Topic: Fell/mountain running interest (Read 7225 times)

Simey · « **on:** September 09, 2012 »

Ok so I've taken a notion this last while that I would like to take up fell running. Has anyone any advice for a beginner regarding this, training tips or good routes for beginners especially welcome.

I have a good few years experience walking in the mournes and road running, my fitness right now could be better but I'm currently working on it.

Ideas for appropriate kit also welcome :-)

LandyLiam · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2012 »

couple of books worth reading for inspiration

1. feet in the clouds
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Feet-Clouds-Fell-Running-Obsession-Running/dp/1845130820

2. mud sweat and tears
http://moireosullivan.com/buy-the-book-mud-sweat-and-tears/

the hill and dale race series (run by newcastle ac) is a good place to start
(still haven't managed to do any of the races myself yet

)
http://www.newcastleac.org/?page_id=2509

a winter series will be announced soon

as for kit, you'll need something much grippier than your normal road running shoes for the steep descents, you can get some decent ones from sports direct, the karrimor ones start at £25, i bought these http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x-tr-mens-trail-running-shoes-213090 although if your doing path routes (like the brandy pad) you could easily stick to your normal trainers as the fell one tend to wear out quickly.

twentyclicks · « **Reply #2 on:** September 10, 2012 »

Can't say I've done a lot myself apart from the Seven Sevens and Mourne Mountain Marathon (and Mourne Way routes although they are more path and flatter than a big steep mountain). As Liam says, one of the local clubs or the Hill & Dale race series are probably the main bets. Outside of the Mournes, orienteering will give your muck shoes a work out. I've just finished Feet in the Clouds - it really is excellent.

You can pretty much just run any of the routes you would walk, but any orienteering type event (inc. MMM) will guarantee to get you off the usual trails/routes.

A tiny light pack or waist belt are good for carrying food, water, phone. A bungee will hold a super-light waterproof and buff/thin gloves. Map & compass best carried and used.

Compared to road running, the thighs and ankles will get much more of a work-out. It may take a while to get used to constantly varying your stride and running on the uneven footing. Glen river or Brandy Pad are obvious places to start, then maybe go up Donard by Thomas' mountain (or Commedagh by Shan Slieve) and back down the trail. Binnian is a slightly bigger circular route... then you're into traversing the ridges and longer runs (Commedagh to Hare's Gap, Trassey, Tollymore, Newcastle)(Binnian, Lamagan, Cove, Beg), then the challenges like 7 7s or Mourne Wall... or the 500s! Something less trail-y to start would be the likes of Ott Track to Doan, or up Butter Mountain, Spelga/Spatha part of the Mourne Way.

Simey · « **Reply #3 on:** September 10, 2012 »

Cheers for the advice folks, I just need to get my finger out and get running, bought one of those books for some inspiration lol.

Should really av started over the summer with the lighter days etc :-)

twentyclicks · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2012 »

Well, if you live near Belfast, 26extreme will likely be running their winter-race series November-Feb. Usually 6-10 races. 10K(ish), Thursday evening, headtorch mandatory. Venues typically Stormont estate, Ormeau Park, Barnett's Demesne, sometimes Castlewellan, Tollymore.

Good variety of terrain, great craic. I love head-torch training runs (or switch it off! on familiar trails).

Dowser · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2012 »

My Boss is a member of Newcastle Athletics Club and they have an excellent Hill and Dale series each year with training all year round.

It only costs £15 to become a member of the club and you will be inundated with advice and tips.

Website here: http://www.newcastleac.org/

Their Hill and Dale series starts in April so it will give you time to get your fitness levels up but there would be somebody out running everyday so you'll not be short of company.

Hope this helps

madmickie · « **Reply #6 on:** September 11, 2012 »

Hi, where's your local hills and what level is your running at currently?

Simey · « **Reply #7 on:** September 15, 2012 »

Thanks for all the info peeps. Madmickie I 'm running 3-4 miles two-three times weekly, not a speedsnake however so doing 9min miles roughly.

I use a local park to do interval training which has some steep but not long hills. I live in Tandragee which is on a hill so most of my runs contain an element of uphills simply because I've no choice lol.

madmickie · « **Reply #8 on:** September 16, 2012 »

Simey, dont know your part of the world. i'd try to get off the road as much into forest trails, get used to uneven surfaces and slippy conditions.

have a look at nimra website and check out the routes they use. lots in the mournes would make a good weekend session. then gasp at the time the hill runners do!!

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Author Topic: Fell/mountain running interest (Read 7225 times)

Simey

Fell/mountain running interest

LandyLiam

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twentyclicks

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Simey

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twentyclicks

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Dowser

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madmickie

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Simey

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madmickie

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