364 replies to this topic

[Easy Tiger]

rodthehornet, on 09 September 2011 - 12:25 PM, said:

Tiger,

If you want to jump in some cool shoes, follow the lead of Nick and get your hands on some Inov8 Talons.  Late notice I know, but you might be able to pick up a pair in the city.  Great combo of flats style and killer grip/traction.  Weight wont be an issue for you as the 190s are as the name suggests 190gms.  They will be the ideal shoe for the conditions.

Thanks Rod, I tried the F-Lites but they have a heel lift which force me to run on my toes. I'll stick with my trusty Adidas Adios, I held my feet during last years Mud Run so hopefully ok, if not i'll be slipping and sliding with Tucks at the back of the pack. Either way, all the unknown factors of trail running are adding extra excitement to this foreign adventure.

[rodthehornet]

No worries mate.  Have fun in the mud.  Some fingerless cycle gloves might come in handy if you are wearing flats.  Gives you some protection on the palms if/when you have a fall/s.  I have never worn them, but Dog and a few others wear them a fair bit.  

Good luck.

[Colin]

Mr Hornet...are you advising people to take an unknown shoe straight out of the shop, sight unseen and run 29km of wet trails?

[TheGoat]

I have a slot for this run but cannot make it on Sunday, Ive being given a promo code to register which im advised i can still do online today if i get in quickly,

please email me if you want it!!

[rodthehornet]

Mr. Colin,

If you want to put it that way, yes.  I think the target audience, being Easy Tiger, has been around the block a few times and can work out if it is cool to pick up a pair of shoes off the shelf and run in them.  I was throwing a bit of advice re a shoe that might work on what I expect to be a fairly gnarly piece of trail tomorrow.

I have run in plenty of brand newies on a long run with no issues.  Works for some, doesnt work for others.  Thanks for your concern though.  I will be wearing my talons tonite up at Woodford.  Havent worn them for a while, but thought what the heck, I will live life in the fast lane.  Never know, might even make me run faster......

[NickW]

rodthehornet, on 09 September 2011 - 12:25 PM, said:

Tiger,

If you want to jump in some cool shoes, follow the lead of Nick and get your hands on some Inov8 Talons.  Late notice I know, but you might be able to pick up a pair in the city.  Great combo of flats style and killer grip/traction.  Weight wont be an issue for you as the 190s are as the name suggests 190gms.  They will be the ideal shoe for the conditions.

Absolutely.  Without a bit of grip, you could have a bit of drama.  Not all trail shoes weight 400g .  Broke some Talons in last weekend without any dramas and will be wearing them tomorrow.

Rod - staggered start is being used again.  5s interval per pair I think.  Another adventure of going early is beating the cold - its going to be freezing in the little valley at 8:00am...

[Jusso]

It's been raining all day long!  I love a wet track.

Jusso

[thomo]

Colin, on 09 September 2011 - 01:19 PM, said:

Mr Hornet...are you advising people to take an unknown shoe straight out of the shop, sight unseen and run 29km of wet trails?

I think it is best if I choose one that I already have.

Here are my choices.

What one /s do people think would be the best?

[Easy Tiger]

Thanks guys, i'm open minded so went to Barefoot Inc to check out the Talons. They were very light and the grip looked suitable for boggy ground, however they have a 3mm heel lift which seems crazy to me.

thomo, on 09 September 2011 - 04:08 PM, said:

I think it is best if I choose one that I already have.

Here are my choices.

What one /s do people think would be the best?

Thomo, I'm the last person who should be dishing out advice for this race, but I reckon runners that worry about falling over are the one's that fall over. I say pick your fastest shoes and get off the course as quick as you can, the Saucony's look fast and grippy.

[Tractor]

The nice clean ones as I am sure they wont look that clean after the event

[Colin]

Thomo,

A real runner only has one pair and therefore no choices.

Easy Tiger, on 09 September 2011 - 04:28 PM, said:

Thomo, I'm the last person who should be dishing out advice for this race, but I reckon runners that worry about falling over are the one's that fall over. I say pick your fastest shoes and get off the course as quick as you can, the Saucony's look fast and grippy.

Yes, as I have said to Mr Hornet (offline) some can run through canyons over wet rocks with oiled slippery soles whereas others can have crampons with glue under them on a good surface and still fall.

So it is more about the skill than about the shoe. As with running over wet rocks, you don't jump onto a rock then think where you are going...you pretty much keep the momentum going and have your steps planned out three or four in advance...simplest way I could put it.

good luck, wish I was running.

Edited by Colin, 09 September 2011 - 04:41 PM.

[thomo]

Easy Tiger, on 09 September 2011 - 04:28 PM, said:

Thomo, I'm the last person who should be dishing out advice for this race, but I reckon runners that worry about falling over are the one's that fall over. I say pick your fastest shoes and get off the course as quick as you can, the Saucony's look fast and grippy.

They are my fastest shoes.

However, this is what the upper looks like, pre Coastal Classic.



Colin, no one accused me of being a real runner.

Edited by thomo, 09 September 2011 - 04:48 PM.

[Colin]

thomo, on 09 September 2011 - 04:47 PM, said:

They are my fastest shoes.

However, this is what the upper looks like, pre Coastal Classic.



Colin, no one accused me of being a real runner.

Another one? Who are you 'Imelda Marcos' ?

[thomo]

Colin, on 09 September 2011 - 05:02 PM, said:

Another one? Who are you 'Imelda Marcos' ?

No, they were the saucony shoes in the first picture.

BTW, I didn't include doubles and triples.

Thanks Easy Tiger, good advice. Fastest shoes are the ones who are going to get wet, wet, wet.

[ARC]

thomo, on 09 September 2011 - 05:09 PM, said:

No, they were the saucony shoes in the first picture.

BTW, I didn't include doubles and triples.

Thanks Easy Tiger, good advice. Fastest shoes are the ones who are going to get wet, wet, wet.

I'm going for the talons. Did 20k last weekend straight out the box and no blisters. Loads of grip and when I had to wade through a river crossing drained within a few steps. Unless you are going to where hiking boots its pretty much inevitable that your feet will get wet

[Jogger]

Quote

I have a slot for this run but cannot make it on Sunday

Its ok the race is SATURDAY!

I marked the course today in road shoes and was quite ok, there is a lot less mud than being talked about here. Surprisingly little. As always ignore all the trash talking. Just be careful on the awful metal boardwalk sections.

[NickW]

Agree with Kevin - all the talk about shoes (including all my talk) is focused on getting the last 3 minutes out of your time and jumping a few spots.  My mate Denis runs races like this (and 6ft and TNF100) focusing on enjoyment - he'll run around 4 hours tomorrow and did the Sutherland Half in something like 1.45.  He has a ball, doesn't push himself to the extreme, and I can't remember his ever falling over.  

If you're not an experienced trail runner and couldn't care if you come in 20th or 200th, taking a bit of extra time on the technical bits won't impact your time much, and you can get to Bundeena with a big smile on your face .

Don't be freaked out by the course or conditions - they ain't that bad!

[slowmo]

Well said Nick.

Once again, I ran it with flaps of rubber tied to my feet last year (aka huaraches) and I was fine.

The only really important thing to remember about this course is that it is fantastic so don't just look at your feet   There are great stretches of heath with heaps of wildflowers and bird life, fun rock hopping bits, panoramic ocean views...  Enjoy !

Good running everyone. Look forward to reading the reports.

slowmo

[arrtgrrl]

although im not feeling 100% thanks to fighting a dreaded cold.. i cant wait for tomorrow! Slowmo your description of the course has gotten me even more excited!!

Naomi

[JustinL]

Good luck tomorrow all! I'll be running at the back of the race, might see some of you at the finish. Some great views on this track if you can spare a quick look, my favourite.....on the hill past Garie Beach looking south.

I'm always eyes fixed, looking out the window when on a flight approaching Mascot from the south, get a great look at the RNP from the air everytime!

The train race organisers are suggesting to catch leaves Sutherland at 7.02am arriving at Otford 7.31am. Don't miss this one, the next one to Otford comes at 9.02am.

[pipi]

NickW, on 09 September 2011 - 05:44 PM, said:

Agree with Kevin - all the talk about shoes (including all my talk) is focused on getting the last 3 minutes out of your time and jumping a few spots.  

Perhaps the great irony is that a lot of the coast track is rock - long sections of rock shelves - plus the metal grids that are often mentioned.  Many road shoes are actually give you better control and grip on the rock shelves and metal grids than the trail shoes mentioned here.  Essentialy, if you have soft relatively smooth sole than it can mold to the surface when weight is applied - in much the same way a rock climbers shoe works.  In contrast, the hard rubber needed to provide lugs that don't break off easily (like in many of the shoes described on this thread) will not mold to the surface very easily and will slip.  I was a bit suprised the first time I wore trail shoes on the coast track because I slipped when I hit a metal grid, where as my old DS trainers did not.  Then again, the trail shoes will help in the trenches and on the beaches.

[BeesKnees]

Any news of the race?

[Jogger]

perfect weather for running. lots of DNS.
new course record - 2.17 - ouch!
results here: http://www.multispor...1&RId=575&EId=1

[Easy Tiger]

Tough day at the office, 3:17. All fell apart very early, no excuses, just not fit enough. Enjoyed Kev and kids hospitality at the last aid station, definitely the highlight. No problems with the shoes, would definitely wear the racing flats again.

Great running by Tucks, he's on fire at the moment. MrD in 5th and JamieS in 12th also had great races and NickW looks like he smashed his target time, pretty sure he went past me at the last aid station.

The spirit of the competitors was great, hardly a person passed me (ALOT passed me) without checking if hopalong Tiger was ok. I'll definitely be back for another crack, thought the organisation was excellent.

[ShanksPony]

Sorry etc, but can i just hijack this thread for a second and ask what Lady Carrington Drive is like?!

I'm doing an airport drop early tomorrow morning and thought it would be an opportunity to have a trot somewhere different.

Is it a road, or a trail?  Is it nice or a bit dull? Is it pretty flat (looks to follow a river) or is it undulating a bit?
Thanks, and sorry again, but thought the people reading this thread would know the answer!......

[slowmo]

ShanksPony, on 10 September 2011 - 05:17 PM, said:

Sorry etc, but can i just hijack this thread for a second and ask what Lady Carrington Drive is like?!

I'm doing an airport drop early tomorrow morning and thought it would be an opportunity to have a trot somewhere different.

Is it a road, or a trail?  Is it nice or a bit dull? Is it pretty flat (looks to follow a river) or is it undulating a bit?
Thanks, and sorry again, but thought the people reading this thread would know the answer!......

It's a great run. Road / wide-track. Closed to traffic. Plenty of nice, varied bush and a good place to see echidnas and lyrebirds.  River views at the Audley end.

slowmo

[NickW]

Easy Tiger, on 10 September 2011 - 04:33 PM, said:

Tough day at the office, 3:17.

Great result considering the injuries and lack of track experience.  Its a pretty unforgiving course, and definitely one of the hardest 30km tracks out there.  

I was stoked with the 2.54.52 time - sorry I didn't see g'day at the last aid station - I was close to the edge of my reserves, and recognising Kevin took all my energy .  Hard to match the tiny CR photos with the faces at events.

Some absolutely outstanding runs - Tucks winning time was stunning - can't believe that much time was taken off the race record.  I was nearly twenty minutes quicker than 2010, and dropped from 30th to 31st - shows how much the field improved!

Glad to meet so many folks that had watched the course track videos - it seemed to help a few folks which made the effort worthwhile.

My wife Linda was the one out there with the video camera today at various spots - she's editing the video now and hoping to get it out early next week.

Great work by the rangers and Max Adventure to get the course in much better shape than it was a month ago - huge improvement.

Awesome event - can't wait for the 2012 edition!

[ShanksPony]

slowmo, on 10 September 2011 - 06:06 PM, said:

It's a great run. Road / wide-track. Closed to traffic. Plenty of nice, varied bush and a good place to see echidnas and lyrebirds.  River views at the Audley end.

slowmo

Thanks slomo, you sold it to me, i'll give it a go!

[MrD]

This is a magnificent race in all aspects, easily the toughest trail run of its distance that I have done. Just so technical, wasn't ever able to take my eyes of the ground in fear of twisting an ankle on the myriad of hazards on that track.

I must heap praise on Tucks too - a fantastic run. I will admit I thought I would have his measure today being such a technical course I thought this may play into my favour but just goes to show what a top all round runner he is.

I am stoked with my run given the bulk of training atm in lead up to Wales and no taper and was happy to claw my way back from 10th and struggling back to 4th (over the line) by the end of the race. Well done to all, too many to name, and great to hang out at the finish.

Well done Max Adventure, RD Gary Fairbrother and inov-8 for sponsorship, really well organised and a great vibe all round.

Taper time!

[arrtgrrl]

what an awesome run today!!! feeling very sore from my many falls ha ha was awesome meeting so many cool runners!!! and great to see you again Nick.. thanks so much for the lift to the train station!!!! was my first CC and was super happy to come away with some new xtalons as a prize my fav shoe! lots of short steep stuff i wasnt anticipating and LOTS of roots!!! awesome run only surpassed by all the great company at the finish!!!!

Naomi

[caleb]

Very well organised Well done. Even I only managed to get lost a bit and its a course where you can get lost a lot.
Great to have four aid stations as well.
Well done organisers for working with the parks people to get the event run, it would have taken a lot of work I am sure.
I think the event is getting up there with the six foot...just need to make it 10km longer  
Anyway 2.56 for me with a max length of 13km run in last few weeks so very pleased, thought I might have got 3rd in the 40-49's  but was kidding myself..still it pushed me on the run.
I thought the self seeding worked quite well..actually about the best self seeding event I have been in. Even with the 5 sec start gap seeding is crucial..I am sure if you started towards the rear of the field, if you were fast, you would be in trouble.
Maybe organisers just three simple signs on poles at the start, : sub 3 hrs (3 hr marathon), sub 3.30 (3 30 marathon), sub 4 hr (4 hr marathon)..to help people get an idea where to stand at the start.
Anyway. Great Event! I will be back I hope.

[caleb]

And..Kev, not to piss in your pocket, but you give so much to running in NSW. Thanks again for being involved in such a great event. The queen should Knight you for services to running!

[arrtgrrl]

was an awesome run.. i got a tad mad at myself getting intimidated and positioing myself towards the back at the start.. got stuck a lot behind slower runners who were even walking at times though the technical sections and not wanting to let anyone pass.. those parts are normally my strength unlike the uphills so was a bit frustrated but my own fault for putting myself to far back at the start.. was happy with 3:10 though and who knows going slow through there maye have kept me fresher in the second half.. aid stations were awesome! very friendly volunteers and gary from max adventure was such a nice guy and so helpful! can't wait to run again!!
Naomi

[ARC]

Loved the race, next year I'm going to pay more attention to the self seeding though! managed a 2.55 from about last third of the pack but the first 8k was pretty slow going with limited opportunities to move past people. Still gave me some time to appreciate the views and was some amazing running.

NickW - you must have been the small dot in the distance I could just about see along the 2k of sand track & then the last beach! Didn't seem to matter that I put in my fastest splits on the last few km's - there was no reeling you in, you were flying down that section!

[thomo]

Well I survived. That was tough. Picturesque and brutal rolled into one.

Didn't lose my Saucony Kinvava 2's in the muddy areas. The shoes don't look quite as bright yellow as before. The shoes were the right choice, didn't slip or slide. Just have to trust them more next time. Did I just say next time!

My road running heritage shone through. Technical areas had me very wary. Sorry for holding people up, I always moved over when safe to do so and waved people through, I stopped off the track and let people through at other times. Sorry about my self seeding.

Met kevinm before the race and during the race we ran together at different times. He provided very positive energy.

I managed several face plants, found those lurking tree roots. Least I picked relative soft landings. Fellow competitors were great and helped me up.

Got attacked by cramp bears in mainly both calfs towards the end. Fell to the ground, again I was helped up by a fellow competitor.

Finished in 4:09:12

Thanks to all involved for making this a must do race.

Edited by thomo, 11 September 2011 - 08:05 AM.

[daves]

Firstly hello to all on CR - (long time lurker first post!)
A fantastic day yesterday for my first trail running 'event' (first running event other than C2S actually).

Having jogged along the route in May in a little over 5 hours, I thought 4.15 was a good race objective. I was stoked to finish in 3.38.

Thanks to all involved with the organisation - it was brilliant.

[damyanos]

After last year's race I said I'd have more respect for the course this year. A real lack of motivation for training set me up for a hard day out.  The only running I've done in the last 9 wks was a really crap C2S and maybe running to the phone sometimes.You can only get so much out of a good base!
Sensing a strong field I dropped back into the field for the start and started off with eventual female winner, Shona, a gutsy runner I first met as we trudged up Kedumba Pass in TNF100. After a short chat I managed to get away from her (it is a race after all) until she ran me down almost to precision at the finish, the difference being 1 sec in my favour. I've never claimed to be a gentleman
In between I spent most of the race wishing I was fitter, but it's an excellent event and the most enjoyment I got was catching up friends old and new at the finish.
Agree with NickW re: the stronger field. I was 3mins slower and dropped 28 places! The combination of low tide, tailwind and a pretty firm sand track helped us all.
Thanks to the Bushies and other vols out there!

Footnote: I don't know much about this trail at all, but did anyone notice if our entry fee from last year went into improving the track? Extra metal grids, perhaps? Looked the same as last year otherwise.

Edited by damyanos, 11 September 2011 - 09:53 AM.

[jdunc]

An awesome day – nice of the organizers to get the weather gods on side, it was beautiful out there.
Track was in much better shape than I expected, and a couple months of poor training and injury recovery didn't leave me in as poor shape as I expected.

NickW, it was great to meet you and have a chat before and after the race. Looking forward to seeing the video.

The self-seeding worked well for me. Started roughly halfway back aiming for a pretty conservative 8:35, 4hr target time, start. Crossed the start line just after 8:36 and ran much better than I thought for a 3:32 finish (with some goal time readjustment after Wattamolla).

Faced no more congestion than I expected, passed quite a few runners and was passed a fair bit myself – but everyone was very good at making room for it whenever possible. Start position was 147 and finish 136, which seems pretty bang on. There were some people flying through in the second half – strong runners that must've started toward the back. Hopefully they weren't too frustrated having to climb their way through the field.

Managed to only stumble seriously once, on the congested descent through Palm Jungle. Many thanks and apologies again to the woman who very good-naturedly broke my fall – and thankfully kept on her feet. Her strength and agility saved us both a bit of pain!

All-up an excellent day, and a very well-organized event. Can't wait till next year!

- Jeff

[caleb]

Started 97 finished 35th and nobody overtook me that I didnt overtake back, mind you I overtook one who overtook me at the end. Nice to be hauling people in along the route, I will try and start about 70th next year..and finish higher!. I love this race!

[tucks]

That was a great race, loved it. Very technical first half which isn't my strong point, found it hard going through the trenches in particular. I'm sure there was a great view off to the right but barely lifted my gaze off the track all race in fear of hitting something.Ran in my DS racers which handled the course pretty well although I just took my newly acquired x-talons for a run along kalkari track and they feel great, nice and light and great grip. There was a good bunch of guys up front which helped with the quick times, the staggered start made things interesting, wasn't completely sure of the places for a while. Will be looking out for this race next year.

[Jogger]

Quote

Footnote: I don't know much about this trail at all, but did anyone notice if our entry fee from last year went into improving the track? Extra metal grids, perhaps? Looked the same as last year otherwise.

The money from last year (approx $10k) and likely from this year (approx same?) will go to a new set of steps as you come off Big Marley (they have laid out some felt/sacking already). Trail maintenance is incredible expensive.

[Shredder1]

damyanos, on 11 September 2011 - 09:49 AM, said:

After last year's race I said I'd have more respect for the course this year. A real lack of motivation for training set me up for a hard day out.  The only running I've done in the last 9 wks was a really crap C2S and maybe running to the phone sometimes.You can only get so much out of a good base!

Damo,

I'd love to be able to run that well off a lousy preparation. I think I'll spend the summer running to the phone to get me ready for next years 6ft!

[mooo]

I think everyone has already said it, but a great race. The aim was for sub 4 hours but a toilet stop and just slow running made me do 4 hours 6 minutes. Thanx to Nicki for being my running buddy! Well done to the organizers, will defn be back next year!!! Thanks also Thommo for having someone to chase down at the end made me forget how much pain I was in!!! Forgot how important it was to train on trails after doing mudgee marathon 3 weeks ago and mainly road running over winter. Bring on 6 foot track!! Feel pretty sore today and would be interested in what others think trail kms compare to road kms?

Am in esteemed company on this thread with all these times being talked about but someone has to make up the back of the pack!  

[NickW]

Linda has done a fantastic job turning the footage of yesterday into an event video so quick - enjoy   And please like it YouTube is you like - suggestions on different ways to do an event video always welcome.

[NickW]

mooo, on 11 September 2011 - 06:23 PM, said:

... in what others think trail kms compare to road kms?

Really depends on the trail.  Over similar timespan and with a similar taper, I'd be looking at a 4.25 road pace for flat conditions and similar cool weather, and I was 5.43 pace yesterday, so that would be a 1.3 conversion factor for the Coast Track route, making the 30.1km the same as 39km on the road over the same 2.55 for me.

Edited by NickW, 11 September 2011 - 06:36 PM.

[mooo]

NickW, on 11 September 2011 - 06:28 PM, said:

Linda has done a fantastic job turning the footage of yesterday into an event video so quick - enjoy   And please like it YouTube is you like - suggestions on different ways to do an event video always welcome.

Looks fantastic!!!

[Colin]

Jogger, on 10 September 2011 - 03:39 PM, said:

perfect weather for running. lots of DNS.
new course record - 2.17 - ouch!
results here: http://www.multispor...1&RId=575&EId=1

Amount of DNS is a pity given that it appeared (here at least) that others were looking for entries. Usually around 3-4% DNS for 6FT, it was over 30% here.
Seems like many that didn't want to do the rescheduled date just thought 'whatever'. Or perhaps the organisers could have had a better substitution system (in saying that I am making assumptions that a different system may have had a different outcome-don't know...so yeah no need to point it out).

[JustinL]

A great day for the Coastal Classic. I ran as course sweeper, was happy to tell Gary (RD) after the race that the track was in good shape. With 300+ runners going through, any concern (if any) about serious wear on the track can be put to rest.

I hope NPWS use some of the donated money to clean up the rubbish at the end of Marley beach. I don't understand how people can treat the national park with such direspect.

Big thanks to Gary and the crew at Max. What Gary and other RDs do leading into an event is just amazing, alll great people.

Also Kev, thanks for marking the course. You did such a good job that a had a few walkers ask me not to remove the pink markers!!

With the possibility of this race being postponed by bad weather each time it is run, this fact may slightly hamper this event growing it's popularity fast. People this year may have had their plans changed in both June and September, higher DNS with a week before Sydney marathon.

Colin, interested in a comparison to six foot. I think there was only 5 DNF in coastal and that seems remarkably small as a percentage.

I managed to get a few photos at the start of runners and a few of the magnificent views from the track. I will try and work out how to use the gallery on cool runnings if anyone is interested in seeing if it is you or didn't get the opportunity to look south during the run. Nothing compared to what Nick and Linda produce!

[thomo]

mooo, on 11 September 2011 - 06:23 PM, said:

Thanks also Thommo for having someone to chase down at the end made me forget how much pain I was in!!! Forgot how important it was to train on trails after doing mudgee marathon 3 weeks ago and mainly road running over winter. Bring on 6 foot track!!

Am in esteemed company on this thread with all these times being talked about but someone has to make up the back of the pack!  

My pleasure mooo. You looked like you could of ran for another 30.51 kms. Next year the 29km CC should be listed as the 30.51 CC. Unless we all missed the shortcuts.

Colin said

Quote

Amount of DNS is a pity given that it appeared (here at least) that others were looking for entries. Usually around 3-4% DNS for 6FT, it was over 30% here.

Those people missed out on a treat. Though having the decision if the race is going ahead on the Wednesday is not ideal for anyone.

I was ready to race in June and was at my running fittest in decades. Fast foreward to September and it was a struggle getting to the start line. Glad I didn't miss it, through the legs are having second thoughts.

[arrtgrrl]

yes i have to say thanks for the course marking! was very well done! my garmin read 30.3ks and an elevation gain of 844 meters.. i knew it felt like there was a lot of hills lol i took the gamble and kept in the race even though i planned to do sydney.. too good a race to miss!

Naomi