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Dunstable Downs 20m

2 watchers

BigChiefRunningBore Aug 2013 10:44am, 6 Aug 2013 19,421 posts	Quote Pin BigChiefRunningBore I'm thinking of doing this to keep the marathon training mixed up. however, I have heard odd things about it and note you get email directions but no route markings. TBH I don't want to be dicking about at the corner of field trying to work out if I am lost. That counts as fun for some but not me. Honest views please about this race. (keep your honest views about me to yourself).
Frobester Aug 2013 11:05am, 6 Aug 2013 23,360 posts	Quote Pin Frobester It's Self-Navigating. if you're not prepared to have your wits about you and navigate, I'd suggest you don't do it. A few of my clubmates have done it and ended up lost - you get points of interest to get to, but you need a map at the very least. I'm thinking about doing it, but if you're happy with all you've heard so far, don't let that put you off...
Funky Chicken Aug 2013 12:13pm, 6 Aug 2013 150 posts	Quote Pin Funky Chicken When do they give you the instructions? - if it's on the day, I guess this suggestion isn't much help, but if it's beforehand, could you map it out on Fetch Routes and upload the route to your Garmin? I make this suggestion safe in the knowledge that I won't be running the race and putting it to the test.
Naomi P Aug 2013 12:19pm, 6 Aug 2013 11,258 posts	Quote Pin Naomi P If I end up doing this and it ends up being like one of those LDWA events, there'll be hell to pay.................
ndellar Aug 2013 12:23pm, 6 Aug 2013 2,448 posts	Quote Pin ndellar HoD did it a few years ago and managed not to get lost, and Ultra Sparkly Bridget. I recall you get or download maps which you can laminate and carry, and I think you could download a GPX file from somewhere, I managed to get the route on to my Garmin to meet up with them at points on my bike. I've been ok following routes off of my 310XT but if that is too much of a faff probably best not bother (I agree I wouldn't want to be map reading every 5 mins), if you want an old route put on here (and hope they haven't changed the course) let me know.
Lady Sol Aug 2013 1:41pm, 6 Aug 2013 677 posts	Quote Pin Lady Sol If I'm running and not sure of the route, I load a .gpx into my phone and wear it on my wrist. Admittedly it is a 'bit' bigger than a Garmin, but the map is a lot easier to follow. I use the ViewRanger app on my phone, it shows all the footpaths in open cycle map. It does depend how ridiculous you are prepared to look though. I prefer that to being lost.
Frobester Aug 2013 1:45pm, 6 Aug 2013 23,367 posts	Quote Pin Frobester Admittedly, Dunstable RRC's website is less than informative about this race, but they do at least link to the Runner's World page about it. runnersworld.co.uk I guess if you're prepared to navigate, £9/11 in advance (affiliated/unaffiliated) isn't bad.
Naomi P Aug 2013 2:39pm, 6 Aug 2013 11,259 posts	Quote Pin Naomi P HuwH mapped the run from last year if the route's the same http://www.fetcheveryone.com/route-1027271
Loca Aug 2013 3:22pm, 6 Aug 2013 2,148 posts	Quote Pin Loca Personally I try to avoid anything that involves navigation if I actually want to be running for most of the time that I'm out there. Haven't done the event but ask yourself this, do you want to be stopping every 5-10 minutes to check & double check you are on the right route or to figure out the map & instructions? I think NP is right to be wary!
Amadeus Aug 2013 9:24am, 8 Aug 2013 4 posts	Quote Pin Amadeus In an age of "extreme" races through mud, fire and barbed wire it's good to see a traditional orienteering race. Hope it's well supported.