Hi,
I've dabbled with fell/trail-running for a while now. Having had dodgy ankles for years (including surgery), I tried fell shoes for hill-walking, as I was advised that feet can be more stable in shoes rather than boots ... I couldn't agree more and have had no problems at all. Having always hated road-running, I have started to jog about a bit when on the fells and (to my amazement) have really enjoyed it.
My problem is breaking into more sustained running on the fells. I am a fairly quick hill-walker and it is usually only runners who pass me. However, the move from a brisk walk to a slow run seems really difficult and a huge step. I can run uphill, but only for fairly short bursts, even when going very slowly. Can someone recommend a tried and tested way of building up? When I was still at school, I "taught" myself to run by the run-walk technique ... gradually increasing the running and decreasing the walking, but this was a long time ago. Would this be a good tactic in the hills too? I'm just lacking a bit of motivation / confidence at the moment. Moel Famau is my nearest fun hill, just 15 minutes away, and I would be incredibly proud if I could build up to running it, however slowly. I'm not looking for speed or competition, but would love to take this on as a personal challenge. I'm reasonably fit already, but realise that I have a way to go if I am going to achieve this.
Thanks in advance!