The West Highland Way Race
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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 22) |
| Author | Comment |
Brian Mc
 Apr 6, 08 - 11:15 AM |
To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
It has occurred to me that this years race has a slightly different, more competitive feel to it. Maybe its just me feeling this but I reckon there's a decent debate to be had about the extent to which competition is a good thing for the WHWR, and more generally for ultras. Many folk enter ultras for personal reasons - to see if they (as an individual) can do some distance. This is true of all running but I think particularly true of ultras. Then there is the 'legendary' (well at least written about) camaraderie between ultra runners who prefer to speak and coach each other along mid race than out-tactic and out-run. Against this kind of ethos and spirit how should competition enter the fray? |
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John Kynaston
Apr 6th, 2008 - 1:35 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
This has been on my mind today following some comments on my blog. As far as this year's race having a more competitive edge to it I'm not sure. I suppose this feeling comes from a number of people who have been doing training runs together and writing them up on blogs. But I can assure you there is a real sense of encouragement on these runs. Yes we are all running at slightly different paces and will finish in a variety of times but everyone is so supportive and willing to share ideas and tips with everyone else. I really look forward to training with everyone and it is one of the things I love about this race. What motivates me in the whw race is my time. Full stop. Everything else is a bonus or an extra. Last year I set myself the gold medal target of a sub 23 hr time. I really struggled over the last 20miles and I lost about 10 places from Kingshouse. Donald, my support runner, was concerned for me as each one went past that I would be feeling bad but it didn't bother me. I knew if I kept going I could still beat 23hrs (which I did:-)) and that was what kept me going - not what place I would finish or who I would beat. So having said that time is my motivation I love the fact that there are others who will be aiming for similar times to me and it is fun to see if I can finish in front of them. From our training runs I know that Thomas and Marco will be having a private battle and I'm not involved in that one! But there are others (whw runner, Davie, Neal to mention 3) who will be around my time and I know we all want each other to have a great race but I also we all want to beat the each other! It's great and it all adds to what makes this such a great race. I assume there are little battles going on throughout the field - we need something to keep us going through 95 miles. So bring it on - firstly I want to achieve my gold medal time for this year - sub 22hrs but I would 'luv it' (to mimic Kevin Keegan) if I could finish ahead of whwrunner, Davie and Neal to mention 3). John |
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Ian
Apr 6th, 2008 - 1:50 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Fair comments John, and pretty similar to my own thoughts. As a competitive animal I like to finish as high up the field as possible, but the main thing for all of us is finishing and achieving our own targets. There has been a debate on another thread about whether the training runs so far have been too competitive. As I've said previously these have been too fast for me, at least at this stage of my training, but I don't think that detracts from the cameraderie between those taking part, nor the willingness of everyone to share their knowledge and experiences. At the end of the day it is supposed to be fun. We all choose to take part, presumably because we enjoy the challenge. If it ever stops being fun then it's probably time to give up. |
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Phil Robertson
Apr 6th, 2008 - 1:51 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Interesting thread... For me, the motivation is pure and simple - to finish. That's not to say that I'm not competetive - I am! This is a personal battle for me and I couldn't care less who comes in front of me or behind me. That's not to say that I don't think competition is a healthy thing. Maybe if I come back for more next year I'll think differently, who knows? But for this year, my motivation is just to get the job done. |
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Brian Mc
Apr 7th, 2008 - 12:13 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Yes I basically agree (so maybe there's not much debate here after all, just some thoughts to surface). For me too Phil, the aim is to finish. My gold standard time is sub-24hrs. I suppose, like other races, I'll be spurred on by the competitive streak we all have to catch up with the fella or lady in front, particularly if we recognise them, but this won't be the main driver. The clock and my pride will be. |
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Drama Queen
Apr 7th, 2008 - 12:55 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
For me the WHWR is two races. There is the long run to Lundavra, where I will be happy if I get there earlier than I did last year, and there is the race from Lundavra to Fort Bill where you had better get out of my way. Saying that though the Ultra Runners Code still takes priority. I stopped to check Ellen Thomson was ok this year while in this stage. Her usual 'Go to bed' eyes had turned into startled Deer eyes upon hitting 'The Wall'. Hitting 'The Wall' at about 40 mph by the look of her. WHWR is a battle between me and the clock. I want to help as many people as possible give the clock a right good kicking. So long as Tim Downie is eating my dust at the end of the race I am happy to finish quickier than the year before and I am genuinely pleased to hear of other runners setting good times. |
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Tim
Apr 7th, 2008 - 5:03 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Ah DQ, I was agreeing with your every word, right up until your flight of fantacy about me eating your dust.  Like you, my goal is a simple one, to beat the clock - and to utterly humilate you.  Of course, I'm not singling you out, I also plan to beat John Ky, Ian, Neal, Brain, Thomas, Marco, Jez, Ellen, Debbie, in fact, pretty much the whole start list. This might not be entirely realistic however. If I was absolutely forced to choose between the two goals though, it would have to be beating the clock. |
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Debbie C
Apr 8th, 2008 - 12:02 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
DQ IF you want to beat Tim you may have to actually run up some of those "hills"
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Drama Queen
Apr 8th, 2008 - 1:26 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Deb-o. Where have you been Dear Girl? You have to remember Debs that it is Tim we are talking about and he is going to tire after carrying that flab for 70 miles or so. Then my well honed and and svelt like physique will pay dividends. |
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Tim
Apr 8th, 2008 - 4:25 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Oh dear, DQ's gone quite mad. Before you know it, he'll be muttering about some injury or other that he's suffering with (split ends or similar) and offering that as an excuse when I beat him. Either that, or he's hatching some dastardly plan to "take me out" somewhere along the course (sniper with telescopic sights, muggers disguised as a camera crew, poisoned Mars Bar etc.) |
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Debbie C
Apr 8th, 2008 - 4:26 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Well honed and svelt like figure- How long have I been away from running??????So much has changed -actually from reading your posts maybe not that much  Not running now due to illness but will be back to marshall at Fling for starters |
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Keith Hughes
Apr 8th, 2008 - 7:13 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Getting back onto the subject again, I am of the race against the clock not anyone else school. That said getting passed inside the last 1/2 mile last year was a bit of a bummer, but as I hit my "gold time" I was not that bothered... This year I am not racing at all, given that I will be at the back, which brings a whole different perspective on the 'race' . It is a different head place to be in to "just finish" than it is to hit a certain time. I will be aiming to get across the line with the last person, but inside 35 hrs. I will not be competing against anything except hills, rocks, fatigue, midges and of course the clock. Finish I will, and my prize will be the same as all those other people who do the same ! So I guess a side question is "When is the last point that you go past someone ?" Is it the carpark of the leisure centre ? If you are in 2nd place then I would reckon it is the front door, but what if you have been on the road for 28 hrs 42 mins, or maybe even 28hrs 59 mins 53 seconds. Why should you not go past - do you stop and wait ?? Competition is good, it keeps us all going, even at the back of the field... |
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Drama Queen
Apr 8th, 2008 - 8:05 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
I would never use a torn glute and Piriformis as an excuse Tim. I know that I can only do my best and, the good Lord willing, I will make it to the end. It would be unfair of me to say anything about losing 4 - 5 weeks training. It will still be a major accomplishment for you if you can beat me :-> What has been the problem Deb? How much have you missed me? |
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Tim
Apr 8th, 2008 - 8:53 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
See? See? He's got his excuses all ready! Only joking of course DQ. Really sorry to hear about your injury. Been there, done that etc. etc.. Bummer of a time for it to happen. Fingers crossed you're okay to start. After that, anything's a bonus. If you can't make it to the start, hopefully see you marshalling up at Lundavra. It's the place to be on Saturday night! Trouble is, who am I going to be pointlessly competitive with now?
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Drama Queen
Apr 8th, 2008 - 2:01 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
I am just saying Tim, if you feel better taunting someone with only one functioning buttock, if that makes you feel better then please just go ahead. I will just turn the other cheek. The other cheek. Cheek! Buttock! Oh, forget it. |
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Dario Melaragni
Apr 8th, 2008 - 2:07 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
cant resist DQ cant even call you an arse! cos your just a half arse! ......... |
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Tim
Apr 8th, 2008 - 3:10 PM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Dario, that's where he keeps his wit, don't ya know? Explains why he's only, um, half way there. |
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Brian Mc
Apr 9th, 2008 - 2:25 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
Without being cheeky (boom boom), how did you get piriformis / buttock problems? And what is the treatment? My physio has been working on my right buttock / ham since the 07 race as it is weaker than the left - it often tightens up after runs (not painfully tho) and is prone to injury (i.e. overloads more easily than the left side). I've has this problem for years. He hasn't diagnosed it as piriformis syndrome - just me having a weaker right side than left. However my symptoms sound quite a lot like these: http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/piriformis-syndrome.php (sorry tim I've forgotten the syntax for hyperlinking) |
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George Reid
Apr 9th, 2008 - 6:02 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
We should start the sore arse thread. I did for my Piriformis back in October. It only hurts when going fast, or up hill, Ho Hum. |
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Mike Mason
Apr 9th, 2008 - 10:53 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
me also - Piriformis and medial glute. Stretching and trigger point release at PT. Now seeing Chiro who is adjusting a pelvis tilt....... |
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Drama Queen
Apr 10th, 2008 - 7:40 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
My physio is saying that is a common compliant for elite athletes. Only kidding. It is common in runners. He says it usually results from a sudden change in training. As Dave said it should only cause problems if you push it or go up (sometimes down) so long as you don't over do it. Of course, I didn't listen. This muscle is used to control the rotation of your leg and to hold the hip in place a little. So, a tightness (or pain) across your buttock should be relieved by taking it easy for a bit and doing some light stretching of this particular muscle. If you tear the glute however, you to sit on your ar$e for four weeks waiting for it to heal before you start doing anything else. |
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iainr
May 16th, 2008 - 2:35 AM |
Re: To what extent is competition a good thing for the WHWR?
I think there can be a mix between camaraderie and competition. One doesn't preclude the other. I run for a large club and a really great group of mates in this club and neighbouring clubs, and there's a definate 'edge' in the races, nothing malicuous, a sort of sibling rivalry I had with my brother growing up (well not that bad we'd belt the hell out of each other with squash rackets over arguments about if the ball hit the line :-)). But there's certainly a lot of banter and that just makes it more fun. We all have our different strengths so beat each other a few times. But we still recce routes together, call each other back if we go wrong, talk to each other in races, advise etc. When people train together you naturally get competitive, I don't think that has to detract from the camaraderie. In longer ultra's you have to run your own race, I think you can 'race' up to maybe 50 miles, but in things like the WHW you have to be stricter, well I do. Overcooking it for a few miles is just far more harmful than it is in a shorter race. In last weeks Great Lakeland 3 Day Event, 100 miler mountain marathon style event, a sort of non-competitive yet competitive event, I was always saying to myself 'run your own race' to stop me racing individuals, whenever I over took someone or someone passed me. A few of us ran together for sections but when in sight of the finish we'd all start striding out and going for it. In a perfect world in tommorrows British Championship fell race our club will fill the top 5, with me first. In reality we'll be lucky to be in the top 50 :-). I want them all to do as well as possible but I also want to beat them, but I'd want to beat them with us all running the best race possible and I'd do what I could to help them along. But the WHWR uses the word race for a reason, I still class it as a race. OK time is increasingly important in longer events, I'd rather run 18hrs and come 50th than 22hrs and 3rd, but I'd also rather finish in front of those 5 people insight in front of me. |
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