Fellsman

[Martin Hancock]

Just got home after a fantastic day out, we were so lucky with the weather. I ran with my friend Jackie and we didn't have one single bad patch, in fact we really enjoyed the whole thing and met some interesting people along the way. We cruised round at a steady pace and thought we were on for around 17hrs 30 but things changed after we were grouped at Cray. One of our party had a bad patch at Park Rash so we tried to help him the best we could. We walked for quite a long time but he came round eventually and managed to run down the track at the end. We ended up doing 18:04 which we're very pleased with. It's very difficult when you set your mind on a particular time in this race as it often doesn't go to plan.

Thank you to all the organisers and helpers. The friendly faces and fantastic food were very welcome at the many checkpoints enroute. Well done to everyone else who completed the Fellsman yesterday.

Hello Mrs S aka Linda. I was your group member who hit a blood sugar low as we approached Park Rash and after seeing your post I felt rather guilty. I was definitely feeling pretty grotty for that couple of miles coming into the CP, but the hot choc and custard creams in the tent did the trick and by the time we hit the top of Gt Whernside I was back up to speed and felt OK again. I really hadn't realised that you and Jackie had been wanting to push on for a particular time or that I was holding us all back.....there were a few bits of that last long leg to Yarnbury where I made a conscious decision to stay to the rear of the group with the other chap (Bernie I think his name was) to keep him company, but it wasn't because I was on my knees or anything - more making sure there was no risk of him becoming detached. Anyway, I just wanted to say sorry, because I can imagine how frustrating it would have been for you. Overall I thought as a group we worked quite well (it was WAY better than the groups I had last year!) but I've made a mental note for next time to make sure I ask group members what their objectives are when we first get grouped so we all know where we stand. Last but not least, thanks to you, Jackie, Alison and Bernie for being supportive for the period was I was below par - it was much appreciated. Best wishes Martin

[LM]

Hello Mrs S aka Linda. I was your group member who hit a blood sugar low as we approached Park Rash and after seeing your post I felt rather guilty. I was definitely feeling pretty grotty for that couple of miles coming into the CP, but the hot choc and custard creams in the tent did the trick and by the time we hit the top of Gt Whernside I was back up to speed and felt OK again. I really hadn't realised that you and Jackie had been wanting to push on for a particular time or that I was holding us all back.....there were a few bits of that last long leg to Yarnbury where I made a conscious decision to stay to the rear of the group with the other chap (Bernie I think his name was) to keep him company, but it wasn't because I was on my knees or anything - more making sure there was no risk of him becoming detached. Anyway, I just wanted to say sorry, because I can imagine how frustrating it would have been for you. Overall I thought as a group we worked quite well (it was WAY better than the groups I had last year!) but I've made a mental note for next time to make sure I ask group members what their objectives are when we first get grouped so we all know where we stand. Last but not least, thanks to you, Jackie, Alison and Bernie for being supportive for the period was I was below par - it was much appreciated. Best wishes Martin

Hi Martin

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel guilty. You never know when you set off on these long events just how you're going to feel and how it will pan out and me and Jackie seemed to be going very well that day. If someone had asked me if I'd be happy with 18 hours, then I would have said a big yes. I think grouping is always difficult as people are getting to the back end of the race and start to fade at different rates. Because me, Jackie and Allison were feeling strong, we always felt like we could've pushed on but the rules state you must stick together no matter what for safety reasons and I fully abide by that and I know that's part of what the Fellsman is all about. I really hope we didn't make you feel bad during the race. As we approached Yarnbury we realised that we could possibly do sub 18 hours that's why Allison shot off and I followed but I knew it was going to be tall order. Please don't apologise. I thought about it afterwards and it made me realise that anyone of us could've felt unwell and slowed the group down, it really is down to luck on the day.

Best wishes to you, Linda

[BritNick]

Here's a hark back to the past. I've just uploaded a bit of a story with the aid of some snaps. Camaraderie is always to the fore in this event as we help each other 'round to get the best time we can. :thumbup:

[karen nash]

Great memories Nick- I had forgotten the snow

[barnyc]

entries now open... (postal and online)

[Stolly]

entries now open... (postal and online)

I entered a week or so ago

[barnyc]

I entered a week or so ago

me too!

[Pilgrim]

Just got my entry pack/number (248) today. Bit late to start training for this(!) so I'll just be walking/jogging.

[mike1967]

Hmm...just did the first section to Dent...that's tough!

[karen nash]

But by then you know you have done a third! So set yourself on getting to half way, because after that you might as well keep going rather than turn back