STUFFMOUNTAIN

Engilish Fell Running Champs 2012 come to the North East with Will's Kielder Blast in September.

2012-01-05T05:14:00.001-08:00

Duncan Archer has double Mountain Marathon pleasure in 2011 by Winning OMM Elite with Shane Ohly. Nice one.

2011-12-21T08:39:00.000-08:00

TMMB review on Mud, Sweat and Tears website. http://www.mudsweatandtears.co.uk/

2011-11-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

The Mountain Marathon Book is published.

2011-08-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

Will Horsley completes Durham Hewitts round in 10 Hours 38 Minutes, see Northumberland Fell Runners website for report.

2011-07-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Duncan and Jim winning Elite LAMM 2011.

2011-06-20T06:33:00.001-07:00

Rare Spring Blue Gentian - out in Upper Teesdale.

2011-06-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Account of Jim Mann's recording breaking Winter Bob Graham round http://www.durhamfellrunners.org.uk/news.htm#jimwbgr

2011-03-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

RUN TO THE HILLS.Good luck to Jim and Julia on their new guiding venture in Wales. www.runtothehills.bardbank.co.uk

2011-02-18T02:37:00.001-08:00

Kahtoola microspikes are awesome !

2010-12-22T05:52:00.001-08:00

CLIMBER MAGAZINE. The December issue of this magazine has an article by young Ferguson. Nice one Sam.

2010-11-16T07:15:00.000-08:00

Memories of Dolphin

2010-09-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

What a really good read this is. ARD was not just known for his rock climbing but also as a fell runner. Fascinatining insight into this character by Tom Greenwood. The book has a free DVD of ARD climbing footage. A gem of a book.

TRAIL RUNNING MAG.

2010-09-02T06:01:00.001-07:00

Issue 2 in the shops - free with Trail.

The Mountain Marathon Book.

2010-07-12T02:41:00.000-07:00

This new book from Kev and I is currently out for review. Our biggest and best yet ! To be published soon.

TRAIL RUNNING MAG.

2010-05-20T04:50:00.000-07:00

It was with great interest that I purchased early this week, Trail magazine with it free copy of Trailrunning. The magazine was full very much along the line of the trail walker’s mag. The emphasis was very much on the adventure runner based in South East England wanting to do a bit of off road running. The coaching regimes were very much gym oriented. The shoe review was pretty accurate apart from the comments on the Walsh fell show which should faired better; maybe the tester should have used the right sized shoe. A welcome addition to the newsstand, which I am sure will sell well, even at £4.30. Not anywhere as good as it USA companion Trailrunner but looking forward to the next copy

2010 Holmenkollstaffetten Relay in Norway.

2010-05-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

It has busy for last few months. One highlight was an extended visit to Norway which meant I could complete in this huge relay event. Over 1,900 teams of 15 completed in hot and humid weather in Oslo on May 8th. I completed Stage 7 which is 1.8km with 85 m of ascent in 8 minutes and 38 seconds. Everthing I had heard about this event was true - what a great day out. Check out www.holmenkollstaffetten.no

Coaching Philosophy.

2010-03-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

Listen to your body.
Clear your mind.
Enjoy the journey.
Smile for the camera.
Sense of humour.

OMM Kamleika Smock

2010-03-01T02:09:00.001-08:00

I tested one of the original offerings from OMM and was not impressed at all with the performance of the fabric or the durability. How things have changed I have just tested a product which look and feels good and has not ended the first run with a large seam split. The 2009 OMM smock looks good and a much needed facelift. The product fits well, aided by the stretch material, comfortable feel next to skin and the front pocket is accessible with a pack on but what do you fit in it, a folded up map maybe ? The thumb loops are well positioned. The hood fits well when around your head but does not fold down [ roll away ] well at all to form any sort of comfortable collar. Drop tail is about right depth to use for Mountain Biking too. The performance is great for the endurance runners which I presume it is aimed at but if you use for a fast short run the breathability lets you down dramatically, even with long front zip right down. Waterproofness and windproofness are very good. In summary a good looking, close fitting endurance racing top hard that is to beat today at this price.

Running Bare Foot.

2010-03-01T02:07:00.000-08:00

There a many shoe manufacturers ranting on about running bare foot. Running off road your skin must be tough that's for sure. Bet the sock manufactures are not happy ?

Article in Weardale Gazette.

2010-02-09T04:08:00.000-08:00

Wolsingham runner winner in North East Fell Running Championship.
Stuart Ferguson the over 50 champion for 2009, the sixth running of the North East Hill Running Association (NEHRA) Fell Running Championships. This year the series consisted of seven races of which a competitor’s best four results would count. The race series covers all age categories up to over 70 and of differing lengths from 5 to 25 miles, spanning North Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. Stuart completed 5 of the 7 races namely Guisbrough Moors and Saltergate Gallows in North Yorkshire, Doctors Gate in Durham, Bellingham Show Fell Race and Simonside Cairns in Northumberland. The 2009 series attracted nearly 300 male and female runners completing in 1 to all 7 races.
Stuart is a founder member of Durham Fell Runners (DFR) and wishes to thank La Sportiva for their support for providing the Crosslite Off Road running shoe which was used for the series.
Further details of DFR and NEHRA can be found at www.durhamfellrunners.org.uk and for La Sportiva products at www.lasportiva.com

Cheviot walking with Geoff Holland.

2010-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

See review below:
http://www.mynortheastengland.com/northeastengland/Activities/ChviotWalkingwithGeoffHolland

Running on Ice !

2010-01-13T05:44:00.001-08:00

Possibly the main reason why runners take a tumble during winter is ICE. A major hazard especially when covered with snow and unseen. Wear a sticky rubber studded fell shoe. Observation and recognising spots where ice may form can help prevent an accident. Watch out for signs such as does the area look at if it was boggy, are there any rivers nearby, does it look as if water has run-off across the path, is there a hole in the ground that may have contained water. There is current view in the UK to attaching spikes to your shoes or using 'O' shoes with dobs which may help, but this has an environmental impact of scratching rock, just like the issues regarding crampons and dry tooling in climbing. Understanding your environment is better than damaging it !

Ready for a race !

2009-12-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

At the start of Simonside Cairns 2009. Photo Dougie Nisbet.

TOP TIP

2009-12-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

In a 2 day Mountain Marathon at the overnight camp your survival bag or the blanket can be used as an extra thermal layer either wrapped round or laid upon. And it does work !

GO FAR Website.

2009-11-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

The Durham Hewitts Round is now featured on this ultra running route website. Check it out , lots of info and routes to inspire the long distance runners amongst us ! www.gofar.org.uk

The wonderful Cheviot Hills.

2009-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Looking for a virtual tour of the Cheviot Hills then click here http://www.flickr.com/photos/42797725@N07/show/ & sit back & enjoy your armchair journey along Northumberland`s northern edge. Be sure to choose the full screen option by clicking between the four arrows in the bottom right hand corner.
For futher information visit Geoff Hollands excellent site www.cheviotwalks.co.uk & step into a totally different world of walking in the Cheviot Hills.

Trail Runner Canada.

2009-10-27T04:37:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the, recently revamped, Trail Runner Canada website, www.trailrunner.ca for a review of 'Long and Ultra Distance Off Road Running'. There is also much relavant information for any Off Road Runner of this Site.

MAP SKILLS - CONTOURS.

2009-09-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

A contour is a line joining equal points of height.
Contours give the ground in a 3 dimension showing specifically –
Height.
Steepness.
Profile.
They will also help to focus the mind on other features such as stream, the contour shape will form a valley leading down to valley floor where the stream is situated.

MONTANE SONIC SHORTS

2009-08-21T02:26:00.000-07:00

Years I have been searching for the perfect mountain running shorts. I may just have found them. The shape is medium cut not too short to look like a track runner or too long to look like you are on a beach in Bermuda and offers good freedom of movement. Good all round fit with elasticated waist and draw cord. The inner mesh is stretchy, holds you well in place and dries quickly and does not affect breathability. The outer fabric is very wind and water resistant and is very breathable. In general the shorts are lightweight, durable and have a nice feel next to the skin even when damp. 2 side pockets, one with a key pocket which I could not fit my key into. Maybe a hook maybe a better option. I have worn these shorts this summer on the Saunders 2 day mountain marathon with no chaffing at all [ a problem with many shorts ] and other fell races of various length. In summary these shorts are very comfortable, functional and perform very, very well.

Check them out on www.montane.co.uk

Looking for a compass ?

2009-07-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Check out the new SILVA Expedition 4 it has the 1:40k scale as well as 1:25k and 1:50k.

What I talk about when I talk about running by Haruki Murakami.

2009-07-13T04:04:00.000-07:00

Alex Menarry recommended this book to me and I was so pleased he had as I would have not bought this otherwise with such a tacky title. Hauki is a well known fiction writer, his work has been translated from his native Japanese to 42 languages. You will not put down this book once started and is an honest, fun and well written book. He takes you on a ride of memories, music and visual treats that as a runner you will totally relate to as he prepares and runs marathons. A very honest piece of writing, now in paperback, seek this highly enjoyable book out, you will not be disappointed.

TOP TIP

2009-06-16T02:57:00.001-07:00

I use a SUUNTO Vector altimeter wristwatch. This is priceless in the mountains aiding fine navigation. To enure accurate readings re-calibrate your watch at any known height. This could be at sea level, a spot height on a map such as a cairn or a trig point.

THE SOCK

2009-05-20T02:06:00.000-07:00

Often over-looked the humble sock is in reality a vital component for the off-road runner and is the second most important body attire after shoes themselves and deserves to have a lot more attention focused on it. So what am I looking for in a sock and why is it so important ? in a pair of socks I need –

1. a close, glove-like fit that has the correct anatomical support and provides durability and comfort.
2. the material must have a close yarn so not to catch the likes of heather and other vegetation. 3. the material must also be able to dry quickly whilst wicking away sweat and retain its shape and fit after washing.
4. protection from blisters, those areas of the foot that are prone to rubbing and chafing need to be secure.
5. ohh and it must be a dark colour ....... white does not stay white for long and ends up permanently discoloured from peat water.

There are three types of material technology on the market these being wool, synthetic or hybrid with each of the many manufacturers presenting a highly technical and scientific approach to the construction of their own products.
I have tried all the socks currently available on the market and would tend to recommend the following - For winter and long distance use I would go for a wool or hybrid sock, my favourite for a cold day out is the Smartwool Adrenaline Light Sock as this keeps the foot nice and warm even when wet and for longer runs, I need the extra protection and use the 1000 mile Performance Sock. In summer wool is just too warm so go for a synthetic sock, I use the Hilly Monoskin Lite Sock.
The importance of choosing the correct sock for the conditions that you will meet cannot be overstated.

RUN OFF ROAD NEWSLETTER.

2009-05-01T02:40:00.001-07:00

The first newsletter from the Trailguides team is available to download. You can sign up for auto newsletters at www.trailguides.co.uk . The team welcomes any content for future newsletters. Please pass on to any colleagues whom you think may enjoy

MOUNTAIN MARATHON TRAINING - STRENGTH.

2009-04-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year when many start their summer build to the likes of the LAMM and Saunders. The age old question – Should I train with a pack on. There are 4 differing views.

1. Do not train at all with a pack on your back.
2. Train with a pack on your back for your long runs 50% of the weight.
3.Do strength training mainly squats with static weights.
4. Train with a combination of 2 and 3.

I advocate the fourth regime. Set up a program which includes runs with your pack on, but mainly during the shorter runs. You should also complete some longer runs with the pack, if for nothing else but to get the feeling of carrying a load over a long distance, however not every one as this could lead to the possibility of over-training. This also gives the opportunity to iron out any durability issues with your kit. The carrying of the pack conditions your body for the balance required during running with this added weight attached to your back. Also if you do not do some training with the pack on, then you may end up with sore spots such as rubbing around the neck and the back. As these events are held over 2 days then some back to back days of long runs would be advised to stimulate the actual event and during this it may also be worthwhile carrying a rucksack. Any program using static weights to build strength should be performed within the early part of the program. I would recommend that you consult a coach whom has completed a ‘Strength and Conditioning’ course and they will be able to help you ensure correct posture and style and devise a realistic program for you whilst avoiding any injuries.

FEATS FOR FEET - A book review.

2009-04-03T02:07:00.000-07:00

FEATS FOR FEET is a 58 page booklet contains 2 long walks [ or runs ] and was devised and described by Gene Robinson, an experienced Fell Walker. Two routes included are the 21 miles Teesdale Triangular Trek and the Teesdale Watershed Walk of 49 miles. After an interesting chapter on the lure of long distance challenges which he returns too during the book many times, Gene describes the two walks in detail. The beauty of this book is that it is a great read, not only do you want to go out and walk or run them, he has really encapsulated the remoteness and the lovely wild scenery of the North Pennines, a view most strongly held by myself. The book was written in 1980, so beware of changing times on the hills, but this just adds to the charm. Highly recommended and at £1.99 a bargain and can be purchased at the Teesdale Mercury office in Barnard Castle.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TNT !

2009-04-01T01:13:00.000-07:00

Happy third birthday to Track n Terrain. To celebrate they are moving premises to 14 Elvet Bridge, Durham City and should be open for business by this weekend.

TOP TIP

2009-03-10T03:41:00.000-07:00

When ascending a long, long hill – DO NOT focus on the top but break the climb down into goals. You can then focus on climb [ not distance ], your rhythm, technique and energy for each shorter section. Trying to focus on a long unrelenting climb can be soul destroying especially if it is a climb that is not totally visible due to false summits and/or weather conditions. Mentally it will be easier to break the climb down into shorter more manageable segments that are easier to visualize. For example, a 2,000ft climb can broken down into 4 goals or milestones….. Chapel Fell Top. Total Climb 2000ft. First milestone Gate at 450ft. Second Milestone, Wall end at 900ft. Third Milestone Currick at 1500ft and Forth Milestone Summit Cairn at 2000ft. as each milestone is reached it can then be mentally ticked off. Once this outline has been set then it can be further refined by adding some further techniques such as a target time for each section using an adjusted for running Naismith’s Law for example First milestone 13 minutes and even Route Notes for example Second Milestone Follow a good landrover track at bearing 35 degrees to wall end.

NEW PUBLICATIONS FOR 2009.

2009-02-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

Trailguides have a number of new publications planned for 2009 that are aimed at the fell and trail runner .
As a continuation of their "Coaching Off-Road Running" series two new booklets will be released during the course of the year, "Speed Training for Off-Road Runners" during summer and "Strength and Conditioning for Off-Road Runners" towards the end of the year.
Speed Training as the title suggests will cover all aspects of improving a runner's speed from the principles of why speed sessions work to how to construct a speed session and just as importantly how to balance a speed session to suit the specific needs of the fell and trail runner. As well as the theoretical aspects of this type of training the text will also cover practical examples and will include the outline of a number of suitable sessions that will put the buzz into your running.
Strength and Conditioning will come into its own during the winter months when the hard work starts in preparation for the next season's racing. Topics will include how strength is relevant to off-road running, how to gain strength through weights and circuit training, the advantages of plyometric training, cross training, combined training and balancing strength training with the demands of running. As per usual with these booklets not only will the theory be discussed but the text will also include numerous practical examples and suggested training regimes.

In addition to these two booklets a new range of products will also be launched during the summer focussing on specific races. In essence, a combined training plan and diary, these publications will each look at a particular event and examine the needs of the runner in terms of strength, endurance, skill and speed in order to complete the race and will then present a twelve-week training plan to achieve these goals alongside a diary where the runner can record their training and performance.
Although the names of the individual races planned for the initial release is still being kept under wraps this series should, in time, evolve to cover the majority of all the major trail and fell races in the country.

PRODUCT TESTS

2009-01-28T01:24:00.001-08:00

I will publish on the blog regular product tests, this one appeared in Durham Fell Runners Quarter 1 2009 Newsletter.

RAIDLIGHT – Trailrunner Short Sleeve Shirt

This top has a nice feel, looks good and comes in a variety of colours. A three fabric construction, mesh for ventilation, stretch for fit and breathable for performance. Four pockets, one of which I would like to have seen which a fixed closer to keep for example a key in. The pockets are easily accessible, with or without a bumbag, but with a back pack totally inaccessible. This top is at home on long runs in hotter climbs or UK summer. Strange fit as I took a large and I am a standard medium. The collar annoyingly ‘flops’, possibly Raidlight should consider using the mesh fabric on the outside to give it more stability. Small issues really, as this technical top is good to run in, performs well keeping you dry and cool, has a very good price tag and still after many outings looks new. Can be purchased at Track n Terrain for £40.00 not including DFR discount. Check out the Raidlight website www.raidlight.com .

Press Release - Trailguides Leads the Field.

2009-01-16T02:00:00.000-08:00

“Terrain Training for Off-Road Runners” the latest publication in the series of coaching books specifically aimed at the fell and trail runner by the Darlington-based publisher Trailguides, is proving to be a hit with runners across the country. Over the last three years this expanding range of books has been highly acclaimed and received rave reviews from the governing bodies of fell, hill and trail running in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland with the biggest specialist magazine The Fellrunner even calling these books “unique”.

Spokesperson for Trailguides, Lyn Shevels, said “It’s a little bit ironic really, the North East has never really been a traditional hotbed of fell running such as the Lakes, Lancashire and parts of Yorkshire and yet here we are producing instructional books on the sport that are rapidly gaining an excellent reputation with a firm following. Part of that is due to the knowledge and skill developed over the years by the two writers, Stuart Ferguson and Keven Shevels, who are both highly qualified UK Athletics coaches specialising in fell and hill running and partly due to the relaxed writing style that explains the techniques and skills in an easy to understand manner.”

“These books have a reputation for not only telling you what to do but also how to do it. This is a style that has been called “unique” in some reviews and is obviously one that is not just appreciated in this country but elsewhere as sales have been global including Finland, Norway, Germany, Spain, Canada, the USA, New Zealand and even El Salvador !”

Trailguides have recently re-launched their website at www.trailguides.co.uk and for the first time are offering instant downloads of their publications, a move that will certainly continue the high profile of these books abroad.

It is certainly unusual to think of a North East company “leading the field” in a niche athletics market that is dominated by runners from other parts of the country but long may it continue.

Why STUFFMOUNTAIN ?

2009-01-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

A regular question. So where does STUFFMOUNTAIN come from ?

STUartFergusonFellandMOUNTAIN.

Trailguides website re-launch.

2008-12-17T02:59:00.000-08:00

Check out the new Trailguides website on www.trailguides.co.uk

Trail Runners Association review of Terrain Training for Off Road Runners.

2008-11-20T01:05:00.000-08:00

Review in November TRA Newsletter.

This book is one of a series of Guides in the course of publication by Trailguides. The author is a UK Athletics coach specialising in endurance running in the fells and mountains.

It's an interesting read for trail runners, particularly those who tend to stray off the trails and out into the open countryside. How many of us understand fully the nature of the flexible running style we should adopt to cope with the enormous variety of conditions underfoot that will be encountered ? This book offers guidance on how we can run more effectively and minimise the risk of injury on a variety of treacherous surfaces. There is also advice on how to strengthen one's legs and ankles to cope with the stresses imposed by varied terrains.

The book should be of particular use to someone starting out on off-road running. It is the distillation of a lifetime's experience. Even an old hand like myself found it helpful to have such good sense so clearly expressed.

Of course I was aware that one should shorten one's stride in slippery conditions and endeavour to achieve level footplants but, having read it, I'm more likely to do it.

I'm happy to recommend this book.

Anthony Taylor
Secretary
Trail Runners Association.

Terrain Training for Off Road Runners.

2008-11-18T01:59:00.000-08:00

To be able to run more confidently and smoothing, and knowing what hazards to expect ,through diverse range of terrain will only help the enjoyment over the run but also to conserve valuable energy. Being able to understand the aspects that various types of terrain has on your running style and being able condition the body both physically and mentally only helps towards a safe traverse. Our terrain and environment is precious – so look to protect by running sensibly and taking heed to all environmental codes of conduct.
On your next run off road you will now look at your environment with a different perspective

Published Summer 2008 and available from a number of outlets or on line from www.trailguides.co.uk.

Durham Hewitts Round.

2008-11-18T01:48:00.000-08:00

On 27th May 2006 Steve Lumb and Stuart Ferguson completed an unsupported round of the Hewitt’s within County Durham, covering 48 miles, 7,500 feet of ascent in 14 hours and 3 minutes.

HEWITTS are a list of:
Hills in England, Wales and Ireland over Two Thousand feet high with a drop of 30m on all sides. There are 177 in England, 11 of these are within the County of Durham.

Stuart devised the round which started and finished at St John’s Chapel in Weardale and visited the tops in the following order -

· Burtree Hill - GR862432
· Killhope Law - GR819448
· Deadstones - GR793399
· Burnhope Seat - GR785375
· Great Stoney Fell - GR823359
· Three Pikes - GR833343
· Viewing Hill - GR788332
· Mickle Fell - GR804243
· Bink Moss – GR875243
· James Hill - GR923325
· Chapel Fell - GR875346

The route has virtually no tarmac and little tracks and trails to follow as much of the round is on open access countryside this featureless terrain is very challenging particularly the large stretches of peat hags. Mickle Fell is on MOD land and access must be agreed through the ranger on 01768341661

The round took longer than planned; due to gale force winds all day, heavy rain and sleet showers for the second half of round coupled with poor visibility over Mickle Fell and Bink Moss which made navigation on this stretch very difficult.

Durham Dales Reservoir Round

2008-11-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

On 17th September 2005 Stuart Ferguson established a new route by completing a solo, unsupported round of all the reservoirs in the Durham Dales of the North Pennines. Stuart lives in Wolsingham in Weardale from where the circular route over his local fells started and finished. He covered 61 miles with 9,200 feet of ascent in 11 hours and 37 minutes. The reservoirs visited in order were Hury, Blackton, Balderhead, Grassholme, Selset, Cow Green, Burnhope, Derwent, Smiddy Shaw, Hisehope, Waskerely and Tunstall.