19 replies to this topic

[CoolwalkerDavid]

Hi Guys

I know this is a cool running site but I am pretty slow and have a personal goal of 2 hours.

I will be in the B Group ( OK HSBC as i do have an account with then in the UK )

Now I will - like everyone else - be pushing to get that goal but don't want to be trampled on, sworn at or whatever by all the others - I expect to start at about 7kms ph - should I try to get over to the left so everyone can pass - should I be over nice and get to the back of the 20000 and completely stuff my time??

Has anyone any idea what to do at the start - do you get there early and make camp - or what? Is it best to talk to as many people as possible and swap goal times to get into a reasonable order???

While not exactly fragile I have seen better days and want to do the best for myself as well as everybody else.

I have trained pretty well and don't want to end up with a day stuffed by getting in someone's way-

[clanrunner]

Most of the people at the front of the group have got there early and waited, hence they don't do a warm-up. Which means you have the slower runners at the front of the group and the faster ones at the back, trying to work their way through. If you don't plan on doing a warm-up and don't mind standing there for a long time, then get there early and wait. Otherwise, come in at the side just before the start.
During the race itself, I've always started left and drifted across to the right after about 3-4km. I've also found that it's at about this point where the race begins to settle, people are running a realistic pace rather than their initial burst as they tear away at the start, and I can run freely at the pace I want to run at. Running on the footpath, sometimes behind the spectators, often gives a clearer run and allows you to go quicker.
If you intend to make way for faster runners coming from behind you, can I just say that's very considerate of you, but from my experience at big races, that'll put you in the minority. Don't worry about it too much, just enjoy the atmosphere and have a good run.

[Jimboy]

david newborn, on Aug 4 2006, 10:51 AM, said:

Hi Guys

I know this is a cool running site but I am pretty slow and have a personal goal of 2 hours.

I will be in the B Group ( OK HSBC as i do have an account with then in the UK )

Now I will - like everyone else - be pushing to get that goal but don't want to be trampled on, sworn at or whatever by all the others - I expect to start at about 7kms ph - should I try to get over to the left so everyone can pass - should I be over nice and get to the back of the 20000 and completely stuff my time??

Has anyone any idea what to do at the start - do you get there early and make camp - or what? Is it best to talk to as many people as possible and swap goal times to get into a reasonable order???

While not exactly fragile I have seen better days and want to do the best for myself as well as everybody else.

I have trained pretty well and don't want to end up with a day stuffed by getting in someone's way-

Hi David,welcome to the CR site and your first(?) Sydney City to Surf race which will be a wonderful experience for you I am sure.

In your case as a B group runner you will find a multitude of runners/walkers ahead of you all the way,since even if you progress through your own B group the best you can do is run up the back of some slower A2 runners you might catch.You need to concentrate your effort all the way on keeping out of trouble especially in the first 5Km or so.Most competitors try to be careful of other competitors over the first few Kms at least.
Don't try to be too gentlemanly about faster runners,best stick to your own running line and let them go around you as best they can.The crowd can be quite claustrophobic at times.
As far as the start is concerned,the warm up is irrelevant unless you are up the front of your group and are able to stay up there(as perhaps Clanrunner can) so I actually enjoy the longish wait(in my case 1-1.5hrs) in the crowd before the start,you meet some really interesting people.
So my advice would be to get into the mob in your group reasonably early before the start,don't forget to wear some throwaway gear to keep warm,go off steady and just enjoy the experience.  

[Super 40]

You have raised a very relevant question. I wonder myself about these things, so will look for responses/reactions from others.
1. If you need to warm-up (I need to) and stay relatively warm, then  you can not get in the queue till 30 min before start. PLUS, you will need a sacrificial set of clothes to keep warm for these 30 minutes.  PLUS, you will need to burn some calories while standing in increasingly crowded area.
2. If you start at back, typically you will loose about 1min per 2000 people ahead of you (It is my guess). So you clearly dont want to be at back and loose anything between 5-10 minutes.
3. There will be a few runners in B group who will run faster than 2 hours. But there will be more people in B group slower than 120 minutes (My guess). B group used to be first-come-best dressed (ie no seggregation based on time, I personally think, it is dumb, but C2S organisers will have their reasons). So you will be fine in terms of etiquette balance (read pushing versus pushed). Not too many people give way, you have weave around them (will give your legs a good working).
4. Best place to outrun walkers is obviously the hill and there are few in the first few km. The tunnels etc tends to be a bit of a problem due to overcrowding if you are at the back.

So what are my suggestions:
a) Warm-up/Stretch, keep additonal layer of clothes, get in the queue 45 minutes before start, try to get from side, be prepared to walk a little and run at varying speeds (especially hills).
Use the sidewalk etc to create more space for yourself (risk is twisted ankle).
c) Enjoy from 3km onwards.
d) Be little thickskinned both for people who will be walking in group blocking you and for people who may accidentally elbow you. It happens!
e) If you dont get your target of 120 minutes, there is next year (this race is not for meeting targets at all costs).
f) Have strengths in your legs from 11 km till 14km. It is downhill, you can run freely and end is close.

   All the best.

Edited by Super 40, 05 August 2006 - 12:32 PM.

[Luckylegs]

Welcome to CR Clanrunner & I hope you have a great fun day at the C2S!  I'm sure you'll love it.

I agree with everything Jim Beisty suggested especially: quote  : "Don't try to be too gentlemanly about faster runners." !!

Me?  I'm slow & I get quite a bit of elbowing, but I'm just as good at giving it back...should the occasion arise & of course I always say :"Sorry!"      LL

Edit: Worth mentioning I think, is to be aware & get out of the way as quickly as possible of those in wheel-chairs & others using baby jogging -strollers.  Even though they call our that they're coming through, sometimes it's difficult to move out of the way because of the crowd. Be aware!

Edited by Luckylegs, 05 August 2006 - 12:11 PM.

[wombatface]

I've never run from the 'B' group but I've heard that it's not easy. There is 'some delay' if you're back in the pack or lined up where you think runners of your own standard should be. If you start at the back, it could take 4 or 5 minutes to get to the start line. Then you have the problem of finding a spare bit of bitumen upon which to run.

The footpaths can be an option but you'll have to run between spectators (who are on the edge of the footpath) and the buildings. After 2k or so the runners will thin out slightly but you still may have to weave a bit/slow down to avoid running into the back of walkers. Running 'wide' on the corners through Edgecliffe and even up the hill can be quicker even though you're covering extra territory. The apexes of corners tend to get packed with runners.

It would be worth lining up in the front half of the pack. That way you'll only lose 2 or 3 minutes before you start. Don't worry about getting in someone's way. Try and relax and just maintain your position/pace for the first km or so. You might have to keep your arms out for balance and just to create a bit of personal space. Be ready to drag the odd kid back to his/her feet if they fall over in front of you but don't stop or you'll join them on the ground. Have fun!

[SpartaJen]

Welcome to CR. C2S is a 'unique' experience which I'm sure you'll love.

We started at the back of the "B" (HSBC) group last year. It took us almost 6 mins to cross the start line and it took several kms before the crowd opened up a bit & we were able to pick up the pace a bit. I wouldn't worry about "keeping left". Instead I'd suggest that you just keep a straight line - it's easier for the faster runners behind you to get past than if you are moving about trying to get out of peoples way. You may find one or two people running at the same pace as you but it will take a concerted effort to stick together - it's very easy to lose someone in the crowd, particularly when you get to a drinks stop.

Have fun & enjoy it. One other thing I'd say is (particularly when starting in the B group) is not to compare your time in the race to your pace in training or any other races. As I said, it's unique - it's not every day that you have to share the road with 60,000 other people. And don't forget to look back over your shoulder (carefully) when you get to the Coke sign at Kings Cross. It's an amazing sight!

[CoolwalkerDavid]

Hmmmm - I reckon reading between the lines that the start must be more like leaving the Olympic stadium stadium than running and catching a train

I forgot to mention I live out west and am a terribly bad early riser   so I will have to factor that in - I hadn't realised how sympathetic everyone would be for a 59 year old C2S virgin - but obviously that is unlikely to be the case at the start.

That is a fascinating point about those at the front not being warmed up and those who do warm up being at the back - I had assumed that if most of the 100 minute goal guys have already gone that there wouldn't be too many really fast starters and that they would try to be at the front  and of course that everybody would be taking it easy at the start but I suppose the adrenalin takes over after a fair wait.

Anyway thanks so far for all the insight you guys have given me and I welcome any more comments.

Also I have been training with full tracksuit bottoms and a pullover and scarf without too many problems to date over 14kms - do I have to sacrifice everything?? Are there many others who enjoy sweating it out? Or is it plain stupid?

And finally - is it true the course map is wrong because I followed it on a test run a couple of weeks ago - and if it is wrong how does the beginning of Military Road compare with that amazing little hill on the course map on the net please?

David

Edited by david newborn, 05 August 2006 - 10:21 PM.

[the_en4cer]

Running City to Surf is the same as driving on the Freeway - just maintain speed and position while being overtaken.

[Action]

david newborn, on Aug 5 2006, 10:11 PM, said:

Hmmmm - I reckon reading between the lines that the start must be more like leaving the Olympic stadium stadium than running and catching a train

good analogy - just like that!

Quote

I hadn't realised how sympathetic everyone would be for a 59 year old C2S virgin - but obviously that is unlikely to be the case at the start.

My Dad ran his first C2S at 60, this year will be his 19th... you have a long way to go yet!

Quote

Also I have been training with full tracksuit bottoms and a pullover and scarf without too many problems to date over 14kms - do I have to sacrifice everything?? Are there many others who enjoy sweating it out? Or is it plain stupid?

It always get warm in the later part of the race... and you have 50,000 of your closest friends sharing body warmth (and sweat) keeping you warm as well.  sacrifice a bit!  Perhaps a CR Cap is the go?

Quote

is it true the course map is wrong because I followed it on a test run a couple of weeks ago - and if it is wrong how does the beginning of Military Road compare with that amazing little hill on the course map on the net please?

The map is definitely wrong, as are the km markers on it.    Turn left 2 blocks earlier into Military Rd - just after the bowling greens.  That corner is a fraction over 9k.  Military Rd is still hilly there - no respite i am afraid.

Enjoy, chat, and savor the moment.  Whilst there are 50,000 making their way to Bondi, there are 5 million other Sydneysiders missing out!  That puts us in the top 1% of Sydneysiders!

[Super 40]

I have never felt cold towards the end of C2S. Therefore, you certainly would prefer not wearing too much then. If you are wearing too many clothes (you probably have to when you get there from West), you could leave them at the start (deposit them 1 hr before the start and pick them up at the finish). If you feel cold at that time, you could decide whether to sacrifice one top between then (1hr from start) and at start. You will NOT feel cold after the start.

Edited by Super 40, 06 August 2006 - 04:47 PM.

[CoolwalkerDavid]

Thanks again guys

I have just about come to grips with everything now - rather than trying to assimilate everything on the day

And I have several shirts my family would love me to sacrifice apparently

thanks again for your responses

david

[jennib]

my advice for starting in the B group would be to get there early so you are near the front.  I started in this group last year and was surprised by the number of people who walked from the start.  I overheard 2 ladies before the start saying that they had no intention of running the course but didn't like starting with the strollers so they entered the B group.  They were pretty close to the front of the pack and were standing in the middle of the road rather than at the side and had no qualms about starting off slow. Needless to say there was a lot of pushing and shoving near me as all the runners tried to run around these 2 ladies.

Best of luck on the day and have fun.

[miners]

Unless you've run the hills truly hard, and then decided to walk the last couple of kms in, you shouldn't ever get cold at the end of C2S.  However, immediately after you've finished the race don't make the common mistake and forget that it's still August.  Traditionally, the week after C2S is the time of year when many CRs seem to get sick.

Given the glorious sunshine that Sydney always puts on for this race and the delays experienced as you look for friends, gear bags, read the free Sunday paper etc... it's obvious that not too many people remember to rug up after the race.  Get to your gear bag quickly, and get something on as soon as you can (or preferably, go find a hot shower if you're canny enough).

Take it from those of us who put up with the whinging bed-ridden sooks here year after year in late August

[40-20]

The best advice has already been given...

...enjoy this unique event. You won't do you best time for 14km because there are simply too many people.

And look over your shoulder before you go into the tunnel. It'll put a smile on your face.

[Digger]

Is it worth starting and other thread about after the C2S, like this this old thread?

[Mummy]

This is my first C2S too, and I have a few questions:

I am intending to dump the clothes I have on at the start to keep warm in (not all of them   ) - am I just supposed to leave these on the floor where I stand and wait?

I entered the HSBC group because I hadn't done any C2S's before, or any other timed races to justify being put into any of the other groups.  I am now getting a bit worried about the number of walkers that there is likely to be in this group.  I did the S2S a few weeks back, do you think it is too late now to try to use my time for that to move into a different group?  I am still not going to be super fast, but want to make ago of it!

If I stay in the HSBC group, how long before the start would I need to get there to try to get a position near the front of the pack?

Thanks.

Edited by Mummy, 11 August 2006 - 03:34 PM.

[miners]

Mummy, on Aug 11 2006, 03:32 PM, said:

This is my first C2S too, and I have a couple of questions:

I am intending to dump the clothes I have on at the start to keep warm in (not all of them   ) - am I just supposed to leave these on the floor where I stand and wait?

I entered the HSBC group because I hadn't done any C2S's before, or any other timed races to justify being put into any of the other groups.  I am now getting a bit worried about the number of walkers that there is likely to be in this group.  I did the S2S a few weeks back, do you think it is too late now to try to use my time for that to move into a different group?

Thanks.

Yep - too late to change groups.  Close to 60,000 entries - they're not going to start trying to change bibs for the odd one or two now I'm afraid.  The organisers also conduct regular checks of bib colours in the last hour before the start as well, so it's not worth chancing an attempt at sneaking into another group either.  Don't worry - you'll have fun, and will likely find some clear space to run after 3-4 kms.  If you want to have your best opportunity of less walkers, get there early (

As for first-timers who have never experienced the fabled jumper-toss, you're in for a real treat.  Whatever you do, don't leave anything on the ground for runners behind you to trip over.  You'll discover with about 15 minutes to go what happens to everybody's jumpers from Aunt Edna

[Mummy]

miners, on Aug 11 2006, 03:38 PM, said:

Yep - too late to change groups.

I guessed it probably would be!

Quote

If you want to have your best opportunity of less walkers, get there early (

As for first-timers who have never experienced the fabled jumper-toss, you're in for a real treat.  Whatever you do, don't leave anything on the ground for runners behind you to trip over.  You'll discover with about 15 minutes to go what happens to everybody's jumpers from Aunt Edna

That sounds interesting!  Is there a fabled sunday newspaper-toss too then?

[CoolwalkerDavid]

Thanks everyone - I'm really surprised that my little request has been one of the most visited threads. I'm not game to say whether I am a slow runner or a reasonably fast walker but I did 3.07 the last time I tried 21 kms so am hoping to get there by 2.00 plus whatever time it takes to get to the start and everybody's comments have been so helpful. ( my number is 22530 so if you would like to say hi or swear if you spot me that would be great     ) -

Thanks Guys and have a great C2S

David