Blackamoor and more

Before the Blackamoor race at Totley

I have had three races in the past few weeks, first was the Blackamoor Chase Fell Race in Totley, which was a counter in the GVS summer fell series.  

I enjoyed this race considering the distance - 9.5k, it was difficult considering it was a category B race.  There were peat bogs, moorland, a short road section and we were glad we remembered our midge spray as part of the route was through woodland and the gnats were horrible, I had to concentrate on keeping my mouth closed and breathing through my nose as they were everywhere!  At the end people were finishing with little black bugs smeared on their sweaty faces, like flies on a windscreen - yuck!

The finish on this race was exciting as it was around a large field and the funnel was uphill, I managed to outsprint a Totley runner which was quite satisfying!

I finally got into the top ten ladies in a fell race (excluding the Thomas Theyer race, where I was third) and came 9th Lady out of 41, I was fourth in the ladies category in a time of 59:08.  Taking into account our combined times, myself, Julie and Linette were 4th ladies team overall, which we were pleased with.  

The photographer was crouched down and took me by surprise - v. unflattering angle!
Photo courtesy of http://www.totleyac.org.uk/ 

The second race was another counter in the fell series, the Wormstones Fell Race in Glossop, a 4 mile A category race.  This was my fifth race in the GVS fell series and, as it is 5 races to count and with only 3 to go, if I won this one I would have won the Ladies Fell Series with five 1st places.  In the men's competition, Tom Jackson was starting this race in the same position as me - with four firsts he only needed one more to take the series title.  Tom reminded me of this before the race and I told him I wasn't thinking about it (but I was really!).   

Photo courtesy of Shaun Priestley 

After the race at Wormstones

This was what I would call a "proper" fell race, with a long hill, numerous deep peat bogs, and rampant heather! 

There was a proportion of single file racing which was tough and I had a Pennine lady breathing down my neck all the way up the hill.  When she could, she bolted past me and the two men in front who had been holding us up.  I decided to stick with her, being a local I thought she would know the land well and it paid off, as after the nab at Wormstones, it was a bit like pot luck getting down!  

Fortunately, the Pennine lady was like a fell pony, jumping through the heather and finding a good line down.  I followed her hot on her heels!

After the technical section there was a rocky road track which was horrible, it hurt my feet and I felt I couldn't get my pace going properly.  The Pennine runner pulled away from me out of sight and I suffered from a stitch as I prayed we were near the finish!  

I knew I was leading GVS lady and just needed to hold on until the finish.  I had a few sneaky looks back to see if there was any competition imminent but couldn't see anyone until Brian, another GVS runner passed me.  

I managed to keep going and the finish was a downhill track which came out back at the pub we started from.  In the end I was 7th Lady overall, 1st lady strider and 42nd overall in a time of 42:31.  I was really pleased as my win meant that I had indeed won the series and my aim of the year was to try and be competitive in this series so that's a box ticked!

Cheadle 4

* At the start

* Near the start

* At 1 mile

By complete contrast, last weekend was the 40th running of the Cheadle 4 Road Race.  

A counter in the main club Championship series.   I knew that this one would be tough for me as I haven't done any road running all year, except the flat Birkenhead parkrun and I don't like road running at all!   The race was an hour from home in Cheadle, Staffordshire.  I drove Brian, James and Julie to the race and we all felt that this one would be tough, especially when everyone kept mentioning a hill!  

It turned out to be good training as the pace was really fast!  My legs decided 5k would be fine but 4 miles was pushing my luck at that pace!  I stuck with Julie for most of the race but after 5k I was done and she ended up pulling out 40 seconds on me to take the 60 points.  I was 12th lady overall out of around 80, 3rd in the ladies category and second lady strider.  I was really pleased with my time of 30:29 which put my average speed at 4:47 km.  I definitely need to do some longer speed training sessions!

* At 3.5 miles

These last few months have all been focused on preparing for my first triathlon this weekend. I have been doing run training sessions, races, Total Immersion swimming practice and lots of biking - both road and MTB. 

 I have really enjoyed the variation in training and am planning on keeping up with the swimming as a regular thing.  I really want to improve my front crawl and full stroke TI will help with that hopefully.

There will be a separate blog documenting the triathlon to follow. 


Until then, wish me luck and happy running!

TLF x

* Cheadle 4 Photos courtesy of the brilliant Bryan Dale of www.racephotos.org.uk 

A Tinkle in Wincle...

I'm not sure why I'm smiling as the thought running through my head here was "OMG this dust is bloody awful", nice photo though!

Not wishing to jinx myself or anything but I seem to have hit a bit of form lately, which is interesting as my current training schedule is very varied with most of my weekly runs being races!  In fact, some weeks I am only running once, but the run is often a race which is extremely good training.  The mantra "train to race, race to train" is so true. Caz's voice often rings through my head with this advice, as I remember saying to her that everyone who is in training for running events - particularly half or full marathons, seem to run almost every day - some people twice a day!  The idea that using races as a method of training is a good one as it makes races seem less stressful somehow.

I think that I may have hit a good balance of cross-training.  My weekly routine is currently involving one run training session (consisting of hill reps, intervals, sprints or tempo runs), a swimming session which is either breaststroke at race pace or a TI (Total Immersion) lesson with my friend Suzie, and either a MTB or road bike ride involving hills. On top of this I am racing in the summer fell series which are usually midweek races.

Going forward to the Hathersage Hilly I will try to do some bike to run brick sessions (straight onto running after a bike session) and possibly cycle to the pool and back a few times too, in order to improve muscle memory for the triathlon.

Since running Snowdon, I have competed in two races - first, the Wincle Trout Fell Race near Macclesfield, organised by Macclesfield Harriers.  This race is part of the Wincle fete which is a family event and even has an onsite brewery!  The day of the race was extremely hot and Mr A and the kids came along to support and enjoy the fair.  As a result I felt more rushed than usual and by the time I had collected my number I had no time left to go to the loo or to get my cap which I had left in the car!  

Fortunately, I carried a drink (water with electrolytes and magnesium) with me which was a real saviour, usually for a race of this distance (5 miles) I wouldn't bother with a drink, but the heat made it really hard and they actually changed the route last minute to incorporate more shade.  

The man behind me was throwing water over his head, why didn't I think of that!?

I got another good start, I'm getting better at positioning myself, and the 282 runners thundered down a dusty track to a snarly section where there were lots of stiles/gateways so I was glad of my fast start.  We wound our way through paths and trails and eventually crossed a shallow but wide river where I picked up lots of grit in my shoes.  I was however glad of the cooling water!

After another uphill woody section with some sheer drops to the left, we came out onto a moorland track.  It was so hot I could feel my body trying to super-cool itself, I felt horrible and lots of people passed me as I slowed down and contemplated walking.  I was feeling goosebumps and chilly even though the heat was intense, it wasn't a great section!

Just before my unscheduled stop!

Over a stile and onto a downhill section I started to feel better as the wind was blowing across the moor.  I had been ignoring the fact I hadn't been to the toilet before the start but it was becoming my main train of thought and it got to the point where hearing my drink sloshing around in the bottle was not helping at all!  

After a while I decided I was going to have to stop, this was not good, I have never had to stop in a race before, ever! But it was slowing me down, especially on the downhills so just before a stile I made a swift left and hid behind a bush, I let 6 men past but felt so much better it was worth it! 

With Helen at the end! 

I hadn't realised how near the end I was when I stopped, but after about another kilometre we dropped down a woody section and back onto the road which was lined with well wishers.  It was a lovely feeling running down the home straight - up until Fred threw a pint of water right in my face! I was glad of the cooling effect though and after I finished I jumped straight into the river to cool down! 

I finished in a time of 54:22 and I was 21st lady out of a field of 98.  Overall I came 118th out of 282 runners.  A great race which I mostly enjoyed, and hearing my family cheering me on was brilliant. Randomly, every finisher receives a trout from the trout farm, unfortunately ours ended up on the road after W decided to swing it around, it is now in the freezer after a thorough wash!

By extreme contrast, last weeks race was the Grindleford fell race - a BS grade race over 4.8 miles.  It was absolutely pouring down, but what a fabulous race - I loved it!  I made a good decision at the start and managed to get myself at the front, after a very quick lap of the cricket field we headed onto the road and up a lane which led to a real bottle neck of an ascent.  

As I had pushed it at the start I was knackered when we started to head up hill and I remember thinking I had overdone it and wouldn't be able to sustain my pace.  However, the nature of the path was that it was a bit of a Formula 1 scenario - no overtaking, which effectively made everyone have an enforced rest!  As we walked up the woody section I felt slightly frustrated at the pace, but realised everyone was the same (except the leaders!) and to just keep going.

We headed out onto some peaty bogs which nearly dragged my shoes off (I was praying I didn't pick up any ticks from the long reeds) then left onto a track which brought us to the Padley Gorge gritstone section.  The gritstone boulders into Padley Gorge were fab!  They are really grippy so it was possible to spring like a mountain goat all the way down into the gorge, it was really exciting and I was happy with my pace, I really pushed it.  

After the rocky section we came out near the station and had to head through some fields before the river crossing.  As another contrast to Wincle, the river was raging!  I don't think there was a rope either (there may have been but I didn't see one), I soon gave up trying to run/high step through as there were a few spectators and I didn't fancy going T over A in front of them all!

After the river there was a long field where I caught up with fellow strider Lucas who is normally really fast, he informed me he had been sick which was a shame but he did well and still got a finish.   I had a good tussle with another strider Trevor, who managed to pass me near the end, and I managed to come home first lady strider again.  I was pleased with my result of 13th lady in a field of 108, and I managed a time of 45:53.  Overall, I was 133rd out of 321 runners, a really pleasing effort!

I must mention Ben Brindley's Seven in 7, Ben is the chairman of Tideswell Running Club and has recently completed an immense challenge of running seven marathons in 7 days. As part of his routes he incorporated the Grindleford fell race and the Ladybower Trail Marathon.  I saw him at the race and felt really inspired by his efforts!  He has so far raised over £1500 for Buxton Mountain Rescue, a brilliant cause!  If you wish to donate to Ben's cause click here.

That's it for now, keep running!

TLF :-)

Snowdon!

I said I would and I did! To be honest running Snowdon was much easier than racing on Mount Famine the week before... (see blog post on that here)

Over half term, we set off on our family bank holiday weekend to a new touring site in Llanberis, Snowdonia.  

I was hoping to get chance to run up Snowdon, but as the weekend progressed I didn't think I would get time.  We did however cycle around Lake Padarn taking in the Dinorwig quarries en route.  My little lad W (6) did so well cycling the full 12 miles, especially with some of the brutal climbs up Fachwen.  I wont say he didn't cry, but lets just say the descent down the other side was worth it - that and the picnic which involved Grandmas brownies - they helped too!  Mr A did especially well as he had our daughter, S (age 4), in the kiddie seat on the back of his Marin, which is a bit tired to understate it entirely.  He was nearly going over backwards on the steepest section!  

On the Monday we headed to Surf-lines to hire a kayak for Mr A and W.  It was another beautiful hot, sunny day, and as S and I paddled in the lagoon, I looked up at the mountains and thought how clear it was and how I couldn't leave without at least attempting to run up Snowdon!  So at 2pm I headed off towards the mountain railway and up the steep road which leads to the Llanberis path.  


I was fully expecting to be heading up with other people but there were dozens and dozens, some in correct gear, lots of quite young children and some in totally inadequate clothing! Lots of people had walking poles which were a good idea for the way back.  

I had agreed with Mr A that I would set off and see how far I got, we arranged a phone call at 4pm, if I hadn't come back.  I had no idea how long it would take.  The heat was really intense and I was hoping I had enough water with me.  I took my new OMM Ultra Waist Pack, which took a bit of getting used to but once in the correct position on my waist was really useful and comfy.  I took gels, vaseline (for my feet, in case of blisters and my lips) and my OMM Kamleika jacket just in case it was chilly at the summit (if I ever got there!).  I really wished I had taken a sunscreen stick as I found the sun was burning my arms a bit, but it was only a problem on the way up and I wore a UV cap which stopped my head burning.    

On my way up the first steep road I was thinking that I had probably made the wrong decision to run up Snowdon on the hottest day of the year, it was boiling!  I passed hikers walking backwards to stretch their legs after all the downhill they had endured and I ended up walking a bit of the road before the path and telling myself it wasn't a race and to just see where I was in an hours time.  Fortunately, the route was really obvious, they don't call it the motorway for nothing!  I just cracked on up the rocky path and followed everyone else!  I say follow, I must have overtaken a hundred people by the time I got to the halfway house.  It was quite amusing hearing all the comments as I ran past, some of my favourites included a man asking me if I was going to run all the way up, some lads saying "f**k that" a lady stating that they had no reason to be moaning about walking up when "that girl is running it".  There were loads!  Honestly I think they thought my level of insanity affected my hearing - it didn't, but it did make it more amusing though!

Before the first underpass (where the mountain railway passes overhead) Kevin and Perry thought it would be hilarious to run after me, mimicking me.  It was laughable how far they managed to run before giving up and I never saw them again...what a shame...

I stopped a few times to marvel at the views down to Llanberis and take pictures.  I also took a few photos for people who readily handed over cameras and smartphones, I could have made a mint legging it back down to town and firing up ebay!

The route was lovely, I would recommend it to anyone as a first mountain hike, it wasn't too steep until about three quarters of the way up, after the second underpass.  It got very dramatic on the left hand side with a huge drop down what must have been the Pen-y-Pass below, where the cars looked tiny, and a steep and shaley section followed.  I was thinking how hard this was going to be to negotiate on the return journey, some people were really struggling - but I noticed a bit of moorland not to far from the track which looked far more runnable. 

I was nearly there after the steep section and ran at a half decent pace (considering the heat) all the way to the summit, which felt brilliant!  Once there it was crazy!  People were sticking to the summit cairn like ants round candyfloss, and queuing up the steps!  I decided I would nip up as I was on my own and I sat with my legs hanging over the edge, overlooking the summit station for a few minutes.  It was so busy I struggled to get up without being knocked off the top,  but there was no way I was running all that way and not touching the cairn in the middle!  I reached past people and I was off, running down with gusto!

I had not been looking forward to going back down as I thought my shoes would rub, but it wasn't too bad and I felt like I held quite a good pace as I trip trapped like a little mountain goat past people coming up and heading down.  I loved the rocky sections and jumped from rock to rock dodging dogs and kids.  

Once at the steep, technical section I tried sliding down the scree but didn't want to make a fool of myself by falling, so I hopped onto the right hand moorland and ran down the grass instead, as I had planned on the way up.    

After a couple of miles Mr A rang to check in with me and we arranged to meet up near the ice cream parlour in the town.  As I passed yet more people walking backwards down the steep road I remember feeling a sense of relief at being able to run on the flat again as my toes were becoming quite sore.  
I ran past the little semi circle of shops and cafes at the Mountain Railway and remember seeing people chilling out and watching us come past.  I could read a few of their minds as they thought I wonder if she ran up to the top. Well I did, and it was great! According to Strava, I did the whole up and back in 2 hours and 2 minutes, which I was really happy with in that heat! I'm now considering the Snowdon fell race next year, watch this space! 

Happy mountain running!

TLF :-)

Recent Race Reports and Another Unexpected parkrun...

Birkenhead parkrun

We were staying on the Wirral (in? on? the debate is here, I'm going with the Merseysiders on this one!) for the first May Bank Holiday weekend, caravanning with our friends, the Grants and the Harrisons.  Aidan Grant is a fellow Goyt Valley Strider and suggested a bit of parkrun tourism - with us taking in Birkenhead parkrun whilst we were staying so close. After copious amounts of curry, vodka and a late night, its fair to say we were not expecting much, let alone a PB! 

Aidan and I running into the finish with Sue

I asked my friend Susanne to come, as I knew she had never been to a parkrun before and she lives in the area.  So, after a few text messages and a hastily printed barcode we were off!  We found there were friendly people, a great course and marshals with cowbells! (LOVE this!) The course consisted of 3 laps of the park, a downhill start/finish and a slightly uphill section near the end.  Its fair to say, even with a hangover and no breakfast - I loved it!  

At the end I noticed Aidan just ahead of me in the finish funnel, he was noticeably shocked at my presence and rudely shouted "What are you doing here!"  - a 21:23 PB with 2nd Lady out of 95 and 31st overall out of 239, 1st in my age category was what I was doing - booyah!! Seriously though, it was my best result yet, of any race or parkrun! Aidan and Sue also got PBs so it was well worth the early wake up! Link to results.

Rainow 5 Fell Race (5 miles)

Following on from the first race of the GVS Fell Series, was the Rainow 5 Fell Race.  A BS (not too steep, quite short) route, it was actually much harder than I thought it was going to be!  It was a nice Wednesday evening and there was a decent turnout of 211 runners.  

Lovely evening sky - crazed face!

Before the race with Helen and Estelle

I got quite a good start and could see Amelia - a fellow Strider in front of me, it was all uphill with a steeper than anticipated pull up to White Nancy and I managed to keep going - all be it slowly and get past Amelia just before the steep walking section to the summit.  

The next stage was an undulating and rocky ridge section which was hard on my feet, followed by some downhill into a little valley then back uphill to the top of the track which led downhill to the finish.  I ended up with blisters, as my choice of shoes wasn't the best, but I still managed 1st lady Strider again, and 11th lady overall in a time of 45:48.  I found that 5 miles was pushing my stamina so I have since been working on improving that and competing in some slightly 
longer races.  Link to results.

Hathersage Hilly Recce Ride and Run

The weekend after the Bank Holiday Amanda, Jac and I decided to recce the Hathersage Hilly ride and run routes in preparation for our triathlon there in July.  It was a beautiful hot day so after our duties at parkrun we made our way over to Hathersage, which was obviously a great idea because the world, his wife and kids were also there!  Cue busy roads and terrifying traffic!

We decided not to recce the pool swim, so we hopped on our roadies and headed off up the main Hathersage road.  I really felt sorry for Jac who hadn't ridden a road bike for years, it was a real baptism of fire!

After pedaling up the road for about 3km we started to question the route we were taking, the maps provided online were all Strava routes which were difficult to follow as the direction wasn't specified.  It turned out we had been going the wrong way up the busy road - damn! We decided to turn around and do it properly which turned out to be a good thing because it exposed us to the worst bit of the road twice, so we now really know what to expect!

After the bad start the ride was actually very nice, with a steady climb up Froggatt edge leading to the Fox Houses road.  One of the roads was very pot holey, so we will know to watch out for that bit!

We had a fantastic descent back into Hathersage, I even managed to keep up with the traffic and not slow anyone down so I was pleased with my confidence.  My "chicken lever" cross top brakes have really helped me to feel safer on Ladybird.  

Once back to the car we put our bikes away, had a drink and gel and then tried the run route.  We didn't get very far before it became apparent we were running out of time and the heat was energy sapping. We decided to call it a day and turn back, but having recce'd about a third of the route, we felt happy we were acquainted with the idea of where the transition points will be and where the run will go at first.

Swim training has commenced!

To crawl or not to crawl? That is the question!  I started going to my local pool once a week to improve my technique and swim fitness for the triathlon.  I tend to do 1000m with a 20 length tempo in breaststroke, but front crawl is proving more difficult!  Having watched numerous YouTube videos and talked to swim savvy friends, I am trying to up my stamina in the crawl.  I am finding it really hard to breathe at the right angle and to keep going.  Currently I am up to 4 lengths max of crawl before I am nearly drowning, so watch this space.  I may just stick with breaststroke!  One interesting part of swim training is that I ache in my lower stomach muscles the day after, this is brilliant news as the lower abdomen is the hardest to tone especially post children - I am thinking of continuing with the swimming once a week as part of my general training because the benefits are really noticeable and I enjoy it.

Lyme Park parkrun 

I ended up missing a long run training session in the week, due to having a bit of a virus so I decided to rest my legs for a couple of days, recover and then go and do Lyme Park parkrun, having had about a years gap since my last attempt!  I was interested to see if I would be any quicker considering my current form over flat 5k distance.  I definitely found the first hill section easier then ever before  - I can normally taste blood after that hill due to all the puffing!  I also felt quicker on the final pull to the finish, which may have had something to do with the handy tail wind! Anyway, I managed new event pb, finishing in 24:03.  I was 2nd Lady, 21st overall and 1st in my age category.  I was chuffed with that! Run report here. 

Shining Tor Fell Race - Photo purchased from JPK Photography

Shining Tor Fell Race (6 miles)

I was feeling the pressure for the Shining Tor Fell Race, probably as, at 10k, it was longer than I have been doing and I knew it was going to be hard after the uphill section, with flag stones along the ridge then a long downhill over rocky and narrow paths to the bottom of the hill.  I was thinking my winning streak of the previous two fell series races may be over... 

I was pleased with my progress over the first half, as expected, I think I must have let dozens past me on the ridge and downhill sections as my feet were hurting and my stamina was waning.   I only just made it back as 1st lady Strider, with Julie hot on my (sore) heels only 15 seconds behind!  - Mental note: I must train for longer races! 

Happily I seem to have broken in my Inov-8 roclites, so all in all an OK race but not my best - despite it being my local training ground and a beautiful evening with a stunning sunset!

Mount Famine Fell Race (5 miles)

Shining Tor Fell Race - After!

Wow.  I've saved the best (worst) for last! This race had to be the hardest and least prepared for race I have ever done! I noticed that not many Striders were committing to this one earlier on in the week, but I put it down to people being away etc.   Little did I know that they knew. They knew what I now know...

I wasn't even going to do this race due to it being on a Saturday, but I realised I would not be able to qualify for the Championship series if I didn't do it, as 8 races at least are required and my season is looking increasingly busy with various races and events.  I asked Caz about it and she informed me of an unusual start straight up a steep hill, hmm, I thought, hill start - right up my street. How wrong was I!  This was definitely an A category race.

At the start (a short run from the scout hut registration area), I found other Striders and we glanced up at the sheer bank to our right - Elle Bank.  I asked someone where the start was and they just pointed up the bank  - I couldn't even see the top!  I was informed that there was "a bit of tape somewhere to the right you have to go around", this was all becoming worryingly mad I actually contemplated going home there and then! The bank was strewn with fallen branches, brambles and peaty grassy earth which crumbled away beneath your feet, it was ridiculous!  But little did I know as I negotiated the crazy hill that this was just the start! 

I got up the bank relatively unscathed, with just a knee graze from a stump I didn't notice.  I had Caz's voice ringing in my ears to keep left so I did this and was in a good position at the top, it took a bit of persuasion for my legs to get going, but they eventually complied and I set off down a ridgy single track with a load of blokes puffing and wheezing from Elle Bank.  I looked up to see a typical steep hill where most of the leaders were walking,  I made good progress not letting anyone past and even passing a couple of runners on the way up.  

Shining Tor Fell Race - Photo by Sue Jeff

It didn't seem long before there was another mighty hill to negotiate, this race was going to be the slowest average speed ever!  The race basically went on in this fashion of ridiculous steepness until the downhills, OMG I am notoriously bad at the steepest of descents but this wasn't even funny.  People were passing me in what seemed like hoards saying "well done" with pity in their voices as they passed me grunting my way down the longest steepest hill, I was not enjoying that bit at all!  

Near the bottom of the steepest bit an older lady from Buxton AC passed me, I was mentally beating myself up as I stepped onto the track which was about 1.5k from the finish, and decided to get a bloody move on!  I hurtled the last section as fast as my legs would carry me, passing Alex, a fellow Strider who was walking.  I shouted back to see if he was injured and he informed me his ankle had gone, I promised to tell the marshals and carried on at breakneck speed - knowing there was very little I could do to help.

It was about 500m from the finish that I caught up with and passed the Buxton lady and a few others, she shouted words of encouragement as I passed which was nice of her, I was really tramming and was half hoping I hadn't peaked too soon! At the finish I realised I was 1st lady Strider home again so that cheered me up, but wow, I don't think I will be doing that one again in a hurry!  My time of 1:06:51 reflects the tough terrain, I was 11th lady out of 32 in a field of 141 nutters, I mean runners! 

Some of the other Strider ladies ended up helping an injured runner who had hurt his arm somehow at one of the stiles on Dimpus Clough, he had been telling them how he had just got back into racing following a leg break the year before - on Mount Famine! Oops, how unlucky! - It turned out he had indeed broken his arm!  If you fancy seeing the route watch this video from a previous years race.  

Well, that was a mammoth blog post, if you've managed to get this far well done!  I won't leave it as long next time!  

My next race is Winkle Trout 9k Fell Race next weekend, but first I'm going to run up Snowdon!

Happy Running,

TLF x

Top Tips for your First Fell Race

Based on my experiences of fell races, I have compiled a list of things which may be useful to know before heading to your first race...

Finding a race local to you:
In order to find out about local races, the internet is a good place to start, especially if you are an "unattached" runner (not a member of a running club).  The Fell Runners Association (FRA) is a good site. I would recommend joining a local club as running in a club vest is a great feeling when other members cheer you on, and you often get discount at bigger events.

Kit needed: 
In general, fell running is a pretty simple sport with minimal kit requirements, however, there is a definite winter/summer divide and weather obviously plays the main part in choosing what kit to wear and when.

Wearing a jacket in cold and windy conditions

Winter Kit Suggestions:

• A head cover - hat/buff/headband (I prefer a buff or headband to cover my ears, which lets heat escape from the top of my head, I guess if you are a bit "thin on top" you may prefer a hat!)
• Gloves - you can get waterproof gloves but I find my hands soon warm up so I wear basic thin running ones and usually end up taking them off mid-race
• Base layer top with long sleeves
• Technical Tee (never wear cotton as it soaks up sweat then chills to the bone)
• Race vest (if member of a club) 
• Long running tights (with a drawstring waist) 
• Wool or wool blend socks 
• Fell shoes with good grip (very very important) I use the Inov-8 mudclaws but try Walsh or Salomon for other popular choices
• Jacket - a waterproof (with taped seams), windproof and breathable jacket or smock like the OMM Kamleika is highly recommended and actually a necessity if running under "full kit" rules (more about this later)

Summer Kit Suggestions:

Buxton Carnival Race - Summer kit

• A cap, visor or sunglasses (or just a thin headband to keep flyaway hair out of your face if it's long - you can get 1cm wide bands with silicone grips on the back which are good)
• Technical Tee (may not be required if it's a warm day but handy to take just in case)
• Race vest
• Shorts, short tights or 3/4 length tights
• Thin running socks
• Fell or Trail shoes dependent on conditions and terrain

Accessories - 

Lambs Longer Leg in the snow - Wearing a hydration vest

• For longer races - A hydration vest like one pictured in the Lambs Longer Leg race 
• For short races a water bottle with loop for hand will be fine (I often don't carry any water for short races less than 10 miles)
• A  bladder system can be used if a backpack needs to be worn e.g. if full kit is required to be carried see the Phantom 12 from OMM 
• GPS watch I use a Garmin Forerunner 220 or a Garmin Vivoactive HR
• Vaseline - thin layer between the toes
• Suncream stick
• 4 x safety pins (usually provided at registration) or a triathlon belt to hold race number in place

Spring racing

Full kit requirements - 

A set of runners rules is here.  It often states that, "competitors must be prepared to carry full kit" in order for the organisers to cover themselves for insurance purposes. 

It is always worth taking a backpack with a map of the route (usually available online), hat, gloves, compass, whistle, water, sweet snack or gel (jellybabies are very popular, I prefer jellybeans!) and full body cover (a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (both with taped seams) with you to fell races, just in case you are made to carry them.  

Generally, you don't need to if the race is in the short category, and it is left to the runners discretion but do bear in mind that, if you are going up high - the weather may change and you may need a jacket for example, as a bare minimum.  My jacket has actually proved to be a helpful aid as I was literally blown by the wind past three other runners in the Famous Grouse fell race last year!

It is worth having a read of the following links just in case you get into difficulties or encounter another runner in trouble (it is compulsory to help another runner if you find them in a poor condition, regardless of the fact you are racing).

Windy at the summit - jacket and headband needed!

Hypothermia info
Hypoglycemia info (low blood sugar)
Dehydration info

Race Abbreviations 

When I first started to look for fell races, I was baffled due to the abbreviations used - as there are 2 letters describing each race. 

The first is A, B or C and shows the average height gain per mile.


A = Really Steep! (Think near vertical hills and using your hands to help!)
B = Quite steep
C = Not really that steep

The second letter used is S, M or L and shows the length of the race:

S = Short  less than 10k
M = Medium  10 - 20k
L = Long 20k +

A steep climb!

Ultras are races longer than marathon distance (eek!)

Other abbreviations are:

'ER' = experience required.
'LK' = local knowledge an advantage.
'NS' = navigational skills required. 
'PM' = course partially marked.

I have never had to read a map or use any navigational skills in any of the races I have done, I think that the chances of me being at the front are very slim and generally, I can see other runners as I am mid-field.  That said, it would obviously be useful to have a map and compass just in case, and know how to use them!  It's the sort of thing you make the call on, on the day.

What to expect on the day - 

Weather is never permitting in this sport!  Fell races are not weather dependent  - they are always going to be run, if you can get there, it will be on!  This is not a sport for softies, if its snowing, so what? Actually, running in the snow is quite cool (yes, literally!).

Fell running has a mid-week season, starting in Spring, with races held at around 7-7.30pm on Wednesday evenings (not always but in general).  You literally just turn up (unless the event is pre-entry only which would be quite unusual) - it's worth car sharing if possible, as parking is normally limited, pay a really nominal fee (my last race entry was £3), fill in a form, attach your number to your front, head to the start area, listen to the briefing and off you go!  It's all very low-key and friendly.  When you have finished the prize giving is usually quite quick, and it's nice to stay and support who won etc. but if you have to dash home the results are usually available in the next couple of days online.

There are usually a lot more male runners than females, and the results can be a bit baffling, with different age categories.  

A fellow Goyt Valley Strider from the MV50 category -
 Pete Ambrose finishing the Thomas Theyer fell race in April

Usually, there are the following categories:

MU23/FU23 (Male/Female Under 23 Years)
M/F(Male/Female between 24 - 39)
MV40/FV40 (Male Veteran 40 aged between 40 and 44)
and so on with ...
MV45/FV45 etc. up to the 80's!  Sometimes, the increments are 10 year and not 5 year ones, but it depends on the race and the association etc.

One of the best things about fell running...

And that's it!  The main thing is to start off with the fairly short B races, as the AS ones are really tough - even though they are short.  Try to go with someone else, even if you don't run at the same pace, car sharing and post race blow by blow accounts are all part of the fun! 

Remember, it may feel like the worst thing you have ever done at the time (!), but that good old "run-esia" (run amnesia) will kick in after and you will only remember the achievement and I promise you will want to do it again!

Happy Fell Running!

TLF x