Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession: Amazon.co.uk: Richard Askwith: Books

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Product Description

Frank Graham, Sunday Times Sports Book of the Week
A minor masterpiece that will surely find itself among the William Hill contenders [for] Book of the Year.

Blake Morrison, Guardian Summer Reading
Sports book of the season - a terrific story of fell-running and obsession.

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover

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Customer Reviews

32 Reviews

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4 star:		(4)
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Average Customer Review

4.9 out of 5 stars (32 customer reviews)

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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shaken and Stirred, 2 Jan 2005

By	Mr. Michael Lumsden "mlumsden11" (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you wanted a gentle retirement do not read this book!

I am a keen walker, having completed 184 of the Lakeland peaks (only 30 to go). My most notable achievement is the Lakeland 3000s. I have enjoyed doing more than Wainwright advised.

At the age of 44 I was looking forward to a gentle wind down. Then a friend (?) got me this book for Christmas. It is gripping reading, but not just for the pleasure of the read itself. It has reminded me of the freedom of the fells and the points at which we are most alive. The Fells are not appreciated most for the pretty views, but by being immersed in them, and the way to do this is to run in them

And the sport of fell running has not been tainted by commercialism or competition. Just to finish a race is success. And no one has egos on the fells.

The most striking chapter concerned a race in which the weather was appalling. One competitor of 38 completed the course. But all had succeeded in making the right judgement to abort the race when they judged conditions were too severe for them. Fell running requires taking responsibility for yourself, which in this age of the Nanny-State is a refreshing change.

One final point. Richard is not a champion fell runner. He is in awe of the greats (like Joss Naylor and Billy Bland). But his achievements in middle age put most of us to shame. He puts this across with great modesty, and as I read I was willing him to succeed. But he is no elite athlete and what he has done I could do too.....

A must read for anyone who loves the hills and wants to understand the crazy individuals who run them

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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and funny, 24 Oct 2004

By	S. Epstein "s_epstein11" (UK) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've never read any sports books before, but this is truly inspiring and more. Whether you're a hardened fell runner and know all the names from the lakes, like running in the hills, or you're injured and can't get out at the moment, this will make you want to get out there.

As well as having some great accounts of races and feats, past and present, you get to meet all the big characters, the history of all off-road running, and a feel for a year of racing, in an enjoyable structure. Through this he also gives a great comment on social history of these regions, and an understanding of the strengths and failings of all of British sport. He brilliantly describes in non-cliched ways, the thrills of running and why we all do it, and why the sport is growing on the background of a changing, risk-free and inactive society

It has everything from humour, thrills, history, philosophy and humanity.

Get it, even if you don't run (yet)

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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sports writing at its best, 16 Jun 2004

By	Trefor H Jones (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

My expectations for this book were quite low, anticipating yet another “unfit journalist tackles extreme sport/ epic adventure, suffers humiliation but finally emerges triumphant in the game of life” type yarn.
I was wrong! Firstly Richard Askwith is an exceptional writer (he’s a journalist on The Independent newspaper) with a beautifully vivid and entertaining style. Secondly he’s really done his research and backs this up with fifteen years involvement in the sport. Thirdly, and most importantly, he obviously loves this mad sport of fell running with a passion and this gives his book a depth and warmth and integrity. Sports writing at its best. Highly recommended !

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Be careful with this book!
If you're the sort of person who likes to rise to a challenge, to prove yourself against physical adversity, you should be careful with this book. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Mr. E. H. Carter

4.0 out of 5 stars Fell running for everyone
In this book, 'soft Southerner' sports journalist Richard Askwith recounts his love affair with fell running, its history, heritage and heroes. Read more

Published 2 months ago by P. Windridge

5.0 out of 5 stars Feet in the clouds
Amazing and inspirational book packed full of tales of endeavour and the joy of running outside, away from gym culture and cities.

Published 3 months ago by A. Arthur

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
I had the book bought for me and I enjoyed it so much I bought it for a friend, but as we both love woods/mountains, it was a sound bet.

Published 3 months ago by Mrs. C. E. Rossiter

5.0 out of 5 stars You probably shouldn't....
Do not read this.... unless you want to leave your armchair and get out onto the hills. I loved it - and wanted to start fell-running. Read more

Published 7 months ago by C. Hattersley

4.0 out of 5 stars Less about running, more about people
Well what more can be said about a book that has been so widely reviewed? Perhaps that the real gold of this work lies in the interviews with and descriptions of people other than... Read more

Published 7 months ago by The Piglit

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping (like the soles of his shoes). Transcends sports writing to become simply a great read.
I happen to like running, and running in mountains. Consequently I was hooked from the start. However it's so much more - and so much better - than simply a sports' book (and a... Read more

Published 8 months ago by outofbreath

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
I dare you, no double-dare you, to read this book and not want to get up on the fells. The tales of miserable weather, physical pain, and overriding obsession will strike a chord... Read more

Published 8 months ago by A. M. Wire

5.0 out of 5 stars A lighthearted, un-put-down-able look at the history of fell-running
This is a fantastic book for anyone needing motivation to get the trainers on and pound a few miles. Read more

Published 11 months ago by Emma Oakman

5.0 out of 5 stars Never finished..
I got this book about 8 months ago. Although I've started it several time, I haven't finished it once. It is one of my favourite books but I can't bear it ending. Read more

Published 13 months ago by W. L. Paroissien

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	76% buy the item featured on this page: Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession 4.9 out of 5 stars (32)
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Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession (Paperback)

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