Well.....as I've run every STORMY until now, but will be away on family hols this year, I went out Sat Jy 29 and ran the whole course....the new 50mile/80km version.
Wendy very kindly saw me off at the start, met me for various aid supply and was thre, with Josh ringing the cow bell when I finished. I had company (witnesses!) all of the way....thanks to Jim, Imre, Sean, Jody and Dave.
It's a long way! It's more that 10 years since I've been on my feet this long.
I had a good enough day....but probably should have started even slower, even though i did not feel like I'd gone off to fast, I found myself overworking in the second half, even at a slow pace, and had to slow further. If you're doing this off of KK or regular marathon training, then.....start slow! My legs were fine. Not a hot day.
Overall, this is a fantastic course....it gets bettere very year and the new sections are fantastic...with a lot of new single track...some technical. Nearly all the new stuff is in the first half, so you are well over half way before you get to powerhouse for the first time! And the early hills are not steep so they do not feel like you are climbing.....but, take it easy.....conserve energy!!
I was expecting to do ~10 hrs.....my old (short!) course STORMy times were 6.58 to ~7.30 and my typical KK is 7.20-7.30.
I took 11h25 on Stormy 80......and I did not blow up....just slowed. It's not an easy course, but it is good.....I know I can do under 10hrs next year.
Good luck all.....I'll be raising a pint in an English pub as you sweat it out!
Wendy's doing a fantastic job in developing this race into a world class ultra...give her all your support and thanks.
cheers
PAUL
