Over the hills and far away, there be a Fell Running "follower"
The trick is knowing who to follow, and who not to follow
Take a map!
Over the hills and far away, there be a Fell Running "follower"
The trick is knowing who to follow, and who not to follow
Take a map!
Don't follow, other wise you have only yourself to blame.Originally Posted by Flightless Bird
Get the map, break the route in to managable sections and do some recce's.
Don't follow ... me!!
And if you do, don't complain!!
I think you would be one of those worth following....
Just got work out who you are amongst all the other old men....
There really is no substitute for knowing the route. The main bit to recce is the central Holme Moss, Crowden, Holme Moss section especially the Bareholme to Laddow route. Much of the rest of the route is flagged or pretty obvious but a good route over the Bareholme Laddow section can be the key to having a good run or a real crap one. Never underestimate the weather either, it may be July but I've done the race in thermals and gloves, that's why there are obligatory kit requirements.
As for following someone I've seen the clag so thick the flagged section became a navigational challenge and I know the route/area better than most. Carry a map and compass, know how to use them and be prepared to if necessary, don't follow someone, esp. if they are wearing an amber vest!
Blimey, this certainly drew a ...'mixed response'
I've still not decided, but I guess if the places are limited (& seeing as it's a championship event), I'd better send it off soon.
As for 'following someone', it may be more as case of using him/her as a 'depth-gauge' in the claggy bits - as someone may be doing with me
One good (or is it?) factor is that SWMBO & 'small-child' are away on holiday that fortnight, so I won't get any grief for making her wait at the Cricket Club, or in Holmfirth for ages
Good job she's not around, as it'll be a busy few days;
Mon July 5th = 'Trunce 6'
Tuesday 6th = 'Stoodley Pike' (Todmorden Harriers)
Not got handbook with me to look for Sunday 11th, but there's this...
http://www.abbeyrunners.co.uk/Races/eccup10.html
Sunday 18th = Holme Moss
I must get my entry in too. You will get mixed advice, an AL race like this is fine in good weather, can see dozens of runners ahead and if you're 3 and 4 hour fit. It's an entirely different matter if the ground's heavy, the clag is down and the wind is up. You could easily find yourself on your own and not quite sure which hill you're on, that's why the recces are a very good idea.
My cheque is in the post. Recce to follow, I'll take the Major, she was born in Holmfirth.
Last edited by Brotherton Lad; 05-05-2010 at 09:07 AM.
Agreed Ian, but a lot less extreme in July than in December or April.
My point was not that the peak / pennines are less dangerous than other English mountains: you've got to be prepared for bad weather, and it might well be claggy and windy in July. But it's not the same as something like Tankys or Edale where if you do get lost in bad weather, the consequences - because of the cold - could be serious.
Hill experience is necessary for an AL like this, and a recce will help as always, but on that route you're never that far from a road or the Pennine Way and in midsummer you will probably have a bit of leeway to noodle about relocating yourself if you do take a wrong turn.
There are different levels of danger and July races are a lot less dangerous than winter ones.
But of course there are some stroppy adolescents around who know better.
If I enter this now, cos you can absolutely guarantee I'll get lost ....
Hypothermia kills more in summer than in winter....youi might be close to a road but with a broken or sprained ankle it can take a long time...use your head before spouting out ill informed shite pal
Richard I am at a similar level to you time wise and have not used a map for a few years. I did the Chew Valley Skyline (BL) in March which I clocked at 14m but I didn't look at the map once as the day was so clear I could always see runners ahead even though there were just a few more than 100. Holme Moss is further than I've run to date, I've never run an 'A' race before either but posted my entry today.
With a reccy, a few long runs between now & then and sensible map use I'm sure we'll be fine. Go for it mate!
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote