Monday 9 January 2012

Dear race organisers,

Please would you add a completely downhill race to the UK's racing calendar for 2012 this year.

Although this sounds like a lazy request, it is quite the opposite. When one is running, or indeed attempting to achieve anything which requires overcoming challenge in order to improve, it is important that one is able to identify key strengths and use these fortuitously. This evening, at club, I ran hill reps: fast up, rest, fast down.

By the third rep, it was clear that I was running 'fast' up but fast down; evidently, my strength is downhill running and not only that but also... I love it!

And so, I am now looking for an opportunity to explore this strength further and to really hone my skills within this particular key area. Look at it this way: downhill racing could very well be the new fad of 2012! If that's the case, you've got to act fast, after all where do you want to be when it all takes off: heading the pack on the inside lane? Or struggling behind, desperate to catch up?

You know the answer to this one. If 2011 was the year of backwards racing, then 2012 will be the year of downhill racing. Don't get left stranded at the top, organise your race now*...

Many thanks,

The Magathon x

* priority and complimentary race entry will be more than enough thanks for helping you become known as the organiser of the most popular racing phenomenon that ever occurred!

8 comments:

  1. I believe the Boston marathon is predominantly downhill but unfortunately I think you need to get an uber-fast time on a normal up and down course to be eligible to take part... ;)

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  2. Dammit! I am not at all speedy on a normal course... I think someone is definitely going to have to take the helm and invent one... Just for me!!! :-)

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  3. It might be a bit northerly for you, but a downhill trail race already exists!

    The Caerketton Downhill Race, held in the Pentland hills just south of Edinburgh. 1.8km, 300m of descent, racers depart from the summit at 15 second intervals.

    Held on a Wednesday evening in September, "All descenders must declare themselves insane before being allowed to take part"

    http://carnethy.com/ri_caerkettondh.htm

    ...or there's always that cheesey thing in Gloucester...

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  4. Brilliant! I'm easily insane enough for that! I'll check it out! Thanks Gary! ... Also like the idea of the cheese thingy.. Especially if there's some cheese eating afterwards! :)

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  5. Oooh CHEEESE did someone menion CHEESE?? I am up for that - wherever, whenever...

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  6. Check out the Black Combe Christmas Downhill Race (although it also looks like it involves fancy dress and alcolhol)

    http://forum.bcrunners.org.uk/comments.php?DiscussionID=1746&page=1

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  7. My running has been going downhill for a while now. It's not all that.

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Thanks for reading... feel free to leave me a message. Maggiee x