Talkback: ASICS Target 26.2 Team: Rosie

Hi all, so is Edinburgh the next marathon for people on here?  A couple of my friends are doing that, is it a good route - any tips to pass on to them?

As for me, feel a bit of a fraud still on here.  Esepcially as you all seem to do several marathons a year.  That's it for me for marathoning this year!  My next 'races' are a 10k through bluebell woods on bank hol monday (def destined to be a relaxed one!) and possibly the local half which is in June.  Can't decide on that one though as I've done it so many times and am pretty bored of the route (is hilly, tough and normally hot!).  However, sort of have to do it because it's 'there' and I can't bear seeing people walking to start and not participating!

Had a bit of a sore foot this week - sole of heel.  Did some googling and had convinced myself it was the start of something dreadful like plantar fascitis but been to see physio today and she thinks it's minor.  Taking it easy this week though mainly swimming and cycling just in case....

Thinking of entering the Grizzly in Devon next March as a 'different' challenge.  Anyone done that?

Hope recovery continues to go well FH.

WW, oscarr and I are both doing the marathon of the North in 2 weeks so think that's the next one (unless anyone is doing one next weekend?). The bluebell wood sounds lovely! Am jealous! Yes quite a few of us on here are doing Edinburgh. The course is billed as a fast one as it's a negative incline overall, but the downhill is all in the first 3miles, so it's really easy to go out too fast. Also unless they've changed it from last year there are a couple of very short out and back turn sections (mile 16-18) which can be tough psycholgically and with tired legs the tight turns aren't easy. Mile 18ish there is a gravel section through the grounds of a country house, I know a lot of people find that tough as the track isn't very even at that point and contrasts with the rest of the race on the road. Last year the finish was a mess and they've had problems with water too but they've promised to improve those this year. Just my thoughts! I'm sure Fraser and Rennur and others who know the course well will have stuff to add..

Hmm, I didn't mean that to sound quite so negative about the course - was just highlighting the challenges. I do love it even though it's had it's problems. Also the walk to the shuttle buses at the end is quite long, and the queues for the shuttle buses can be very long so it's worth planning in advance re strategy for travel back to town. As I've said previously on here I find the easiest way is train from Wallyford to Waverley (Wallyford station is just by where the shuttle buses go from, so also a 15min walk from the finish, but gets you back loads quicker than the bus and no queue)

WW if you go over to the sub 4.30 thread there is a great lady on there name of Birdypie who does the Grizzly and other longer races she can advise on that race. Here is the link.

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?UTN=43871&URN=11&dt=4&srchdte=0&cp=673&v=1&sp=

Rain and more rain down here, cycled in and need to go out and do five at lunch not fancing that.......

Wallyford Station to Waverley, whats the cost on that do you know Rosie? Do you leave a bag to collect at the end? Dont want to carry cash and all the family will need to do the same for the train.

Not sure the OH is going to be able to do it she has gone down with Pleuresy........dont know where thats come from......

Thanks Rosie will go for the cash option appreciate your help.

How are the legs feeling? Recovered yet? 

If you like off road there's the Farnham Pilgrims, Clarendon Way, Bacchus (good if you like wine), New Forest and if you fancy a trip to Italy then Florence. I'm thinking of another Tuscan marathon in Lucca in October.

Rosie, recovery will be spinning, malt loaf and yoga and much crossing of fingers.

Rosie - I hadn't realised you were doing another one between VLM and Edin. Absolutely definitely mental. That confirms it !

I could write a small book about the Edin course having trained on it loads of times. The summary is it's a cracking course if the wind and heat stay away. It's entirely uninspiring in terms of scenery and only really does any justice to it's "Edinburgh" title for the first mile and a half. After that it's dull housing estates, a bit of beach promenade and a long out and back through some slightly tired seaside towns. The finish area last year was an unmitigated disaster but there was such a backlash I think they;ve sorted that. It's flat and holds few serious surprises so is a definite PB venue if that's what you're after. Hope that hasn't put anyone off ! Message me if anyone wants any more details

Thanks Rosie, mcs and Fraser for the info on Edinburgh, I will pass on to my friends...  Lack of scenery doesn't make me want to enter next year though!

mcs - thanks also for link on Grizzly.  Need to be sure I am up to the wading through rivers and whatever else it involves.....

Reiki - yes it's Watford 10k I am doing (tho sounds nicer if u call it Bluebell Run!).  I did it 2 years ago and it was quite scenic I seem to remember.  I am taking my daughter out for a training run tomorrow, she is entered in the 1k race.  Her race number arrived today and she is very excited!

Rosie, can't believe how many marathons you do!!!!  Absolutely amazing.  Are you looking to join the 100 Marathon Club (or are you already in?!)?  I bet mara of the North is a tough one (well sounds it anyhow)...

KateF - North Dorset Villages Mara sounds nice!

Have also heard Kielder is good trail marathon, might investigate that myself.....