Having missed out on the last two Lakeland Trails events (Keswick and Coniston), I felt very frustrated at my ongoing struggle with #LymeDisease and the inevitable ups and downs my body goes through. In the middle of these two events was a Brussels trip to see the specialist who has amended my medication treatment plan slightly. Overall it is proving very successful but I have to remember to be very patient as it’s a long-term process.
Mindset
At times like this it’s important to keep thinking positively. Focusing on the benefits and underlying joy of something, helps prevent you wallowing in negativity and self-pity. I can’t deny I’ve been guilty of the latter on occasions because of what this has cost me (in family time, missed events, financially etc.). But then, many people close to me are much worse off. Also, those who care have unquestioningly offered support of some shape or form – all of which I’m immensely grateful for. So I try to look at the bigger picture and appreciate my quality of life.
Why Do I Run Then?
For many reasons. Mostly it is because of the lift exercise gives me and, in my opinion, running is the most natural form of exercise. I was a decent runner during secondary school, a fast sprinter and always in the top 3 at 800m & 1500m. Cross country I especially loved at school. Thinking back, it seems it’s the exhilaration of running as fast as I could over whatever distance, the outdoors, and in particular the connection with woodland, hills, in all weathers – and the added incentive of competing!
You can’t beat exercising in the fresh air – in all weathers! Whether it’s a beautifully bright and fresh autumn day, a nighttime ‘bat’ run, snowbound or lashing it down. Nothing beats the feeling you’re out there doing it 
Sometimes it’s only possible to run in solitude. My mind will gradually drift from thinking about daily things, to running form, to absolutely nothing – a great state to arrive at. I vividly remember running on Pennine Moors and the only sounds I could hear were my [ahem] light foot strike, rustling wind, ground-nesting birds. Looking up at a flock of geese caused me to stumble off a fell single track and giggle at my amateurish slip.
Clearly fitness is a massive benefit. Fitness of the brain, the core, organs and so on. In my late twenties, career meant less time keeping fit. Having a young family from my thirties continued this trend. However, having had a Discectomy when 31, I was told the best way to prevent further issues was to rebuild and maintain my fitness. It was in my mid-thirties that I entered my first trail run – the Helvellyn Lakeland Trails 15km. I’d entered due to working with the sponsoring brand and a runner friend encouraging me to commit. Totally unaware and unprepared for the course profile and terrain I cacked myself 2 weeks before. But I was advised to run to my own rhythm with a smile and I’d get through it. I was totally hooked!
For me, it was all about the people. The ability of elite runners simply astounded me – with their capacity to simply glide over challenging terrain and ‘sprint’ major climbs. But more so was the range of shapes, sizes and ages of fellow runners. Two instances of inspiration in particular stick in my mind:
1) The 60+ vet who encouraged me to keep going despite cramp in my calf as we crested the Hawkshead Coffin Trail. If he could keep going, so could I.
2) The middle-aged lady at the back of a ParkRun field, determined to complete 5km while recovering from surgery. Incredible
These examples of indefatigable spirit sum up running for me. The joy of the challenge, the ability to overcome the demons that tell you you can’t carry on, the mind’s ability to forget the pain and go again. At pretty much every event I’ve ever been to, the atmosphere created by volunteers, family, friends and locals there to cheer on runners, stall holders at the event village, elderly runners sharing their experiences, all form part of a tremendous community. I’ve met amazing people through this sport and will continue to for many years to come I’m sure.
I am definitely competitive, though running has increasingly become about doing the very best I can. So yes I do try to bridge the gap to the runner in front. And I will be as keen as anyone to maintain my lead over someone else. But that is more about using other people to help me do my very best and potentially improve on my last run in some way.
And the views – oh the views of #trailrunning! Especially places like the Lakes, Pennines, local woods
And that links to the final reason I run (that I can think of today anyway!)… Exploring new places. Through running events and off-road trails with friends, I’ve discovered places I didn’t even know existed. Opening up new boundaries is simply an amazing feeling
Below is a small selection of images that convey my joy of running. Hope they bring a smile to your face
pic by Kay @runforfun82
So it was up at 5am for a 6am meet to car share. I’d volunteered as driver because my 3 companions were doing the full marathon. (Didn’t fancy risking the driver cramping as we headed back down the M6 later!) Some porridge and apple compote was my fuel of choice for the morning ahead. I hadn’t done this event since 2010 when it was shorter. With Staveley and Hawkshead 17kms behind me I was really excited about Coniston. We’ve definitely been blessed with the weather so far for this series and yet again it was forecast for good: Barring the odd shower, the sun was out again. With a breeze on the day, it made for ideal marathon conditions.
Arriving in plenty of time to sign in, we each registered for our events. I had the pleasure of clapping and cheering 3 fellow Harriers off on their trail marathon quest. That gave me an hour to prepare for the half. The atmosphere was maintained over many hours, mainly because of the mix of marathon and half marathon races and challenges. Having 4 full #trailrunning events, plus the kids run around Coniston Showground, all came together to make a party atmosphere. A final bit of inspiration came when bumping into Graham (Race Director) to congratulate him on his recent Bob Graham Round success. Read his amazing story here.
When it came to our 10am start time, I was raring to go. I’d decided to take it relatively easy for the first 5km to ensure my legs were properly warmed up for the climbs. I was pretty sure of seeing Pete Lashley steam out of the blocks early on – no doubt nervous of missing his 2.15pm gig slot!
We started with a lovely run out of Coniston Old Hall and through Coniston Village itself. Then it was on the bridleways, through National Trust woodland towards Holme Fell – a gorgeous opening to both routes. Then started the first proper climb of the day! It’s about 150m of ascent between 5km-7km past the old slate quarry before undulating through yet more terrific trails.
Because of the weather and remoteness of parts of the route, I’d decided to run with my minimal Ultimate Direction AK race vest. Stocked with about 1l water plus some energy balls I knew I’d be fine in emergency should I ‘bonk’. Nevertheless from 6km I took the opportunity to have a cup of water and a small chunk of flapjack at each feed station. My only disappointment was not seeing any of the promised bananas!
As we approached the 10km point, we headed towards probably the best vista of the day – the circuit of Tarn Hows. I took a few blurry pics while running – a bit shaky but! This was fab because as we looped around, runners could be seen strewn out all around the Tarn. 
The spirit of fellow runners was superb – the leader whizzed past me on his 2nd loop and I wished him well. This was rewarded when for probably the only time in my running [ahem] career/hobby I started to lap people on their 1st loop. All was done with mutual smiles and best wishes
Tarn Hows was surprisingly but pleasantly undulating – superb! Branching off left we headed southwards and towards one of the high points (literally and euphorically) of Hill Fell trail. Here we topped out at 238m where James was taking photos – Tarn Hows the stunning backdrop. (We gleefully passed some poor sod who hadn’t realised he was supposed to loop the Tarn so doubled back!)
From around 14km we had roughly 2km pelt of 190m descent through woodland of such tranquility it was breathtaking. All you can hear is your own feet (light and fast honest!) cruising over the smooth, steep woodland trail. If there is anything that rekindles the joy of running, this is it. I for one couldn’t help but smile broadly during this section
I’m still not sure of my endurance levels at all, so had kept a little back for the 4-5km run-in along the bridleway, past Coniston shoreline and return to Coniston Old Hall. All along this section Lakeland ramblers and kids were applauding us. This made for a natural energy boost as we returned to the showground for one cruel but cracking loop. No hitting a wall today either – we were able to literally run through it! Crashing through barriers and all that.
As with other Lakeland Trails events, spectators applauded enthusiastically which once again led to a sprint finish from me. Either I’m not trying hard enough earlier or I’m a show-off (perhaps both!)…
Anyway, I rewarded myself with a lovely energising mediterranean salad and ginger cake from Lancaster Soup Dragon. I was able to then get changed and relax to watch and applaud incoming half marathon and marathon racers – all inspiring in their own unique way. Some good shots of club mates too – including Mark cooling his feet in the Lake All of us (Ian, John, Kay, Mark, Paul, Paula) had strong races. Typically I couldn’t resist joining them in a Hog Roast later as well!
Every stall did a roaring trade due to the sun staying out and runners constantly returning to the finish. I enjoyed a bit of Pete Lashley’s set and then to cap a cracking day, we were amongst the prize-winners. Paula won the Vet 50 women – while in the prize draw, Kay won a ladies t and I won a World of Beatrix Potter family day! Could you ask for any more? Perhaps Stainers who would have won vet 50 men but for following another runner who’d taken a wrong turn!
happy bunch of harriers – some tired legs
Talking wrong turns with ‘Stainers’
Now it’s onto the Rochdale Harriers 3 day event, before the Ultimate Trails 55km. Next few weeks will be nervous anticipation!
All volunteers, including marshals were again superb. Huge thanks to National Trust, local farmers, Coniston Mountain Rescue and Coniston itself!
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