To make it a bit more interesting I thought I would do a series of posts about changing my running style. This was a huge long rambling post till I cut it down. Hopefully I will make it an interesting resource for others who may be thinking about changing styles.
An excellent article on fell running from the ever popular Planet Fear on the increase in popularity of fell running has prompted me to add my two pennies worth on the subject. They are right and there is no denying that some races are getting harder to enter. I won’t spoil it all but I will say read the article. There is not much I can add to the article apart from to discuss why it is seen to be becoming more popular.
It is generally seen now that all outdoor activities are becoming more popular. This could be mountain biking, trail running, walking, climbing, adventure racing you name it. It seems as the majority of the nation generally gets fatter there is a growing minority that is getting away from it all out of the city and into those hills. (more…)
February kicks off with the popular LDWA event Rombalds Stride on February 2nd. A 25 mile run or walk around Otley Chevin and Rombalds Moor. Albeit a walkers event this is usually 50% runners. The Pennine Bridleway relays are on the next day (3rd Feb) so may keep entries down this year.
The 9th February brings the Wadsworth Trog (20m and 4000″). The 1/2 trog is also on the same day and is a 9 mile course with 1500″ ascent. Winter hill is a popular event on the 10th organised by Horwich Harriers. Pre-entry is advised as otherwise the entry fee doubles.
The 24th Feb has two great races at different ends of the spectrum. Ilkley Harriers have their ever popular short Ilkley Moor fell race which manages to cram in 1260″ of ascent into 5 mile. A course record of 35.31 set in 2004 is there to be beaten although the 43.48 female record set in 1996 may fall first. The second great race is over in the Isle of Man. The Arthur Jones Fell Race organised by the Manx Fell Runners is the first AL race of the year.
There are a number of other great events across the country. Check out the FRA fixtures handbook for all the details. If you are not a member of the FRA then JOIN NOW!
Runfurther.com has announced most of their races for their 2008 series. So no reason not to be training over the winter months.
The Montrail Ultra Running championship 2008 will be run over 12 races during the year. These are split into 4 short, medium and long races. Your best score in 4 races (with at least 1 at each distance) goes towards a final series score. Other awards for highest total in all events and a number of spot prizes along the way hopefully keeps most running.
The 2008 date for the Rab Mountain Marathon has been released a couple of weeks ago. This year it will be held somewhere in Northern England on 27th and 28th September.
The entries are being limited to ensure that it is being kept as a low key affair so get them entries in as soon as possible.