Hi! - Walker turned runner(?)

Hi,

My name's Joe and I've just joined the forum.

I've got quite into long-distance walking over the last year or so. I have completed the Dovedale Dipper, Nine Edges, Wilmot Wander, Charnwood Marathon and Three Shires.
This culminated last month when a group of us completed the Welsh 3000's. We finished (summit to summit) in 15.5 hours, and raised more than £1200 for MRT in the process.
A lot of my training for this was running, near where I live at the south end of the Peak District.

So now I've got the running bug, really, and I am now looking to migrate what were walking challenges into (slow) running challenges.
I've signed up for the Nine Edges again this year - this time as a runner! So I'm working towards this now in my training. I'd be quite happy to get across the 20 mile course in around the 4 hour mark.

I have my eye on the 2012 Four Inns, but I don't really know anyone that I could form a team with. None of my challenge walking buddies are interested in upping their game to running. - I need to get a couple of marathon distances under my belt this autumn.

I see there are lots of little fell races near where I live, and I must say I'm tempted.
The question is - do you have room for a chugger? I generally move along at 5.5 - 6mph when I'm running over hill and dale.
Is that a bit slow for fell running? Or do you have a full spectrum of abilities taking part in these short competitive races?

Cheers all,

Joe

If you average 6 mph in some of them, you'll win :). A good example is Borrowdale this weekend - a mere 17 miles and an approximate winning time of 2 hours 50. That said miles are harder in different places/races.

Welcome Joe.
Just turn out and see how you do but like stolly say's you will be well up in the race.

Oh, I doubt that!

I should be careful what I say! - Ignore the 5.5 - 6mph thing, let's just say I go slow*.

To put it another way, do you get some people coming off 5 mile courses in over an hour in these FRA things? (In the White Peak that is, not in the mountains).

*(On Tuesday, I suggested in another forum that I could probably run 10k in 50 minutes, some folk seemed to think that was quite quick, but I'd just picked a figure that seemed reasonable without really knowing. Anyway, last night I went and did 10k as fast as I could to find out - 54 minutes it turns out, and it was bloomin' hard work - and that was on a canal towpath, so perfectly flat!).

You'll not be last, not that that matters anyway. There are plenty of slower runners doing these races just for the enjoyment of being out there and competing with whoevers around you. The shorter races can feel a bit fast and furious but the longer ones tend to be a bit more sedate, at least thats my experience.

I see you are from the Peak District, can you recommend a suitable non-serious sub-10 miler for me to cut my teeth on?

The Dark Peak (one of the main Peak based FR clubs) have a calendar here http://www.dpfr.org.uk/#calendar and there's also the Hayfield site here http://www.cs.man.ac.uk/~temples/hc/ and Totley here http://www.totleyac.org.uk/cands2011.htm which should cover most of the northern peak.

I can thouroughly recomend the Stanage Struggle http://www.stanagestruggle.co.uk at 6 and bit miles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joester

I see you are from the Peak District, can you recommend a suitable non-serious sub-10 miler for me to cut my teeth on?

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Where in the Peak are you based, The trunce is a good little regular race so you can check your progress., Also check out the accelerate series(gritstone series).

Hey up Joe

Go for it. Lots of Fell runners come from walking and climbing backgrounds. I started out doing challenge walks then ended up fell running too.

Some of the shorter races can be fast and furious but there are plenty of plodders (me included) at the back of the field.

For long distance runs you could try the Long Distance Walkers Association. Lots of their events allow runners to enter. http://www.ldwa.org.uk/challenge_events/events_list.php

Have Fun

The longer events tend to be more social, in that you'll probably end up in a little group of people all travelling at much the same speed after a few miles. Most people are really only racing themselves towards the back half of the field. That's not to say short races aren't social, but the pace is such that talking during the run is at a minimum; the social bit seems to be before and after the race, in my limited experience of shorter events.

I originally was a walker but now run more but I'm slow, so often a back runner. My motto is I'm lapping all them sat on the couch :)

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

Where in the Peak are you based,

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I'm at the southern tip of the White Peak, in the Amber Valley area. White Peak areas are so much easier for me to get to, especially if the race is in the evening.

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Originally Posted by BionicBetty

My motto is I'm lapping all them sat on the couch

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I like that.

Welcome Joe. And well done FRAforum, after reading the manatory kit thread I was depressed but this is the forum at its best :-)Joe, I started as a walker turned runner and never felt like I didn't belong and my first ever 10k was 50 mins too so I know where you're coming from. You'll have no problems getting going and feeling part of it in a race. Being last has a kind of kudos anyway, not that you'll be anywhere near that. Have a look at the dark and White series, they are great for those with a hill background. Nav can rule over fitness here :-)Good luck and enjOy the huge fitness gain you'll get by doing this great sport, as well as the friends you'll make. You'll be doing the BGR in 2 years I bet :-))) Enjoy :-)ST

Don't worry about times Joe, just get out and enjoy it. I started as a runner but after doing longer distance stuff, i'm becoming a walker that runs a bit!

Welcome to the forum and good luck with owt you attempt mate;-)

Thanks everyone for your comments.

I think my first outing will be at Ilkeston Running Club's 10 mile 'Double or Quits' race around Shipley Country Park - not exactly a fell race, but I know the Park well and it's quite near me.

After that, I'm going to have a bash at the 12 mile course of the '9th Hills and Dales' event.

I have been greatly inspired this weekend by my wonderful wife who completed her first trail marathon on Sunday - The Dovedale Dipper.
She finished the course and its 3500ft of ascent in 6 hours 9 mins, and she enjoyed every minute of it.
Perhaps some of you were there too?

I wrote a report of her endevour here, if anyone's interested:

http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index....c,15193.0.html

Cheers all,

Joe

Great report and pics Joe, well done to your wife and mates:thumbup:

If I'd spotted this last week, I'd have suggested Tegg's Nose... a tough but scenic BM fell race in a lovely area that was on Saturday... but then, I am biased;).

Dovedale write up looks good, and don't worry about pace... most of the field are just out to compete against themselves and for the joy of being out in some great countryside. It's all pretty low-key for 90% of us even if it is obsessional and absorbing:).

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Originally Posted by bigfella

I can thouroughly recomend the Stanage Struggle http://www.stanagestruggle.co.uk at 6 and bit miles.

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That does look a good un, and very 'inclusive'. Might be tempted myself if the old achilles is up to it (in which case you won't be last joester)

I did the Stanage Struggle last year cos it's in my home village. Fab race, which I'm hoping to do again

It looks ace, my wife and I will be going along.
We just want to come and have some fun and hopefully meet some people.
I will endevour to write 'Joester' on my shirt, if anyone wants to come and say 'hi'.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigfella

You'll not be last, not that that matters anyway. There are plenty of slower runners doing these races just for the enjoyment of being out there and competing with whoevers around you. The shorter races can feel a bit f
fast and furious but the longer ones tend to be a bit more sedate, at least thats my experience.

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I found that out for myself haha

Hi Joe
Here is a local race you might like to try http://runningwithdavid.com/sections...radbourne.html

Hi, yeah - spotted that thanks, it looks like my cup of tea.

The afore mentioned 'double or quits' race is the day before, but I've decided it looks a bit too fast and serious for a first-timer, but the Bradbourne race looks just right. I might even persuade the wife to enter too.

It is done!

Just got back from my first ever fell race, in Bradbourne.

It was 5.5 miles with 850ft ascent and no fewer than 3 water crossings. A tiddler, I suppose, but this little, local race was ideal for me as a first-timer, and I loved it!

You were all right - I didn't finish last!

I even passed a fair few people before settling down and finding my stride (basically, the guy in front was going at the same speed as me, so I just settled in behind him).
I pushed myself hard, and was pleased with my performance, I think I heard David call out "46 17" as I crossed the finish - but I'll get back to you on that.
It felt great to fall to the grass after the finish line and get some air back into my screaming lungs.
I'm totally buzzing now!

There was a great atmosphere, just non-serious enough, there was some good cameraderie going on, and I met some nice people.

If anyone's hestitating about entering their first FRA race - don't!

I can't wait for Great Longstone next Friday now.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement everyone - I think I'm going to like it around here!

Regards,

Joe

Well done Joester :thumbsup: David Denton's races are great - I haven't done Bradbourne, but I have done a couple of his other ones. Next one is on 6th Sept near Belper. I am off that day so may give it a go. (I have however been last at one of these, and may well be last again!! I don't mind, someone has to be ;) ).

Well done Joe!:thumbup:
David Denton's races are great introductions to fell running. His Chevin race was my 1st

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Originally Posted by Joester

...
There was a great atmosphere, just non-serious enough, there was some good cameraderie going on, and I met some nice people.

If anyone's hestitating about entering their first FRA race - don't!
...
Thanks for your advice and encouragement everyone - I think I'm going to like it around here!

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Nice one Joe, you've expressed very well the feeling I have about starting fell running! As Mr Howard Senior says in the video, I don't know why everyone doesn't do this....but I'm glad they don't.

Good luck at Great Longstone.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joester

It is done!

Just got back from my first ever fell race, in Bradbourne.

It was 5.5 miles with 850ft ascent and no fewer than 3 water crossings. A tiddler, I suppose, but this little, local race was ideal for me as a first-timer, and I loved it!

You were all right - I didn't finish last!

I even passed a fair few people before settling down and finding my stride (basically, the guy in front was going at the same speed as me, so I just settled in behind him).
I pushed myself hard, and was pleased with my performance, I think I heard David call out "46 17" as I crossed the finish - but I'll get back to you on that.
It felt great to fall to the grass after the finish line and get some air back into my screaming lungs.
I'm totally buzzing now!

There was a great atmosphere, just non-serious enough, there was some good cameraderie going on, and I met some nice people.

If anyone's hestitating about entering their first FRA race - don't!

I can't wait for Great Longstone next Friday now.

Thanks for your advice and encouragement everyone - I think I'm going to like it around here!

Regards,

Joe

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Well done Joe and to forumite race winner DazH, good going:)
Lots of good races this weekend, why not double up with a Shelf moor

Cheers all!

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

Lots of good races this weekend, why not double up with a Shelf moor

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'Cos my legs are still aching from Sunday!

Friday evening will do just fine for me.

... I seem to have a crap recovery time. I rarely do an 'easy' run (I always put a lot of effort in), but anything other than a sedate jog and I have to have at least a couple of days before I'm right again. That's even with plenty of stretching, massage and lunchtime walks to try and stop everything from seizing up.
This situation does not seem to be getting any better.
Will it do?
Or do some people just have naturally poor recovery times?
Is there anything I can do to improve the situation?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Joester

Cheers all!



'Cos my legs are still aching from Sunday!

Friday evening will do just fine for me.

... I seem to have a crap recovery time. I rarely do an 'easy' run (I always put a lot of effort in), but anything other than a sedate jog and I have to have at least a couple of days before I'm right again. That's even with plenty of stretching, massage and lunchtime walks to try and stop everything from seizing up.
This situation does not seem to be getting any better.
Will it do?
Or do some people just have naturally poor recovery times?
Is there anything I can do to improve the situation?

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the more you train and run the recovery time will come down some what but it takes time to build up, If you don't fancy the recovery run go for a brisk walk.

Joester

Think Ive just figured out who you are as I think we have met a couple of times via Granty.

Anyway, welcome to the FRA forums and a world where dodgy shorts and singlets are socially acceptable!!

Yes, that's me.

You once gave me a bottle of beer, hence you are a fine human being, in my book.

See you out and about at some point, no doubt!

Hard to believe i'd ever relinquish my grip on a beer :D

This thread is inexplicably popular. I figure I'll keep posting on it.

Another race this evening - The Great Longstone Chase. A weeny bit more serious, this one, it seemed.

It's 4.8 miles with 950 ft of ascent, the ascent comes in one hit, right at the start.

I've been drinking beer and eating takeaways all week. No running since last Sunday's race.
This is not a good training regime.
I did have a jog over to my parents last night, which is about 7 miles away, but then had a kebab and chips whilst I was there (no beer, though). Still felt sluggish and unmotivated this morning.

I nearly copped out of this evening, but I made myself go.
I suppose I had a bad race, the desire to stop running was with me the whole time.
I'd like to thank the guy from Fat Boys that shouted a few words of encouragement as we approached the top of the last hill - I needed it.

I managed 41 mins and a bit and 63rd place. I know I could have done better if I'd not been such a slob all week. I shall put it down to experience and move on.

The race was won by Es Tressider. I understand he has achieved great things. We were in the same tutor group at school. I didn't introduce myself, I remember not being particularly nice to him back then.

Oh, and Roy Hattersley was there, but he wasn't running.

Well.

Today's little challenge was the 9th Hills and Dales Challenge Walk.

It turned out not to be too popular with the runners, there were only about 2 dozen of us.

It was 24 miles, from High Ash Farm near Longnor, over to Flash, over Axe Edge Moor, over Goyt's Moss, down into Buxton, out to Brierlow Bar, down Brierlow Dale and up Horseshoe Dale and over to Earl Sterndale, Longnor village and back to High Ash. 1200m of ascent. I did it in 5 hours 40 mins and it hurt like hell, it must have been Newbie day because somehow I was second fastest overall!

I was pleased to get to the halfway checkpoint at Poole's Cavern in Buxton in 2 hours 20. I was running down through the golf course with a couple of fit-looking chaps who were going well. I was thinking 'blimey, these boys are keen, I've maybe bit-off a bit too much here'. We got to the checkpoint and they both got changed! That was it for them - 12 miles, the golf course was their home straight!
I set off on the second half on me tod.

From about 15 miles in I was plagued by muscle cramps in my inner thighs and calves - very painful, and I was reduced to tiny strides and couldn't manage the slightest incline. This surprised me, as I'd put some sachets of Dioralyte in my platypus.
It occured to me I might have made a grave error, and it perhaps wasn't such a great idea to be slurping away on a bladder full of mild saline solution whilst running along. I emptied the rest out as a precaution, resolving only to drink at the checkpoints.
It was too late, though. I'd pretty much had it. I passed a couple of walkers, moving along well. They promptly sped up, doing that run-walking thing that the fast LDWA people do. We stuck with each other all the way back, but I don't think they realised that I'd set out an hour after them. I was really struggling to make myself jog - it made me want to whimper.

Next couple of weeks bring the Stanage Struggle and then the Nine Edges Challenge. I hope I go better on the Nine Edges than today.

good effort Joe

Dont worry about beer and chips, its a staple diet for many a runner

But do try and get the training frequency up, and make sure youve got a head torch. You'll be needing one soon, Ive already used mine this year.

Right, time for gin. Just the one though after last nights ginnageddon one WILL be enough!!!

I've got a mint headtorch, a Black Diamond Icon.
The outdoor shop in our town was closing down, so I thought I'd go and grab a bargain.

I know what you mean about training frequency. It's the old story, I am obliged to try hard at work, it's not hard physically, but it's tiring mentally. Wife and three kids. Lots of DIY to do... Not all that easy to get long runs in.

There's a big difference between allocating a weekend or two a month to get fit for something like walking the Welsh 3000's, and donating enough time and effort to be able to shift one of these trail marathons in under 5 hours....

kids gotta be the biggest issue, do you have a cellar to lock them in?

Probably worth posting something in the training thread, there are no doubt others in the same boat that might advise.

Stanage Struggle today, complete with name on 'me top (did you see me?!).

What a lovely race, I had a great morning. There were some proper little battles going on today, I don't know who I finished with, but I've not come across anyone trying as hard as that so far. Good effort!

I came in a couple of minutes under the hour, and that'll do for me!

Thanks Fat Boys! See you next year! (how do you manage to sell those T-shirts so cheap?!).

Tonight's kebab tasted so good!

I was at this & came 3rd local lady & PB by over 3 mins. Hubby did it too & got 2nd local, though having lived in Hathersage all my life I hadnt a clue who the 1st local man was. I'm sure they said he was from Matlock? :confused: