I was also spurred on by Feet In The Clouds.
I was already vaguely aware of Fell-running/racing, although didn't give it much thought (even though my mates used to say i should give it a go as i was always the fastest climber in our walking/drinking group).
Then i read FITC, but probably not until about 2008/2009... that gave me more of an idea of what it was all about, and i was particularly inspired by the descriptions and stories of the Lakeland Classics.
But it was a good 7 or 8 years from reading FITC to actually lacing up my shoes for a race. I'd always thought of it as too far away to be a regular competitor in, and i was heavily into another sport at the time. But when i sat and thought about it i realised i could have a decent go at it if i wanted...