27/07/24 – It’s taken 3 years and 3 ballot attempts to get in but I made it into the Lakeland 50 mile.
I hadn’t trained the way I would have liked to so felt under prepared. I knew there was a lot of elevation in the race and that poles were advisable. Poles hurt my shoulder / wrist but with 3 practice sessions I decided I’d take them and use if needed. I decided I was going to just take it easy and aim for 12-14hrs to complete. Well, none of that went to plan.
Race logistics didn’t start off as planned. I’d hoped to get down to Coniston to see the 100mile start at 1800hrs but unfortunately didn’t manage to log off work until 1700 hrs. I eventually arrived at 2030hrs, got parked up in the camping field and headed over to the race village. As I got towards the main tent I heard a familiar voice… Stevie from Young Hearts Run Free podcast was interviewing Sabrina Verjee and a lovey lady (sorry didn’t get your name) who was in her 70’s and running the race for her 15th? time. The queue for kit check was massive so went for pizza first and then joined the queue with my pizza. At kit check they go through everything, get your picture taken and tracker attached to your vest. Also picked up my jumper. Now all set…back to the van to pack my bag and get some sleep.
During the night the rain was really heavy. I felt sorry for all the 100 runners braving the weather. I got up just after 0700hrs, made my porridge and cuppa, got myself ready then back to the main tent. I bumped into John from YHRF and he unfortunately was a DNF on the 100. There appeared to be quite a few during the night. Quick chat then onto the bus for the trip to the start. There must have been at least 10 buses taking everyone over. I was so impressed by the bus driver managing to weave his way along the road squeezing through tiny gaps. Eventually made it to Dalemain and it became real. Usual massive toilet queue so joined that first. Then over to the start holding pen. They set the 50 off in waves. Luckily, I managed to get into the first one.
About 1140hrs the music started and we were off. First up is a lap around the Dalemain estate then join the 100 runners head to Howtown. They were breaking us in gently, some climbs and a lovely cheer from all the crowds at Pooley Bridge. I was running to feel and I got chatting to a runner who filled me in on what was to come in this section. Soon we were at the checkpoint and this was French themed. I’d already felt my bra rubbing my back so I headed for the medic to get a plaster. Then it was the big picnic with everything you could want. A couple of cups of coke and a flapjack and I headed off.
Now it was the biggest of all the climbs. It was like the usual Scottish hill race, it kept going up and up then a very boggy top before a slidy downhill. So many folk when flying when they put the brakes on so I just went for it and stayed upright. I really do like the bogs but maybe that’s because I seem to spend a lot of time in them up the Campsies and Kilpatrick hills. The next part through the bracken and mud was tricky. Along the side of Haweswater and eventually into the next CP at Mardale Head. By now 20.6miles and 1059m elevation done.
Next was the climb up Gatescarth Pass. It was long and the ground was more rocky. As I was going I felt something ping on my bag. One of the straps holding my poles had snapped. I now had no choice but to use them. Not quite as planned but just had to keep moving. Again straight out of CP and up a hill. Next checkpoint was Kentmere and here they were making smoothies. Delicious! 27.1 miles and 1570m done.
I started realising that I was actually moving quite well and I could maybe get a sub 12 so decided to keep moving quickly. I know I should have put my race brain back in its box but once it is out it is hard to stop it. Now I was looking forward to the next CP at Ambleside but still had to get there. Another up and across Garburn Pass. As I can down another rocky track I recognised it from when I ran The Lap (although in opposite direction). Up towards Troutbeck I knew but then went left and not right. By this point the sun had been out for a long time and I was feeling the heat and on the hunt for shade. More running and eventually into Ambleside. The crowds, the encouragement, the cheering brought a tear to my eye and reminded me of the Fling finish. I was wearing a Fling t-shirt and even got some ding dings. Into the checkpoint and they were all dressed up. I was struggling to get my flasks out but they did everything for me. Water filled, tea in cup, sandwich acquired 34.4miles done and 2061m.
Again another up hill so munched my food and kept plodding. By now it was after 7pm but still sunny. Views were stunning as kept going. Down into Skelwith Bridge with the 25% decline (last time I had to walk up this thing) then a stretch along the River Brathay. This was a long flat section and I really wanted a slight incline for a walk. Reaching Chapel Stile I passed the pub with everyone cheering. I really would have liked a cold pint but no-one offered. Not long though until the checkpoint where I was met by Darth Vader. I’d gone off food by this point but more coke and tea and I was all good. This happens when I’m putting the effort in. I just focus on keeping drinking and getting liquid calories down. Also saw Debbie Martin-Constani and this point who was smashing the 100. That was 40miles and 2295m.
The next bit is a bit of a blur as I was really starting to struggle. There were more ups and downs, tracks with rocks, bogs and road. I just had my sights focused on Tilberthwaite. I got here just as the light went. The staff were amazing and found my headtorch in my bag and got me more tea. 46.5miles and 2682m done.
The lights up Jacob’s ladder led the way for the last long climb. With only 1.5 parkruns to go. Again it was an up then a plateau before another really tricky down that kept on giving. For those local to me it was like the descent off Conic Hill but Conic Hill on steroids. Tired legs, dark, rocks and a long down. Finally onto a farm track then I heard people and cow bells. It was Coniston. I was convinced a girl was behind (she wasn’t) so I ran my fastest mile of the race to cross the finish line in 11hrs 27min 26th female and 8th FV40. 50miles and 2965m. Slightly faster than my take it easy plan of 12-14hrs.
What a finish. They take you into the main tent individually, call your name out, everyone cheers, get medal, t-shirt then through to get the finishers picture. I’d used poles so my shoulder was tight, when I saw the massage bench I knew that was the place for me. A wee lie down and had it rubbed. Next was another cuppa and to try and compose myself. Eventually had some food and soaked up the atmosphere. By 1am I was tired and cold so off to the van. I was so dirty but I weighed up the long walk from van back to shower or just go to sleep and opted for sleep and shower in the morning.
Right choice. Awoke at 7am and then got the shower, it was bliss (except when the water hit my back and I realised the plaster hadn’t quite done the trick), breakfast and caught up with folk I knew and met along the way. I was in awe of the runners still coming in. Although I ran hard I had made it in early so could sleep, some of the 100 runners had been out for 2 nights. On the road home by 1030hrs and luckily didn’t get stuck in the muddy part of the field. Now home and the very stinky washing done. Injuries on my back cleaned. Blisters burst. Legs stretched and parenting duties undertaken.
Definitely recommend this race!
