I've just finished reading Steve Birkinshaw's book "There is no map in hell". It is excellent and not just of interest for ultra endurance runners but all lovers of the Lakeland fells. Highly recommended
I've just finished reading Steve Birkinshaw's book "There is no map in hell". It is excellent and not just of interest for ultra endurance runners but all lovers of the Lakeland fells. Highly recommended
Poacher turned game-keeper
I picked this up at the weekend, started reading it yesterday and have finished it already...!
It is a superb read. I think for a non-runner, it might not contain the interest of a book like Feet In The Clouds, it is possibly a little too much of a "specialist subject" for some. Although I could be wrong, as the Wainwrights are obviously very popular. But as a runner myself I found it very brutal and honest, and couldn't put it down.
Highly recommended. One is struck by both Steve's humility and sheer competitiveness. The chapter where he reflects on how further time could be staved from his extraordinary achievement illustrates this perfectly. The friendships forged on the fells shines throughout the book. In addition, you are left in even greater awe of Josh and his fantastic record back in the day. Thank you Steve for sharing your experience in such an open and unassuming way. Chris
Have just finished this - in less than a day. He certainly knows how to suffer! Some useful tips on the management of sore feet on pages 131 and 148. Unlike Feet in the Clouds, I doubt if a non fell runner would find it particularly interesting.
Also recently finished this, it was good to read about Steve's 'backstory', though I feel some bits were written as the publishers asked for it more than Steve wanting to, but might help it appeal to a wider audience a bit more I suppose. Narrative and all that.
I really enjoyed the recounting of the actual week, it brought back a lot of great memories and filled in the bits I missed! I'm surprised how much he has managed to recall given the suffering he went through.
I found a lot of the book a little dry in places with mileage and splits but strangely it kinda worked as it was interspersed with some very raw and personal writing. It certainly hooked me and was devoured in pretty short order.
as other say above he certainly knows how to suffer.
Dan Milton