Feet in the Clouds

Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession explores the niche sport of fell running - racing up and down mountains in the British countryside. Richard Askwith documents his personal journey into this demanding discipline while training for the Bob Graham Round, a legendary 66-mile challenge across 42 peaks in England's Lake District. The book combines Askwith's first-hand experiences with the rich history and traditions of fell running through profiles of legendary figures in the sport. It details the physical and mental challenges faced by athletes who take on some of Britain's most unforgiving terrain in all weather conditions. The narrative tracks the author's progression from casual runner to dedicated fell runner while exploring the unique culture and community that surrounds this distinctly British pursuit. Askwith describes the techniques, equipment, and preparation required to compete in major fell running events. Beyond the sporting elements, the book examines themes of human endurance, the relationship between people and landscapes, and the drive to test personal limits in extreme conditions. The writing captures both the solitary nature of mountain running and the strong bonds formed within this tight-knit athletic community.

Readers describe this as an immersive look into the niche world of fell running, with many noting it captures both the physical challenges and unique culture of the sport. The book resonates particularly with runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and historical background - Personal narrative mixed with broader fell running stories - Vivid descriptions of the landscapes and conditions - Insight into the dedicated community of fell runners Common criticisms: - Some sections on race histories become repetitive - Technical running details can be dense for non-runners - Middle sections lag in pacing Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,900+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (380+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.5/5 (90+ ratings) "Makes you want to head straight for the hills" - common reader sentiment "Too much focus on the Bob Graham Round" - noted in multiple critical reviews "Captures the obsession and dedication perfectly" - recurring praise in runner reviews

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🏃‍♂️ The Bob Graham Round record has been broken multiple times since the book's publication, with the current record standing at an astounding 12 hours, 23 minutes, set by Jack Kuenzle in 2022. 🌧️ Fell running originated in the 19th century when Lake District shepherds would race up and down mountains to gather their flocks, often in brutal weather conditions. 📚 Richard Askwith spent over 3 years researching and writing the book while attempting the Bob Graham Round himself, failing multiple times before finally completing it. 🏔️ The Lake District's Scafell Pike, featured prominently in the book, is England's highest peak at 3,209 feet and a key checkpoint in many fell running challenges. 🏆 The book won the prestigious Bill Rollinson Prize for Landscape and Tradition in 2005 and is widely considered the definitive work on fell running culture.