That was probably the most fun I have had in a long time when it comes to races!
First of all with a fell race, it is mostly hill with some downhill and flat chucked in. To be a good fell runner you need to excel at downhill technical running and that is where I bogged out at.
I came in at a good time and placed fairly well especially for my first, and looking like bambi on ice going down the hill with a few swear words chucked in!
I mainly walked the hills or lunged them really as I climbed which helped me, but also didn’t help me. It helped me get ahead but it also didn’t help me where I needed it on the downhill bits. It wasn’t until the end that I got the whole ‘slow up hill, twat it down hill’
Think I’m going to use that as a mantra from now on when racing fells. With longer distance you usually take it slower on the down hill to save your quads. Think it’s finding the healthy balance of up hill/down hill.
Though my downhill running ability was lacking I did make up for it on the straights and flatter down hill terrain which I am more used to. I sort of saved myself on that bit and managed to gain some positions going forwards as a lot were fatiguing at that stage.
It did take me a bit to get warmed up. I did notice others warming up which I really should’ve followed before hand. Issue with the longer distances you run, the longer it takes to warm yourself up.
Training going forwards though, I am looking at more technical descents and finding the racing lines. This will come and time and with experience like all things, but at least I can identify the issues I already have.
I think why this race was one of the funnest races is because it is just letting loose for the enjoyment of running! There is no medal at the end, there is no big song and dance but there is commitment, a community and good competitiveness amongst clubs.
With the fell running you have to rely on a map. There is no GPX which is great. I don’t know why I enjoy that but it means I am not focused on my phone! But this also means I could get lost easier. I think re training in map reading is on the cards. I did it many years ago and have likely forgotton half of it.
Things I need to improve on:
- Technical downhill
- More hill training
Funny enough going up hill was alright for me but I would like to work on it a lot more before I get to another race for more elevation. For downhill persuits though I am still in the mindset of not wanting to trash my quads to be able to keep going in a race. I think I said before further up that fast downhill is much encouraged. I read for good fell training is to walk up hills and run down them for feet placement and finding the fastest lines.
When I was there I had people try and persuade me into joining a running club. Now, I think I would like to join one just to do speed sessions and make use of the coaches but I am not sure about competing for a running club. Kind of like to be my own standing really. I get the benefits and what have you but on the fence.
Nutrition used was the ever trusting mountain feul. Hamed a gel before I started and then carried on with the endurance feul in my bottle.
So to wrap up this lovely race report, here are the race results!
Overall position: 76/98
20th overall female
7th in age category
Elevation: 396 metres/1200 feet
Distance: 9.53km/5.9 miles
Still smiling although I have just climbed the final major hill bit
LCW FITNESS 