I accidentally did a 10K fell run and I have some questions.

[Threadworm]

As a lapsed jogger trying to get fit(ish) again, I entered what I thought would be a 'normal' 10K trail run (the race listing didn't say it would be hilly) in Hamsterley Forest County Durham. It turned out to be (I think) a fell run. Huge ascent into the moors, streams to wade through, mud, stoney paths, the lot.

It was HUGELY fun. But part of the reason I had entered the race was to get an idea of my running pace, so that I would know what my running 'base-point' was, and how I should plan my future running.

So my question is: How can I evaluate my performance, given that this course was so hilly and rough that almost all competitors had to walk some of the time?

The winning time (by a serious runner!) was 46 minutes and something. My time was () 83:28.

Is there any way I can get a sense of what that might correspond to in a flatish race?

I honestly don't think you can compute a normal run from this.

I guess you could look at the winning times on a "normal" 10k - which I think would be in the low 30's and try and do some count back from that.

Good for you, though! I can only do "flat" 10k's. I ran one that was described as "undulating" in the sleet and cried! (although I still finished). Your one would have made me curl into a ball and sob!

I have never felt so shattered. Feel quite good today though, surprisingly.

Ah, I always feel good the day after a 10k. Its the adrenalin and the euphoria. Its how you feel tomorrow that's going to be an interesting question...

I think you should be congratulated/have your head checked! What a way to 'get fit'!!! I have no idea how you work it out, but well done on finishing it, impressive!

Gosh, I'm very envious. I like running, but don't run on hard surfaces. I wish there were fell running events near me ... but as there are no fells ...

It really was lovely. So beautiful. And the natural obstacles, though killing, meant that you have to vary your pace so that there is far less monotony. Best of all, it appeals to the inner child who just wants to splash in puddles and get filthy.

It should have had a 'psychopaths and superheros only' caveat in its adverts, though.

Sorry I had to laugh at "accidentally" doing a 10K fell run.

I had images of you popping out to get some milk and accidentally running up hill and down dale for 10K!

I have a strange sense of humour, just ignore me...

It doesn't help that I had an op on Wednesday, and am currently exhausted from a 2km (at most!) stroll this morning.

Yes, and saying 'Whoops!' as I staggered through the finish line.

Oh sorry to hear that NotQuite. I hope that the op went well and you can build slowly back up to where you were.

You could try doing some googling about results for other runs, to see what the 'average' finishing time is. A flat run winner would be 29 mins up to 35mins, depending on conditions.

I don't think you can accurately 'correspond' fell running times with what your performance would be on flattish ground, other than to say you'd be a lot quicker!

Well done! What a way to get back into it as a lapsed jogger!Trail running and fell running are great fun! I buggered by knees fell running though

The op did go well, and was on my head, so I hope to be running properly again later this week?

Even on the day of the op, after it, my lower body was good to go, it was just the rest of me that was badly off ... grrr.

Well done threadworm! I'm not a good one to ask about pace as I'm currently agonising over my running speed and convinced a snail could beat me . But fwiw that time over such difficult terrain sounds OK to me.

My speed has improved lots, well, it had before the op. Doing sprints mid-run helps a lot.

Thanks, all. Actually once you take into account that I am a threadworm my time is quite good

I did the Lincoln 10k (which is flat ) yesterday in 53 mins. I had hoped to break the 50 minute barrier this year, but had pneumonia in the first week of March so knew that a pb was not for me. I hate to think what I would get if it was hilly. I once did an 'unulating' 10k around the grounds of harewood house in Leeds, which involved some running through woods etc, and nearly died.

I did have a stinking hangover as well. Not a good idea.

Basically, I need to train properly, including the sprints etc that you mention. At the mo I just stick my ipod on and go. I also have nasty memories from when I was in the military, doing sprint sessions until we threw up to develop endurance , whilst being 'encouraged' by vociferous physical training instructors.

I did the Tough Guy years ago: now that is a race you need to get your head examined to do, although to be fair, thy do warn you.

Can't remember how long it took me though - but then it did also involved crawling through obstacle and clambering over nets, as well as just the running bit

Congratulations on your trail race! I did my first cross country race a couple of months ago - including all the wading through streams and climbing stiles, etc. It was fun in a 'why am I running through cold slimy mud on a rainy sunday morning instead of sitting in bed eating toast' kind of way!

Mine was only 4.5 miles but I did (on average) 10 minute mile pace (including stopping to walk some bits). If I do a normal 5 mile road race I do roughly 8 minute mile pace. So (by my dodgy calculations!) I'd imagine you would probably do a 10k road race in about an hour, as you'd do a much quicker time on a flat surface.

I would love to try cross-country. The hardest bits for me of any run are the loooong straight roads - they sap all the joy out of a run. But my ankles/knees/hips/shins/achilles are so unreliable I don't know that I could cope with really uneven terrain. I really am too old to start this running lark.

LOLOL at accidentally doing a 10k fell run.

Things I have done by accident include:
Getting speeding tickets
Getting drunk
Dropping stuff
Breaking stuff
Getting stuck for masses of excess baggage

I have never accidentally done a fell run

Quattro .
Notyummy, well done on your 53-min post-pneumonia run!

Iwouldgo: thanks for your calculatiuon. One hour sounds about right. I wish it was something more impressive, but I have been stung into action by yesterday's lovely experience.

I am not sure whether it actually couinted as a fell race or was just a v tough cross-country run. I suppose it all comes down to how many people actually die during the event.

Or how many people break their ankles (a few did during the one I did!!). I don't think an hour is bad at all if you're just getting back into it, and you'll quickly improve anyway. I've been running for years and still can't get under 52 mins!

i did a fairly flat 10k in 47:55 just before i got pg with ds1

i am now 2 stones heavier and a lot less fit

but am trying to get back into running

i would like to do a hilly one but am in the mostly-flat south east

Wow, Tutter, that was a good time. (Esp for a small blue mouse.)

I nearly broke my ankle. It turned so far over I was waiting to hear the snap. It still hurts today.