Gaelforce West 21/8/10

PiggyWiggy · 16-08-2010 9:35am

Wonkagirl wrote: »

what wave are you in? everyone shoudl be finished by about 4pm this yr, more or less.. it's very early to start drinking when your body is so fooked.. i had 2 pints at the finishing line last yr, did no stretching, and ate a pack of crisps- my muscles were screaming at me the next day

i'm due to be finished at about 1pm, then i plan on stretching, eating, drinking water, soaking in the jacuzzi, getting ready and back for the prizegiving at 7 or so (to collect my prize NOT) and then lash into the gargle all nite long..

woo hoo!

I am in the 7.30 Jogger wave. You must be in the elite category if you're going to be finito by 1?

PiggyWiggy · 16-08-2010 9:41am

Arjan wrote: »

Helloooo fellow competitors!!
5 days to go and I have yet to sort out my entire gear! I know it's awful, we've left it way too late.
Is there any website/shop in Dublin that sells the whole mandatory kit in one package?
What kinda food / drink are yee all bringing along? Some gel packs, bananas and isotonic drink?
My set-up so far is: decent road bike with pedal straps, will get it serviced tomoro. Will bring a pump and a puncture repair kit (being Dutch fixing a tire is as natural as drinking guinness is to yee ). Outfit wise I'll just wear my marathon outfit but plus a sleeveless base layer. Not sure about those small shorts for the cycling... then I've got a Camelbag backpack with a drink section. Will everyone run with a backpack? Or will we leave most things with the bike?

Ooofff so much to sort in 5 days. Nice one Arjan! :rolleyes:

I got most of my stuff in Regatta, pretty good prices too. I got a great set of waterproof boots that are good for running in too. For food I have sachets of carb gels, fig rolls and jaffa cakes. I am using a camelbak with a 2.5 litre reservoir. I don't believe in Lucozade sport or similar. I'll keep the backpack on for the climb.

Trotter · 16-08-2010 9:51am

I'm in the 8:30 walkers. Here's an odd question though.. Are there people who walk all of the on foot parts of the course?

Take the ring of Kerry for example. You've everything from elites to young people on mountain bikes taking it easy. Is Gaelforce the same?

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 9:55am

Trotter wrote: »

I'm in the 8:30 walkers. Here's an odd question though.. Are there people who walk all of the on foot parts of the course?

Take the ring of Kerry for example. You've everything from elites to young people on mountain bikes taking it easy. Is Gaelforce the same?

Not too many I wouldn’t think, but if you look at last yrs results, there were some people that did it in 9, 10 , 11 hours, so I assume they were walkers..

The ‘waves’ tho are pretty much irrelevant to a degree, I was in 2nd last walkers wave last yr (as I registered late) and I didn’t see anyone walking really

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 9:56am

PiggyWiggy wrote: »

I am in the 7.30 Jogger wave. You must be in the elite category if you're going to be finito by 1?

i'm in the 6.30 wave which means starting at 8am.. i definitely aim to be over the line by 2 at the very latest- all going to plan!

ThisRegard · 16-08-2010 9:58am

PiggyWiggy wrote: »

I'll keep the backpack on for the climb.

If your kit is in it you'll have to keep it on you from start to finish, going by the rules of course.

Regarding walkers, as Wonkagirl said, they're pretty much irrelevant, I'm in a walker wave as are a good few other people I know who would be far from walkers. All due to the earlier waves being full by the time of registration. Although the later wave does suit me somewhat as I like my sleep.

Looking at the weather forecast last night, they gave the summary right up to Friday, rain every day between now and then, possibly won't be much different on Saturday but then again it's changeable as they say.

rebelreded · 16-08-2010 10:51am

Was kinda worried about the kayak stage since I had never done any of this before but went out on the Blackwater in Fermoy yesterday morning and did a 6k paddle (3k upstream and back) and found it grand, really enjoyed it actually.

We used the 2 man sit-on kayaks that GFW use and they are really stable and comfortable.

Got a tip from an experienced kayaker (??). He suggested that the heavier person should take the back seat on the kayaks. We did this yesterday and it seemed to work well.

2 Wheels Good · 16-08-2010 11:10am

Anyone in the 5.30 wave?

hunnymonster · 16-08-2010 11:15am

rebelreded wrote: »

Got a tip from an experienced kayaker (??).

paddler :-)

nerraw1111 · 16-08-2010 11:23am

Hope the weather isn't as hot yesterday. Was wrecked at the end of an easy run.

Regarding drinks.

What's the best to drink first when on the bike? Should you be getting electrolytes into you first or a carb based drink?

Or regular swigs of each drink?

I'd probs going to go with Nuuns and High Five 2 in 1.

r0nanf · 16-08-2010 11:33am

Walking is looking like my only option now, can't shake my ITB problem at all. Going for a deep tissue sports massage today and going to see if it's possible to strap my leg and hike the thing. Cycling is strong but my knee won't even track correctly on the bike at the moment either!

rebelreded · 16-08-2010 11:37am

hunnymonster wrote: »

paddler :-)

That's the word I was looking for.......just shows my level of knowledge

Picked up a minor knee injury myself over the past few days. Rest, ice and difene now until the race and all will be well.

Orion · 16-08-2010 11:46am

What are people doing for breakfast? I just rang the Westport Woods where I'm staying and the woman I spoke to knew nothing about any early breakfast for competitors. :rolleyes:. Breakfast starts at 8am she told me and I told her that everyone will be gone by then. I'll just have to bring my own. Some muesli, croissants etc.

ronanmac · 16-08-2010 11:50am

pat_hurley@yaho wrote: »

Anyone in the 5.30 wave?

I'm in the 5:30 wave, along with another four from home/work. I'm booked into the B and B at the start line, so it should make for a slightly less horrendous alarm call. Still, I reckon if I'm to have a breakfast of bananas and porridge, a strong coffee, and the time needed for the digestive process to work

, I would want to be getting up at four. I might as well go to bed now!

Sniipe · 16-08-2010 12:00pm

I have no accommodation. Anyone backing out of the event that has accommodation please let me know

Was looking into a camper from Galway but they appear booked out also. Don't want to camp really.

Sorted, thanks all who IM'd

nerraw1111 · 16-08-2010 12:03pm

Sniipe wrote: »

I have no accommodation. Anyone backing out of the event that has accommodation please let me know

Was looking into a camper from Galway but they appear booked out also. Don't want to camp really.

Did you try Castlebar? Not too far from Westport

ThisRegard · 16-08-2010 12:10pm

Anyone know of anywhere good to stop for grub and a rest half way between Mullingar and Westport ?

yop · 16-08-2010 12:12pm

Sniipe wrote: »

I have no accommodation. Anyone backing out of the event that has accommodation please let me know

Was looking into a camper from Galway but they appear booked out also. Don't want to camp really.

If Westport is totally sold out then this is about 4 miles from Westport

http://westportcountrylodge.com/booking.php?Arrival=2010%2F08%2F20&Nights=2&SearchBooking=Check+Availability&Departure=2010%2F08%2F22&p=1&hotel_id=874

**EDIT**
129 for Fri and Sat night.

Not a clue what prices are like in the place.

yop · 16-08-2010 12:14pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

Anyone know of anywhere good to stop for grub and a rest half way between Mullingar and Westport ?

Is Strokestown 1/2 way? Percy French do a great feed.

ThisRegard · 16-08-2010 12:31pm

AA is telling me it's only a third of the way ! Ballaghaderreen appears to me the most half way town.

yop · 16-08-2010 12:34pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

AA is telling me it's only a third of the way ! Ballaghaderreen appears to me the most half way town.

uumm, 1 horse town lol.

Not sure whats there in Ballaghdeeren, I know there is a good road out of the place

Mayo self-build · 16-08-2010 12:37pm

Hi all,

Never posted on here before, and just want to concur with previous comments on how useful I've found the many previous posts.

I'm a first-timer and am wondering whether anyone knows where there are water re-fill stations. I'm presuming there is water at the kayak transition (as per the Connemara Challenge), but after that?? Similarily for toilets? Anyone know? Many thanks.

yop · 16-08-2010 12:40pm

Mayo self-build wrote: »

Hi all,

Never posted on here before, and just want to concur with previous comments on how useful I've found the many previous posts.

I'm a first-timer and am wondering whether anyone knows where there are water re-fill stations. I'm presuming there is water at the kayak transition (as per the Connemara Challenge), but after that?? Similarily for toilets? Anyone know? Many thanks.

Last year there were 2, at the kayak and Croagh Patrick

Toilets at start and kayak. Not sure if there were any at the Reek though, didn't see any, then again didn't see much!!

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 12:41pm

Macros42 wrote: »

What are people doing for breakfast? I just rang the Westport Woods where I'm staying and the woman I spoke to knew nothing about any early breakfast for competitors. :rolleyes:. Breakfast starts at 8am she told me and I told her that everyone will be gone by then. I'll just have to bring my own. Some muesli, croissants etc.

Would you try a wholemeal bagel instead of a croissant? more slow releasing good carbs in the former..

i'll be having a wholemeal bagel with peanut butter, small bowl of porridge, a poached egg and a strong coffee.. has stood me well in the past, nice slow releasing carbs and some protein as well.

was on the almighty piss all weekend, wedding on fri and a hen sat., hardly good prep but its done now! plenty of rest, water and tube changing practice ahead for the week

Mayo self-build · 16-08-2010 12:47pm

Cheers Yop - trying to put together a food / water strategy. Tricky stuff!!

thehamo · 16-08-2010 12:52pm

hey just a question to clear this up!

I injured my back and havent been able to train for the past 3.5 weeks, but still dam determined to get this race done!

At my best I was up to a 10km jog on the beach and could have pushed it to 12. Is the run we are doing at the start now 14km, and then another 3.5 km run after the kyaks??? I doubt my jogging will last the 10km I was able to do let alone 14!!!!!!!

At least im in the walker category so I can walk without looking like too much of a tool:P

yop · 16-08-2010 12:56pm

Wonkagirl wrote: »

i'll be having a wholemeal bagel with peanut butter, small bowl of porridge, a poached egg and a strong coffee.. has stood me well in the past, nice slow releasing carbs and some protein as well.

Good idea that about the bagel, was going to have porridge only for brekkie but cud bring the bagel and have it before/on the bus. It will be up to 2 hours between breakfast and starting the run so that porridge cud be well burnt by the time we start

c montgomery · 16-08-2010 1:12pm

thehamo wrote: »

hey just a question to clear this up!

I injured my back and havent been able to train for the past 3.5 weeks, but still dam determined to get this race done!

At my best I was up to a 10km jog on the beach and could have pushed it to 12. Is the run we are doing at the start now 14km, and then another 3.5 km run after the kyaks??? I doubt my jogging will last the 10km I was able to do let alone 14!!!!!!!

At least im in the walker category so I can walk without looking like too much of a tool:P

Dont worry about it, just getting to the finish line is an achievement in itself:)

I myself am in the 5:30 wave and was hoping to complete the course in less than 4 hours 30min, an hour off my time last year when i compeated on a mountain bike.
This year i have a good racing bike but i have only been able to run once in the last 6 weeks due to a knee injury and as a result i have to change my goals. My aim is now just to finish it and get to physio on monday. Ive been putting off physio til then as i know there is something seriously wrong with it and they will tell me not to compeat but after forking out 100 euro for entry and 200 for a hotel there is now way i am pulling out.

Best of luck with it:):)
You'll prob catch me on the reek:)

c montgomery · 16-08-2010 1:15pm

pat_hurley@yaho wrote: »

Anyone in the 5.30 wave?

i am for my sins

strummer_ie · 16-08-2010 1:18pm

Anyone know what we do with our bags while on the kayak?
I presume we'll have to wear a buoyancy aid, so do we wear the backpack
over/under it.
Or is there webbing on the kayaks to secure them ?
Or do we just put them between our knees and paddle on ?

Cheers.

c montgomery · 16-08-2010 1:24pm

strummer_ie wrote: »

Anyone know what we do with our bags while on the kayak?
I presume we'll have to wear a buoyancy aid, so do we wear the backpack
over/under it.
Or is there webbing on the kayaks to secure them ?
Or do we just put them between our knees and paddle on ?

Cheers.

Between the knees is your best option, kyacks dont have webbing.

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 1:25pm

i put the lifejacket over my bag last yr, but my bag is tiny, long and flat.

between ur knees prob the best option otherwise i guess.

christ i have the fear of god today about what's ahead. was really up for it last week, this week i'm just in a state of panic/dread.

Fi H · 16-08-2010 1:26pm

I asked about toilets and this was the message I got:

We will have portaloos at all the transitions along the route and also at the start.
We will also have a few located along the bike route and these will be marked on the map.

In terms of the kayak - if you put your bag on the floor of the kayak it may get quite wet as they are sit on tip kayaks. I put mine over my buoyancy last time! just loosened the straps. I suppose it depends on the bag itself.

ThisRegard · 16-08-2010 2:00pm

According to the site there'll be water stations at each transition.

Regarding the bag on the kayak, I presume there'll be the usual small, medium and large buoyancy aids, maybe go for a size bigger if your bag is on the large side. Us mere mortals are timed out at the kayak section so you'll have time to play around with the best fit.

c montgomery · 16-08-2010 2:20pm

Question fro anyone who has done the new cycle section to CP.

Is this manageable on a road bike with standard wheels or would i be better off on a MTB with slicks?

Last year i used MTB with slicks but i have since then gotten a road bike.
I say a picture of the new section on the cycle forum and it look like a road from the famine times and not something i would race on with a road bike.

All advice and comment appreciateted.

Mr Freeze · 16-08-2010 2:25pm

c montgomery wrote: »

Question fro anyone who has done the new cycle section to CP.

Is this manageable on a road bike with standard wheels or would i be better off on a MTB with slicks?

Definitely doable on a racer with normal tires.

Orion · 16-08-2010 2:45pm

thehamo wrote: »

At least im in the walker category so I can walk without looking like too much of a tool:P

Ha. I'm in a runner cat and I can tell you know I'll be walking some of it

2 Wheels Good · 16-08-2010 2:58pm

nerraw1111 wrote: »

Hope the weather isn't as hot yesterday. Was wrecked at the end of an easy run.

Regarding drinks.

What's the best to drink first when on the bike? Should you be getting electrolytes into you first or a carb based drink?

Or regular swigs of each drink?

I'd probs going to go with Nuuns and High Five 2 in 1.

Had a discussion at lunch today on this and have decided for jagerbombs (premixed) on the run and sambuca for the cycle, should be fully relaxed by CP

2 Wheels Good · 16-08-2010 4:12pm

Macros42 wrote: »

What are people doing for breakfast? I just rang the Westport Woods where I'm staying and the woman I spoke to knew nothing about any early breakfast for competitors. :rolleyes:. Breakfast starts at 8am she told me and I told her that everyone will be gone by then. I'll just have to bring my own. Some muesli, croissants etc.

Just called the hotel and they said they were doing an early brekkie for the competitors

Orion · 16-08-2010 4:13pm

Yeah - they rang me back. Cereals, fruit juices and toast. Nothing hot.

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 4:23pm

Macros42 wrote: »

Yeah - they rang me back. Cereals, fruit juices and toast. Nothing hot.

and theyre probably charging through the nose, are they? it seems a lot of the accom prices go up for this wend- if that's the case, they should accomodate earlier breakfast times to justify the higher costs imo.

I'm self catering thankfully, in harbourmill appts. booked it last feb, and i'll be rebooking for 2011 when i check out this yr- it's at the finishline, reasonably cheap and even has a jacuzzi and sauna in the attached hotel- score! I love the freedom of the self catering option personally.

helimachoptor · 16-08-2010 4:26pm

The joys of having a GF from mayo, she'll be meeting me at the finish line with a feast!! also she doesnt live too far from there maybe 1hours drive but I would say myself and my friend doing it will (legs dependent) probably get her to drop us at Ballina and we can cycle the rest of the way to her house to stretch out the legs

Fitzilicious · 16-08-2010 4:32pm

ThisRegard wrote: »

Anyone know of anywhere good to stop for grub and a rest half way between Mullingar and Westport ?

Keenans in Tarmonbarry does great grub!
It's just past Longford on the Mayo side!

When you drive over the Shannon you'll see Keenan's is the first building on your left, big place, hard to miss!

I would not eat in Ballaghdreen....not much there at all!

Fitzilicious · 16-08-2010 4:34pm

c montgomery wrote: »

i am for my sins

I am in the 5.30 am wave....sooner you start, sooner you finish and celebrate!!

g0g · 16-08-2010 4:43pm

So is someone gonna put up one of them table yokeys with waves to see who's where?

Had my first (and only!!!) brick-session-thing (if that's what it's called) yesterday doing 11/12K run then 20K cycle. Tough going but doable, although granted it was the easy Phoenix Park hills as usual!

Any Garmin experts on here? I posted a question on the Garmin Megathread but no answer yet. I'm trying to figure out how to join a multisport event so it shows as one activity together. I tried yesterday and ended up with these two instead of just one. Any help appreciated!

One other thought - I find when switching from running (which personally I find MUCH more tiring than cycling) to cycling I'm just so thirsty that nearly all my bike fluid supply is gone right away! Bad idea I know, but I never got used to any of them tablet/gel things and couldn't be bothered starting now!

Ah well I guess it's just a case of cross the fingers at this stage!!

Mr Freeze · 16-08-2010 5:05pm

g0g wrote: »

Any Garmin experts on here? I posted a question on the Garmin Megathread but no answer yet. I'm trying to figure out how to join a multisport event so it shows as one activity together. I tried yesterday and ended up with these two instead of just one. Any help appreciated!!

Bad news for ya! Its not possible to join two events into one even if you did use multisport.

When multisport is turned on, it deliberately records each activity separately even though when using the watch, you see your whole progress over all events.

I had the same issue when doing a dualathlon and WAR...now I just leave it all under running and record the whole race and just press lap at each transition.

rebelreded · 16-08-2010 5:34pm

Just in case anyone is staying in Hotel Westport, they have just come back to me saying that they are doing an early breakfast on the morning of the event from 4.30am serving Pasta dish, porridge, bananas, tea/coffee and toast.
Delighted with that even though I don't know how I am going to force down some Pasta first thing in the morning!!!:eek:

pc11 · 16-08-2010 5:52pm

Hi

I have a double room booked in the Hotel Westport for Friday & Saturday but now my companion can't travel. I'd be willing to swap the double room for a single in the same hotel if someone is stuck for space for 2.

We'd just need to figure out the difference in the price so I can get back a few quid!

PM me.

Wonkagirl · 16-08-2010 5:53pm

rebelreded wrote: »

Just in case anyone is staying in Hotel Westport, they have just come back to me saying that they are doing an early breakfast on the morning of the event from 4.30am serving Pasta dish, porridge, bananas, tea/coffee and toast.
Delighted with that even though I don't know how I am going to force down some Pasta first thing in the morning!!!:eek:

Fair play to them. The tourist board should make that mandatory in all hotels for that wend. Ive stayed in hotel westport before for a murder mystery wend and the staff there are excellent.

pasta at 4.30am though- GAG!

i'm gonna start to have breakfast earlier this week so that i can stomach it on sat morning.

starting to feel SICK now. :eek:

rebelreded · 16-08-2010 6:09pm

Wonkagirl wrote: »

Fair play to them. The tourist board should make that mandatory in all hotels for that wend. Ive stayed in hotel westport before for a murder mystery wend and the staff there are excellent.

pasta at 4.30am though- GAG!

i'm gonna start to have breakfast earlier this week so that i can stomach it on sat morning.

starting to feel SICK now. :eek:

I know, not easy to face at that hour. At least it will be about 7 before I go for brekkie.

It's the breakfast on the following morning that I am looking forward to.........Mmmm sausages!!!!!! (just went a bit Homer Simpson there!)

Gaelforce West 21/8/10

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