How to train for fell running

[LizMint]

Black Coombe looks do-able, plus it's familiar territory - I see it every day on my way into work, and I've walked up it a couple of times.

[LizMint]

Thanks for your replies, it's all becoming a little clearer -
fell running= steep/rough/stupidly-bonkers

[stevefoster]

Thanks for your replies, it's all becoming a little clearer -
fell running= steep/rough/stupidly-bonkers

That's about the size of it Liz, all done at your own pace

[Alexandra]

Hi Liz, welcome to the Forum.
Depending on where you are in the South Lakes the tow-path along the Kendal-Lancaster Canal is a great option if you're looking for really flat, off-road running.

I'm way past 50 now and making big efforts to get on the come-back trail after a long time out of the sport. I've found that I just don't recover if I try to do too many hilly sessions in a week and usually end up demoralised and prone to catching bugs. Running on the tow-path gives me the opportunity to put in the session that I want: fast, slow, intervals etc on a soft surface but with virtually no hills.

I usually park up in the lay-by near the Hideaway Cafe on the A65 (about 500m East of M6 Junction 36). From there you can go either South towards Carnforth (Tewitfield and back is about half-marathon distance and a total delight) or North back towards Kendal (still flat for a while but not so pretty as they've drained the canal beyond Stainton). If you want to add some hills then the Limestone Link bridleway will take you up onto Farleton Knott and the Hutton Roof fell race route.

At the moment it's pretty muddy, but nothing like as muddy as the local fells. Give me a shout if you decide to visit and need any further direction. Enjoy!

Thanks for reminding me about towpaths. I am trying to build up my mileage for the zillionth time, and had quite forgotten those long ago jogs along the Leeds-Liverpool on dark, dirty winter afternoons, gazing across fields of root vegetables towards Kirkstall Abbey. Did 8 miles there on Monday, which is a lot for me. Shocked to find how much has been tarmacked, nice for cyclists but too hard underfoot for me, I really felt the effects of the jarring next day. So I'll be using my buspass to start a bit further out next time. But such a good idea - the mud limited in depth and the miles exactly measured, no need for a foot pod! And lots of people to distract me from the suffering - even admiring remarks from walkers!!!

[YOY]

Hi Liz,
Why not tag along on a social run with your local club - Black Combe Runners? They meet every Tuesday evening somewhere in the South Lakes area. A fair number of the club members are based around Ulverston. Good way to get introduced to fell running and gain confidence for attempting races. Have a look at their website for details of where to meet.

[Nathaniel Lee]

Up hills and Downhills get the technique right on both of these will help immeasurably and do some flat speedwork. Fellrunning is definitely the most technical of all running and at times contains the least running but it is the most beautiful and the most purest form of running as what we do bar carrying some sort of weapon is what our ancestors would have done on the fells. This is why i feel so many people connect to it as it may well be shared genetic memory.

[Grouse]

Margarine does carry a weapon.

[daz h]

Margarine does carry a weapon.

is it licensed !!!!

[wjb]

Stolly - that's a really interesting point you make. I know that racing motivates a lot of runners, probably most runners, but I just don't get it, and never have! I suppose we all run for different reasons. The reason I run is because I like being out there on my own, first thing in the morning when there's no-one else about and I can enjoy the scenery and the wildlife and the feeling of being part of it all. Other than just enjoying it, my aims in running are I to be as fit as I possibly can be, and I don't think racing is necessary for that. I wouldn't rule it out for the future as I have nothing against racing per se and I keep thinking I ought to give it a go, but I have no burning desire to. Your comment is the first time I've ever heard anyone express similar feelings to my own about running, but maybe there's lots more of you out there that I haven't met yet.

Liz

Hi Liz

Remember fell races don't have to be all about racing. I see it as training to improve my own running and climb new mountains. I'm in my first year of fell races and just concentrate on finishing as fast as I can. Then next year I'll enter again and try beat my time. I doubt I'll ever win any prizes but entering races means I get to run routes that I would never do otherwise and push myself harder against others. Hopefully this will improve my pace.

[wjb]

i found this a very good article http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/resour...ers/fellracing