Feet in the Clouds

[Stolly]

Okay so I was a bit slow in getting around to reading this book by Richard Askwith but I have to say it’s been a great, great read. A few comments off the cuff – (I’m at work so can only keep it brief for now):

• I can’t say that I’m that interested in who’s at the front end of fell races (I myself aspire to be part of the middle) but the insight to the great runners past and (more or less) present feels like things I definitely needed to know. A right bunch of nutters one and all too, as you’d rightly expect

• Richard Askwith’s obsession with the Bob Graham round and the fact that he finally nailed at his fourth attempt was interesting and inspirational too. I’m kind of relaxed about the BGR in that I’d probably like to do it, like to think I could train up to give it a serious go and cope with the pain but sort of feel more attracted to just doing the round that losing sleep over hitting the 24 hour target and being part of the ‘club’. (That said I’m bound to feel differently should I actually go for it).

• The book has some just brilliant funny lines too; his opening tale of a solo run and ending up lost on the fells, terribly cold and wet, generally close to complete exhaustion, at the end of his tether in awful weather story for example ending with “I should add that I do this for fun”. Or the description of the toilet trench dug for 500 male competitors for the overnight stop on a two day Scottish mountain marathon. Or the description of the weather on the first day of the same event; something like being in Scotland’s most notoriously wet mountain range on possibly the wettest day of a two month wet spell that they were told had been the wettest wet spell for half a century .

• He also gave all the pros and cons of fell racing in extremely poor weather and/or winter, with all the responsibilities that are (maybe unfairly) placed on the shoulders of the race organisers. He covered the occasional deaths suffered by competitors in the past and made reference to today’s nanny state and high potential for compensation claims environment and all of that. To be honest I think he mentioned 6 deaths over quite a few years which although ver sad and unfortunate sounds much, much lower than what an annual hill walker tally for example. His point that life in general can be bad for your health (based on a tragic suicide) also puts the dangers of doing something you love doing into (despite and maybe because of the risks) into stark perspective too.

Bugger, work is getting in the way again. Maybe I’ll post a couple more comments later……..

[Roadrunner]

An excellent book, well worth reading.

[IainR]

Excellent book. I took a while to get round to reading it.

I thought his description of 'living the BGR' is such an accurate one. I've done the PBR, not the easier english version :-), but its very true how it just takes over your life. You don't go for a shit in the final few weeks without taking in a sheet of timings, guide book or map. No doubt the very fit can do such rounds of little prep but i do think its part of the round is the months of physical and mental preparation.

I read the section where he completed the BGR on the morning of my attempt of the PBR it was really inspiring and something that was in my mind the whole way round, as much as anything I didn't want to have to go through what he did with blowing up and not completing.

The best bit of advice I thought was about being 'hill fit' for the rounds.

[DanAzz]

I think it is a superb book, even my wife couldn't put it down.
When she finished it she looked at me, smiled and said "brilliant book", "when are you doing the BGR " and "you are all bloody mad"

I have found the stories of Joss, Billy etc inspirational off the fells as well as when I am struggling on them.

[Mr1470]

It is a great book. I read it time and time again. Or rather, I dip into it.

The best thing about it is that it gives hope to us mid-pack or lower runners who only get to see the "elite" and the start and end of races! It actually inspires you to think you can achieve "greatness" eg through a BGR.

Anyone know how many copies it has sold? Alot I reckon. And it does make me wonder whether there's a market out there for more such books? The diary of an "elite" fell racer perhaps? Or the adventures of a mid-pack runner through the calendar year? I'd certainly buy such books. Thoroughly enjoyed reading Swiss Toni's BGR blog and, if that had been printed out and bound into a little book, I reckon it'd sell some copies!! (ST - I'll be your agent!!)

[lilactime]

fantastic book , very inspiring . anyone know if richard askwith is still fell running ?

[molehill]

One of the strengths of the book, was the fact he covered the whole range of 'fell running', from elite racers, long distance challenges, mountain marathons and history of the sport. So many different stories, all told with a sense of humour, meant there was something for everyone.

[Real Ale Man]

Askwith is a very canny author! I read the book two years ago and was truly addicted to it, I have since read bits of it again and again, especially when I needed some inspiration and motivation. Askwith really does recognise what a special sport fell running is - probably the most un-commercialised and uncluttered of all the athletic sports I know. In particular he seems to regonise all the small but really interesting and important snippets about the sport and the characters involved, that you would never knew existed. Also -testament to its readability, my copy has gone round the family and all who read it thought it was brilliant - it sits on my desk at work now - and is always a good escape for a few minutes...

BG or no BG dreams it is worth buying, although I expect all 'fell' types have probably got a copy by now.

[GeoffB]

fantastic book , very inspiring . anyone know if richard askwith is still fell running ?

He did the Mountain Trial this year - then presented the prizes.

[DanAzz]

fantastic book , very inspiring . anyone know if richard askwith is still fell running ?

He was at the Keswick Mountain Festival earlier this year with Keswick AC, they did the 'fell drills' mentioned in the book.
He signed my copy of the book and we chatted for a bit, really down to earth bloke.