Tapering? Well, I think it does work. Ran a marathon a few weeks back, did my last long run a whole 2 weeks before the big day. After that I did several little runs and ended up feeling during that period as if I wasn't running at all - no sweat, nothing! Then blazed round on the day and had lots left in the legs at the end.

Not sure about doing the same on a fell race though, it's a different beast altogether...

TOP is a toughie for sure. Would be happy with sub 4hrs to be honest. Last year was a nightmare - memories of the climbs on the latter half still keep me awake some nights....

Hope to meet some more of you forumites on the day.