Training and resources
Training for the running is essentially training to do two long fell races back-to-back. You need to be out there for 5 hours plus, sleep in a tent, and then do it all again. It's mostly about endurance.
As far as technique goes, you need to be able to ascend, descend and, perhaps worst of all, contour for long distances. However, you'll often not be moving at any speed. Most of a mountain marathon, for the non-elite runner, will involve walking. Running is best left for when you can run, occasional path sections, the easier descents, or good terrain.
What's equally as important is navigation and route choice. There are a few courses that teach the sort of navigation necessary for MMs, in addition there are a couple of books and a website that can help with preparation.
- NAV+art is a training weekend run by Joe Faulkner. It teaches everything necessary to take part in a MM or the navigation parts of adventure races. It even includes a mini-event to test what you've learnt.
- The FRA also runs a training course aimed at fell runners but generally applicable to mountain running. I have no direct link at present but adverts do appear in The Fell Runner, free on subscription to the FRA. Nigel, Shaun and Tom went on this course in 2008, here's their report.
- Mountain Navigation for Runners by Martin Bagness is an excellent small book providing good solid advice. It is often available from the stalls at larger fell races and orienteering events. As of 2007 it has been republished as a downloadable PDF. This means it is also now in colour! The book is available from Lakes Runner
- Trail Guides do a whole series of books that offer advice on training and techniques suitable for MMs. Mountain Marathon Preparation by Stuart Ferguson and Navigation for Off-Road Runners by Stuart Ferguson and Keven Shevels are the most obviously applicable. The series also includes books covering uphill and downhill techniques, terrain training and long distance training. They are produced in the North East and available from some NE running shops. They are also available mail order or as a digital download directly from the publishers, Trail Guides.
- SleepMonsters is a website dedicated to Adventure Racing and endurance events. It has details, photos, articles and links for most MMs as well as adventure races.
