Fix direction (4)
I believe the answer is:
tack
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'fix' is the first definition.
(I know that tack is a more specific form of the action run up)
'direction' is the second definition.
(I know that tack is a type of aim)
(Other definitions for tack that I've seen before include "policy" , "Stickiness" , "Riding saddles, bridles etc" , "Short, flat-headed nail" , "Ship's course; horse's harness" .)