Connemara Rough Diamond 2011

ThisRegard

I found nothing around here about this last year bar one person asking if anyone was doing it. Well did anyone do it ? Paul Mahon won it last year so entrants of that quality is a good sign too and the feedback on the site itself is very good.

It's on the same weekend as Gaelforce North, Saturday 4th of June, but I may end up doing this instead. The exert course looks interesting, not the usual kayak, run and bike and it's designed by Padraig Marrey so I doubt he'll associate himself with anything shoddy, here's the expert break down

Connemara Rough Diamond – Expert (new for 2011, designed by Padraig Marrey)
John Wayne Steeplechase 3 km
Mountain Run 8 km
Fear Gorta Assault Course 2 km
Cycle (Road Bike) 7 km
Diamond Summit Trail Run 9km
Cycle (Road Bike) 25 km
Total Distance: 56 km

Price is not bad either, €45 until January 31st.

http://www.connemararoughdiamond.com/en.html

The start looks like good craic, hopefully the soundtrack on the vid is played through large speakers from start to finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWOxR2pD8L4

Fi H

Free camping too - although I think I am going to chance the Ocean to City race instead

snozz

Hi there,
I did this race with my husband last year - it was fantastic fun but pretty tough going also.
The buzz at the start was the best Ive experienced in any adventure race - probably due to the novelty factor of the "John wayne steeple chase" I was doubled over laughing the whole way around at the antics - people had all sorts of novel ways of trying to get over the straw bales - many of them not too successful! It was actually really difficult -my legs were like jelly and was delighted to get on the bike after it..
The views are stunning the whole way around the course and the route on Diamond hill is fab - tough going, but great underfoot conditions - way better then the slog up the reek in Galeforce West (which Ive done a few times) and your not terrorizing loads of pilgrims in their bare feet which is better I think!
The views from the top of Diamond hill are pretty amazing also- sorry i didnt have more time to enjoy them as I raced down!
The race is so well organised down to the fine details too - sponges in water to cool yourself down afterwards. Also the grub was surprisingly good post race. All in all, good value for money - especially in comparison to Galeforce which is a bit of a rip off for what you get. Would reccommend it to anyone.
Oh yea, theres also a cool assault course in the middle with all sorts of crazy obstacles - more entertainment - i remember a guy infront of me trying to squeeze through two large bales and his bag got stuck - he was flailing about then popped through and fell on his face in the mud - kept me going!

woody1

i did this one last year and yes there was a great buzz at it which id put down to it being the first time and there being only 100 odd competitors and to the bales on the initial race as well...
fantastic race.. great craic.. would definitely reccomend it...
there are some changes this year in that there are 2 races sport and expert
sport is much the same as last year except i dont think it goes all the way up the hill ( not sure on this , just from reading the route map ) and theres an extra cycle to clifden

expert to me looks very tough , you do twice as much of the steeplechase, go across the mountain / bog / whatever to kylemore, take on the assualt course, cycle to letterfrack, go the whole way up the diamond and theres mention of a forest run so a bit more running than last year and then cycle to clifden via a longer route than the sport on the sky road ... to me it looks tough

it was the first adventure race i did and it was tough enough, the steeplechase really took it out of the legs ..but having done a few since that i think the sport would be one of the easier short courses around and like i said theres a great buzz at it... maybe that will change with more competitors and with it finishing in clifden instead of letterfrack

good facebook page and the guys on there are very helpful

Bugsy2000

I'm really liking the look of this. I've been speaking to the organisers a few times & they said they're limiting the numbers to a fraction of what takes part in Gaelforce as parts of the course wouldn't take large groups jostling for space ( such as the obstacle course & the very top sections of Diamond Hill) but there are still a few spots left for both courses.

I took a trip out to Diamond Hill myself today, lovely spot. 60% of it is easily runable but the the very top sections are fairly steep in parts. I'm not overly fond of the flagstone steps either, I find the the varying heights between steps very off putting when trying to run downhill on them.

Has anyone tried out the cycle routes yet? I'd be interested in getting some firsthand insight of the route.

adamski8

just signed up the sport race. my first adventure race. looks like a lot of fun anyway. nice weekend away at least

yop

I presume its all runnable? There isn't the need to be able to swim or that is there?

kensey

Tempted on this myself plus the entry fee of €55 is very reasonable.

@ yop - yes it's all runnable, no swimming (unless u fall in the bog!)

ThisRegard

Not long now, looking forward to, should be a good long weekend.

yop

Will make a call on it now early next week. Training has been pish since the young lad was born but I don't want to do this event to struggle!

Whats the story with transport? It starts in Letterfrack and ends in Clifden.

Adi CkonSh

yop wrote: »

Will make a call on it now early next week. Training has been pish since the young lad was born but I don't want to do this event to struggle!

Whats the story with transport? It starts in Letterfrack and ends in Clifden.

Was wondering the same myself, asked them on facebook, and the response was....

the buses on race day go from Clifden thru Letterfrack and on to start and back to Lettergesh in the evening for campers.

CRD2011

we are encouraging most people to register on Friday and are keeping registration open till 10.30pm to assist. on race day, there is limited parking at the start area on lettergesh beach, so we are running buses from Clifden to the start line. bikes must have been left at the bike transition areas (1 for sport and 1 for expert) early saturday morning or on friday.

typical sport registration & race:
-- register in GMIT in Letterfrack
-- drive 10 minutes to Lettergesh and drop bike in Lettergesh Bike Transition
-- drive 30 minutes to Clifden
-- stay in Clifden if registering on Friday
-- Get the free bus to start in Lettergesh on Saturday morning
-- complete the race and enjoy
-- End up in Clifden with bike and car

typical expert registration & race:
-- register in GMIT in Letterfrack
-- drive 10 minutes to Kylemore House and drop bike in Kylemore House Bike Transition
-- drive 30 minutes to Clifden
-- stay in Clifden if registering on Friday
-- Get the free bus to start in Lettergesh on Saturday morning
-- complete the race and enjoy
-- End up in Clifden with bike and car

if camping on the campsite in Lettergesh, then leave the car into Clifden on Saturday morning and get the bus back to Lettergesh. That way you car is in Clifden when you finish.

if you have more questions just post here, our website or on FB.

thanks for the nice words about last years race. we hope you enjoy this years race too.

yop

CRD2011 wrote: »

we are encouraging most people to register on Friday and are keeping registration open till 10.30pm to assist. on race day, there is limited parking at the start area on lettergesh beach, so we are running buses from Clifden to the start line. bikes must have been left at the bike transition areas (1 for sport and 1 for expert) early saturday morning or on friday.

typical sport registration & race:
-- register in GMIT in Letterfrack
-- drive 10 minutes to Lettergesh and drop bike in Lettergesh Bike Transition
-- drive 30 minutes to Clifden
-- stay in Clifden if registering on Friday
-- Get the free bus to start in Lettergesh on Saturday morning
-- complete the race and enjoy
-- End up in Clifden with bike and car

typical expert registration & race:
-- register in GMIT in Letterfrack
-- drive 10 minutes to Kylemore House and drop bike in Kylemore House Bike Transition
-- drive 30 minutes to Clifden
-- stay in Clifden if registering on Friday
-- Get the free bus to start in Lettergesh on Saturday morning
-- complete the race and enjoy
-- End up in Clifden with bike and car

if camping on the campsite in Lettergesh, then leave the car into Clifden on Saturday morning and get the bus back to Lettergesh. That way you car is in Clifden when you finish.

if you have more questions just post here, our website or on FB.

thanks for the nice words about last years race. we hope you enjoy this years race too.

Excellent, thanks very much for that.

Trying to figure out the course, whats the obstacle course like? The reason I asked is that I have had a few hip/back issues and don't wanna mess them up if the course is too much! I sound like a woose but don't want to end up injured again!

CRD2011

yop wrote: »

Excellent, thanks very much for that.

Trying to figure out the course, whats the obstacle course like? The reason I asked is that I have had a few hip/back issues and don't wanna mess them up if the course is too much! I sound like a woose but don't want to end up injured again!

to be honest my own knees are really dodgy and when I tried out the new obstalces last week i took it really really easy and i managed them no problem. Now the course designers (Mike Dundee & I'm a Celebirty Shaun Ryder) did give me some stick for taking it so easy and suggested a little more bravado on my part, and i'm sure most people would go faster than me, but if you take it easy you should be fine. also, there are alternate routes around some of the obstacles, but you might get a little muddy!!

yop

Excellent.
Is Sean Ryder doing it? I am sure it won't be too much of a "Happy Monday" if he gets doing the Expert!

ThisRegard

So this is this weekend, many here doing it ? Yop, have you decided on expert or sport ?

Still behind on my training these days so a bit apprehensive about this one but there's a decent mix of running with should stop the cyclist getting to far ahead of me.

yop

ThisRegard wrote: »

So this is this weekend, many here doing it ? Yop, have you decided on expert or sport ?

Still behind on my training these days so a bit apprehensive about this one but there's a decent mix of running with should stop the cyclist getting to far ahead of me.

Neither lad, hips and back giving me trouble so zero right running. Physio this evening so will see what they say. Doubt I will do it now though.

ThisRegard

Shame, my knee is playing up after my fall last week, it was fine every day since then. I think it's because today is my first day back at a desk and I tend to sit on my leg with it crossed under me so I may just be agrevating it.

snailsong

Still half thinking of doing this, no specific training, no mountains since day's duathlon in March and its 65 bucks. Forecast looks good though so may try for the short one. Anyone know when registration closes?

yop

I would say that it will close Thurs but its not sold out yet so they may leave it open until last few mins.

Physio advised against it for me, lower back problems so uneven surfaces would not be a good idea.

Good luck to all doing it.

Bugsy2000

I was chatting to the organisers during the week about start times. As they have to build the beach course after the tide goes out, the expert starts about 1pm with the sports about 30min later. Last registration at Letterfrack is 9am with last bus from Clifden to start line at 11am. Bit of a gap between registration & race start so make sure ye all have a bit of pre race grub with ye.

ThisRegard

You can register the evening before hand if you're around which is what I plan to do, gives me time to relax in the morning and have a decent lunch before I get a lift to the start the next day.

toomuchdetail

Signed up for Olym in Triburgh but both a arm/shoulder injury and a hip injury might force me out .. well that what the Physio says .

This really looks like an apprealing option , new course looks great but alot of hills .
Too many choices up here this weekend ,

Joeyde

hey all I've done the GF the last 2 years but I just don't fancy shaking my bones on that cycle to the reek again so signed up for this expert course. Kit is reasonable so Im sticking it in a bum bag or rear pockets and travelling light, as opposed to a back pack. Any experienced racers have suggestions about cycle shoes?

I see Padraig's advice is to consider them at first cycle and then definitely wear them for the second cycle...where do the elites store them? I was going to use flat pedals but much prefer my bike shoes. I see the elites travel with no bag so Im curious... do they leave a bag at transition to put them in and then wear it for the cycle? Im considering this if it is legal.


http://www.connemararoughdiamond.com/en/crd_2011/event_format.html

adamski8

FS this might sound whiny but telling us "sport" people the day before we have to travel down that we need all that survival stuff is ridiculus! I dont have time to get all that stuff now!

ThisRegard

Usually for both sport and expert the mandatory equipment is required, don't know the ins and outs for what sport were told for this one but in every other sports version I've done it was expected.

Joeyde

One of the last emails or posts said that the kit was required for expert only. It was reasonable to believe that the kit wasnt required for sport. Its 2-4 hours and only part of it is off road, (halfway up the diamond).

Some one made a mistake on their part.

Head The Wall

There has been a mandatory kit for every sport race I've done so far, just get the stuff and you won't need it again. If make a call to the organisers there may be someone at registration selling the stuff or they will be able to recommend somewhere to buy it along the way.


I'm doing the sport version and was thinking of wearing mountain bike shoes for the cycling part, it would save me changing in and out each time as I could probably run the steeplechase and assault course in them and just change in and out of the trail runners for Diamond hill. I would have to carry the runners with me but would save time changing, has anyone here been on the training spin and would this be dooable in MTB shoes.


The big problem I will have is the dehydration/heat exhaustion I got camping last weekend, just about getting over it now so Saturday will be tough but thats my tough

Best of luck to all taking part

acurno

Good race. Perfect weather for it which made it a lot more palatable than had it been yesterday!
Did the expert, really enjoyed the course. The first run was tough, no time to warm into your pace, straight into it. Liked the obstacle course. Well designed and a good challenge. Approached Diamond with some trepidation but actually found it grand, albeit walking pretty much all the way up. No comparison between that and Croagh Patrick on Galeforce, the steps up take away any challenge. Liked the last bike bit, very fast in sections and a gorgeous route.

However, I have to take up some issues.
Bus leaving at 10.45 had us at the beach an hour and a half before the race start which was ridiculous. No signage where to go, a group of us were huddled behind a rock until someone copped that there was a cafe somewhere. No shelter, no marshals, cold, windy, bored.
I would love to know where the €65 was spent. I always considered GFW pricey but for that you get a very well organised event with marshals everywhere, always felt safe, good signage, road closures, and a good tshirt, medal, printout of splits, and nice tuck at the end.
This race had little or no marshals at some points, terrible or no signs ( the back of discarded election posters with a dash of red paint. Though I'm sure O'Brollochain would be proud of the recycling that went on with his ), no road closure, no goody bag/shirt/medal. For the first run I didn't see one marshal on the hills, god forbid anyone who twisted their ankle or worse and needed to get a signal to the organisers. Ending in Clifden was a bit of a farce. Cars and traffic everywhere. Last 300 metres must have dodged in and out between 10 stationary cars.
Also talked to someone before the race and they said that the previous evening there wasn't anyone watching the bikes in the transition area when they were dropping theirs over.
I'd love to hear how they justify that cost.
Oh, and gammy pasta at the end. Oily as hell which I doubt sat well in anyone's stomach. One can be certain that the railway house hotel probably gave that out for free considering the business they brought in for them.

Would love to do this again next year as I do think it's a fantastic course and great fun at times, but paying that much money for what I can only see is shambolic organisation will be hard to justify.

ThisRegard

On mobile so just a quick post until later. Have to say I disagree about shambolic organisation, again it's an adventure race so you can't expect to have your hand held by marshals at every point, the signs and markings were more than adequate and I found marshals were where they were needed, i.e. at the major junctions and coming into Clifden I had gardai and marshals holding traffic for me. The run into the finish at Gaelforce is pretty similar albeit with wider streets, they were still open for traffic. Where were the road closures for Gaelforce, I'm not saying there were none but I just don't remember any. Regarding the first mountain, I loved the openess of it, the underfoot conditions were very tough.

acurno

On reflection, 'shambolic' might have been a bit harsh, but definitely huge room for improvement. I stand by what I said about the finish into Clifden. I was racing some fella on the final km and heading into the town at speed made it quite dangerous with all the cars around. Most of them not having a clue what was going on and as such leaving no room to maneuver around them.

Adventure racing and the sense of openness and scale with you and the mountains is the reason I do them, but the fact that I'm paying a lot of money to race I should definitely see value for money. And yesterday, there really wasn't. Seems to me like it was done on the cheap. Gaelforce granted has economies of scale but smaller more local events like this really need to justify their cost to build up their reputation and make them as good as they should and could be.

Just with regards the first mountain run and lack of marshals, real adventure racing (multiple day events of which I'm still to do) is all about self navigation and safety, but these commercial races have an obligation to provide a marked marshaled route considering most competitors are novices or first time racers. As I said, if someone had twisted their ankle or worse (which was a definite possibility) there was no way of getting a message to a marshal until the start of the obstacle course.

Ceepo

I Also done the Expert course, As this was the first time i done any race of this kind, i can not compare to anything else.
I enjoyed the Beach run, was good crack going over the bales. On the first mountain run have to admit was struggling to find my way, had to ask the guy taking Photo's where to go after the first flag, as i could not see the next one. Have to agree on the under foot, but some bad choice of foot ware on my behalf didn't help, was slipping all over the place The obstacle course was a welcome sight, and while been a challenge it got the heart rate down a bit. Bike to letterfrack was grand. Diamond summit was tough, a lot of walking done, AGAIN not used to running on Mountains. last bike was fine even if i had nothing left towards the finish, few climbs up Sky rd ensured i left nothing in the tank.
Happy enough with my time and the way i went seen as it was my first one.
Taught finish was a bit of a mess as no dismount line, some people cycling in Transition, no one seem to no what to do when they came in.
Have to say i taught it was dangerous last k or so with bikes, cars going all over the place. Someone nearly going into a car that stopped suddenly. But didn't hear of any serious injury's.
65e was a bit much with no t-shirt or Medal, something, however they never said they were giving out anything.
What did pi** me off was the fact that they were not giving out vet's prizes. According to there web sit 1st o/40 1st 0/50. And no fancy dress Prize.
They were taking to task over this and gave in after a while and a few choice words, ABOUT HALF HOUR AFTER PRIZES WERE GIVING OUT. And then only to 1st 0/40 male.
Leaves a sour taste IMO, Approx 24,000e taking in they should at least give out what they advertise.
FOR this reason would have a long hard look if i would do it again.

Hope the other people on there enjoyed there race.

famoussheamus

Did the expert course and enjoyed the beach run, assault course, diamond hill and cycle through sky road. Other good points were plenty food and water stations, perfect weather and lovely scenery.
Bad points were waiting around all morning, conditions on first mountain were demanding and nearly twisted ankle on a number of occasions, the finish line which you had to fight your way through traffic, no atmosphere, no medal, no massage which was advertised, the 'big bowl of pasta' was megre and tasteless (I suppose they wanted more of your money by putting a burger joint beside the pasta stand) Drinks were overpriced...jasus I could go on. Definately have to step it up before I support it again.

KoemansCC

Good race overall and don't have any complaints about the race course itself except for a couple of points...

I was in the expert category and we were dropped to the start way too early, as acurno said a load of us were huddled beside a big rock to shelter from the wind until we found out about the cafe...cheers to the overwhelmed tea lady who said she had only served about two people at a time before!!!

During the first run stage we had to climb a really steep bit on all fours, while I was climbing two or three big rocks fell down towards the people behind me, one the size of a football to the left of us and another smaller one that I managed to catch on the way towards a girls head...I know it's an adventure race in a harsh environment but there really needed to be a large warning sign here of the dangers, I certainly didn't see one (if someone confirms there was a sign I'll retract but I definitely didn't see one).

I would do the race again if they commented on/addressed a few of the organisational complaints, I think the lack of a technical t-shirt (which wasn't advertised but seems to have become the norm at races) wrangled a few people, especially first timers, as they would have liked to have a souvenir of the day and to show off to their friends...as someone else commented it was hard to see where the entry fee was spent...

Overall though a good day out...

Head The Wall

Had a great day myself and had no problems, finished top 20 which was great considering my lead in.

There were competitors finishing over a four hour span so it wouldn't really be possible to close the roads in Clifden for that length of time, yes there was traffic about but you just had to deal with it and obey the rules of the road as per normal. I had to pass out a bus on the hill down into Clifden and negotiate some cars at the last few few corners but thats not a big deal and is the type of thing you have to deal with going through any town/village on a training spin. To me these blips are as much a part of an adventure race as getting a puncture, shoe stuck in the mud etc

I'm just a competitor as well and have no connection with the guys running it, overall I was happy but based on posts here there is some room for improvement so I'll give them a chance again next year, some of the registration was going to Charity (Croi) and I would have liked a T-Shirt as well

ThisRegard

I dunno about some of the complaints, there was nothing that could be done with traffic in Clifden, it's the same for ever other race of its type, I don't remember racing on closed roads when doing other similar races. The conditions on the first mountain are what made it so enjoyable, you could twist an ankle on a flat road race but the climb was a nice challenge and mixed it up a bit. Are people really advocating a nanny state approach to put signs up for everything that may hurt you ? As much as I hate to say it a bit of htfu may be required.

Anyway, I've no complaints, it's only the second year isn't it, first year for expert ? Plus I got an early bird for €45 which makes it good for the wallet.

nerraw1111

People complaining about the possibility of twisting an ankle? Loose stones? Undulating surface?

Hilarious. Never mind the no t-shirt, the lack of cotton to wrap yourself in at the start was the real disgrace.

Ceepo

nerraw1111 wrote: »

People complaining about the possibility of twisting an ankle? Loose stones? Undulating surface?

Hilarious. Never mind the no t-shirt, the lack of cotton to wrap yourself in at the start was the real disgrace.

Jaysus, i knew i forgot something at the start. where can i get some for the next time i decide to do a race, ha ha,:D

I can see his point all the same, as there was no marshal for the entire first mountain run,

I did find it hard going, more because i only decided to do it on Thursday, (moment of madness i guess). Don't have trail runners. Never done a Mountain run before. Enough excuses.
Had a fair idea of what was involved. went in eyes open.

Think we might have done a lap shy on the beach, I was going on do do another one when someone said that we were finished, new pb for 3k so:D.

I normally not big into t-shirts as such, but would have been nice from a race like this, something different from the usual road race t-shirts.

Still baffled as to why the were not giving out Vet's prizes and Prize for fancy dress.

Seems to be a regular thing with Event Company Events,
Would have taught 50% of most entry list are Vets,
Wouldn't hurt to look after them to some degree,

Well done Head to the Wall, top 20 great going.
Had a good day myself, After a bit of battle ended up in 4th place, so happy with that, will learn a bit from it, in case i get another moment of madness:D.

Adventurer10

I did the Sports Course and thought overall it was an excellent event, especially liked the obstacle course:D and the steeplechase was great craic too.

Very scenic location, no problem finding my way, well signposted, marshalls not requried at every junction, although a more detailed map would have been nice.

I paid €65 to enter and compared to other races would have expected a t-shirt/medal or some souvenir. Having said that I would prefer to get cheaper entry fee and forget the tshirt.

Regarding cost I can see a bit of time and money would have been required to design and set up the obstacle course, and that is much better value in my opinion.

Another thing was the bike transistion at Letterfrack, no racks and couldn't find my bike for ages after coming off the diamond run.

Was dissapointed not to get the printout of results and split times at finish line, this was promised on the website, and is always great talking point in pub after comparing with friends. Those of us in 2nd sport wave didn't get our time until the email on Sunday as the clock at finish was set for the earlier waves.

Was expecting more with the orange wristbands too, most pubs weren't aware of them.

Like any event there is room for improvement but overall the most important part, the course design was excellent!

adamski8

worth 30euro max! did sport.
too many in the waves for the width of the hay bails, had to stop at nearly every bail to wait for someone to jump over them.
transitions were a bit of a mess, just dump your bike on the grass somewhere was the general advice.
those time stations werent working at the assault course when i was there!
the finish was terrible too, guess there wasnt anywhere else to have the finish.
pasta was a pisstake alright.
where were these 3 euro pints and discounts on food? kept a secret it seems, only found one restaurant that gave a free protein shake with a meal?!!!!!
where was the fruit and local products at the finish as advertised?

had a better time cycling around the sky road myself the next day.

ThisRegard

There's an amusing article in this months Outsider magazine which compares tri-athletes with adventure racers, according to the article there were a little too many from column A on Saturday.

Bugsy2000

That describes my day, not the race itself.

I suppose it starts the evening before at home with my better half. I reckoned after the scorcher of a day on Friday that any bottles of water left on the bike at 8am Saturday morn would be very warm by the time we got to them at 2ish, so we decided to stick them in the freezer overnight. Great idea you might think, until I forgot to put them in the bike racks Saturday morning & ended up carrying 2 blocks of ice in my backpack for the first 11k of running.

And now the race! I knew from early on that it wasn't going to be my day. I did the expert and before we even left the beach my asthma was at me & my chest was very tight. I was third last leaving the beach and struggling & by the time we got to the top of the gravel road the main bunch were out of sight.

There was a bunch of about 7 of us working our way through the bog & when we got through the first boggy section and skirted the left hand peak we were completely on our own. We had to stop a minute to get our bearings. No one in front to follow & no sight of a flag. (no complaints about this either - it's an adventure race for f sake) We knew from the map that we had to curve around the first peak and aim for the dip between the two larger peaks, so off we went and sure enough we spotted a flag in the distance. I found this section of the race tough going as it's something I haven't really experienced before - running across the slope as opposed to up or down the slope. As we were going round the larger peaks for a few miles we had a lot of this type of running, found it very hard on the ankles & very hard to get a good foothold. I could feel my heels being ripped apart inside my wet, bog filled runners as they struggled for a bit of purchase at times.

Once I got over the highest section of the hill & started the downhill section towards the obstacle course I still couldn't manage more than a few minutes running before I had to stop to catch my breath - the signs were ominous. The obstacle course was a bit of fun and it let me get a bit of a breather too. I had a look at it earlier in the morning so I knew what was ahead of us. It's a nice addition to any race I think.

The first cycle section was straight forward, nothing too strenuous or taxing but I still didn't have it in me to put in a good time. I overtook a few people and a few overtook me & when I got to Diamond Hill the green area was covered in bikes, so there were a lot of competitors up the hill.

I debated with myself at this point whether to carry on but I had been up there for a recci recently and knew the first half of it was ok. I though I might be able to take it easy early on and go for it on the hill & coming down. How wrong was I? I got to the separation point of Expert (yeah right) / Sport and everyone seemed to be turning here and heading down again. I looked up at the track ahead and it was empty. It was going to be a long lonely climb. I told myself I'd be fine and got going and soon enough the group I had left behind me on the first hill run reappeared from behind me and disappeared into the distance. I was dead on my feet. I tried to run down the far side and just couldn't do it. I walked down to the bike transition to see 5 bikes remaining. I told them I couldn't go any further and there were plenty of offers of lifts into Clifden but I told them I was going to the pub and my mate could collect me.

As I was picking up my bike the asthma decided to give me one last kick up the arse. I had a full on attack, luckily while there were others around. There was a lad parked up by the pitch who could see I was a bit off and he came over to help. It shook the bejesus out of me and put paid to any thoughts of a pint. One of the stewards got me settled in one of the pubs with some tea & soup and made sure I was right again before leaving me. (I never got her name but thanks again for your help)

So for me the race never got started although I have to say I liked the course & even tough I didn't cycle the last section, I drove it earlier that morning and there was a good tough hill in it which would test you.

So I have my first big fat DNF:mad: beside my name & I fully intend to come back next year to remove those ugly initials.

ThisRegard

Fair play for sticking with it to the Diamond, it knocked the crap out of me and my mind did suggest how nice it would be to turn with the sports. I know what you're saying about running along the side of the hills, I saw lots of people twist and stumble, myself included. You'll get revenge next time.

Enduro

ThisRegard wrote: »

There's an amusing article in this months Outsider magazine which compares tri-athletes with adventure racers, according to the article there were a little too many from column A on Saturday.

Spot on!

To the lads looking for signposts everywhere there is danger, and marshalls strung out along the course to rescue them... please stay well away from IMRA races and real adventure races as you'll be expected to be able to be responsible for your own saftey on those events, with little or no mollycoddling. Triathalons or road runs should be safe enough for you though.

To the lads who found it unexpected/shocking that there were cars on a public road... I've yet to read a set of rules for any adventure race, or multisports race invovling cycling in Ireland that didn't point out that the roads are open and you must obey the normal rules of the road. And indeed on the FAQ of the website it states "You must OBEY the rules of the road at all times as the race will be held on open roads.(the good news they are quite) ". So really, HTFU.

Bugsy2000

C'mon Enduro, why don't you stop beating around the bush and say what you really mean:D

Joeyde

Yeah he is poking a little there I think...adventure racers are just athletes that cant swim as is the case with most I have talked to :P

but a serious question, there was alot of that run along the contour of the mountain which my poor weak traithlon ankle ligaments didnt appreciate. Do a lot of the IMRA races have this format?? I thought they would be straight up and down for the most, had a poke around the website out of interest after a few GF events.

nerraw1111

Leinster league are generally up and down affairs on a trail. They can be tough on the ankles but rare that you'll be straining one particular ankle.

Enduro

Joeyde wrote: »

Yeah he is poking a little there I think...adventure racers are just athletes that cant swim as is the case with most I have talked to :P

but a serious question, there was alot of that run along the contour of the mountain which my poor weak traithlon ankle ligaments didnt appreciate. Do a lot of the IMRA races have this format?? I thought they would be straight up and down for the most, had a poke around the website out of interest after a few GF events.

hmmm... athletes who just can't swim. Sadly true in a lot of cases, some not a million miles away In reality there are actually plenty of counter examples. I used to race and train (AR) with one girl who was a very good triathlete (won Beast of the East, for example), but for some reason was more afraid of falling out of the kayak than the rest of us, even though she was by far the best swimmer! On a bigger scale, Richard Usher, who is one of the very best Adventure Racers in the world, if not the best, crossed over to tri quite a lot in the last few years with a lot of excellent results (though not quite to the same level as his AR). In fact quite a lot of real adventure races have swim sections in them, up to and including white water swimming (famously in Primal Quest Montana).

Running level accross sloping ground is called contouring (Contours are the lines on maps that designate/connect a height interval and allow us to infer up/down/shapes/features from their patterns. On standard Irish OS maps contours appear for 10 meter intervals), since you're essentially following the contour lines from the map (be careful not to trip over the lines ). You're most likely to need to do it in navigational events, like Orienteering, Mountain Marathons, Rogaines and real adventure races, where there is open route choice between controls and its easier/faster to run around/past features than head up and over them. You'd rarely contour in an IMRA race.