Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

belcarra · 12-08-2009 04:50PM

Where is the best place for cheap light waterproofs in the Dublin area??

Will they be selling the items for mandatory kit at registration??

I also need the whistle and the first aid kit...any ideas?

What is the survival bag exactly?

Would 53 Degrees North (Or somewhere similar on the Northside or Westside of Dublin) be able to supply me with this stuff without any hassle??

So many questions, so few days left!!

yop · 12-08-2009 05:14PM

Peterx wrote: »

Mandatory kit - it does what it says on the tin.

Once everyone brings it we're all competing on a level playing field and the organisers can hope we'll be bright enough to use it in the case of an incident.
I hope anyone without the kit is caught and sent away to ponder the error of their ways. In fairness the list is not that big, just bring it.

Well said Peter, since you have been at the peak of GF and did it with the mandatory kit then the rest should follow.
I think though we should put a few 9" solid concrete blocks in your bag this year to give the rest of us a chance

Good luck this year again.

yop · 12-08-2009 05:17PM

belcarra wrote: »

Where is the best place for cheap light waterproofs in the Dublin area??

Will they be selling the items for mandatory kit at registration??

I also need the whistle and the first aid kit...any ideas?

What is the survival bag exactly?

Would 53 Degrees North (Or somewhere similar on the Northside or Westside of Dublin) be able to supply me with this stuff without any hassle??

So many questions, so few days left!!

I would say anywhere really, even the ones in dunnes stores are light.
The will be selling the kit yes on registration but you will pay for it, if you know what I mean.

Survival bag is like a plastic bag, it protects you if you are injured and keeps you warm.
http://www.venturesport.co.uk/venturesport_products.asp?catid=11&maincat=1

GForcer1 · 12-08-2009 11:04PM

CKWPORT wrote: »

Heard there will be stricter checks this year too, I got a light pair and they take up no room in the bag...

can i ask where you got these, i have a pair of wets bottoms but they are too thick, need a lighter pair, i'm in Dublin...tks

Mr Freeze · 12-08-2009 11:24PM

GForcer1 wrote: »

can i ask where you got these, i have a pair of wets bottoms but they are too thick, need a lighter pair, i'm in Dublin...tks

I live in westport, so its probably no good to you, but I picked up a pair in Portwest last weekend, 18euro.

richiemack · 13-08-2009 04:01PM

I'd just like to point out that this day next week we'll all be packing our stuff for the trip to Westport, I'm so excited!!!!

Stary · 13-08-2009 06:52PM

Does anyone know a good weather forecasting website?
I use some and the best IMO is metcheck.com. I have been checkin it over the last few days to have an idea of what is might be like on the day and it keeps changing!! I have just checked it there and it looks pretty bad for the 22nd.....

(although southish wind is in our favour)

gizmo73 · 13-08-2009 10:53PM

Stary wrote: »

Does anyone know a good weather forecasting website?
I use some and the best IMO is metcheck.com. I have been checkin it over the last few days to have an idea of what is might be like on the day and it keeps changing!! I have just checked it there and it looks pretty bad for the 22nd..... (although southish wind is in our favour)

whatever the weather is, i don`t think it can be as bad as last year.

mymojo · 13-08-2009 11:42PM

the fear is starting to set in..the fear of croagh patrick ahhhhhh!!!! never done it so im afraid of the unknown! haha :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

racso1975 · 14-08-2009 11:39AM

So anybody want to call there times yet. i'm hopin for 7-8 hours:(

nerraw1111 · 14-08-2009 11:41AM

racso1975 wrote: »

So anybody want to call there times yet. i'm hopin for 7-8 hours:(

August 22nd lol

richiemack · 14-08-2009 11:42AM

I was hoping for 4 1/2 to 5 hrs, but with my dodgy leg could be lookin at up to 6

GForcer1 · 14-08-2009 12:00PM

hoping for under 6hrs

Mr Freeze · 14-08-2009 12:02PM

I am a Gaelforce 1st timer, and am hoping to finish in around 6 hours.

My training times have been ok, cycled from Delphi to the reek in 87 mins, up the reek in 42, down in 19, 35 mins back into town. Those times will be a lot slower on the day i'm sure. I plan on doing the 2 runs at a slow pace, to conserve a bit of energy. 6 hours would be great, but I just want to finish.

Edit: Question for ye lads that have done this before or similar events, what will you be eating next week to prepare for this? Like Carb loading, what foods, etc, and what food do you bring with you on the day?

GoHardOrGoHome · 14-08-2009 12:14PM

Targets:

I find it's useful to have backup targets rather than throwing in the towel if you think you're going to miss your target.

Bronze - just finish (might get punctures etc.)
Silver - sub 5
Gold - sub 4:30.

GoHardOrGoHome · 14-08-2009 12:21PM

CKWPORT wrote: »

My training times have been ok, cycled from Delphi to the reek in 87 mins, up the reek in 42, down in 19, 35 mins back into town. Those times will be a lot slower on the day i'm sure. I plan on doing the 2 runs at a slow pace, to conserve a bit of energy.

I think it's a good idea not to kill yourself on the first run. The second run is only 3.5k or so to the bikes.

You never know what you're capable of in a race situation though. You could well replicate those times in the race (granted you'll be somewhat tired from the first run).

CKWPORT wrote: »

Edit: Question for ye lads that have done this before or similar events, what will you be eating next week to prepare for this? Like Carb loading, what foods, etc, and what food do you bring with you on the day?

I wouldn't change my diet for the week coming up to Gaelforce. Maybe avoid shellfish and don't go for a McD's at 3 in the morning. I wouldn't over eat by having four servings of spaghetti bolognese in the hope of carb loading. Just make sure you have a good breakfast, regular lunch, regular dinner and don't eat anything you're not used to eating. You don't know if it'll affect your digestion. (so if you normally eat 1-2 pieces of fruit a day, don't start eating 10 pieces of fruit and drinking 2 litres of juice a day).

richiemack · 14-08-2009 01:36PM

CKWPORT wrote: »

Question for ye lads that have done this before or similar events, what will you be eating next week to prepare for this? Like Carb loading, what foods, etc, and what food do you bring with you on the day?

lots of people take gels, I can't they make me sick. Just load up on nutri grain bars, or oat bars. If you go into your health food shop just grab a load of high carb oat bars, taste good and full of energy, all you need in them. Usually jellys are good when u need energy injection

Stary · 14-08-2009 01:44PM

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

I think it's a good idea not to kill yourself on the first run. The second run is only 3.5k or so to the bikes.

You never know what you're capable of in a race situation though. You could well replicate those times in the race (granted you'll be somewhat tired from the first run).

I wouldn't change my diet for the week coming up to Gaelforce. Maybe avoid shellfish and don't go for a McD's at 3 in the morning. I wouldn't over eat by having four servings of spaghetti bolognese in the hope of carb loading. Just make sure you have a good breakfast, regular lunch, regular dinner and don't eat anything you're not used to eating. You don't know if it'll affect your digestion. (so if you normally eat 1-2 pieces of fruit a day, don't start eating 10 pieces of fruit and drinking 2 litres of juice a day).

What about the morning of? as the start times are early what do you suggest for a good breakfast? i am going out on the 6am bus so am half thinking of eating a carb dinner the previous evening and just taking some energy drink and a banana in the morn for brekkie. Then just rely on power bars throughout the day! what worked last year for people?

yop · 14-08-2009 03:33PM

richiemack wrote: »

lots of people take gels, I can't they make me sick. Just load up on nutri grain bars, or oat bars. If you go into your health food shop just grab a load of high carb oat bars, taste good and full of energy, all you need in them. Usually jellys are good when u need energy injection

What about the old Jaffa cakes

Usually are good when playing matches but not sure if this is the same.

Back in May I would have hoped for sub 6 hours but after a crash and a few injuries I want to just finish. But I am still aiming for a 6 hour finish.

A lot of this is new to me but I know I can do each event separate, its tying it all together and add in wind and rain and thats a whole new kettle of fish.

Are you all going to the after party?

c montgomery · 14-08-2009 03:57PM

yop wrote: »

What about the old Jaffa cakes Usually are good when playing matches but not sure if this is the same.

Back in May I would have hoped for sub 6 hours but after a crash and a few injuries I want to just finish. But I am still aiming for a 6 hour finish.

A lot of this is new to me but I know I can do each event separate, its tying it all together and add in wind and rain and thats a whole new kettle of fish.

Are you all going to the after party?

Not sure yet.
Whats the ratio of male to female doing gf???Not going to go to the after party if its gonna be a complete sausauge fest.

yop · 14-08-2009 04:35PM

c montgomery wrote: »

Not sure yet.
Whats the ratio of male to female doing gf???Not going to go to the after party if its gonna be a complete sausauge fest.

LOL, One makes any odds me to , I already have a sausage muncher

Not a clue to be honest, will be a bit of crack anyway.

Mr Freeze · 14-08-2009 10:05PM

yop wrote: »

LOL, One makes any odds me to , I already have a sausage muncher

Not a clue to be honest, will be a bit of crack anyway.

I really hope she sees this post!!!

yop · 14-08-2009 10:50PM

lol, don't worry she will

belcarra · 15-08-2009 12:07AM

GoHardOrGoHome wrote: »

Targets:

I find it's useful to have backup targets rather than throwing in the towel if you think you're going to miss your target.

Bronze - just finish (might get punctures etc.)
Silver - sub 5
Gold - sub 4:30.

Same as my own targets.
What wave are you in GoHard?
I'm in the second wave...

gaelforce09 · 15-08-2009 08:23AM

Few months back i had hoped to do under 4 and half but now i think i can do it under 5hours hopefully.
Run 1 - 80mins
Kayak - 10mins
Run 2 - 20mins
Cycle - 80mins
Up Reek - 43mins
Down Reek - 17mins
Cycle - 40mins

Total = 4hours 50mins

Time will tell!

ronanmac · 15-08-2009 06:25PM

Really difficult to predict a time, not used to any of the disciplines bar the running. Based on the fact that I am a midpack runner (and a slow midpack runner at that!), I would be happy with anything under six hours, delighted with sub 5.30...

By the way, does anyone know if you leave your helmet with the bike, or do you have to carry it? I see on the Gaelforce website that full body cover is now on the mandatory kit list (can be windproof rather than waterproof).

clopd · 15-08-2009 10:29PM

ronanmac wrote: »

By the way, does anyone know if you leave your helmet with the bike, or do you have to carry it? I see on the Gaelforce website that full body cover is now on the mandatory kit list (can be windproof rather than waterproof).

you can leave your helmet with your bike in transition.

clopd · 15-08-2009 10:51PM

What is the cycle route like from CP back into Westport and how long is it?

Also what happens at the finish - looking at pictures from previous years it seems to be a running finish - so do you have to leave your bike in a transition area at Westport house and then do a short run to finish line?

Gerry1995 · 16-08-2009 11:39AM

I going to attempt this for the first time, though it seems from the posts I'll struggle big time. Not too serious about it. I started training in June but had an accident on the bike (taxi wanted my space and took it!!). Missed next 5 weeks so just started again in beginning of July. I have previously completed about 7 Dublin City marathons ovet the last 30 years, last one in 2007. So far the longest run I have is 10KM and 33KM cycle plus walk/run up and down Howth head from Howth side. I will be using a mountain bike and the runners are standard issue Asics Gel 1140. I'm just giving this basic information in case there is anyone else in my category. Oh yeah I have only ever seen a picture of a Kayak and my daughter is giving me grief because I cannot swim, I keep telling her I don't expect to have to... hope I'm right. I will post also to say how I got on. Cheers

Maverick74 · 16-08-2009 06:16PM

Another 1st timer here. I have been putting in a good bit of training combining 10k runs with 30k cycles. Managed to do 6k run/ 15k cycle to the reek, up and down and 15k cycle back to Westport 3 times over last 8 weeks. Its tough going

. I'm feeling tired these days and was wondering what the more seasoned athletes will be doing during the week. I was planning to do a hard session tomorrow and a light run on Wednesday (6k) just to keep limber and rest Thurs and Fri. What do ye think??

Also I know some people who did it last year and they gave me the impression that there was a timeout between each transition. Is this the case or does the clock keep ticking?? I'm in the jogger category and in the black wave at 7.30.

Good luck to all

Mav

Gaelforce West - Discussion & Afters

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