Looking to try fell running.

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a few months now and thought I'd sign up finally. I'm a 40 year old runner from West Yorkshire who loves trail running. Stop sniggering at the back. I'm hoping that some fell running and/or races will help to build up my overall fitness and improve my running on longer trail runs.

I'm not sure where to start when it comes to beginners fell running. It has been suggested that I have a crack at the Giant's Tooth run over at Ogden Moor. I don't want to do anything too hard at first or anything that means I've got to buy all the kit before I can run although I do appreciate the necessity of said kit at many events. Taped seams? Bum bags? I'm drawing a line at the odd shorts you all wear. ;) Just kidding.

So, hope to get some good run tips and maybe see some of you out on the hills. I'll be the one cursing every time my Salomons get muddy. Seriously, they're works of art.

Thanks for reading,
Martin.

Welcome aboard Vegan.

I'm fairly new to the fells myself and recomend you just give it a go. If you like it (and I'm sure you will), you'll know more about what kind of events you want to enter. I tend to like the longer races on the hills. It does not mean you have to give up trail running either. I still do a fair bit on road (despite the abuse I get here)!
As winter draws in - a lot of the kit becomes mandatory. After one bad experience - I found out why.

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a few months now and thought I'd sign up finally. I'm a 40 year old runner from West Yorkshire who loves trail running. Stop sniggering at the back. I'm hoping that some fell running and/or races will help to build up my overall fitness and improve my running on longer trail runs.

I'm not sure where to start when it comes to beginners fell running. It has been suggested that I have a crack at the Giant's Tooth run over at Ogden Moor. I don't want to do anything too hard at first or anything that means I've got to buy all the kit before I can run although I do appreciate the necessity of said kit at many events. Taped seams? Bum bags? I'm drawing a line at the odd shorts you all wear. ;) Just kidding.

So, hope to get some good run tips and maybe see some of you out on the hills. I'll be the one cursing every time my Salomons get muddy. Seriously, they're works of art.

Thanks for reading,
Martin.

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The kit doesn't cost much a set of Reggatta pack-away waterproofs, a whistle, compas and bumbag can all be bought for less than £50. If you do a bit of walking you might have it already anyway.

You don't need OMM jackets and fancy stuff unless you're planning to do a lot of running in ii. For most races waterproofs are emergency kit - you don't wear them unless you have to (there are exceptions of course).

At this time of year I wouldn't run without it, you'll get hypothermia very quickly waiting for a MRT to get you if you badly injure yourself!

It doesn't have to be an epic Lakeland Classic to get yourself into a pickle.....

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a few months now and thought I'd sign up finally. I'm a 40 year old runner from West Yorkshire who loves trail running. Stop sniggering at the back. I'm hoping that some fell running and/or races will help to build up my overall fitness and improve my running on longer trail runs.

I'm not sure where to start when it comes to beginners fell running. It has been suggested that I have a crack at the Giant's Tooth run over at Ogden Moor. I don't want to do anything too hard at first or anything that means I've got to buy all the kit before I can run although I do appreciate the necessity of said kit at many events. Taped seams? Bum bags? I'm drawing a line at the odd shorts you all wear. ;) Just kidding.

So, hope to get some good run tips and maybe see some of you out on the hills. I'll be the one cursing every time my Salomons get muddy. Seriously, they're works of art.

Thanks for reading,
Martin.

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welcome Martin

With regard to kit just have a search through the kit threads, masses of stuff on there, if there is then some thing specific you need to know put it on.

I'd forget it pal - the fells are full to their limit.

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Originally Posted by IanDarkpeak

welcome Martin

With regard to kit just have a search through the kit threads, masses of stuff on there, if there is then some thing specific you need to know put it on.

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Thanks all for the welcomes, warm and er... not so.

The kit thing I've already looked into. Just need to be paid again. Really I'm after recommendations for entry level fell runs. Something that makes me go "I'll have more of that" rather than "bugger that".

I'm in the Wakefield/Leeds area and obviously prepared to travel. I've run up to Simon's Seat before which was fun. I'd like to explore more of that area. Same with the Ladybower/Derwent/Howden reservoirs area. Anything really so long as it isn't crowded (see above).:rolleyes:

I'm not a native of these parts so might be missing some obvious (or not so obvious) areas.

Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by Witton Park

I'd forget it pal - the fells are full to their limit.

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Welcome Vegan Runner - I think you can ignore WPs post above as I think it relates to a 'heated debate' on another thread and is completely unnecessary here.

Welcome,
Where to start? Your nearest open moor or fell. Simply look at a map, choose a footpath and set off, run as much as you can, walk where you need to. Actually, the footpath is optional if you're on open access land, but I suggest you stick to them at first for simplicity's sake - but possibly smaller, less obvious ones than those you'd use on trail runs. We sometimes make it all sound complicated on here, but in reality it's still just running. If you want to be up at the front in races you will have to develop the more technical skills of descending quickly, foot placement, line choice, etc. (none of which I've come close to mastering yet) but don't worry about those technicalities to start with, just enjoy the open fells. HOWEVER, you do need to think about the technicalities of kit, especially at this time of year. And not just for races. In fact I would argue I need more kit with me when I'm out alone on the fells since it would probably then take longer to get help. But, as others have said, you don't have to buy the top range stuff. As long as you're not worried about being trendy and want this season's colours, models, etc. you can usually pick up end-of-line and similar fairly cheaply.
If you're going onto hills you don't know well, remember you're map and compass!

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Originally Posted by Latege

Welcome,
Where to start? Your nearest open moor or fell. Simply look at a map, choose a footpath and set off, run as much as you can, walk where you need to. Actually, the footpath is optional if you're on open access land, but I suggest you stick to them at first for simplicity's sake - but possibly smaller, less obvious ones than those you'd use on trail runs. We sometimes make it all sound complicated on here, but in reality it's still just running. If you want to be up at the front in races you will have to develop the more technical skills of descending quickly, foot placement, line choice, etc. (none of which I've come close to mastering yet) but don't worry about those technicalities to start with, just enjoy the open fells. HOWEVER, you do need to think about the technicalities of kit, especially at this time of year. And not just for races. In fact I would argue I need more kit with me when I'm out alone on the fells since it would probably then take longer to get help. But, as others have said, you don't have to buy the top range stuff. As long as you're not worried about being trendy and want this season's colours, models, etc. you can usually pick up end-of-line and similar fairly cheaply.
If you're going onto hills you don't know well, remember you're map and compass!

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What a reply. Thank you. I'm a bit of a kit fiend to be honest so I'm loving the research that comes before a purchase. I totally agree with you about maybe needing more with you when you're on your own (especially at this time of year). There are runs that I've plotted that I know I can manage physically but I've put them off because I don't have the necessary stuff should something go wrong. When I ran up to Simon's Seat it was in the middle of summer (cloudy, raining, the usual) and when I got up there I knew straight away that my windproof top would have been way out of its depth should the worst happen. I was actually glad to get back down again TBH. Not really done anything like that since mostly due to not having the right equipment.

Lesson learnt though and no harm done. Will go shopping then running.

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Hi all,

I've been lurking for a few months now and thought I'd sign up finally. I'm a 40 year old runner from West Yorkshire who loves trail running. Stop sniggering at the back. I'm hoping that some fell running and/or races will help to build up my overall fitness and improve my running on longer trail runs.

I'm not sure where to start when it comes to beginners fell running. It has been suggested that I have a crack at the Giant's Tooth run over at Ogden Moor. I don't want to do anything too hard at first or anything that means I've got to buy all the kit before I can run although I do appreciate the necessity of said kit at many events. Taped seams? Bum bags? I'm drawing a line at the odd shorts you all wear. ;) Just kidding.

So, hope to get some good run tips and maybe see some of you out on the hills. I'll be the one cursing every time my Salomons get muddy. Seriously, they're works of art.

Thanks for reading,
Martin.

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I'm never quite sure what trail running is but I'd say that fell running is much the same as trail running but with a higher quotient of hills. I'm not sure about the Giant's Tooth race but I run on Ogden Moor and various complicated loops of the woods around the reservoir quite a lot and, so long as you make the most of the hilly bits, its a brilliant place to run out. And its not what I'd call dodgy either as you are always relatively near civilisation so running alone you don't have to get all kitted out. Mind you I've been doing a few headtorch runs up on the moor there recently and, after dark, its a darn spooky and lonely place :)

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Originally Posted by Stolly

Mind you I've been doing a few headtorch runs up on the moor there recently and, after dark, its a darn spooky and lonely place :)

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The spooky thing gets to me too. Take my local woods, for example. I've never seen anything even remotely dodgy happening there but, turn the lights out, and you can imagine a place filled with hoodies and other ne'er do wells. I think I'd prefer the moors. Less places for people to hide in wait for me!

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

The spooky thing gets to me too. Take my local woods, for example. I've never seen anything even remotely dodgy happening there but, turn the lights out, and you can imagine a place filled with hoodies and other ne'er do wells. I think I'd prefer the moors. Less places for people to hide in wait for me!

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I run on my own on the moors and in the dark a lot this time of year. I always think if someone wants to climb up there in the cold and rain to mug me then good luck to them!! The scariest thing I've encountered was a herd of cows last night...

You can't go wrong with an Alpkit Gamma headtorch either - £12.50.

Hi there from a fellow vegan!
Hope you're enjoying the fell running, the best advice I would give is to get yourself along to a fell club, if there is one a reasonable distance from you, and so some runs with them. Most of my most enjoyable runs have been on training nights or out reccying for races rather than the actual races. You'll also meet a bunch of likeminded folk who you can discuss kit with and talk about nice races/routes to run.
There is a list of clubs websites here.

http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/links.php

Hi Martin.
Are you the same Martin who knows some of my Ackworth club-mates, & I think ran our 'Priory 5' (sorry, can't remember your surname)

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Originally Posted by RichardAThackeray

Hi Martin.
Are you the same Martin who knows some of my Ackworth club-mates, & I think ran our 'Priory 5' (sorry, can't remember your surname)

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That would be me. The Priory 5 was great. It was bit sketchy coming down from the Obelisk in road shoes. Luckily I'd left my brain and brakes at home. Hoping to run it in 2012 depending on the date.

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Luckily I'd left my brain and brakes at home. Hoping to run it in 2012 depending on the date.

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Don't think Stewart's set a date yet, but it'll probably be in July (again?)

Might be able to do it then. I only have the Lakeland Trails marathon and the Sherwood Pines 10k in July. Hopefully it won't rain....again!

Personally I recommend a thermal shirt, Helly Hansen or similar. A pair of light/medium weight tights. A light/medium weight fleecy top. A pertex windproof. A pair of light weight gloves and a thermal balaclava. A light rucksack/big bumbag to carry a Buffalo type jacket and a set of waterproofs....plus usual compass, relevant map and whistle. Oh! and shoes and socks for running in!...then just go find some paths and sheep trods etc! Run until you reach nirvana!!! :

Do a few races in the summer......

...or collapse into a bog with your lungs hanging out of your arse. Whichever comes first.
I know which does with me, but my dog insists on running on the moors.

Ha ha. Sounds like fun. Going to have a go at the Giant's Tooth on Sunday. I don't want to jump in too deep but it looks interesting.

Good luck with the giant's tooth. I'd just got back from a very wet, windy and generally boggy run when I did the above post. For every couple of runs like that, you get a good 'un in, and they're the ones that keep you going. This time last year, I remember running on the same moors on a lovely still day, in bright sunshine, freezing temperatures and just enough snow around to make it look beautiful, and provide a bit of cushioning on top of the frozen earth.
Headtorchers in the snow under a clear sky and a full moon aren't to be missed, either!

I wish I lived nearer the moors. It's a bit flat around here (between Wakefield and Barnsley) and I worry that my hill work is sorely lacking. It's just too time consuming to get anywhere better all that often.

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

I wish I lived nearer the moors. It's a bit flat around here (between Wakefield and Barnsley) and I worry that my hill work is sorely lacking. It's just too time consuming to get anywhere better all that often.

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If can get to a gym the stepper machine is great practice for climbing hills. Try and stay on your toes when using it. Most of us walk the steep bits anyway

Regarding the Giant's Tooth race and for the information of Vegan Runner and others; we will not insist on kit being carried. Considering the nature of the run we will be perfectly happy if you just put your shoes, shirt and shorts on.

The Giant's Tooth is a good introduction to Fell Running.

Thanks for that. I'm sat here in my kit all ready for the off.:w00t:

Rather than start yet another thread about kit can I just ask for a bit of clarification on waterproofs? I have a Salomon waterproof jacket with (I think) taped seams. However, it doesn't have a hood. Would I be able to wear it along with a WP or Gore-Tex cap?

Thanks.

Just a note re. running around Ogden. If you ever fancy coming over for a run around some of the other routes (there are some real corkers) at Ogden, give me a heads up on here and I'll join you. Show you some of the good uns. We are, as we found out in the race, at a similar level.

Thanks MotM. Not sure when I'm available though. I'm on a training schedule for three marathons in June and it isn't all that flexible. However, might be a good way to make the long runs more enjoyable.

Whenever mate. I'm up there several times a week and Ogden Nomad is often with me (when he has a groin).

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

I wish I lived nearer the moors. It's a bit flat around here (between Wakefield and Barnsley) and I worry that my hill work is sorely lacking. It's just too time consuming to get anywhere better all that often.

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Martin, there's the 'Stanbury Splash' up at Haworth (roughly a hours travelling) on Sunday 22nd

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Rather than start yet another thread about kit can I just ask for a bit of clarification on waterproofs? I have a Salomon waterproof jacket with (I think) taped seams. However, it doesn't have a hood. Would I be able to wear it along with a WP or Gore-Tex cap?

Thanks.

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Jackets need hoods - hoods don't blow away when you try to put them up in a gale!

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Originally Posted by Dynamo Dan

Jackets need hoods - hoods don't blow away when you try to put them up in a gale!

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Couldn't a jacket do the same while trying to put it on? What about if the cap was a tight, WP, beanie style?

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Couldn't a jacket do the same while trying to put it on? What about if the cap was a tight, WP, beanie style?

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In theory yes a jacket could blow away. Any race which stipulates taped seams would also stipulate a hooded coat. If it's bad enough to wear a waterproof you'll want a hood anyway. Even a WP cap would fail a strict kit check, you can get a regatta waterproof for less than £15.

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Originally Posted by Dynamo Dan

In theory yes a jacket could blow away. Any race which stipulates taped seams would also stipulate a hooded coat. If it's bad enough to wear a waterproof you'll want a hood anyway. Even a WP cap would fail a strict kit check, you can get a regatta waterproof for less than £15.

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Thanks for the reply. I have waterproofs on my shopping list for payday. I'm actually shocked at how affordable they are when you're not paying for a logo.

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Originally Posted by Vegan Runner

Thanks for the reply. I have waterproofs on my shopping list for payday. I'm actually shocked at how affordable they are when you're not paying for a logo.

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You can spend loads on waterproofs, but it's only worth it if you're going to run in them regularly. I've got a Montane Atomic Dt Stretch, it's a great jacket but I rarely run in it. Luckily it was bought for me as a gift!

The only jacket I run in regularly is my OMM sonic smock, which is ironically a hoodless wind proof! The thing to remember though is you carry this gear in case of emergency to keep you warm if you have to stop running.

Vegan Runner, are you doing the Stanbury Splash? I'm hoping to, although I'm off to a birthday party on the saturday night so we'll see. If you are, I'll make a point of saying hello to compensate for my not doing so at the Giant's tooth!

You can get a 'pac-a-mac' style waterproof from Decathlon with taped seams and a hood for £7.
It's about the size of a gent's wallet, and can be folded in half again at that.

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Originally Posted by plodding bear

Vegan Runner, are you doing the Stanbury Splash? I'm hoping to, although I'm off to a birthday party on the saturday night so we'll see. If you are, I'll make a point of saying hello to compensate for my not doing so at the Giant's tooth!

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I wasn't doing it but I think I might. I was a bit unsure due to the Northern XC Champs the following Saturday. I don't think I'll be anything more than a sweeper there but it gets the Vegan Runner UK club seen at a big event so I entered. I like the look of this Slash race though. The distance ties in nicely with my training schedule run for that day too. Two things though: 1. Is it suitable for a novice like me? 2. Full kit? Will go out this weekend and get a bum bag, waterproofs and the like but will I need anything else?

I'm probably not best qualified to say, but I would say full kit will mean a set of waterproofs, mebbe a whistle, hat and gloves? That's about what I'll be taking. I think you'll be fine on this one, no doubt you'll finish in front of me again and I'm hoping to give it a go!

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Originally Posted by plodding bear

I'm probably not best qualified to say, but I would say full kit will mean a set of waterproofs, mebbe a whistle, hat and gloves? That's about what I'll be taking. I think you'll be fine on this one, no doubt you'll finish in front of me again and I'm hoping to give it a go!

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Good stuff. That's me doing some shopping then. See you on the line.