I think running with the sweepers is the way to go! Enjoy it and have a go. Nothing wrong with being last :thumbup:
Last fell race I was in 7 out of the top 10 were over 40 or 50 vet's, at 44 your in your prime, I think fell running is so much more about being out there enjoying the route rather than with road running were it is all about the clock.
ATB
Tahr
Mike, for races see North York Moors A.C. or Esk Valley Harriers or failing that New Marske harriers sites for North Yorks Mid-week and Winter Series. Realy nice, friendly runs, mixed abilities. Loads of prizes including 'spots'. All this and cheap to enter!!
I M Povey New Marske Harriers
http://manwithoutashed.blogspot.com
Go for it Mike! I ran my first fell race unintentionally, a running friend invited me to do The Three Tops (North York Moors race part of Esk Valley Series) and I forgot to ask what kind of race it was (there was a clue in the name ). Only did road and cross country at the time and I ran it in road shoes but totally loved it. I now rarely do any other kind of race. There is a wide range of abilities in the Esk Valley Series and, in my opinion, they would be a good place to start as they are testing but not as 'hardcore' as some fell races. There's some good ones round the Dales too. Have a look at the BOFRA site and also check out the summer galas and shows.
Also, to echo what others have said, you are only just reaching your prime for fell running. There's lots of gnarly older guys in the fell races and I was really pleased to note that out of the top 5 women in the esk valley winter series, 4 of us were in the V40 category.:thumbup:
'The birds are the keepers of our secrets'