Fellsman

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Originally Posted by Alexandra

Remember the wild video-maker dancing on a fence-post? HERE is the final chapter of his Fellsman story, for this year. Health warning - I had tears in my eyes at the end. )

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Thanks Alexandra. Enjoyed watching those films, although a bit of a sad ending.

The race looks far too enticing on film. Kingsdale is always amazing.

Just watched these video's - fantastic. V impressed, will have ELO in my head all day tomorrow

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Originally Posted by Fly

After pulling out last year with a twisted ankle at Redshaw I took it real steady this time, probably way too steady and then had to wait 1.5 hours at Cray to get grouped. Took advantage of the great food on offer at the checkpoints and stayed too long at those as well. Consequently I felt fresh all the way and after getting degrouped at Yarnbury ran all the way to the finish just to get warm. Probably just over 18 hours with the waiting time. The Fleet Moss to Mid tongue seemed ok but went a bit squiggly to Hell Gap. Definately back next year to have a proper go now I know the last third is the easiest bit.
Well done to all the finishers. Some fast times there

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Sounds like you had a "social jolly" trot out Simon !

I've just watched that video: poor bloke - must be so frustrating! I haven't watched the others but will now... it's a shame I know the ending.


On a separate note, I was wondering what experienced ultra runners would recommend in terms of recovery. I haven't reallt run many ultras so haven't got a feel of how much rest is necessary etc. I got round okay without any significant niggles - a sore right ankle for the last 30 miles or so but that feels okay now. I was thinking that I would try a jog today or tomorrow, see how I feel and take it from there. Do people recommend a more cautious approach, or is it fairly safe to just "listen to my body"?

Roadkill - There are a number of views and opinions on this matter. I know some ultra runners who will take 7 days off to recover fully, others will take only a couple of days off and some non at all. Personally, I think it is down to the individual and how they feel, if you try run on damaged or sore legs then you run the risk of injury. I did the Fellsman at the weekend and I have just been out for a 6 mile recovery run (60 - 70% max) with a few strides to loosen up and I feel fine. I think you summed it well when you say just listen to your body, if you feel ok then go for it.

Thanks for the advice, Steve. I think I'll head out this lunchtime for a gentle canter along the Thames and see how things go. I took it fairly easy from Dodd Fell onwards in a nice sociable group of seven, so I think my muscles aren't in too bad shape - the main thing I probably need to look out for is my weedy road runner ankles and knees.

I hope you had a good day out, Steve - it sounds like you held up well.

Having had a chat or two with people on the event and having read some of the comments on here I'm suprised how far people have traveled to do the fellsman.

I would be interested to know if many others decided on the road route after Fleet Moss to the new Middle Tongue checkpoint. I deliberated on this and finally went for the road.

Based on distance, the road route was slightly further but much easier going with a 1000ft climb at the end.

Last year it took me 1hr 20min to get from Fleet Moss to Middle Tongue by the route across the moor. Given that the new CP was further on across the moor, my time would more likely have been 1hr 30min.

It took me 40 mins to run down the road and another 25 mins to climb back up. A saving of 20-25 minutes overall.

Anyone else take this time saving route ?

DB

Hi DB, we ran together for a short while on the 'Ell and Back but didn't see you on saturday to say hello.

Jez Bragg was considering the road route before the start but decided on the moors route. I went over the moors as well and found the running quite good, there's a good quad track with way markers from where you leave the wall to the Yockenthwaite CP, so I'm not sure if the road route would have saved me much time. Besides, I didn't fancy subjecting my legs to a couple of miles of fast downhill tarmac bashing followed by an extra 1000ft ascent.

The name's in the title...'FELLS', Man! We opted for route along the southern wall still, but obviously had to stay on the south side of that so basically just contoured along to the new check point. It seemed ok, although (as expected) rough going underfoot.
I met a bloke who'd driven up from Norwich to do it. Dunno what he trains on down that way.
Recovery wise, on monday I ate as much crap as I felt like (macdonalds, curry, beer or two) today I'm being sensible foodwise, tomorrow I might go for a wee run. It's not a very scientific approach, I will admit, but I like it.