Some advice please.

[spen]

Hi all on this wonderful forum.

Ive been looking through a lot of the threads on here and cannot quite find what I am looking for. I am currently running ultras of upto 50 miles on undulating terrain. Over the next year I am looking to go into the mountains more and think that fell running is an ideal stepping stone for this. Im just a bit confused on where to start on the fell running circuit.

Do I start on the short low incline ones and build up the experience so I can enter the ones stating experience required?
Also I live in Birmingham but will be moving to Cannock soon. I know about the ones in Shropshire but need to know the ones on the Staffs side of the Peak District. Can someone point me in the right direction please.

I ultimatly would like to do the Spine,

Regards

Spen

PS Sorry if it makes no sense

[that_fjell_guy]

Its sounds like you have reasonable fitness levels, I think I'd just crack on. Look at the fixture list and pick a few local to you. Personally I'd leave the big classics like Ennerdale, Borrowdale etc until you're 100% confidence in your fitness and navigational skill levels etc. But even then there's plenty in the Peaks, Wales and the Lakes thats doable. Possible look out a local club that does fell if your not in a club, theres plenty of help there I'd say.

Good luck with it all!

[Dave_Mole]

work on your nav, I'd say: even going for long walks where a decent bit of nav is required until you're really confident with it.
Mercia have a good programme in your new area:
http://www.merciafellrunners.org.uk/node/2251

[spen]

Thanks. The search option on here has the Peak District and as weknow its a big area. If they are an hour away I will do midweek ones.

[Dave_Mole]

this is a nice Peak-related blog:
http://www.fellrunningguide.co.uk/blog/
and if you're in search of routes:
http://peaktrailrunner.freehostia.co...tpage&Itemid=1

[spen]

Thank you very much. Something for me to be going on.

[Stagger]

Enjoy your running and just get to the races that suit you.
You will then find your level.
MM are good and Dark and White run some good 3 hour events and they are great to practice a bit of nav.

[spen]

Update. Did Malvern 52 mile ultra last weekend. Finished in 10:45, would of been about the ten mile mark but got lost towards the end and gave up for the time.