The Wall Run 23rd & 24th June 2012

I've just found this thread - my friend and I are running this over 2 days, it's our first proper ultra and we've been training since the beginning of the year .... looking forward to it but a bit apprehensive as well

I've been on the phone to Rat Race this morning because I haven't received anything from them for a couple of months.  They didn't seem a bit bothered and just told me the instructions are all on the website.  Apparently, we should be getting final instructions this afternoon by e-mail. 

I havent been very impressed with the organisation of this event considering the monumental entry fee - I think a lot of things were slightly misrepresented on the original site.   I'm looking forward to the route and the run and it will be interesting to see if they are actually better organised than they appear to be ......

Good luck to all taking part  

thanks for the welcome Carl. 

I've managed to read thru the whole thread now and it seems as if everyone is of the same opinion about this event!  I am looking forward to it but was a bit disappointed that such a lot of it is on roads. 

No idea how long this is going to take us - we did a 30 miler back in April in just under 6 hours but I don't think that will compute to this, especially the second day.  I'll just be happy to finish - as long as I can get a taxi from the finish to my nice warm hotel room (with fully functioning shower and everything) that'll be fab.

see you all in Carlisle!

I did a 30 miler that turned into a 36 three weeks ago (my fault - poor map reading) and I think I tailed off too early so I've been doing some running and biking this week to get the stiffness out of my legs.

I have the Montane jacket but it wouldn't be any use in heavy rain so am looking at options, I'd like to find these throwaway lightweight coats that they give out at festivals but can't seem to get them anywhere, not ideal but you could carry one in case of a real emergency downpour 

Blakester, I'm not sure there is an average time really as all of these type of events are all so different. It's best not to worry about timings and to just go out and enjoy the experience.

Muv - No worries, I think your goal of 'just finishing' is similar to most of us. It's difficult to set a target time as there are so many variables.

GU - I think I'm in the same boat, The last two nights I've been woken up early and thinking that I've got the start of a really nasty cold, thankfully it doesn't materialise when I wake up properly. I went for a gentle run yesterday and my knee seemed unhappy about it at the start. I've not had any trouble sleeping as I have a baby at home. When you've got one of them, when you attempt to sleep, it's easy. I think it's probably natural to have doubts as it's a long way, but you'll be alright. I'd recommend setting off gently and don't push yourself if you're falling behind time. I've never done this distance before so my advice may be completely wrong but it's worked for about 15 runs of 30-45 miles.

EGG - I like that idea, I'm very much holding off at the moment as the weather is so changeable. If come Friday afternoon at registration the forecast is still unfavourable then I will go for the full waterproof but not before then.

  I know EXACTLY what you mean about pasta ... and porridge!  

I'm not sleeping either - the panic about actually running it has been overtaken by the panic about packing/kit.   Still, it gives me something to think about in the wee small hours .....

I think we'll all be fine - apart from the seasoned ultra-marathoners amongst us I guess its a step into the unknown for everyone.   Think of the buzz when we cross the line tho - that's got to be worth it 

I need to find a few miles too, I don't know how others feel about it but when I did my first Ultra I didn't enjoy it one little bit until I was suddenly running my 27th mile and realised I was running beyond my furthest distance. So once I get past 37 miles I know how I'll feel, and will start to enjoy it then, it's the thrill of breaking new ground I suppose

For those who are doing their first ultra here, my advice is to ignore the niggles. 

You always get little phantom niggles cropping up before a major ultra, even if you have sat on your backside for the last two weeks.  Most of it is mental, and they will all disappear once the race starts. 

The Wall is just like any other race, in that it has a training plan, and if you complete the training plan you can complete the race. 

If you have finished the training plan without significant injuries, then the only thing that can go wrong is if you let the race get to you mentally. 

That makes two races, one to get to Newcastle, the second to get home in time to watch, which is good, running 69 miles is now second priority.

My daughter found a great solution to the wet gear, she showed me her Festival emergency coat, ingeniously the whole thing folds into a pocket which seals up to the size of a tennis ball, one size fits all so her coat would fit me, apparently they are on sale at the Trafford centre, if she can find me one great, if not and you come across some poor bloke in a pink plastic floral hoodie, you'll know who I am.