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Forest of Dean Spring Half Marathon OR Offa's 'orror?
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I have decided to come out of my hibernation and tackle a trail-ish/scenic half marathon-ish distances next year. As I cannot do both Forest of Dean Spring Half Marathon AND Offa's 'orror. Which one would you chose if you had to decide between the two?
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Well that is wonderful news. If it's your first race back (which I hope it won't be) I would say go easy on yourself.
Having never run either I'm not best qualified to comment, but I think the titles give you a clue.
Does that mean you will start coming in on Thursdays too?
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I am a fairly inexperienced racer but I did do both of these events last year for the first time.
For what it is worth I though that Offas, although shorter, was much more difficult. Tougher, more technical terrain and steeper hills. That being said I absolutely loved both of them. They both had great atmosphere and really nice courses to run.
If I had to pick only one to do (and I would be loath to do that) I would pick Offas. Tea and cake on the green in front of the village hall with other Les Croups finishers on a beautiful sunny day.. bliss.
Just my tuppence worth.
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Forest of dean is an easier race and lovely and the club usually does a bus too..
a great race..
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Mick - no this won't be my 1st race back. Sospan 10 in November will be my 1st. Just looking at a couple of 10 milers to half marathon distances for next year.
Marcus - Offa is tempting as it is not the usual sort of race...tea & cakes always a winner and the entry fee is much cheaper too than other races.
James - :) I should do the sensible thing....
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Hi Ai-Lin, welcome back! I've done both these races a number of times & they are both excellent! However, do not underestimate the preparation you need to do for both these races. FoD does not have the same punishing climbs that Offa has, 768m v 1690m according to my Garmin. FoD is also more undulating & faster with rough trails underfoot towards the end which can take the speed out of your legs. Offa is more technically demanding & has some stiff sharp climbs including steps, & some fast descents too, which will hammer your quads. Typically I can't run for two days afterwards. If I had to choose between the two, I guess it would be Offa because it's more of a fell runners race, but then that's just me! Whichever you decide I suggest that you employ some leg strengthening exercises to prepare well before the race. Hope this helps, & enjoy!  |
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast!
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Howard - thanks for the tip and the forewarning!
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Both. But I'm mad. They're both good but forest of dean is shorter, easier! and there is a club bus. Offal horror does entries on the day so maybe do the forest of dean and see how you fee or maybe do Offal Horror the following year. Good luck what ever you do,
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I'd recommend Offa's Orror. More cat friendly. I assume you'll be running with cat? (On a serious note, I'd recommend Offa's Orror over FoD. More scenic.)
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Offal horror!  I can guarantee that Offa's 'Orror is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and there's not a liver or kidney in sight. Offa's 'Orror is a banging hardcore trail race and my favourite race of the year. The FoD half marathon is good but it is on hard surfaces with a very stony last 3 miles, surprised it counts as off road anymore.
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Tracey - thanks for your note. I hadn't thought of that but the sensible me thinks although there is an option to do both, might be best to focus on just one for now.
Lizzy - if I could run with a cat.. I'd love to!
Amanda - I am drawn to Offa and the question is do I be sensible and do an easier half or for the heck of it do something that's proper trail? Hmmm...
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Depends on the training you want to do for it.
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Forest of Dean Spring Half Marathon OR Offa's 'orror?
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