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kaznicholl · Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 239

A huge well done to Ali and Will who completed the 2009 OMM.

I think the fact they went back for a repeat experience after the horrendous storm conditions last year that required the event to be cancelled is medal worthy in itself, but I do believe they did themselves proud too:

They finished in a combined time (over the 2 days) of:9hrs 22mins and 17secs. They finished in 91st place at the end of Saturday, but that hotel room and champagne must have seriously done the trick to motivate them on today as they came in 70th place today, making them 79th (out of 266) in the C class after the 2 days.

When I totted up the mixed teams they came 13th out of 54!

Well I don't know how they feel, but I would be over the moon! Great job guys!

Kaz

Tanconsult · Posted: Mon Oct 26, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject:

Well done both of you; I'm sure there must have been a lot of really fit folk that finished behind you.

I gathered from Ali last week that this is her swan-song and she's retiring from this stuff now. Ali, as (I think) the only Monday-morning Harrier qualified to offer advice on how to fill your time in retirement, if you need ideas now you'll have lots of time on your hands......

Colin Very Happy

runningpix · Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 211

Thanks for posting the results up Karen.

Back home, tired, legs ok (at the moment!) amazingly and enjoying home comforts again!!!

Great event, weather better than expected and after last year's drama, really pleased to have completed my first OMM. Very Happy

Will put togther a proper report once I've gathered my thoughts and finished the mound of washing, tent cleaning etc!

runningpix · Joined: 30 Sep 2007 Posts: 211

The Elan Valley has a reputation for being wet and boggy and it more than lived up to its reputation! The weather was better than expected and the worst of the front was delayed until we had already arrived at the overnight camp at the end of day 1 and were happily tucking in to cups of hot tea.

Little concerned at the start of day one when Will's compass completely malfunctioned and was telling us to go completely the wrong way. Thank goodness for compass 2! Going was pretty good to start with and first 5k was bagged in an hour. Proably planned to lull you in to a false sense of security as we then had to content with thigh high tussocks and horrendous bog which was energy sapping. I have to confess to blaspheming a bit during a particularly bad stretch where I kept disappearing in to knee deep goo! Mad

Got through it eventually and made it in to overnight camp in just over 5 hrs and 90th place.

Having got to camp by mid aftenoon we were able to bag a good spot by the preimeter fence which made it easier to find the tent coming back from the loo in the dark and gave some protection from the wind. Field quickly turned in to a quagmire as more teams set up for the night.

Day 2 had less tussocks but more climb with some good runnable sections especially through the last 3 checkpoints. Weather was blustery but patches of sun and some showers so couldn't complain. Helped up the hills by Will's new technique of 'short-handing' - a bit like short roping but without the rope! Really helped us move quicker and get past some pairs.

Day finished with a lovely descent of 800 m down a winding grassy track where you could open up and make up a few more places. Smiling as we came over the finish in the village in the valley (sorry unpronouncable name!! It is Wales!) and really chuffed to have done it ...after last after last years drama. Finished day 2 in 70th place in 4.21.46 and 79th overall in the C class for the 2 days out of 266 finishers (352 entries) Very Happy

Total distance 42km and 1350 m ascent - a lot less height gain than last year but off set by the crappy terrain.

The event was brilliantly organised, the event HQ even had showers this year!! Enjoyed it a lot more than the LAMM and would even do it again.....but not for a few years, need to give Will a chance to go and properly compete! He's earned it - I couldn't have done it with out him, his nav and route choice and carrying virtually all the weight made a BIG difference!! Razz