Where to start?

[MartinGT]

Hi All

I am looking for some advice/guidance. I am looking at getting into fell running as its something Ive wanted to do since I left school but never really took it up.

Im 29 and relativley fit. I am a keen mountain biker and I enjoy walking. I cycle too and from work every day and I cycle with a club, all in all I do approx 90miles a week cycling. I enjoy walking in the Lakes, Dales & Peaks

If I do get into fell running Ill eventually join a club but to start off with I would like to get going myself.

I want to know really where to start. What kit, basics, training etc etc I need to get going and take it from there really.

TIA For the info

Martin

[Derby Tup]

Hi Martin. The beauty of running is you don't need much kit to start and you've most likely got some base-layers and shorts you can wear to begin with. Go to a good sports or outdoor shop and buy a pair of Walshes or Inov8 shoes and away you go. If you let us know where you are someone will suggest a good shop to go to. Best advice re starting to run is just have a go. Start slowly and gradually build up your distance/time on your feet. You'll soon find you're running the routes you used to walk

[sbrt]

go for it Martin

I am no elite athelete or expert but I started runing and racing last year. If I can do it anyone can

For kit,
at some point you may need ;

shoes with grip. Lots of threads on this subject.

full windproof/ waterproof bodycover,

shorts or tights,

vest or base layer top,

warm top.

Next, find a hill then run up and down it

If you want to race, I am sure you would be ok doing an B/short or B/medium
I found having a race to aim for helped.

Good luck and don't forget to have fun.

[southernsoftie]

Agree with DT. Apart from the footwear, as a mountainbikelist and walker you've probably got all the clothing you'll need to begin with - shorts/leggings/base layers/weatherproof jackets.

As a relative beginner myself, from a training point of view the only thing that has really helped me is getting miles and feet of climb under my belt. (I'm a converted road runner). This has been from running with a club every week, and then going for a couple of hours at the weekend.

Eventually you can get into things like hill sprints, interval training or things like that - these'll increase your times, but to begin with, you just need to get your muscles used to the rigours of the sport and start enjoying the hills as soon as you can. Sooner you start, the sooner you'll get the bug.

So, just pick one of your favourite walking routes, start running, and repeat!!

[sbrt]

As always, wise words from Derby Tup.

You posted that as i was typing.

Definitely start slowly. I started by walking 5min, run 5min, walk 5min.

[MartinGT]

Hey guys

Thanks for the advice

I do have base layers etc etc so thats good, just need to get some decent footwear now.

I would definatley like to start racing

I am in Leeds, well Pudsey actually so we have the Pudsey pacers club here but not 100% sure they do fell running but I am sure there are more clubs around

[IanDarkpeak]

Hey guys

Thanks for the advice

I do have base layers etc etc so thats good, just need to get some decent footwear now.

I would definatley like to start racing

I am in Leeds, well Pudsey actually so we have the Pudsey pacers club here but not 100% sure they do fell running but I am sure there are more clubs around

They do and Denzil off the forum is a member. Egor is also Leeds based.

I visit Pudsey regularly and use to drink there every night I was married at Pudsey parish Church hence the large consumption of Alcohol. Mum still lives in Bramley

Wife was brought up just off Fulneck.

Get your self out there.

[MartinGT]

They do and Denzil off the forum is a member. Egor is also Leeds based.

I visit Pudsey regularly and use to drink there every night I was married at Pudsey parish Church hence the large consumption of Alcohol. Mum still lives in Bramley

Wife was brought up just off Fulneck.

Get your self out there.

I do a load of biking round Fulneck and the surrounding areas so know it very well

Thats good to know Pudsey Pacers do Fellrunning, I think I may have to pay them a visit sooner rather than later

[Stolly]

You don't need a club necessarily - all you need is a hill and some fell shoes

[IanDarkpeak]

You don't need a club necessarily - all you need is a hill and some fell shoes

Thats true but a club makes it more social and you get out to areas you wouldn't normaly visit.