Running alone in the hills

Running had become a bit more a social activity for me a while ago, but even before Covid-19, I had to do a reasonable amount of it by myself either because I had other commitments during club runs, or because my trainging regimen demanded it. When I was mostly road running, this didn't turn too many eyebrows, especially during the day time. But when I started going a bit further afield, people said to me 'Isn't that unsafe?' 'Don't you feel scared?'. And the answer is yes and no, to both.

I used to walk/run the dog on my own through our local woods when I lived with my parents. I didn't always take a mobile phone but then again I wasn't going far, and I knew the route. I have been on hiking and walking trips to the lakes in winter and the few people I have come across have sometimes asked what a woman is doing out on the fells by herself in miserable weather. People aren't very used to seeing a woman on her own running or walking on the hills, especially in the abscence of dog.

I'd love a trail dog. We are working on it.

But for now, I am stuck with the fact that sometimes I run on the hills on my own. And sometimes I quite like it. But I do try to be sensible. After night shifts, if its not been too manic, I quite like driving just out of Manchester and going for a run. Depending which hospital I am working at this has been to Lyme Park, Style and the river Bolle, or Rivington/Winter hill. I pick these places as I know them well, and also they are not too remote. If, in my post nights state, I fall and twist my ankle, I can wait what won't be too long and someone will come across me. Not that I would need to do this as I also carry a whistle and a phone (if there was signal). But my first point of advice is that start by running trails and fells you know reasonably well, and that aren't too remote. This way you can get used to running by yourself and not worry too much about navigation or being isolated. Waymarked routes on National Trust or Forestry Commision land are fab for this.

I know Winter Hill and Rivington quite well,so feel confident running
here in a variety of weathers

As well as my phone and whistle I carry water, a packet of haribo (for short runs, something more substantial if going futher than six or seven miles, or more remote), a buff, light gloves in summer and proper gloves in winter, and a waterpoof top or extra layer depending on the time of year. I also always carry a foil blanket. For longer runs and in bad weather I might carry a pair of waterproof trousers too.And posssibly a very basic first aid kit. I carry all this is my Pete Bland bumbag but you may prefer a small rucksack. Its very similar to FRA mandatory kit, for the same reasons: if you become immobilised it can be a long wait for rescue. And it can happen. To anyone. Second point: go equipped.

If I am not going somewhere I know well, I do some route research. When I do my solo trips to run in the Lakes, I sit with a map and the Mountain weather forecast and decide what is realistic for the day. I also check the morning forecast before I leave and have an alternative plan if I get there and the weather is proper pants. For the most part, I stick to reasonably well known parts of the Lakes for my solo trips, though in summer I might be more adventurous in terms of elevation. I did the Fairfield Horseshoe solo in spectacular weather, and my shoe pic made it into Trail Running Magazine. But I probably wouldn't do it solo in fog. I might do the Langdale valleys in bad weather, or one of my Coffin trail-Grasmere-Loughrigg routes (I have a whole set of different versions of these and they are great for autumn when the weather is changeable but the Lakes are quieter) as I can navigate them easily and they don't go high. Third point: pick the right route for the day.

The 'famous' picture from my Fairfield Hoseshoe solo run

The other thing is to take it easy. I take a lot of photos. Sometimes I do an insta-story so Martin doesn't panic that I am dead (he worries about my solo runs sometimes). I stop to admire the scenery. Unlike when I am on my own road running, I am not worrying about pace as much, I am enjoying the time and keeping sensible (if not safe). 

So in summary, my tips for running on the hills solo are:

Start out somewhere you know, and not remote

Go equipped in case you get immobilised

Pick the right route for the day; ambitious routes need good weather

Take your time

We haven't really covered navigation in this post but that is a story for another day.