The Spine

I am bumping up this thread to get a bit of advice on tackling this event. 

Definitely a possibility for next year. 

Thanks for posting that Rich, it made a fascinating read. 

What clothing will you carry next year, knowing what you know now?

Well, put it this way.......at one point I was wearing Underarmour Coldwear LS base layer, tech T-shirt, Montane Fireball Smock (windproof insulated), First Ascent light wt down jacket and then had to put my OMM Kamleika over the top and then withdrew with hypothermia!! It was bloody cold in the middle of the night! I do feel the cold - not much insulation on me - but it was really cold that week.

IMO I would advise against goretex / waterproof shoes. Further on the course, 150 miles and beyond,  the terrain became very boggy. I was up to my knees in mud and water.

Whatever you wear you have to accept with this race you are going to get some serious foot issues over 268 miles, and it's going to hurt.

With regards to lightweight down jacket / gillette, I occassionally wore a Rab vest as part of my thermal protection. The secret lies in knowing when to add or remove appropriate layers. You have to be mentally alert and aware of what's happening to be able to make quick effective decisions and and respond to situations.

Hi guys - booked leave this week for this and if accepted will be entering next month.

who used GPS and if so what model? how was battery power / spare batterys?  Will be getting the OS Maps and have to get back to remembering Nav skills from old Army days - that and the being mental part to take part in this..... Cant wait - Just kit and logistics to look at.

Whos already signed up for 2013?

Finally got myself properly entered. Now waiting to see if the training day clashes with the winter100. My diary is starting to look rather over crowded.

In response;

 I used the same pair of shoes for the entire race. I did not have a support crew, I relied on reaching the checkpoints to access my kit bag/spare clothing. I'm not sure what footwear Mark wore and if he changed it, Mark's father was at a few villages with his campervan to meet Mark on route & check in on him, but Mark was pretty much self-sufficient, again relying on making it to checkpoints.

There is no 'hand holding' from a support crew on the Spine race. The 5 checkpoints are very far apart, and you have to be totally self-sufficient to handle what occurs. All competitors at some point of the race grouped together, but ultimately you're on your own. I would regard this race as more of a solo 6 to 7 day Mountain Marathon such is the kit and skill set required for this event.

This is a totally unique race, more of an adventure.

With regards to which parts of the course to 'concentrate' on, basically all 268 miles ! A lot depends on what time of day and what the weather conditions are. As for the trail, it is easy to lose it through lack of concentration, navigation issues or just plain confusing with the number of other routes criss-crossing the Pennines. I didn't rely on GPS, I much prefer map & compass.

All the best to all who enter 2013, I look forward to meeting you.

Good to hear from you Garry.  Food breaks at pubs / cafes on the rout must have been a real help at times. Having read various accounts it seems like information on location and food serving times would help.

Are you in the RAB MM or the OMM this year? 

Entering today guys, cant wait. Ty for your updates on here Gary, I'll be self sufficient too with no support crew. i'm an OK map reader but hoping to get a GPS.Selecting kit i guess is a big part for helping with the elements. Rest will be will power I guess lol..

This sounds like such an epic adventure, 6 to 7 days alone in the wilderness. Cant wait to meet everyone talking part.

I'll not be at the training weekend in Nov, its my wedding anniversary, the wife will kill me

Last long run completed this sat. 50 k on dartmoor with the full kit on soggy ground and half of it in the rain. Large quantities of food and Bonio,s were consumed.  Me and my two four footed training partners are now officially tapering .