I'm not too bothered about the weather on the day, but a dry week in advance would be great for the underfoot conditions. Running and orienteering over the last month or so it seems the recent relatively dry spell has done wonders for runnability.
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I'm not too bothered about the weather on the day, but a dry week in advance would be great for the underfoot conditions. Running and orienteering over the last month or so it seems the recent relatively dry spell has done wonders for runnability.
Fellsman virgin here. Just going back to the shoe debate of a few pages back. I was planning on wearing my 315's as I find them very comfortable. However on looking at them this morning the front of one of them is a bit scuffed/dented where I've obviously bashed them against rocks etc. Reckon I've only done about 150 miles in them and the grips look fine. How strict is the kit check in this regard? Was wondering whether to invest in a new pair of shoes anyway but more suitable for summer hard trail running like Terroc or Flyroc. But would they be suitable for the Fellsman as a back up?
Given the distance I'd be a bit worried wearing brand spanking new fell shoes; the last thing you'll need is blisters - I ran in fairly tatty fell shoes last year and passed the kit check okay. They did inspect the grips though and looked for splitting seams and whatnot. Scuffing can't be a problem can it - its rare to be able to actually see the scuffs on mine through all the dry mud and peat and, if in doubt, camoflage the scuffs with mud ;)
Feet is my biggest concern and comfort is the key thing for me. The last thing you want is sore feet at 40 miles. If you are confident in your 315's then better the devil you know rather than an untested shoe. You can always show the new shoes at the kit check. I'll also be taking a change of socks and some foot creme. I'm using a Walsh trail shoe, mainly fast walking and a little running.
Thanks for the advice guys. I agree. It is a bit late to start thinking of new shoes.
First time for me too. I'm going for tried and tested comfortable trail shoes and a shed-load of talcum power, with a fresh pair of socks in my pack as a little treat on the way round. Simple pleasures, eh!
How much food are people carrying outside of the emergency ration? I'm concerned about eating enough and would hate to be caught out by not being able to stomach what's on offer at the checkpoints. Being a vegetarian I might carry a couple of veggie sausages so I don't get jealous at the hot-dog stop.
I've got some comfortable Montrail Phoenixes, which have small holes in the top where my toes have started wearing through. I've been assuming these wouldn't pass the inspection, so was going to take my newer Highlanders - but these are pretty much guaranteed to give me blisters, as the uppers are more rigid. Or alternatively, my Mudclaws - but would expect my feet to hurt big time by the end of 60 miles!
It sounds from the above though that my Phoenix might get through?
On another matter - the Fellsman website said a while ago that they were looking into additional camping arrangements and that an announcement would be made. There's been no announcement, and my email to the organisers has had no reply.
Anyone know what the deal is?
The 2010 menu is here.
I'd take both pairs to kit check and ask. I did it last year in Highlanders, as well as the LAMM A, the OMM Elite and Tanky's, as well as training runs and didn't develop a single blister. They're a great long distance shoe but you need to get the lacing right. I finally trashed them last month and have replaced them with a pair of Walsh Spirit Peaks which were fine on a 20-miler straight out of the box....and really comfy too.
Maybe you have delicate feet? :-)