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A small group of Harriers with an interest in hill running have felt for a while that it would be good to get out on the hills together for a run on an occasional basis. Over the years the Harriers have had a number of top class hill runners, but the club as a whole has not featured highly in this discipline. It would be great to see more of us getting out into the beautiful Borders hills on a regular basis.

We will have an initial run out in the local hills on Sat 30th Aug, meeting at 9am at Gala swimming baths. I expect we will drive a short way and probably run for around 1½ to 2 hours. I will try to come up with ways of keeping the group together if there are runners of very different standards. Most importantly, some of you faster ones may have to run back down to meet us slow ones. It would be helpful to have an idea who is planning to come along, to help plan a route. My e-mail is paultheshrink@hotmail.com or phone 01573 460390. I am confident that there will be plenty of transport, but just in case, can you also let me know if you will have a car.

During the run we can have a chat about what arrangements would suit people in future. For me a Saturday morning will be the best time, and probably a monthly get together. If different arrangements suit others, I will try to fit in. I am keen that the group is both informal and “accessible” to runners of all standards.

Some of you may have little idea of what hill running is all about, so for those who would like to know more, I have put together a few FAQs.

Do you have to be super fit to go hill running?

Well, just look at me to answer that one! Seriously though, of course the fitter you are, the further/faster you will be able to go. But all runners will have a point where they stop and walk as the slope gets steeper. I think of hill running as being a little bit like fast hill walking – walk the steep climbs, jog the flatter bits, and enjoy pelting downhill as fast as you are able/dare.

Because hill running can be a bit like fast hill walking, a lot of hill runners enjoy longer runs than many road runners are used to. If you remember that the pace is generally much steadier than on the roads, then a couple of hours doesn’t sound too daunting.

Do I need any special kit?

No, although obviously, fell shoes are helpful, but if you have a decent pair of off road shoes with good grip, you can make a start with them. I often take a bum bag or small back pack with an extra layer, perhaps a windproof top, hat and gloves, an energy bar, some fluid and my mobile phone. (Reception is pretty good in the Border hills.)

What is the hill running scene like?

In my experience, hill running has a lot in common with other outdoor pursuits such as mountaineering, climbing, hill walking etc. There is a competitive scene, but the social side is just as important for many. The most important thing for most hill runners is having a good time out in great hills.

How does hill running fit in with my schedule?

It is often harder to run at an even, hard pace. Hill running sessions tend to have a rhythm to them that means they are more akin to a long endurance run than anything else, unless you specifically set them up otherwise. They can be ideally suited to marathon training, as the ground is usually softer, and because there is more variety, there is less risk of repetitive strain. It is not at all unusual for hill runners to go out for 4-5 hour runs that (at least for me) would be inconceivable on roads.

If you are focussing on speed, you might want to consider whether this kind of running will leave you ”flat” for those all important speed sessions.

Isn’t it all rather dangerous?

Two concerns tend to arise here. The first is the risk of sprains/broken ankles etc. I am wary of saying this after this year’s Eildon race, but in my experience, these are very rare. A good friend of mine sprained his ankle quite badly in the Two Breweries a few years ago – crossing the finish line on tarmac!

The other concern is of going out into the hills with minimal clothing/emergency equipment in our Scottish climate. Again, the risk is almost certainly not as high as it may appear at first glance. Apparently in the English Lakes, the commonest cause of death in the hills is from unfit people having heart attacks. Obviously, you need to be sensible, but I and many others I know have gone running alone or in groups for many years in all weathers with very few incidents. The most common problem in Scottish hills I believe is poor navigational skills, but perhaps GPS will put paid to that worry.

Hope to see you on Saturday

Paul Morris

Posted on Monday, August 25th, 2008 at 7:07 am and is filed under News, General Information.
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