Mourne Seven Sevens - Sat 6th August 2011

[simon]

... simon 

Did someone mention me?!? 

Well done for getting stuck in to what is one hell of a challenge Liam! Next year you'll be flying round it. Were you walking it with anyone? I started with the guy from work I was telling you about. I was determined to be at Meelbeg at the same time as him so he could show me the optimal route down to Ben Crom Dam. In the end I stuck with him until we came back off Binnian and then I had to take a slightly longer break (all of about 5 minutes!). Coming down off Beg I realized I could get in under the 8 hour mark and ended up with an official finish time of 7:55 - the finish was quite emotional, I realized that much of the last hour or so was done on pure determination and once it was over it was time for Mr Body to become acquainted with Mr Ground.

So did i enjoy it? Yes, although I did develop a severe case of Walker's Tourettes

Am i glad i did it? Absobloodylutely

Will i try again next year? Does a bear shit in the woods

The best bit? Running along the top of Binnian as the clouds parted and the sun appeared.

The worst bit? I'm with Liam ... Lamagan (and maybe the midges at the dam)

What have a learned? Get more hill time in before hand. I only had two training walks in advance. Carry less - my pack (a Talon 22) was too heavy. I had waterproofs, 2.5 litres of water (hydration/energy) and too much food (Liam, the gels are very good, but also look at PSP22 and Go electrolyte, Nuun are also very good as a carb free electrolyte). I wore a merino baselayer top and didn't use the waterproof jacket. The La Sportiva Wildcats did the job, but they are showing serious signs of wear.

[LandyLiam]

i just wore an old pair of £20 trainers as i didn't want to wear the walshes out  they were great, but i didn't run down too many hills

[mcglynn]

well done dude that's some going in one day, or a matter of hours!

[twentyclicks]

Nice one lads!

[MG1]

Good man Liam great effort

[bbmcg]

Liam did you do it again this year ? And if so how did you get on ? I'm so excited to attempt it next year. Unknown to us it was actually taking place this year on our first ever visit to the mournes . After I'd read up about it i knew it was a challenge i definitely fancied and am trying to get myself as familiar as poss with the different sections

[LandyLiam]

Yes, tried it again this year, managed 5 of them, full story here
http://www.ni-wild.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3486.30