Mendip Muddle - Events - Runner's World

Hilly

04/10/2002 at 20:15

This event sounds like a real challenge.
Now I love off road running, but when you read in the race instructions "For safety reasons (so we know exactly who has started the race), race numbers will only be issued at Registration." And then being advised to carry a copy of the course map, well it leaves me feeling just a little nervous!
The course is described as tough, 420m of climb and mostly off road.
Anyone fancy this one? Its at a place called Charterhouse, a small hamlet, just off the B3134 in Somerset.

Hilly

05/10/2002 at 07:53

Come on you lot there must be someone who wants to give up thier Saturday for this one!

Pizza Man:-)

06/10/2002 at 00:58

Sounds great but I'm running elsewhere next weekend.

Congrats on your first vet & team prize @ Blanford. Shame you couldn't hang on for those last 3 miles for 3rd lady. Still, 5 more races, 5 more trophies?

Hilly

06/10/2002 at 14:34

Thanks PM. I really had nothing left to respond when I was overtaken in the last mile.

I must learn to hold back at the beginning. Mind saying that my aim for this run was to see how long I could hang on to my road pace on the country. I managed it for 5 miles, then settled into a more comfortable pace, but I payed for the early pace in those last 3 miles. It's good to try different things though. Who knows I could have shocked myself and ran the whole distance at that early pace-I wish!

Hope you have a good run yourself on Sunday!

RichK . . . . www.theracephotographer.com

06/10/2002 at 19:43

Hilly - I did the Mendip Muddle in 98 - it's certainly a challenge - but how much of one depends on the weather. If it stays dry then it won't be so tough - the wetter it is the tougher it will be.
If it's the same route as in 98 then you hit the highest point of the Mendip Hills - and on a clear day the view's fantastic.Later on there's a huge big hill that seems to go on forever.
Not sure how necessary the map will be - I was never on my own and was always able to follow the runner in front.
Do make sure you set off sensibly because you do need to keep something in reserve for the closing stages - it's not a flat course!
I'd love to be there too but as a part time parent I have my 13 yr old daughter with me for the weekend (which is fine) but I don't think I can ask her to hang around the Mendips for a morning. However I may be able to slope off and do the local Avalon League XC race at Salisbury on the Sunday afternoon.
Incidentally - you give the impression above that you think the race is on Saturday - I've just checked on the web site and it's on Sunday - didn't want you to turn up a day early!
Hope this is of use - enjoy the run and post some thoughts on it afterwards.
richk

Hilly

06/10/2002 at 20:19

Thanks richk,
you're right I did think it was on Saturday. It's a good job you said as I'd put in my diary for Sat even though the race info says Sun 13/10.
The race course sounds very interesting, I hope it stays dry!

RichK . . . . www.theracephotographer.com

06/10/2002 at 21:13

No problem, Hilly. You would certainly have needed the map on Saturday! Interesting it is - enjoy!
richk

Lin C

07/10/2002 at 20:39

Hilly
Sounds like you had a good run at Blandford - well done! I was getting worried about the Muddle after reading the above about taking the course map along! Looks like the weather may be breaking just in time to make it a little more "interesting". Hope to catch up with you (literally) there!

Hilly

08/10/2002 at 17:39

Hi Lin,
I know what you mean about taking the course map. I was nearly up for phoning the organisers to ask if it I really needed map reading skill, as mine are quite poor along with my sense of direction! Anyhow, hopefully there will be others around I can follow.

I will aim to get there an hour early so hopefully will get a chance to say hello! I'm not sure what I'm wearing yet but will let you know later in the week, when I decide. Will have a better idea of the weather then.

My only problem if the weather changes too much is I've not got any decent off road shoes yet. Oh well slipping and sliding sounds good!

Lin C

08/10/2002 at 20:46

Hilly
Unless it's freezing cold I'll be wearing Team Realrunner.com vest (white/navy/orange). I don't have off road shoes either - the info I've received recommends studs, but I'll be slipping and sliding along with you. If I take the course map I'll have to take my glasses too - may as well take a sleeping bag and gas stove and be done with it! Just hope there's someone to follow. I just did a short loosening up run tonight and it was blooming hard work so I'm feeling a bit negative about all those hills.
See you there I hope.

Hilly

09/10/2002 at 21:45

I think I might go for luminous green vest, just in case I get lost!

I have a feeling the weather is going to be a challenge.

I'm a little nervous about finding my way there as I've never been to that area before and it's a good 1 1/2 hrs drive for me. My other half is most probably taking son to football so might not be available to be my driver.

Hopefully I'll get there!

Lin C

10/10/2002 at 20:41

I haven't looked at the map yet to work out the best route for me. Cheddar is only about a 45 minute drive for me, but I may go across country (hone my map reading skills). Sorry I don't know the area well enough to give you any advice, but I'm sure you'll be O.K. I wonder if we ought to get some distress flares as well as the luminous vests - the weather seems to breaking up and dare I mention the fact that it will be the 13th........!

Steve J

10/10/2002 at 23:22

I've done it 4 times before and come over from South Wales and so don't know the area that well. However don't worry unduly as it's not that hard to find. It's aprox 20/30 minutes inland from the M5 turning for Weston-super-Mare if that's any help. As to the actual race from my recollections it's virtually impossible to get lost as there are plenty of marshalls to direct you. Also while there are a couple of difficult climbs (especially the last main one)it's not really that bad - i manage to run all the way and usually take aprox 15 minutes longer than my normal 1/2 marathon time. Hope this helps

Hilly

11/10/2002 at 15:53

Thanks Stephen,
I'm sure I'll find it. I'm coming from Dorset area so will be a different route to yours but I've got it mapped out now-so fingers crossed!

Thanks for the course description, it's nice to know it's not as fearful as first thought. I can cope with hills, but not getting lost!

Are you running it for a 5th time then?

Steve J

11/10/2002 at 19:32

Yes should be - i have entered but have a 50th birthday party (not my own i hasten to add)to attend on Saturday night so can't say for definate i'll be able to drag myself out of bed on Sunday morning. Anyway hope you find it okay and have a good run

Lin C

11/10/2002 at 21:15

Stephen
Thanks from me also - I was seriously getting a bit concerned about disappearing into the depths of the Mendips, especially the state of the weather here tonight. Hope you have a good (but not too good!) party - and make it to the start!

RichK . . . . www.theracephotographer.com

11/10/2002 at 21:41

Just a word to wish you all well - you won't get lost I'm sure, either on the way there or during the race.
Have a good one and let the rest of us know how you got on.
richk

Hilly

12/10/2002 at 08:37

Thanks richk,
looking forward to it now, if that's possible!

Lin see you there hopefully, with my luminous green top. I'm not joking!

Stephen, have a good party and hopefully you'll be able to get to the start line.

Lin C

12/10/2002 at 21:55

Hilly
Well at least I've sorted out my route to the start - I'm going via Shepton mallet and Green Ore - it looks quite straightforward (famous last words). I'll look out for luminous green t shirts.
See you there!

Moe

13/10/2002 at 11:56

Well, it's nearly miday and as I sit here looking out the window at the rain beating down, thinking of all those people on the Mendips (some who may still be out there, has Lin resorted to her tent yet?).... all I can think is, thank god I never entered it! But I do have to run today so in sympathy I will go now while it's still miserable, does that help..... no I thought not!