| Archive for The Forum of Benfleet Running Club The online home for the best running club in Essex |
| mikey |
Benfleet Ultra ????I noticed on one of Mike M’s recent thread hijacking’s that he thought his proposal of a Benfleet Ultra race had been forgottenThis isn’t entirely true, as I have been giving it some thought. I’ve notice that our summer Leigh Station route ( 8,5 miles ), could be shortened to a 8 mile loop going round Benfleet station and back onto the downs again aka the Benfleet 15 route. So we could organize a race based around 8 mile multiples : 8m / 16m / 32m How about a night time Ultra …. Early in the year so that London Runners could use the shorter distances as part of their training Have a think about it Mikey |
| Karl C |
brillant idea....pre London training run and benfleet ultra run.
Mike I love you, and want to have your babies..... |
| Mike Mason |
Mikey, I almost forgive you for the crap about Benfleet Marshals....a night run would be very interesting and enjoyable.....especially if Godfrey was asleep.... 
rgds Mike ps Karl I think your praise may have been a tad too much...certainly unsettling..... |
| mikemoreton |
Ok guys,
As a newcomer to your club (caring club.....my A*se) I worry now about the caring about ones A*se. Next time, should i back in to the clube, reversing very carefully? MM, Still working on Tea in Hockley Woods. Also, point to mention............ I have a swimming pool 24' x 12' x 4' deep for any sucker, i mean person who wants to brave the 70f water. (it can be heated to 90f though  )
Best wishes to all, especially Ernie. good luck Mike Moreton |
| Karl C |
Sorry Mike, just got a bit excited as Mikey hasn't mentioned the duathlon once today...phew.
what about a very early morning run (instead of a night run) to see the sun coming up over southend seafront...start at say 3am....?? |
| mArKw |
The Benfleet 15 / Leigh station course is a bit too flat. Needs some hills to make it more interesting.
Can I design the course? 
Night racing? Yep OK. |
| mikey |
Glad there's some interest in the idea
Will need to get together, to turn this from a talking shop, it into a reality Can't do it now unfortunately, as I'm just starting on the Duathlon Handicapping Nothing like a deadline to motivate you .... Gun goes off ( Someone says go !! ) in 36 hours time |
| runningman |
 when is the club duathlon ??
|
| runningman |
The benfleet 50 does sound appealing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
|
| Lucycat |
Got to do an overnighter in some way for sure. Just far more fun running around with a torch on your head following mad little lights.
Not sure about hills, holes and slippy bits in the dark Mark. More fun but too much first aid involved. I think prizes for dogs too! Oh and whens the duathlon? |
| Steffan |
I'd be up for running in the dark, sounds better than being left in the dark!
What duathlon?
|
| mikemoreton |
whats a duathalon?
?? |
| Karl C |
...it's something you do at another club, and not at a running club |
| mikey |
Afraid you're all missed the duathlon this year
And you defiantly missed out on a fantastic, if slightly damp event Details of the 2008 event in 10 months time Mikey |
| runningman |
DAMN I MISSED IT !!!!
|
| mikey |
Back to the ultra route
I’ve run my calibrated piece of string over the leigh station route Running anti-clockwise – Using the slope up to the school lane entrance from the downs – Running down through the station car park to the ally way at the bottom– Running under the railway bridge back to the creek path Distance approx 7.6 miles This gives us 2 potential event centers Bottom of Station Car Park – Good for parking etc Floating Pub just before you go onto creak path – Potential power & all night drinking !! Think we should also have a check point at Leigh station, just to check runners though each half of the lap Like the idea of a midnight start – as its easy to remember !! If you want to see the sun coming up, you’re have to do the longer distances ! 15 , 30 , and 45 mile options maybe ? Not exactly sure how long an insane person takes to cover 45 miles, any idea’s More importantly what shall we call the event ? |
| Karl C |
Mikey, well done.
Glad this is now moving on a gear. Are we talking this year (late), early next year (feb) or can we maybe organise it for the summer this year aswell..??? Midnight start sounds good. |
| Steffan |
End of the month works for me! |
| Jez |
If we make it up to fifty miles we could call it the fleet of foot fifty.I ll do fifty, but would a ten pm start or slightly earlier as there could be some confusion over the exact date of the start time be better.Just a thought........and this summer is good for me |
| Steffan |
Quality name there Jez.
I'd have a go at 50 too. |
| Ernie |
It has to be at least 50 miles just to gain any respectablity these days . I suppose a fairly elite runner would be looking at 6 hours or so . If I was in any way fit shape (which I'm not and wont be) I would be "aiming" to break 7 1/2 but I am a dreamer.
I think we should and need to put this on as it Befits Benfleet as a great club. I think you need to give at least a few months notice . Why not in October as that is when the 54mile London to Brighton used to be held and might get some genuine interest from the many Ultra runners in this part of the world. I think a Midnight Start is a great idea with a Dawn finish so the competitors will get some applause at the end at least. Also it would be good if maybe a shorter 1/2 distance race was held at the same time. Why dont all those interested get together and work something out. Count me in for support at the very least. ps as for time/date confusion make the race start 1min past Midnight. pss if it is shorter than 26 miles then it is not an Ultra. |
| Stu |
Good idea gents.
To make this a suitable event to carry the proud Benfleet name and tradition and put it on the map, I think you should include castle hill (whatever way the route goes). The club doesn't really do flat races does it. Think of the cracking view of Gods golden isle as the sun appears and your on hill climb 50....truly inspiring :- ) |
| Karl C |
Great reply Ernie -
what do we need, ref: permission to organise a public race..Castle Hill will be on the Park area, so assume we need to advise/ask the warden..? Plus, how many people do you think would be interested..?? 100 - 500 - 50 ? It makes a big difference to the planning/organisation. |
| Ernie |
I would think even 50 competitors for in inaugural event such as this would be a good number to work on as what we want is to put on a quality race and a safe one that we can be proud of.
I am thinking of a race of at least 50 miles (ie 7 laps of Mikey's course of 7.6 miles - 53.2 miles ) and think that Marks comments of a few more hills needs serious consideration. I would like to see a few more hills put in the course (any ideas Mikey on this). It is an Ultra race so it needs to be hard ! I think what they did at the Moonlight Challenge early this year was good with glow sticks marking the course and competitors and with officials walking around the course in reverse helping to check on runners etc. For health and safety reasons there has to be a basic requirement for acceptance into this race such as sub 4hour Marathon, prior Ultra, Triathlon experience etc. The think the idea of using 2 major checkpoints ie (Floating Pub and Leigh Station Area) is a good one supplying hot drinks etc through the night. Lets talk about when ( I'll vote for September) . |
| mikey |
Lots of good feedback guy’s
Think we can incorporate the castle into the route … Running back along the downs from Leigh station, after coming down the slippery hill and crossing the style, we could then run up the long drag up to the castle, run behind the castle, then turn left and run down castle hill. The top of castle hill would also give us a good check point mid-way though the doggy downs section of the route. Like the idea of marshals sweeping the route in reverse during the night. Think we should put this all down on paper, so it can be talked though at the next committee meeting. Would also be a good idea to run it past Clive first, being an ex ultra runner, and having a lot of knowledge about permissions required to run our other races. |
| Stu |
The finish could be at the Castle which makes for a grand setting. Although parking is not quite as good as say Benfleet station, maybe with the help of the Sally Army both in terms of parking and a nice race HQ this is an option. A good charity/bit of PR too.
50 hills (i.e 5 on each 10m lap) would make it a good challenge for the runners. The downs has some nice ones to choose from. |
| Jez |
Young stuart, I do hope having proposed a quite sadistic route(50 hills)that one will be putting ones name down on the list as a runner.I think you may even curse the sight of gods great isle after a few hills 
|
| mikey |
Blimey Jez …… You aint arf posh !!! …. Aren’t one
Think you might be right though The challenge of 50 miles alone should be enough, 6 or 7 trips to the castle will give it a little extra zest. But think route finding, alone in the dark , especially after 40 odd miles, should be relatively easy. Therefore keeping to a straight forward (dare I say It… Fool Proof !! ) route should be the aim. |
| Steffan |
As long as captain has nothing to do with planning the route eh Mikey!! |
| mikemoreton |
Jez, I hope you are going to show these whippersnappers the way to do it |
| Lucycat |
One suggestion: one of the things I liked about the moonlit challenge and the 50 mile challenge was that you dont have to do 50 miles. They have certificates either for however far you get or at the 30 40 and 50 point or say 26.2; 30; 40 and 50. Obviously the winner should do 50 however, I do think as a first bash at a longer run 30 is more accessable and is only a few miles more than a marathon which most runners have a good crack at after a few inaugral months  .
I know its not totally in the realms of the ultimate ultra and all credit to you guys that do and can but I think for success and entries on an overall basis then increasing its appeal by allowing an earlier mile finish will help with marketing and entries. Fifty miles is a bloody long way especially if its your first ultra. Just a thought. |
| runningman |
Lucy, very good point ! but could you have not made it until Karl had done his first 50 MILER in July ! as were still trying to convince him ' its only a few more miles than a marathon ' .......
gaza... |
| Karl C |
|
| Mike Mason |
Original idea was for a 50km (ie 2 laps of the Benfleet 15 with change). This gives opportunity to attract runners new to Ultras with a recognised ultra distance. Also, there are few recognised ultras in Essex and around the counties at that time of year.
If we ran on benfleet 15 day this could kick off much earlier than the 15 miler but could be timed to allow the fast runners to finish at same time as fast 15 milers............. My vote is stay with a manageable and attractive distance - we can always move from 50Km to 50 to 100 miles in the future. The logistics of sorting a 50km race much simpler than 50+ miles methinks. Rgds Mike |
| mikey |
Mike
One of the reasons that the original idea didn’t get off the ground was because of it being tacked onto the Benfleet 15 Problems being : B15 route is very marshal intensive ( 50+ ), although the ultra runners wouldn’t need quite so many, we would have felt obliged to man water stations etc. Although starting early, with the aim of finishing at the same time as the main race works in principle. In practice we would have the slower ultra runners behind the main field. Leading to confusion, regarding when to break down the course, which is usually done straight after the B15 sweeper comes though. Any slower ultra runners would also lead to keeping the finish open longer Also feel that running both races at the same time would actually detract from both of them. Much better to have 2 separate races, both with their own distinct characters, and of course giving the opportunity to enter both ( assuming you’re not a benfleet member, and required to marshal the B15 !! ) Hence the Creek road / downs loop idea Which is much a much tighter route, and so easier to marshal. Having shorter loops gives the opportunity for different race lengths as originally suggested, and highlighted by Lucy. Think that your idea of starting with a 50k race is a good one, (with the option of increasing the distance over future years). Looking back at the Grizzly race, it only started off as a 10 miler, and now is 20+, seems a very sensible way to develop to me. Also think we should have shorter options 50k (31 miles) would be 4 loops, so could easily have a 16 mile 2 loop option, or we could have cert’s for each full loop completed ? What do you think ? By the way, don’t think we’ve come up with an outstanding name yet |
| Karl C |
what about
"The F+*king Fleet Fifty" |
| mikey |
Nice try .......... But no cigar !!!!!!! |
| Karl C |
thanks, I don't smoke anyway so no harm done.
What about the Benfleet Ultra Marathon (B.U.M) |
| mikey |
BUMMER would be better !!
Any thoughts ? Or how about the ……… “Midnight Madness 50” |
| mikey |
Benfleet
Ultra Midnight Madness E_??? Race or Just BUMM'R |
| Jez |
Endurance,would go in your bummer, so to speak Mike.. |
| Karl C |
Benfleet
Ultra Moonlight Madness Endurance Challenge damn, nearly got there..... |
| mikey |
As always Karl
Close ....... but just not quick enough Can anyone beat the BUMMER of all Ultra runs ? .. Could always change Race to Run Benfleet Ultra Midnight Madness Endurance Run |
| Karl C |
what about
the 3 f'ing ultra: Fleet Four Hills Fifty K |
| mikey |
As you say .....
Good job you don't smoke !! |
| mikey |
Come on
Surly there’s someone out there with half a brain ( Ultra Runners need not apply ), that can think up a decent name ? Need something catchy, to generate a buzz in Ultra running circles !! |
| Karl C |
Being, as I am at the moment, a non-ultra runner, But still with only half a brain....
the Benfleet 15 is a great success. Therefore, surely the Benfleet 30 is the easy, simple answer. |
| mikey |
At Last ........ A half brainer
Best effort so far Karl .... Obviously not much competition yet !! ... But could be in with a shout |
| Karl C |
Mike, talk me through the route again and I will map it online.
Where is the start going to be. benfleet Stn carpark, school lane ? up thro school lane onto the Downs. Along the bottom of the downs aka benfleet 15 course, but going up Castle Hill ? then i get a bit lost, you won't come out at leigh Stn doing that hill surely. So, ignore castle hill. Along the downs to Leigh stn, Gravel path, canvey sea wall (floating pub - not sure of the name) onto Benfleet Stn, under the arch and up to school lane entrance again...??? Not sure of the mileage yet, but using Stn Carpark as a base sounds good. Checkpoints school lane, floating pub sound good. As Ernie says, if it's a challenge it needs to go thro 30 miles, and have the option for peeps to do 40 miles and 50 miles...??? |
| mikey |
Ok Karl
Going in a Clockwise direction Start Top Benfleet Car Park School Lane onto Downs Diagonally down to bottom of downs (B15) Bottom of Castle Hill Up Castle Hill ( as per club runs ) Over stile at top of hill Then TR straight away (5m max from stile)…. Path runs behind Castle Follow path down long slope heading east, to 1st stile we cross when running leigh station run (after running past castle hill). Run round field edge (B15) Up slippery slope TR run along top edge – then down into field by station (B15) Round Station Stay on road to Golf Driving Range TR onto gravel track back to Benfleet Run round station – Under Bridge (B15) TR into footpath bottom of station car park Run up car park back to finish top of car park / school lane Check points : Start / Finish ( School lane / Top of Car Park ) Top of Castle Hill Leigh Station Floating Pub end of creak road (maybe) |
| Ernie |
I would like it to be called the "BENFLEET 100"
Stop this talk about 16 miles,30miles etc. These races are fine and I'm not against them but if you want to put on a decent Ultra then make it so. Obviously if you want big numbers then shorter races are the way to go. But this is not what Ultras are supposed to be about. They are supposed to be about a test of endurance with quite a few failures ,pain,frustration, taking onself to the limit & over it etc etc True Ultra runners like it to be tough and not a namby pamby stroll around the countyside which I feel this will probably turn out to be. Ultras aren't for the majority of runners, so there..... |
| runningman |
 SO THERE
|
| mArKw |
Could we call it the
Benfleet Extra Long Challenge Hike with a party at the end Post Ultra Knocking-it-back Event |
| mArKw |
I think for a first crack of setting this event, we should make it tough but also keep it tight. The course Mikey has suggested, fits the bill, and also keeps some access routes available in case we need to get people off the course if anything bad happens.
I would suggest that we also limit the number of runners for the first couple of events. If we get a successful event, then word will spread, hopefully getting a good reputation and increasing the demand. Keep demand ahead of supply so to speak. Also I think for the first event, we so only accept runners with Ultra or long distance experience. Not so much to be elitist, but to ensure that runners will finish in the time they say they will finish. The following year we can open it up. Mark |
| Lucycat |
The Benfleet Midnight //ty
I understand Ernie but wed like to run too and we aint that tough yet! or the Benfleet Starlight ??ty or the Benfleet Moonlight ???ty Or the Benfleet Nightime ???ty Baggsey design the T shirts! |
| mikey |
Ok Lucy
As long as they’re not to Girlie…… Marshals might have to wear them too ! |
| mikemoreton |
I had though of the
Benfleet Ultra Grim Gruelling Endurance Race, but think that the name wouldnt be fitting for a caring club such as this one. Just a thought |
| Karl C |
The B.U.G.G.E.R 50
Wins my vote MM2 |
| Lucycat |
Nah theyll be cool.
This frees me up to take the dog for a nightime stroll! |
| mikemoreton |
Karl,
Many thanks for your support on the B.U.G.G.E.R.50. Looks like i have found my vocation? But I cant imagine the press reports: Man Bu**ered on the Benfleet B*gger50 (do i need to mention the caring club, my arse bit now?) or is that a touchy subject? Also, Like the name MM2, kind catchy.........watch out for the slow man wearing blue on Sunday.......I need help............ Mental or otherwise |
| Karl C |
Can I suggest (volunteer) to take our group out on the loop course Sunday 17th June 8am start - there are no races to speak of.
We can get an actual milage from GPS and also confirm the check points look good and useable...?? Mikey, have you approached the subject with any fellow committe members for feedback ?? |
| Ernie |
I suppose its possible to do a 50 and a 30 miler at the same time which would give newcomers an introduction to Ultras.
The problem with the 30 miler starting at Midnight is that the leading runners will be finishing around 3.30 am. Starting the 30 miler later in the night is another option but weird to say the least although this may appeal to the Sat night party crowd . Any other ideas ! |
| mikey |
Karl
Have mentioned this thread to Clive, and asked him for his comments Hasn't come back to me yet but will mention again at club tomorrow I'm emailing you a Google Earth version of the route, including Castle Hill. This measures up at 7,83 Miles, but should be slightly longer using GSP Unfortunately I'm doing the UK Half Ironman that day so can't join you !! |
| runningman |
Is that a duathlon ? |
| Karl C |
Mike has patiently plotted the propsed route......
go to http://www.realbuzz.com/flmroutes/map.php and search for SS2 in the search box in the middle of the screen. then it's benfleet Ultra Route.... You can then zoom in and out. ------------------------------------------ The static pic is below. 
|
| Mike Mason |
My God - the modern technology. Whatever happened to the back of a fag packet and some wet string??
Oops just remembered that's what Ernie and I actually use! rgds Mike nice to see the Ultra slowly coming to a fruition in the great traditions of this 'caring club - my arse' which we need emblazoned on our shorts.... ps did you like my London Olympics logo....a churlish public! |
| jacklarge |
Karl,
Can I join you for a lap (I take it it'll be about 8 miles?) on Sunday if so where are you meeting? This doesn't mean I'm going to take on an Ultra (don't want to get my picture in the Echo). Cheers, John. |
| Karl C |
reporting back from the field(s)
We did the Downs loop yesterday- Start Top Benfleet Car Park School Lane onto Downs Diagonally down to bottom of downs (B15) Bottom of Castle Hill Up Castle Hill ( as per club runs ) Over stile at top of hill Then TR straight away (5m max from stile)…. Path runs behind Castle Follow path down long slope heading east, to 1st stile we cross when running leigh station run (after running past castle hill). Run round field edge (B15) Up slippery slope TR run along top edge – then down into field by station (B15) Round Leigh Station then back along the bottom of the downs all the way, under Benfleet Station and up Castle Road (?) back to the car park. This was an out and back run, which didn't take in the gravel track (canvey sea wall) bit, as we felt that was too similar to the Benfleet15 course. That was 7.5 miles, which is a nice 4 mile loop for peeps wanting to do their first 30 mile ultra, and then a full 7 loops for 52.5 miles. We thought of adding 2.5 miles onto it to make it a round 10 mile loop by possibly going on through Leigh Station into Old Leigh for 1.25 miles. A checkpoint in Old Leigh (by the toilets) could also be helpful ?? The course was quite dry (considering the weather we have had) and a nice pleasant Sunday run course. We are thinking of doing it later on in the year (in the dark) to see what it would be like using headtorches, glow sticks and the burning cars of Leigh |
| Pat M |
Just read through this idea regarding the ultra. If you go for a longer run in the future, say 100 miles, perhaps you could add Canvey Island as part of the course. You're on the Downs anyway so it's just a trip over the bridge and round the Island. This brings you back to your start point, the bridge, back across and onto the Downs again. This adds approx 12 to 13 miles to the course and you could incorparate as many loops as you wished, doing away with so many repetitions over the Downs. I know Canvey is flat but the gravel, concrete and mud terrain round the Island is tough going, and the bonus of having a wall to follow simplifies the course and does away with the need for many marshals. A longer race I imagine would take us into daylight and you would get some great views of Benfleet Downs from the Island perspective. For snap happy runners this would be ideal. Come on Steff give me some back up here and lets get Canvey on the map. I might even train for this one myself. |
| Stevie |
Pat - I think that has to be your first sensible post on the forum, until I read the fact that you said you might even train for the event yourself - lol
But seriously good idea, would make sense to use Canvey like you said pat, you can’t really go wrong following a wall around the island and does add a few miles on to the course 
|
| Pat M |
I'm glad you didn't take me seriously about training for it myself, Steve. lol. Although I have to say I have started riding to the KFC for my bargain bucket instead of driving, and have fooled with the idea of going back to the gym. When weather gets better will start cycling to work. When I say better I mean no wind. lol. Where's Mike Jordan? aka Mikey? Does he still live? Oh and helloooo to Godfrey. I hear you have started your own sport of Kombat Running and are currently perfecting the art of falling, rolling and coming up in full stride.
TTFF. |
| Stevie |
Glad to hear you're still on the KFC mate - lol
Are you sure you ever went to the gym ?, i think it was just a myth. |
| Pat M |
I got the certificate to prove it, Steve. One mile in under six minutes on the rower, and that was without any training. lol. I'm gonna upload it and post it. lol. |
| Stevie |
lol, i hate those machines, I have been using the rowers quite abit recently usually just do 3000 meters, dont do it by time
|
| Karl C |
ahem, back on thread please guys....
"off at a tangent comes to mind....." |
| Pat M |
Steve, I told you not to go off topic. And no, I don't think it's a good idea to post a joke in the 'wedsite, comments and suggestions' thread. lol.
Mike J, what's happening about the 'ultra'? I've taken a sensus and it seems the majority of the membership want a Canvey loop added into the run. A suggested name for the event was the 'CANVEY ISLAND/benfleet Ultra. Please advise. |
| mikemoreton |
Canvey
Ultra Right Royal Yomp CURRY!!! |
| Charman |
Benfleet ultra runWell I know something about ultra distance running but i am new to this forum lark so I hope this works. I was asked to have a look at what you are all rambling on about.Well I think Ernie is right the distance has got to be 50 miles otherwise it is not worth going to all the trouble of organising it. All everone has talked about so far has been the course and the distance and of course the NAME. Now you may think I am an old F*rt but can I introduce some practical points. 1) it needs to be run under the umbrella of a national body to get insurance cover. i.e U.K Athletics, Trail Running Assoc, LWA etc. This would then entail Risk assessments which could be interesting given the terrain and darkness. 2) Medical cover- be silly not to have it - but I cannot see St.John turning out all night. 3)you will need quite a few helpers to man the course and prepare food. all ultra runners eat lots of food to keep them going. need people to make the Jam Sanwiches. you can't have an ultra without jam sandwiches. 4) We used 83 members last Benfleet 15 to marshall the race (end January). No way could we handle an ultra as well. We turn out 40 or more runners and spectators for each cross country 5 times from november thro february. march thro April is taken up with the london so I would think with all the planning that has got to be done the very earliest we could hope to hold the race is during May2008 and if it takes as long to sort things as it has to come up with a name then I might suggest may 2009 is more likely. I am not trying to be negative but just pointing out there is a lot of work to be done. I think it is a great idea and the thing to do is to get together, hold a meeting to sort out the basis of the race and spread the work load among those interested. then get on with it. when we get down to sorting it out there are a few more items I would bring up but it is enough to be going on with. cheers Charman |
| Mike Mason |
All sound points from the Chairman.
Option 1 - the night 50 mile ultra Insurance cover and risk assessment key For 50 miles - minimise checkpoints - can't remember the course design but figure of 8 or similar would help Could be sold as a bring yr own gels ultra and cut the crappy jam sandwiches Option 2 - the 50km ultra incorporated into the B15 Insurance and risk covered? Again, minimal checkpoints incorporated into the B15 ones Race starts x hours before main race but timed to have fastest runners finish with fastest B15's? Minimal logistics/organisation compared to option 1 Attracts wider number of runners - those starting at first recognised ultra distance I will of course offer my services in creating the route maps....
rgds Mike |
| Ernie |
Great to see Chairman putting some input into this.
We sorely need as many "Old Farts" as possible involved in this before the whole concept of a "Benfleet Ultra" slides off the rails. It has been discussed (not in forum) of a night Ultra in May/June 2008 as the weather is milder for a night run as well as well as the shorter nights would make it just that little bit more manageable/safer. But I'll support any Ultra that Benfleet Running Club decides on as long as it is in the spirit of Ultra Running ie Seriously hard and Demanding. |
| runningman |
EXACTLY !
|
| Pat M |
So you're in favour of the Canvey loop then, Ernie? lol. I hear MM1's idea of a 'seriously demanding' ultra is no cake at the end. It was just a rumour. |
| Mike Mason |
Pat, sod off this post and get yourself down to the Muldoons Island topic. We are all waiting with tripidation..........avast there ye landlubber.etc etc etc
rgds Mike |
| Mike Mason |
or even trepidation.......... |
| Pat M |
I'm mystified why no one is taking the Canvey Loop seriously? I suppose if you're only going for a namby pamby (Did i spell that right?) fifty miler that any self respecting ultra runner would only use as a warm up then I suppose a Canvey Loop is not required. It's obviously my mistake, i thought i read you wanted a 'challenging and demanding' run? But what do I know about ultra running except fifty miles doesn't sound so ultra. I'm going to retire to Muldoon's Island and contemplate the snobbery of the 'caring club.......my arse'. |
| Ernie |
Yes Pat I have thought about the Canvey Loop and for sure on paper it seems like a good idea.
My only concerns are the extra Marshalls that would be required & tired Ultra Runners crossing busy roads at day/night but if those issues were addressed then I'm for it. I do agree with you about a 50 miler being not so much of an Ultra but nothing has been decided yet so it could end up a race of far Greater Distance. I still like the idea of the "Benfleet 100" but I feel very much in the minority with this one. I would call a 50 miler a good introductory race for Prospective Ultra Runners . |
| Pat M |
Thanks for the comments, Ernie. As I believe it was your idea it's nice to know you see the potential.
There's only one road and that's by the bridge, so one marshal there, and maybe a few others on the wall. (Near pubs would get you plenty of volunteers!) I thought an objection might be Canvey is flat and easy running but you could incorporate some of Canvey's natural features. Believe it or not Canvey does have a shingle beach, and runners could be directed to run on this for a couple of miles by a marshal at either end (As long as tide tables are observed I don't see anybody being washed out to sea.). The shingle isn't so deep you'd sink into it but would definitely be tough going. There's also the tide pools which could be compulsory to wade through. Two or three of these i think, making it more of an event than just another run. Anyway, i'm going to stop going on about the merits of using Canvey and leave it to the experts. Note to myself: I must have a thing about Islands. |
| Pat M |
A final thought. I nearly forgot. Couldn't a dual run be organized? A Benfleet 50/100 Ultra, where runners doing the 100 would peel off and do the Canvey loop, returning to the Downs again. The '100' runners would wear different colour numbers to distinguish them from the namby pambies?
That's all folks! |
| Ernie |
Pat- What was my idea ?
The Benfleet Ultra was Mike Mason's (although I suspect others had thought about it as well) I'm only a minor player in all this. |
| Karl C |
Pat, my only problem with the Canvey loop suggested is how we control the low-life reprobates who inhabit said island - no offence.
And yes, it was Ernie's idea all along....how about a Hockley loop ? |
| Karl C |
Speaking to Mike (yes, another one) at the 50milechallenge - he takes seperate insurace cover for his events-
http://www.events-insurance.co.uk I have just done a quick online Insurance Quote - using the info I have Please Note - This quotation is purely an indication and cannot be guaranteed until we have recieved and screened your application. Your premium breakdown Section 1 Level Cover Selected Premium Public Liability Cover 1 Up to 100 people attdening £55.00 Total Premium £55.00 for £1M to cover the event........... |
| mArKw |
Just over a pound a mile. Not bad value.
Does it go up for runners who have no sense of direction and may run further than they should? Mark |
| Karl C |
probably, but we won't let Mike Mason run.... |
| mikemoreton |
MM1 is welcome to come to MM2 and we can scoff all the biscuits
(If he can find his way here) |
| mikemoreton |
Pat M,
May i ask what races you have done that justifies you calling a 50 mile run, a run for namby pamby's? I've 'only' done 1 marathon, and i think thats far enough. Any further, then i have respect for anyone who completes it No offence MM2 |
| Mike Mason |
I will be with MM2 scoffing.... |
| mikemoreton |
MM1
LIKE IT!!! I knew the club had a caring member...so to speak MM2 |
| Pat M |
MM2, i'd like you to know that I am now back in training and two weeks ago at Waterside Farm I ran 800metres without stopping. I have witnesses to prove this. So in light of this, I suppose, that will be three round your house for biscuits. lol.
As for Karl, (I told you there was snobbery at the club!) the risk of being beaten up by yobs on the Island is no greater than being beaten up by yuppies in Hockley, Rayleigh. And certainly no greater a risk that falling over in the dark on the Downs, rolling down a hill onto the railway tracks and being squished by a train. P.S. If Canvey loop is included Stevie D says he'll pay the insurance with the change from his shin splint book. |
| Karl C |
Pat - I only meant that we had a better chance of not getting beaten to a pulp was if we kept away from dunken/saturday night/essex man completley - whether they be on Canvey, Hockley or Rayleigh.
I fancy my chances with the "beast of Hadleigh Downs" myself... |
| mikemoreton |
congrats on your 800m non stop effort Pat M. I am so jealous you have done so much after 2 weeks. Reminds me of last September when i managed to do my first 1 minute jog non stop. The first time i had ever run since leaving school 30 years ago.
Biscuits for 3 it is then. Any more? LOL |