My First Fell Race
I'm running. I'm actually running. God it's quite hard, I could easily stop, slow down. Pull to the side of the road. But then... I'm in a crowd, an actual CROWD of people. All ages and strengths. I don't stop, I pull out of Taddington, past the first group of onlookers who clap and cheer as we jog past - I almost feel like crying.
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This blog is about taking part in my first fell race, the Taddington Lanes Race in August this year. From a completey new runner's perspective here's my experience...
I've never got into running. I once tried couch to 5k but got put off by running too much too soon - new insoles didn't help along with getting rather lost in the suburbs of London and with no money to jump on a bus. I literally had to bandage my poor sore feet for the next few days.
I think I'm starting to get it though. The first few minutes, which feel like ages are hard, your body is waking up, your mind is still inside the house, thinking about leaving or other things. Then suddenly it catches up with you half way down the road and all you can think of is if your feet are pointing forwards, lifting high enough and then you start to listen, to your surroundings, to your own breathing.
We pass the crowd and begin the 'steep long hill', which was warned to us on a rather cute hand drawn map at the registration desk in the village hall. It wasn't just steep it just kept going on, and on. I notice a mixture of tactics around me swapping between walking, running and a light jog. I kept the pace going and even if it was slow little steps, I ran up that hill. Nicely distracted by the cows in the next field, a few which started running alongside us on the otherside of the wall. 'Where are we going?' they probably wondered.
And then this strange internal thing happens. After you've caught up with your body and the fact you're running and yes it does feel hard I just felt this kind of elation, something lifting from me, a weight or burden. I felt light. I felt strong, capable. Even though I wasn't going particularly fast I just felt... Good. A little race with myself.
After the hill it finally flattens out onto an open road with rewarding views of rolling hills and fields. As the road undulates I enjoy watching all of the brightly coloured tops bobbing along around and in front of me as the evening begins to draw in. I've seen this view before when supporting races, like recently when I helped Marshall the 'Cracken Edge fell race' but I never thought I'd actually be in this view myself. The light breeze on the tops feels good on my hot skin.
After the undulating section we have a brief scramble on a 'green lane' - having to jump and dance across three possible routes, a grassy but narrow bit in the middle and two gravelly paths either side. I think this was my favourite bit actually. Yes it had high anckle spraining potential but I was so focused on not falling over and finding the 'best section' that whole bit went quite fast.
Before I knew it I was home bound and on the decline. The long decline. Throughout the run I recalled the 'tips' Shane, my partner gave me. Basically, 'let loose' when you're going down hill, sort of like a mad person and let your arms flail (something like that anyway). Easier said than done when you're scared of skidding on the loose stones. Still, I picked up the pace a bit, knowing it wasn't long. Right?
We arrive back into Taddington and I recognise the village. We're tantalising close to the start but the course veered off and had this extra 'loop' behind the church - small narrow single paths and tracks around the backs of houses. A few surprise claps and cheers as we pass the houses. A small, but significant little uphill before the home straight. Suddenly my tired legs feel more apparant. 'Oh my god...' my brain wakes up from its' breathe in, breathe out' 'I think I'm going to finish this...!'
I pass the pub with a few cheery folk, pint in hand and managing a clap and cheer as I run past. I can see the end, people with clip boards and sheets, a man shouting 'FIFTY THREEE' as I run past the finishing line. I notice Shane and feel my smile beaming across my whole face. I did it. My first run. I actually did it.
And the feeling after... Your legs sort of burning, your whole body warm and pumping. What an elation. The chit chat amongst the finishers, comparing notes and experiences. I bury myself into the crowd, still full of surprise but also pride.
Is this the start of something new? I'm not sure but I'm enjoying if for now. Below is a cheesy picture taken just after finishing. Bright red cheeks and big smilies.
And for you numbers people the race was 6.4km and I completed it in 37:01. You can find my name on the Taddington Lanes Results page.
