Training on Derwent Moor
The Nine Edges Endurance Event, held on 26th September 2009, is a 20 mile fell race along nine of the gritstone edges in the Peak District, with participants choosing to walk, run or cycle (via a longer, modified route). People can also complete a rock climbing route on each of the edges, to make things tougher still. It is organised by Edale Mountain Rescue, for whom participants can choose to raise money.
I’ve enjoyed off-road running for several years, but only to keep a bit fit – not competitively, or even seriously. I’ve climbed on most of the edges, enjoying their bleak surroundings and shredding my hands on the unforgiving gritstone. Until I started training for the Nine Edges I ran off-road about three times a week, doing up to four miles each time. I’d always fancied running along one of the edges, but instead I’ve set my sights on doing nine in one go.
A good runner can complete the 26 miles of a marathon in under 3 hours. The fastest time yet for the 20 miles and 3000ft of ascent of the Nine Edges is currently just under 3 hours, so it looks to me about as big a challenge as running a marathon. To get fit enough I have a training plan based on one of Hal Higdon’s schedules, which increases the training miles progressively.
My training runs are off-road, in and around the Peak District, with my longest run of each week every Friday. I’ve documented some of my longer training runs – with maps, photos and poorly researched local history. It also includes slightly more thoroughly researched local pubs.
I’ll be raising money for Edale Mountain Rescue, a charitably funded emergency service. Please visit Just Giving to sponsor me, whether because you pity me, you enjoy the blog, or just want to support Mountain Rescue. If I fail, die or indeed need to be rescued you ain’t getting your money back!
Click one of my recent posts, on the right of the screen, to start reading my blog pages and click on the blue Just Giving icon to contribute to Edale Mountain Rescue.
Thanks, Tim.
