Dark Mountains Mountain Marathon (with Tom Davies)
Brutal event! The map was smaller than normal and it was clear why after we picked up a few CPs. It was boggy, tussocky, heathery, peaty almost everywhere!
Results:
http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2018/MarmotDar...
We managed to clear the course (unlike last year) and finished 8th overall out of 20 starters. Only 10 cleared the course. The others were a combination of DNFs or DQs.
Weather:
Dry to start with clear skies and full moon
Mist dropped in about half way around soon followed by heavy rain and high winds.
Clothes:
Mudclaws - new pair (rubbed my heel spurs like crazy - wear tape next time)
Socks - Knee length Dexshell w/p socks
Tights - Windstopper
Thermal baselayer - HH l/s
Montane gilet
Montane bombproof coat
Buff
Gloves (started using them about half way round)
OMM w/p mitts (started using them when it started raining in the early hours of the morning)
Waterproof bottoms (ditto)
Synthetic fleece (not worn)
Hat (not worn)
Spare hat & gloves (not worn)
Kit:
As mandatory list
Tom carried his Terra Nova Laser Comp
I carried his pocket rocket, lighter, can and first aid
I used my Inov8 22L backpack with one 750ml bottle on front
I also used the toggle system for counting 100m paces which was only needs a few times.
I should consider getting a better plate compass for next event. I did the nav for about a third of the event (as Tom was a little woozy) but only used a thumb compass for this. Tom used his plate compass when it got misty.
Headtorch - Myo XP (white and orange one)
Altimeter - used this a lot
920XT - decided to leave this at home this time in case I got accused of using it as a navigational aid. Shane Ohly said that he'd allow people to carry them in black sealed bags in the future to enable logging of route and HR.
Route choice notes:
S>1:
1>2:
2>3:
3>4:
4>5:
5>6:
6>7:
7>8:
8>9:
9>10:
10>11:
11>12:
12>13:
13>14:
14>15:
15>16:
16>17:
17>18:
18>19:
19>20:
20>21:
21>F:
Thoroughly enjoyed racing with Tom Davies. Looking forward to doing more races with him.