fell runners

Hi-ya,

How come fell runners aren't the dogs on the flat - must be like a day off for them ?

I suppose it must be a fairly different discipline. I struggle at times with minor hills on my routes so I just thought that the gradients and terrain that fell runners contend with must make running on the flat an absolute doddle, comparitively.

Yes, luck not stamina. Anyone tried on any fell running shoes? The more expensive models have some of those little roller skates in the heel.

Ah, rolling down rocky hills. Somewhat akin to a post-Sunday lunch stroll - must take my Grandad fell running... 

Just reading a book on fell running called "feet in the clouds" by Richard Askwith,

Fantastic book, humourous in parts and breath taking in others, Not much mention of "luck" being what it take either. I`m sure anyone who has run the   Bob Graham round would welcome anyone to join them who thinks it`s all about luck.

 Anyway the book is a great read for runners or fell runners.

Just started reading it a couple of days ago - love the opening line "This is how death must feel"

Do you think we should write to Richard Askwith and advice him about his lack of rolling/tumbling?

Hadnt spotted this thread when I posted here:Helvellyn Runner

I think fell runners are ultra athletes with a screw loose. You have got to be genetically without fear or perception of danger to do what I witnessed this week.

They would probably enter more road races, if the races were held on the M6 at rush hour - for the element of danger they need....

Andi Jones (Salford) just won the Snowdon mountain race for the 4th year in a row

he has also run the fastest marathon by a brit this year.

Compared to fells, hills etc road running must be rather boring.

I'm carp at uphill and run out of puff way before my legs tire, but downhill is so easy for me. Just having the confidence to let your legs go, and keep body at the right angle. Even when out on a walk if there's a downhill drop I have the urge to run down it!

Id very much agree about the massive difference between road and fell. Im what id call an experienced (if not particularly speedy) road runner who 5 weeks ago entered the Cheviots 2000 fell race in Northumberland with some people from work. In our road training runs I was very much up there with the pace but my god did i get a shock on the fells. It was a very tough 23m fell race and without a lie I was hanging out of my arse after the first mile asking myself what the hell I got myself into! There were a few sections where I did well but i was totally out of my depth to the point that I went over on my ankle numerous times and in the end fractured it with only 2m downhill to go. I am only now getting back into exercise but running is still a few weeks off for me.

Proper fell running is a skill you have to learn!!! And make sure you have good footwear! I didnt!!

Mr F - a cautionary tale there!

as you say, if you're going to start fell running you need proper low profile/grippy shoes, and you're probably best starting with something shorter than 23M!

As has been said earlier a lot of it is just about what you enjoy, I do both as I like to improve my pb's but personally never get more enjoyment out of running then when out in the hills. It's just so much more interesting in my opinion.

Yes a degree of nuttiness is required for downhill but there is a technique / skill that goes with it as well, some have it, some don't. When new to fell running the climbs are normally a complete shock to the system and it's a case of training / pacing in the races that's required to stop you developing lactic acid on the climbs otherwise by the time you get to the top your legs feel like lead and everyone goes flying past you! Speaking through experience there!

As for the original question about why fell runners aren't the nuts on the road, well some of the best are but most just like to concentrate on the hills and they are different disciplines. Running on the road is fsater so those who run more on roads are naturally going to be faster than those who spend more time on the hills. That said most serious fell runners (and by serious I don't mean competitive, I just mean those who want to improve) will include speedwork in their training as well to improve their leg speed.

"Feet in the Clouds" - great read, I've done a couple legs of the BG and you've got to admire anyone who can complete the challenge, it would require a massive amount of commitment to do the required training.