Fellsman

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Originally Posted by chamber34

Looking at the fellsman, how good do you have to be at navigating? do you just need basic nav skills or good/excellent nav skills?
Would it be be too close to a BGR attempt in july? Thought it would be a good tester , nut never done out like it so not sure if it would take too much out of you
Thanks

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In daylight depending on visibility and how close you are to other runners you could get away with zero nav skills. However, if the clag's down and you're on your own some sections are by no means straight-forward, Fleet Moss and Middle Tongue in particular. At night you'll be grouped with three other people. As a group you'll need decent nav skills to avoid mistakes, especially as by that time you're likely to be completely knackered and in no mood for unnecessary detours!

Navigation is trivial, so much so that we added about 3 miles and an extra hour by taking the wrong turning after Fleet Moss :) There's a wall that isn't marked on the Harveys map, we followed it instead of the one that is (despite its heading in the wrong direction, and despite this being the one section that we'd recce'ed) - moral, don't lose concentration!
After grouping, we were slowed slightly by there being at least 3 competent navigators in the group, each with slightly different opinions on the best route, if there's been just one then there'd have been less discussion and more progress!

I found that like IDP, you can chug through the first couple of food stops. After that I would fill my cup with pasta,etc and bottle at each food stop (90 secs tops), have a few swigs of water, pop in a Nuun tablet and then take the next hill very slowly whilst eating said pasta/hotdog. Not very good for the digestion but eating on the move saves a lot of time. Fleet Moss is quite challenging terrain to do this on!
I also made the mistake on my first time to go off to quickly and bonked badly on Buckden Pike (18:45 hrs I think). I didn't make the same mistake on the 2nd time and had a great steady run (15:15ish, I think). If you can monster your way around the first 40-45 miles then you get grouped later and will spend less time walking in the dark. I managed Cray first time and Park Rash the second before getting grouped. Also, the further up the field you are when you are grouped, the more likely you are to get grouped with folk who can run well in the dark.
With regard to navigation, yes it's an easy course unless it's dark or misty. Hmmm. Getting a good line off Fleet Moss is tricky, picking your way through walls after it is a bit mesmerising. I also think Dodd Fell catches people out in the mist and I've heard several stories of groups getting tied in knots on Buckden Pike and beyond due to lack of group navigation skills (i.e. discuss well and follow the leader!)
I'm with Ian on the reverting to a midday start - it would be a great leveller!

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

although I wish they'd go back to the proper start time 12.00

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Why did they alter the start time - I assume it was to allow the fastest of the runners to get through the distance without being grouped?

Entered this now.

What rucksack do I need size and brand wise - will consider the I word.

Should I take a bladder or bottles.

What type of food should I be carrying other than emergency energy bars.

Up for recce's etc.

Will doing all the Bunny Runs help?

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Originally Posted by sore legs

Why did they alter the start time - I assume it was to allow the fastest of the runners to get through the distance without being grouped?

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correct but it does mean a lack of decent sleep for 2 nights to get there in time for registration

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Originally Posted by Antisocial

Entered this now.

What rucksack do I need size and brand wise - will consider the I word.

Should I take a bladder or bottles.

What type of food should I be carrying other than emergency energy bars.

Up for recce's etc.

Will doing all the Bunny Runs help?

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10l-12l should be enough, what ever's comfortable even the I word ;)#

a few gels, musili bars is all I usually take and some energy powder to mix in drinks bottle. there s enough food to be grabbed on route youcan carry with you.
1 bottle Paul, wide mouthed as it can double up for putting tea in, you need to be able to fill it quick. Bladders are a pain to refill quickly

Hi all, I've entered the Fellsman and as a newcomer to this event wondered if there are any pearls of widom you can offer me as regards the route.

Thanks in advance, Andy

You'll find lots of info in the thread in the long distance section....
http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showt...p?992-Fellsman

Cheers, I did a search but didn't find that.

Hi Andy-i am also doing the Fellsman and have scoured each if the 85 pages from the dedicated thread-i am so excited its silly! main key to sucess seems to be
1) dont get lost off Middle Tongue
2) Marzipan.

Hope this helps! ;)