Lake District? It should be the Mountain District!

So the last few times you have heard from me I have been reporting on races and events that have been the build up to the Lakeland 50. Well…I came, I saw and now…I have conquered!

The LL50…so this is how it went…

In the run up I had made several choices of races and runs to train me as best I could to complete what would be an unknown entity. I had enlisted the aid of Paul Brown on the grounds that he had run it previously and can put up with me, in the main! However, one decision I made at the start of this journey was that I would not be sleeping in a tent the night before or after this adventure…I booked a lodge and secured some 'real' sleeping for me, the dog, the supporter and the running buddy.

The weekend arrived and I was lucky enough to get out of Lancashire early enough to gain a front row spot at the start of the Lakeland 100. Being able to support Paul Redman, Tony Hall and Steve Spence was brilliant, although the atmosphere on the field was very tense and I was relieved I was not setting off with them! [Remember this last bit Chell! – PB]

So the kit check was done and I was soon eating pizza and we decided that we didn't need to set off until 10am the next morning – bonus! So we all had a glass of wine (me, Paul and Gel…Lucie dog declined).

Then the day was upon us, we were chauffeured by Gel to Dalemain and watched some of the 100ers go through, met with Andy Graham (and pinched some of his sun cream) and saw Ian Winstanley, both also doing the LL50, and chatted to Adrienne Olszewska who was on marshal duty. I was feeling a little tense but knew if I could get the first 8 miles out the way I would be fine!

The first 3.5 miles was a loop around fields with 500+ runners and was a dull run round. Gel, Lucie dog and Mick Dobson joined us for this jaunt but before long me and Paul were left to head off to Pooley Bridge. I was just about coming to and warming up as we passed Gel and Lucie again in the village, they were to spend the entire day moving around the course whilst Mick did the same in other places but also running sections with us.

The terrain was not easy at the start and this proved to be the case for almost the entire 50 miles! However, the first 10 miles was a good section, all runnable, and took us into the first main checkpoint at where we could have lunch before the start of the climb. There was also a moment of clarification when I had to ask which lake we (Mick was with us at that point) were all admiring. Paul pointed out 'twas Ullswater – I just wanted to make sure! [I knew my nav skills would come in handy for something – PB]

Paul had warned me that the first 22 miles were tough as at 11 miles you start the longest and highest climb of the race out of Howtown, followed by another steep ascent up Gatesgarth Pass out of CP2 at Mardale Heas. He was spot on – very tough but on relatively fresh legs of the day it was cope-able.

As we progressed the heat was up but we managed it with fluids and hat dipping. Paul was also taking a million pictures which kept him entertained! [Someone had to do it – PB]

The checkpoints were well stocked and the support great. We spent a lot of the day working out where Paul R might be ahead of us. Conversation was on and off but nothing to note…sorry, no guilty secrets or gossip to report, we talked about running in the main and where Gel, Lucie and Mick would pop up next! And contrary to popular belief, overall Paul was more vocal than I was! [You were strangely silent at times. At least we know what it takes to keep you quiet now! – PB]

Thankfully 22 miles came and went. I had already adjusted my target of 11.5 hours to "let's finish" as the heat was affecting us biologically and the climbs were tough. (It was at a peak around this point that my gluteus maximus came to life to tell me they were working…to which I exclaimed "My ass is talking to me!" [You could have kept that part quiet too – PB]

To put the event into perspective, a lot of people were sure I could manage this as I had completed 62 miles on the Trailblaster a month prior. However, en route we worked out that Trailblaster probably climbed 2500ft for my 20 laps…here we were on a 50-mile course with 11500ft ascent - ouch!

We were then into the second half. A halfway 'High 5' swiftly followed by marathon 'High 5' helped get us through to the next checkpoint at Kentmere and eventually down to Troutbeck to the 30 mile mark. After running with us down from the top of Garburn Pass, Mick was to leave to head home leaving Gel and Lucie as our sole supporters.

Troutbeck was a real boost as the hard work of the day was over and there were runnable long stretches to come, but when you realise there are still 20 miles to go you simply have to break things down: 3 miles to G&L again, 7 mile till a half marathon to go, 10 miles to my 10 countdown, 14 miles to the 10K mark. This mentality gets you there believe me!

So we climbed out of Troutbeck and found our way to Ambleside where we were met by a wall of cheering from locals to holidaymakers to supporters. We really did feel like rock stars!

As we made our way out of Ambleside and over the slopes of Loughrigg, Paul commented that the Lake District should be named the Mountain District due to the shear amount of them – I was certainly beginning to feel I had climbed my fair share!

Down to Skelwith Bridge and a farewell to our G&L support team who would make their way back to Coniston. We had a half marathon to run, one that would take several hours and include climbing out of Langdale and up and over Coniston Moor. I also checked in with the time as I was on a second Garmin but Paul’s seemed to have an amazing battery life. My issue was not knowing what time of day it was and for about the 30th time I asked "What time is it in real life!"

My mind finally realised that I would have to run at least an hour in the dark, something I had been refusing to accept all day! We met up with a LL100 guy and had a chat, he commented that he'd had a small nav mishap and ended up in a graveyard…too funny for words and another piece of distraction to move us on!

By this time we had also hit the 10 miles to go count down point. Paul knew I was clock-watching for this but unfortunately he was in full chat mode about something else as we reached a gate where I turned and bellowed "Into the Golden 10!" – he was less than three feet from me! [Jeez, this more than made up for your silent spells! Ear defenders all the way in future – PB]

As dusk started we were chatting a little more just to get us to the last checkpoint before dark. We desperately wanted to get there as it would only leave 3.5 miles which was up, along and straight down to the finish, using head torches.

We seemed to do some good running throughout the last 13 miles (apart from the two big climbs!) and it was here I realised that this is where the training pays off. When you run and run and run and you pick up fitness and stamina, you really benefit from it at the back end of the event. You may have covered 40 miles and 9000ft but can keep going. [Yeah, don't wing it like I did last year with no training whatsoever and end up a cripple for a week! – PB]

We made it to Tilberthwaite at dusk and put on torches and a jacket and up we went. Then down we came. It is here I need to explain something – the downs were as tough as the ups. You were not able to make any time up and when you are doing it in the dark you really have no chance. The descents were horrendous – rocky, steep and longer than expected. So steady away was the day long strategy.

We finally hit the last mile and Paul was sure we would easily make it in under 12 hours. We had a mile on solid, non-rocky ground and it was all downhill and not too steep. We set off at a good pace and felt someone on our shoulders – good grief, you realise how competitive you really are! I didn't speak to Paul but we both sped up, dropped into the top of Coniston, round past the petrol station and down the last hill. Girl still on shoulders, we ran like the clappers – I'm sure I was getting up to my 10K speed after 50 miles!

I wasn't sure where the support crew were and just to make sure people knew we were coming I simply shouted “Incoming TAC-ers!” [And I thought the 'Golden 10' shout was loud! – PB]. We turned right and were there, I even beat Paul by three seconds as I dibbed in first! (cheeky) [I'm such a gentleman – PB]

The next few moments were immense! I was escorted inside, there was a shout out "50-milers!" had finished and the entire hall erupted! I was checked, given a medal and T-shirt (that I don't think I’ll ever take off) and turned to hug Paul.

What a day – brilliant! The weather, the support, the organisation and my LL50 running buddy…the best club chairman and ultra-partner you could ever wish for – thank you so much Mr Brown.

We ate a little, walked around and were chauffeured back to the lodge. We were made bacon and sausage butties by the support crew (Gel in the main as Lucie dog was far too tired by that point to offer too much help) and showered…I felt almost human as I went to bed!

So there it is, the Lakeland 50 in 11hrs 47min and let's not forget the 11 seconds…the year plan executed and enjoyed to perfection. Ultra running is not for the faint hearted, but if you want one that will test you but (probably) not break you then this is the one for you!

What's next? Marathon PB and some speed work I think but you know me by now…bottle of wine tonight with a Chinese and a new plan will be hatched…I just need to work on Mr B for the LL100…I’ve planted the seed ;-)