a bit warm for this weekend, could lose more weight by leaving the knife out
suggested additions
emergency bivi bag (essential item in the rules)
plastic bags for when you put your nice dry socks on at camp and have to go out in your wet boots ;)
whistle
hat
gloves
pillow
camera (we want pics :) )
permanent markers (if using waterproof map)
and last, but not least, a wee nightcap ;D
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Apologies: spelling let me down there: should read shemagh. It's one of those arabic scarfs. Have found mine dead handy. There's about a million and one uses for it: makes a little sun shelter fully stretched out, soak in water and wrap around your head: it cools you, pull around the face for windy days. I've even tied mine together to make a little bag.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keffiyeh
Good call on the Emergency Bag: I'll have to grab one tomorrow!
As always a bottle of Jameson is always worth the extra weight ;D
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check the mmm site for mandatory kit, some per member, some per team.
take a battery out of torch to avoid it going on in bag. midge nets?
are u for carrying 2 litres of water?
whats a FAK?
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whats a FAK?
First Aid Kit i think
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Duh!
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My pack currently sitting at 4150g before food & water but including full waterproofs, buff & gloves.
Could probably drop another 250g if I ditch the stove case, phone, iPod shuffle, house key, and swap the big dry-bag for a bin liner (sleeping bag is in a separate drybag). I need to take the tent pegs and poles as well when we meet in the morning.
5550kcal of food to go in weighing 1400g. 750ml water.... I'll probably be near 6.5kg at the start, thought it would be lighter! At least I'm 3kg lighter than the start of the summer ;)
Weather's looking good for the Saturday lads: cool & breezy, but dry. Might be wet on the Sunday morning but sure it's homeward bound to the soup & sandwiches ;D
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Thats me pulled out now, foot healing but not enough to even wear boots but hopefully bump into you all somewhere along the way as i'll have to pop up to the finish to at least collect my now very expensive t-shirt ;D
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och Liam, that's a shame. Unfortunate timing.
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Best of luck guys, can't wait for the photos and stories!
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That's a bummer Liam - maybe bump into you at the Orienteering sometime.
We're all packed coming in at 10kg. 500ml water bottle each to add to that.
Guess which is mine!
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Good luck to all taking part!
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Good luck everybody ;D
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That's a bummer Liam - maybe bump into you at the Orienteering sometime.
We're all packed coming in at 10kg. 500ml water bottle each to add to that.
Guess which is mine!
awww, matching rusksacks, how sweet ;D what number are you so i can keep an eye out, i'll be somewhere taking a few pics
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RUSTY at the starting point ;D james like the extra head torch...
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/7987953042_13690b263c_c.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/83986410@N07/7987953042/)
463106_509649055729042_74439538_o (http://www.flickr.com/photos/83986410@N07/7987953042/) by jimmysurg (http://www.flickr.com/people/83986410@N07/), on Flickr
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Made it up to the start today to get a few pics, then went for a wee cycle round tollymore, ended up doing 16km, so cycling not hurting my foot :) then popped over to the camp site to see if the organisers needed any help but spent most of the afternoon taking pics.
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210931Small.jpg)
Craig (twenyyclicks) and John (a non-forum member - does that make him a muggle?) at the start
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210933Small.jpg)
tollymore mountain centre, marking map corrections (there are mistakes in the mourne map)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210937Small.jpg)
marking the map at the start point, or praying for good weather ???
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210940Small.jpg)
cycling behind a couple of elite entrants, they ran uphill faster than i could cycle :o
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210945Small.jpg)
stopped for a wee cup of tea in a wee sunspot, beautiful day
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210984Small.jpg)
popped up to a marker near the campsite to watch people coming in
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210968Small.jpg)
Big E & partner nearly the end
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210997Small.jpg)
team twentyclicks whizzes past
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210998Small.jpg)
twentyclicks hits the finish line - currently in 4th place in B class
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220031Small.jpg)
rusty at the finish line
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210963%20(Small)_zps2bbcb5de.jpg)
madmickie & madminnie?
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220002Small.jpg)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220007Small.jpg)
pegs or toothpics
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220081Small.jpg)
a well earned supper
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220078Small.jpg)
Big E feeling drained
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220080Small.jpg)
Matthew with so much food he was able to give me some :)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220076Small.jpg)
someone taking it easy, or he has just lost his tent
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210999Small.jpg)
checking the scores
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220073Small.jpg)
hmmmmmm
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1210953Small.jpg)
the class D route
update
day1 results at 5pm here http://www.mourne2day.com/app/webroot/files/File/results/2012/index.html
team twentyclicks in 4th in B class
team rusy in 56th in C class
team big E in 9th in D class
well done everyone for completing day 1, roll on day 2
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thanks for sharing liam,nice photo's ;D
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Great stuff Liam, cheers for the update.
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day 2 pics
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220085Small.jpg)
twentyclicks sprints to the finish to maintain a 4th overall in b class
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220095Small.jpg)
and then he has a little nap ;D
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220093Small.jpg)
it was so sunny today he even got a tan, bog tan!
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220097Small.jpg)
the finishers relax in the sunshine
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220092Small.jpg)
then it rains again :(
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220096Small.jpg)
checking the routes
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220090Small.jpg)
suttle :)
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220091Small.jpg)
the results board
(http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/landyliam/2012/P1220102Small.jpg)
remember pack weight is everything :o (you don't feel so bad now Eamon :) )
PROVISIONAL FINAL RESULTS: (updated)
Team Twentyclicks - 4th overall in class B
Team BigE - 12th overall in class D (9th day1, 15th day2)
Team Rusty - 60th overall in class C (56th day1, 62nd day2)
great effort for 1st attempt and with a stranger as a partner, karma awarded
Team madmickie - 26th overall in class C (31st day1, 19th day2) and winner in Mixed Vets
WELL DONE EVERYONE, COMPLETING IS A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT ITSELF
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managed to scoop mixed vets in the C. Well pleased as we were 15 mins down overnight. Thats our 3rd c and toughest by far. well done to to john n craig. our training buddies won D.
i think i revognised you at campsite Liam from pics on here but wasnt sure. great pics.
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Pity I didn't know MadMickie or Rusty to say hello at camp. Was a great weekend and lovely to be based at the mountain centre! We were pretty strong on Day1 with great routes all day, and enjoyed the relaxed dry camp. Unfortunately, I was entirely uncomfortable and did not sleep a wink all night...very glad the iPod was brought along!
Day2 I felt quite heavy (and like Day1 kept forgetting to eat enough on the way around). My ankles were busted from contouring and the head was a bit fuzzy so we really had to keep each other right. We made some poor route choices that resulted in really tough ground, but we got there in the end. It's all forgotten (until trying to get up tomorrow) when you get that ham baguette and brownie 8)
We were sure we would drop places today, but the others must have had as bad a time. When you see some of the mistakes the lead groups made it's even more impressive that they won! A very unexpected bonus is that the 3rd place in our group was the guy from Lowe Alpine, so he offered up his prize to 4th. Happy days... what a nice guy! ;D
Thanks also to Liam for supporting us and capturing the moments...you really caught me by surprise in the forest at the end of the first day... were there many others shouted "big jump...weeee!" and ran over the MTB ramps? ::)
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A very unexpected bonus is that the 3rd place in our group was the guy from Lowe Alpine, so he offered up his prize to 4th.
result :)
of course you do realise that having won a prize this means you have to move up to elite next year :D
(unless you team up with me in class d and carrying everything 8) )
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Fair play to all of you for taking part. A tough undertaking.
I can't quite get my head around how people reduce their pack weights so much. Although I suspect some of it is too much for me, is that a Laser Comp 1 for 2 racers?
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There were some very small looking tents there, one was so thin i could see people in it in daylight. I reckon a good tactic would be to bring a light bivvy bag (300g ?) and small tent and just stick your feet out the porch for extra space. Rules say you have to have a proper tent, don't think they say you have to use it ;D
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u need a proper sleeping bag too
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I can't quite get my head around how people reduce their pack weights so much. Although I suspect some of it is too much for me, is that a Laser Comp 1 for 2 racers?
Yes, Laser Comp 1 for 2 people...although it is classed as a 1+/1.5 man tent. We just left the inner door down and I stuck my feet out a bit to give us more room, it's just a bit tighter when zipped. An option for broader folk may be to bivvy in the big porch. They're a really good tent. You can both sit with feet in porch, door quite sheltered to cook, and space to store/sort mountain marathon type gear. Certainly if you are bigger, have lots of stuff, or like more personal space they may not suit.
Small pack weights are basically: light... pack, sleeping bag, stove, mat, waterproofs; and leave out as much of everything else as possible. Most people I talked to had about 1.5kg food. I was already fairly light: here's my list of everything taken (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtD9_UwzQk3GdGdXZm1wZnBHYTZXWlRPeHhSWE9xRmc)...note how much I could save again with some changes!
Do you see anything missing from that list that you would really need for an overnight competitive event?
It can be done, and really changes the way you approach the mountains. I'd encourage everyone to give it a go :)
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Good list Craig.
We wrap pocket rocket in kitchen roll. On day2 it's wrapped in day1 sock!
We skipped foil this year and used map to shelter stove, need to be careful with that.
Sleeping tablet instead of iPod, worked a treat. We slept from 10 thru to 4. Best mmm sleep ever. No bad effects d2.
Neo air mats exp but light and worth it.
OMM 25L should be loads of room for you. Has everything u need.
Food wise, we share large Mtn house meal, crunchie, custard n nutrigrain, then porridge in morning. Dunno weight but maybe 1kg between us. We use porridge pots as cups n bowls then bin em. M&s plastic cutlery
Always trying to save weight but it starts to get silly expensive n major compromise on comforts. Not worth it for us C-ers.
We got down to 10 kg
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Ha ha - now I see where the 'mad' comes from mickie ... you share one of those tiny big Mtn house meals ;D
The map windshield is a bit of a risk, and as for wrapping anything in day1 socks...it would need a jet flame to sterilize it: I really must try those ankle gaiters ;D
I do have a neo-air but it's a full length version. Very comfy, but at 400g too luxurious for a race. I'll allow myself the air pillow, but would rather have a balloon bed and 300g more food I think... hmm, you've given me an idea for a blog post: most reasonable value, ultra-light MM kit. I've been looking at what to put my winnings towards and considering a few options.
Sleeping tablet...never thought of that. I've never used them. Might need a controlled test first - would be no good to miss the day2 start, ha! 5kg each is very good. Thanks for adding your tips here - we can point everyone to this thread next year when we're trying to persuade them all to enter.
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Ha ha - now I see where the 'mad' comes from mickie ... you share one of those tiny big Mtn house meals ;D
The map windshield is a bit of a risk, and as for wrapping anything in day1 socks...it would need a jet flame to sterilize it: I really must try those ankle gaiters ;D
I do have a neo-air but it's a full length version. Very comfy, but at 400g too luxurious for a race. I'll allow myself the air pillow, but would rather have a balloon bed and 300g more food I think... hmm, you've given me an idea for a blog post: most reasonable value, ultra-light MM kit. I've been looking at what to put my winnings towards and considering a few options.
Sleeping tablet...never thought of that. I've never used them. Might need a controlled test first - would be no good to miss the day2 start, ha! 5kg each is very good. Thanks for adding your tips here - we can point everyone to this thread next year when we're trying to persuade them all to enter.
swap you your full length neo-air for a short.
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swap you your full length neo-air for a short.
No way! Outside of adventure race scenarios it's the business :)
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Yes yes I know that I'm a wee bit late but just wanted to well done to all who did the race, your all bonkers lol ! ;D
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thought i'd share this with all you weight saving folk out there,bigE bought one the other day,hopefully he'll have it on the camp this weekend
http://www.balloonbed.com/
pretty cool idea
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Is there a camp on this weekend ?
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a video report of the event from the lowe alpine team
&feature=youtu.be