Ridgeway 85 - 2012

Jules, I did this one a few years back and its a cracking event. I might look at doing it this year, but have got a 100 in March to concentrate on for the time being. From what I recall it was a battle of two halves. The first was hilly and very hot, second was dark flatter and flipping wet!

really good event though,

I'll chat to anyone, anytime about this race!  It's my favourite event and I've done it for the last three years.  There's such a variety of types of countryside you're running through, including woods, fields, open hillside, golf courses, churchyards, and along the Thames in the dark. The night section over the Berkshire Downs seems to work well. 

The whole event is extremely well organised.  The checkpoints are always very friendly and have an astounding choice of food available, and really care about the runners.  In fact I can't praise this event enough.

It's certainly ideal for a first overnight event, but I'd try to get a couple of ultra races in before then in the 30-40 mile category.  Don't know if there are any in your area.  Or measure out some extra long offroad training runs testing out different kit options (especially shoes), food, etc.

The main thing is to go out steadily and just keep making forward progress.  The cut offs are not designed for walkers and you will need to keep up a reasonable pace until the Goring meal stop (44 miles).  After that the cut offs are more lenient.

That'll do for now.

Cuillin Ridge - now there's a good run!!  Watch your footing, though.

Yes, I'll be running.  Would take a lot to prevent me entering.

Hi T Rex,

After seeing you last year, I'm, thinking about it this year. I'm going to run the Ridgeway 40 in May, see how that goes......

So hopefully see you somewhere near Tring in August.

Chimney - I don't think the way I was progressing was particularly inspiring, was it??  You caught me texting Mrs T Rex instead of running up Smeathe's Ridge.  I did get going after that, honest.

It's Ivinghoe Beacon to be precise.  If you give ROs good notice they can arrange a pick-up from Tring station.

No Cuillin Ridge for you, then?  I expect you're an old hand at that.

There is something majestic about the Cullin, followed by a few drams of 18yo Talisker. Not for your average home counties walker, an undertaken not to be underestimated............

T Rex, you inspire in so many ways, the movement from A to B is only part of it

Also Page 12 of The Trailrunner. And the back cover. How is he looking so fresh? Are they sure that photo wasn't taken at the start?

I'm sure In Pin is straightforward enough as long as you've got stout shoes and a couple of jam sandwiches.

Looking for sub-21 hours this year.  Then I'll be able to inspire at least myself.

It's all down to getting the shoes right, which I haven't yet.

What, for In Pin or Ridgeway 85?

For first time this year I might go for a change to road shoes for the second half, certainly if it is dry.  Some of those downland tracks are very hard on your feet. 

Morning all, I too have signed up to run the Ridgeway this year.  Crewed for my missus a few years ago when was injured and have been meaning to have a crack at it but other races have got in the way...not this year though 

I think these are the checkpoints jules:

CP1: 10.5 miles; Grid Reference 874071; Wellhead Farm on approach to Wendover where Ridgeway crosses Hale Road.

CP2: 16.8 miles; 823036; next to car park near Whiteleaf (just before Princes Risborough).

CP3: 24.5 miles; 741987; where Ridgeway crosses a minor road.

CP4: 31.7 miles; 683904; after field gate where Ridgeway crosses minor road to take road towards Swyncombe Church.

CP5: 43.7 miles; 598807; Goring Hall

CP6: 52.4 miles; 479840; Bury Down car park where Ridgeway crosses minor road.

CP7: 61.5 miles; 344851; Sparsholt Firs – car park

CP8: 69.4; 238818; 2145 to 0845; Charlbury Hill – junction of farm road and Ridgeway.

CP9: 79.9 miles; 157760; Near Barbury Castle - near car park and toilets.

Finish: 85miles; 101700; Avebury –  The Social Centre.