Anyone do any fell running?

[SoPassRemarkable]

Just after any general advice for how to start.

Not sure I'm really fit enough. I run 5-7k 2-3 times a week. Recently ran 10k. I do put hills into my treadmill sessions.

Do I give it a go by myself? Enter into a race? If I do a race will everyone else me majorly fit? I'm slow, 5k park run time is around 37 mins, 10k time 1hr, 20mins.

I don't mind being last, just don't want people laughing.

Apart from shoes what else will I need? I've seen people with sort of hydration rucksack things? Are they a good idea. I have a bumbag and a lightweight Rab pertex waterproof jacket. 😁

Hi, I've done some fell running, but am also a steady runner. I know a lot of v good fell runners so can ask for more expert advice if you need it. Firstly I'd say fell runners are a very friendly and helpful bunch, so you certainly wouldn't be laughed at no matter how long it took you. Plus if you need to walk the steeper hills then you wouldn't be alone.

Do you only do road running at the moment? If so then you could look at some trail runs or races first. Trail Running Magazine is pretty good and lists races at the back and you'll gauge which are do-able and which are really hardcore.

I own fell shoes and trail shoes and for me, not being very hardcore, trail shoes have been fine, as I only do fairly easy fell races.

Waterproofs are essential, and if you are planning to do any offical FRA races (fell runners association) you have to have specific kit which includes whistle, hat, gloves etc as well as waterproofs. Also head torch, spare food, map.

Depending where you live, some of the best races to start with are those that are often part of a carnival or village fete - most places in yorkshire, Lake District and Peak District have these and they are great for beginners.

Good luck, have fun!

Yes only do road running and treadmill running.

Good to hear people are a friendly bunch. Will check that magazine out, thanks, had no idea it existed.

Am between Yorkshire and the Peak District so will try and find some small, low key races nearby. Village fetes are a good idea.

Most of the summer fete ones are over now, but there are some good ones in june / July. Grindleford is a lovely one and probably not far from you. You can get training for next year!

Thanks, will put grindleford on the list for next year!

I have done a few fell races and mountain marathons. There are some that are more geared to new runners than others.

Dovedale Dash is a good one.

The Lakeland trails series is also good. Some walk them so again you won't be last. They aren't really fell runs but they are a good preparation.

I don't often wear proper fell shoes because all the ones I've owned have rubbed blisters. I wear trail shoes and they are fine.

A proper fell race will usually include self-navigation so get out and do some mapreading if you can.

I was really nervous the first time I did a fell race. I came 97th out of 99. My biggest fear is being last by miles so the organisers think I'm lost. I dropped out once because I thought I was at the back. It turned out there were 10 more behind me!

If you can find a friendly group who run off road regularly (e.g. Dark Peak) maybe see if you could run with them?

I found that for uphill you have to train but for downhill you have to learn a technique and practice a lot!

Good luck.

Dovedale dash looks good, am very tempted to do that this year and then look at some of the Lakeland trails for next year.

I'd second the Dovedale Dipper, forgot about that one, great fun and other than the front runners no one takes it vey seriously. A great first fell race- see you there!

I meant the Dovedale Dash not the Dipper- that one is 27 miles!