The original Advanced Skyrunning Course in the UK, in association with Pinnacle Ridge Extreme and Lakes Sky Ultra - Based out of the Coniston YHA

Gain the skills and confidence for extreme sky racing: expect full days; extreme running; exposed ridges; great company; and a smile from ear to ear.

“The weekend struck the perfect balance between getting in enough theory but still spending plenty of time out on the hills getting to grips with the terrain. The scrambling was definitely a highlight for me, loved getting up high on the ridges and I couldn’t have felt more secure under Charlie's experienced guidance.”

Victoria M

 

What to expect

Back for the sixth year, the Advanced Skyrunning training weekend is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence you’ll need to run and scramble on technical mountain terrain. Based in the heart of the Lake District, this is an immersive weekend of skills training and mountain-craft: expect full days; extreme running; exposed ridges; great company; and a smile from ear to ear. You will learn to:

• Run over rough and unstable ground.
• Run ridge-lines, and become familiar with exposed ground, gaining an understanding how one wrong foot placement, a trip or slip from such ground could cause you serious injury.
• Run down ridge-lines that are severe in nature.
• Scramble over open rock.
• Climb/ascend steep ground.
• Yoga session for runners

If you complete the course successfully, you will have gained a sound base of the necessary skills to complete Lakes Sky Ultra or another equivalent race. But remember: once the course is over and your entry is accepted, your training has just begun! We expect you to get back out there and practice - then go out again and practice some more ..

Who is it for?

The Advanced Skyrunning training weekend is designed for those with some previous mountain running & scrambling experience. It is ideal for anyone who wants to build their running and scrambling skills or to prepare for extreme mountain races such as Lakes Sky Ultra, Pinnacle Ridge Extreme, Glencoe Skyline, Trofeo Kima or Tromso. There are limitations – we can’t cure your fear of heights or get rid of vertigo – but we can help you to build confidence and experience in a controlled environment and in the safety of a small group.

If you are completely new to this form of running, our Introduction to Skyrunning Weekend may be more appropriate to your needs (full details and booking info coming soon).

Need to know more? For more details please contact enquiries@mountainrun.co.uk.

What's included?

• Two night's accommodation + chance to book a Sunday night for a Monday guided Sky-run**
• Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening meal's
• Saturday and Sunday morning breakfasts
• Two full days of guided running and instruction in the mountains surrounding the Glenridding Valley
• Yoga Session on both mornings designed for skyrunners.

• **Optional extra's

Arrival: Friday 30 April 2021

16:30: Arrive

17:00: [Optional] - A nice easy grade 10k around the valley to work up an appetite.

19:00: Dinner in Coniston Coppermines YHA – followed by drinks, mountain chat and tall tales at the bar if the mood takes us there …

 

Day 1: Saturday 01 May 2021

06:45: Session 1 - Yoga for running form and flexibility for Sky and Mountain runners with Inspired Life Yoga - Session delivered by Shelley Barlow

08:00: Breakfast at Coniston Coppermines YHA

09:30 to 11:00: Discussion of the day & Navigation theory session, based around the ability to self-rescue off the course.

11:30 - 16:30: Skills training in the mountains. Please note that due to the nature of this session, warm clothing will be required – single-layer running clothes are not suitable. We will cover:

• Confidence on rough ground
• Safety on steep ground
• Basic navigation for runners, geared around ability to self-rescue and navigate off the course by non-marked routes
• Uphill & Downhill running techniques
• Appropriate spare/emergency clothing
• Course markings
• Sound Mountain Judgement: what it is and how to apply it.

17:00 - 18:00: Review of the day, including:

• Mountain running kit selection
• Training
• Nutrition
• Q&A

19:00 'till late Dinner – followed by drinks, mountain chat and tall tales in the relaxing lounges at the Coniston Coppermines YHA if the mood takes us there … [Bring your own alcohol]

Day 2: Sunday 02 May 2021

07:00: Session 5: Yoga - Strength and Conditioning for Sky and Mountain Running with Inspired Life Yoga - Session lead by Shelley Barlow

08:00: Breakfast at Coniston Coppermines YHA

09:30 - 16:30 (approx): Guided run and scramble, likely to include:

• Extreme skyrunning around the Coniston Fells
• Descent off The Prison Band
• Up to Grade 1/2 Scrambling around Dow Crag
• Ascent of Easy Terrace on Dow Crag - Grade 3
• Return to base. Please note that the precise route and distance covered will be dictated by the fitness of the group and speed of travel.

17:00: Finish, debrief of the weekend and depart

Extra bookings available, see below:

Please note: You can book an extra night [Sunday] with us at the Coniston Coppermines YHA, this will be an extra supplement of £60 and will include - Meal at a pub in Coniston, B&B at the Coniston Coppermines YHA

Monday Guided Sky-run: You can book an extra half day's sky-run with us on the Monday after the course has been delivered. This will either be around the Coniston Fells (most likely) or we might head to the valley of Great Langdale, all group and weather dependant.

The cost of the 'guided sky-run' is £50 per person and is available as an 'add-on' at the point of booking.

View the Course Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.

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