Totally agree with that…… the CP marshals and support crew were so friendly and helpful. What an unbelievably well organised event. Not done this race before – would fully recommend it, but respect the challenge and train sufficiently. The range of food and drink on offer at the CPs was outstanding. The night time grouping worked really well and added a new (and refreshing) dimension to the race during a time when your spirits (and navigation) might be flagging.Originally Posted by Stefan B
I really struggled this year, feeling nauseous and with stomach cramps for most of the daylight hours, and with my legs choosing not to fire on all cylinders either. But I got the bugger done and thats all that matters. The Fellsman as usual handed out what has to be one of the toughest and felliest ultra's out there.
If there was one word to explain the Fellsman it would be 'tussocks'. And bogs.... if there were two words to explain the Fellsman they would be 'tussocks' and 'bogs'. And hills.... if there were three words.......
First time for me and was really impressed with the mammoth organisation and friendly staff everywhere. The sun coming out in Kingsdale was a massive boost even if I did drop my water bottle somewhere whilst gawping at it.
The amount of food and drink available was great though like Stolly I suffered with cramps and nausea (still am) which wasn't nice.
Middle Tongue was interesting but at least had the satisfaction of helping the CP staff to find the CP!
I ran the Buckden Pike section without seeing another soul and was in the first group at Park Rash who were chomping at the bit to be off. These lads were great and took over nav duties leaving me to hang on to their coat-tails. Managed to drop a pole as it got dark coming off Gt Whernside but the CP staff went out the next morning and found it - thank you so much.
Managed to hobble into the finish 13hrs 55mins after starting but a shadow of my former self.
Epic day, epic organisation.
Well my first time too and what a day out! Don't think I've ever done an event with such great organisation and enthusiasm. The weather to start was horrible but as has been said, once off Whernside it cleared into a pleasant day, albeit damned cold once darkness fell. Had a great grouping at Cray & we all pulled our weight over Buckden & Great Whernside which really helped.
After previously having run only 33 miles on the Hobble, I had a few personal battles to overcome, but was helped on by the great support & food!
Managed to finish in 16:40, but to be honest I was just more than happy to have a fully punched tally!
It is a shame that it clashes with the Three Peaks. I'd like to do both (this year, due to some stupid work planning, I did neither!). I guess that the options are limited when all things are taken into consideration (farming, wildlife, availability of organisers, weather, daylight hours etc).
This year was the second year that I've sat at Threshfield waiting for Stolly to finish and I was struck by just how many really good runners came in looking destroyed and saying that it is the hardest thing they've done. It was the hardest thing I've done and its taken two years of not doing it to get me excited about having another bash. Perhaps that's why the entry numbers are steady but not overwhelming? It is a brilliant event and I really admire the organisation and the limitless kindness and enthusiasm of all the volunteers involved not just to the runners and walkers but to all of us that were waiting!
Agreed Stefan - a good grouping with Garry 'navving' us all home expertly. Thanks for the lift back to ingle ton too.
My first Fellsman and I turned up with low expectations having not managed as much reccying/training as I wanted to achieve.
I got round in 1 piece and enjoyed it (more so now as I think back!) with loads of friendly competition and fantastic support from all organisers and helpers.
Thanks for a great event.
Btw Stefan - if you and paul need any BG support I'd be happy to help.
I said I only wanted to do it once. I did not think about the time, had no clue of the route, carried food that I didn't want to eat, felt sick too many times. I wonder if I ever get to do an ultra without feeling nauseous. Surprisingly legs hold ok all the way. Now I am thinking maybe next time I should do it with my racing head on
Blog update - its running Jim but not as we know it
Eeee Stolly, that Blog reads a bit like my experience. The VLM also left my legs destroyed for about 3 days, yet strangely I had no problem (other than the blisters) running 7 steady miles yesterday evening after the weekends exploits. And equally strange was that the FM was indeed the toughest thing I've ever done by some margin, but I want to do it again...what's all that about???Blog update - its running Jim but not as we know it
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