And I was loving it!!! This is the ‘Dirty Double’ weekend of Helvellyn and Ullswater Lakeland Trail runs. First time I’d done it for 5 years (2012 results here). Gruelling, scenic, joyous. And this was the 2x 10k version rather than the 2x 14k I’d completed previously.
Another major difference this time was the fact that the kids were able to participate in the 10k (Louis) and 5k (Izzy).
Idyllic Surroundings
We’d decided to make a proper family weekend of it – any excuse to stay in the Lakes. And Ullswater is my favourite area. We were lucky too. I hadn’t been prepared and booked well in advance so was desperately searching 7 days before the start and was incredibly fortunate to find a cancellation at Beckside Farm cabins – a more idyllic and remote location we couldn’t have picked. You can book via Go Lakes too. Their incredibly friendly team we able to accommodate our late arrival and Gill, the lovely owner, was able to transport us from the farm entrance to our cabins using the farm all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Boy was it needed as the incessant rain of previous days had created a real mudfest and we wouldn’t have had a clue how to find the cabins. I say cabins because one was the sleep and shower cabin – the other the living cabin containing kitchen, dining, couch and wood burning stove. Our tv was the cabin french doors which offered the vista of Ullswater and starry skies in the incredible dark. Beckside Farm is located right next to the Ullswater Way so not as difficult to reach as you might think. But that’s our secret right?! Their cafe was voted a top pick in Country Walking Magazine too. For us, highlights included seeing their native Herdwick Sheep, Swaledale Sheep, wild red deer. Just look at these majestic animals below. The video below shows the ‘senior’ stag chasing off a new younger ‘imposter’ during rutting season.
Idyllic running
Helvellyn trail is a superb run. Often technical terrain with many rocks on all sorts of angles to test your agility and balance. Running through them in wet conditions is superb fun and you should never let this put you off – many first-time trail runners did the 5k and 10k and loved it. This year I entered the 10k as our son Louis, was able to enter with being 16. He left me for dead! Izzy was able to do the new 5k and said it was her favourite trail run to date! So two glowing testimonials for the Lakeland Trails team right there with no prompting 
In terms of running form – for me I knew I wasn’t going to smash either the Saturday or Sunday. I’d been suffering with fatigue for a few weeks so just decided to enjoy the runs and get round the glorious routes. And enjoy I did, taking the odd pic and chatting to fellow trail runners as we headed out towards the Helvellyn range. Laughing our heads off at each other when inevitably slipping on a steep grassy descent to slide for a fair few metres through rain and sheep sh*t! If you look carefully you can see it on my arm and vest in the photo of our backs below
Lakeland Trails events are known for their friendly atmosphere and here we were able to enjoy more of this. From spectators with cowbells, to locals and ramblers clapping and encouraging us all on, to the finish with all involved clapping, encouraging and the Batala Drum Band booming us across the finish line. Great fun.
Louis finished 12th and me 31st – though I was initially shown as 11th because we wore the wrong chips!
Izzy managed 2nd junior for 6th overall in the 5k!!
Day 2: A Smiling ‘sufferfest’!
The wind had picked up early morning so we anticipated the planned route – with the Ullswater Steamers taking all runners across to Howtown – may not be on. Sure enough the organisers had to use the ‘wet route’ back up plan due to the Steamers captain confirming it was too risky to set sail. While it was disappointing not to be taken on the Steamers, we all know that plans are subject to the weather. We also knew the Lakeland Trails team had excellent alternative routes mapped out. And they did not disappoint! The 10k taking us through Patterdale, turning left at Side Farm to run North on the Ullswater Way, several climbs on an undulating first half. Then the very steep climb up between Silver Crag and Birk Fell – as I was approaching that climb, I was able to look up ahead and see Louis moving past a few runners much further up. This was no surprise to either of us – we’d passed Anne Marie and Izzy who’d walked from Beckside Farm along the Ullswater Way to see us. They noted how fresh Louis looked vs. how tired I did!! The pictures below tell that story clearly
Ullswater is much more gnarly terrain than Helvellyn, particularly parts of the original route when running through forested patches. The views on this route as we neared Silver Point were amazing – Ullswater and Pooley Bridge north of us. A visual highlight for me: That view down as you’re about to tear up the descent off Silver Crag and Birk Fell. Memory highlight: Well that has to be the couple who chose to get married at Ullswater Trail Run and celebrated by running the 10k together! Amazing
What a weekend! Shattered, sweaty, muddy – great stuff!
A fresh looking Louis on way to 8th place!
A not-so-fresh me on way to 34th!
And here’s some bonus pics of the Ullswater Way (between Watermillock and Glenridding)
Overall thoughts? It’s fair to say the kids are getting into trail running. We’re not the only family transitioning to one adult with the kids doing the very short fun trail, to now running the longer events. What a legacy Lakeland Trails help create! It really is a credit to Graham Patten and his superb team. This part of the Lakes is pretty special
Thank you to all volunteers! Also Patterdale Mountain Rescue, sponsors inov-8, all the landowners and tenant farmers, Eden District Council, King George V Playing Field Committee, Dalemain Estates, Event Safety Group, Cumbria Police, Ullswater Steamers. You all help to make an amazing weekend
Yours in sport
Jeff
You may remember that Trail Running magazine Editor Claire said #Run1000Miles was about all participants having “their fittest year ever”
Well I’m one of literally thousands of people enjoying this very outcome thanks to the challenge and incredible community of people participating. The ethos was very much about this being inclusive and all about encouraging more people to get out and be more active.
The #Run1000Miles Facebook community is the very embodiment of this in action. Just spend anything from 1-10 mins looking through the incredible posts and you’ll see what I mean No photoshopping here – all the beautiful realities of mud, sweat, rain, sun, wind, sweaty kit…
I was incredibly honoured and surprised to be asked to be ambassador for this challenge. Inspired by fellow participants, family, club mates and friends, I found myself hitting over 640 miles by end of June!
Much of this has been through doing ‘little and often’ rather than battering myself on some massive trail running routes to compensate for days without running. By ‘little and often’ I mean anything from 2 – 5 miles on a regular basis with some longer runs thrown in. Several of these little runs have also been very slow and steady. All of which I’m sure has been critical to staying injury free (so far!) for the first time in more years than I care to remember
As we hit mid-August, my personal mileage is at 761. This is 2.5 times further than I ran in the whole of 2016 and comes only 3-4 years after being unable to do any exercise whatsoever due to chronic illness.
Having said all of this, the challenge has shown me that actually the mileage is relatively unimportant. It’s about just getting out there in the fresh air, being in the moment, being active when you can and are able.
The challenge has also inspired my kids to become regular runners – of their own volition rather than any cajoling from me. My eldest has joined our running club and is already winning prizes whilst our youngest is enjoying weekly track sessions as well as loving trail runs
I’d love to hear how you’re getting on so far. How are you finding it? In what way is it helping you? Are you fitter than before? Has it inspired others to run with you?
Here’s some more recent pics from my running
Yours in sport
Jeff
And what a day it was! All four of us taking part in a Lakeland Trails event for the first time. The kids have really got into running as a previous #parkrun post detailed.
Having just turned 16, Louis was eligible for the 10k event. When we entered last year, he’d only just started running regularly. We both booked on, assuming I’d take him round the course. How wrong we were!
Lakeland Trails quest to encourage more people to try out trail running, by introducing a new 5k Sport Trail for 2017, meant Anne Marie and Izzy (13) entered – the former with some cajoling from Izzy!
Sunny Spring Day
The forecast didn’t disappoint, serving up a day of ideal running conditions – slightly cool, dry, some breeze…
As is so often the case, the atmosphere at the event village was buzzing as entrants and their friends & family went about their business of settling down to enjoy the day ahead. There was a real feelgood vibe to Staveley village – no doubt helped by this being a ‘home’ event for new event sponsors Inov-8 who are based literally across from the recreation ground. The kids both took the chance to ‘test drive’ some Inov-8 for their runs – instead of using their normal trail/fell shoes.
Catching up with running friends old and new was a theme of the morning as we wished each other luck for the events ahead. A ‘good luck’ handshake from Graham Patten was a very nice touch before the off.
Batala Beats
The brilliant “Batala Lancaster” got everyone buzzing with their enthusiasm as they drummed up the energy for the start of the 10k. Louis asked “So are we running this together then?” as we were about to head off. The look in his eye said different so I smiled wryly and said we should each run our own race. He smiled and we both knew we were determined to be first back to the finish! Louis stated his intent with a gentle elbow to move me aside as we set off. That first 10 metres was the only time I spent ahead of him! Running so strongly the entire course he built and maintained a 1-2 minute gap. As a parent I had a real mix of sheer pride and joy at how well he was going (I was mentally willing him on) yet at the same time, running hard to catch him in the event he may tire lol! He didn’t as you can see from the times below!
After a gruelling road climb roughly half way through, Louis still managed to take on the climb up and over Reston Scar while still having the energy to belt down the descent back to Staveley village – that last ascent and descent was where I thought I might catch him but he had other ideas.
I gave it everything at the end, to the point of wretching as I rounded the final bend and literally staggered pitifully across the finish. Pleased with 1:00:34 over 11.8k and even more delighted to see Louis had reached 16th with 58:35!
We were greeted with even more lovely news on collecting our t-shirts…
Do we go up there? (Not noticing clear signs)
pic Ian Stainthorpe
Sport Trail Success
The 5k had started after the 10k (11.8k). Their route turned out to be 5.8k with 2 huge climbs – the second being Reston Scar. Almost all four of us finished together. Izzy said it was the hardest she’d ever run and I think she surprised herself by finishing 11th with 36:01. Only 30 mins later she was asking “When is the next one?” lol. Anne Marie had battled her inner voice to push through both climbs and run the steep descent. Enjoy would be the wrong word but she was glad to have experienced her first Lakeland Trails event. We’d all successfully negotiated the ‘Sting in the Tail’.
Apres Trail was a joy. We were able to cheer on friends who were running the 17k challenge and race. Enjoy some lovely coffee and food from the stall vendors. Oh and Louis bought himself a pair of Inov-8 ROCLITE 290 and has been out in them a few times since 🙂
A massive thank you to all amazing marshals, for your smiles and encouragement to all runners 🙂
Btw, I’m only pointing out actual distances for information. One of the great things about trail running is that distances are not expected to be exact. We’re lucky to be running such beautiful places so why not embrace an extra km or two?!
Staveley 2017 5k profile
Well earned t-shirts from a brilliant day 🙂
Series Intent
So what now? Well myself and Louis are booked on the Autumn Series 10k so we can do battle again. Izzy on the Autumn Series 5k too. We’re looking forward to Keswick, Helvellyn and Ullswater so much I can’t tell you! (AM is happy to watch .) This #Run1000Miles challenge is going well and keeping me fit 
Yours in sport
Passionate about running, adventure, environmentalism, travel, mountains and so much more… Jen and Sim Benson share their experiences with us
Jen and Sim, you’re best known for your “Wild Running” book, a superb guide for anyone wishing to explore British trails and fells. Out of the 150 runs detailed, which routes are your favourites?
We love so many of the routes we included, it’s hard to pick favourites, however some definitely have sentimental value. We have two young children so these days we rarely get out together, however in the past we had some amazing times running. We lived in the Peak District for a couple of years and the Bakewell and Chatsworth Loop was one of our regular runs – it’s a cracker! We’ve also had some great adventures on the Cotswold Way, which features a couple of times in the book. Finally, the South West Coast Path, particularly the Cornish part, is a real favourite and we’ve run, climbed, walked and raced all along it, most memorably when we ran the 45-mile Classic Quarter together. We’re looking forward to the time when we can all go running as a family.
And your favourite route abroad to date?
There’s so much to do in Britain that we haven’t spent much time exploring the running abroad yet, but there are some awesome trails in the Alps.
How did you both get into running?
We were both active kids – always climbing trees, riding our bikes and getting into mischief. Since then it’s something we’ve always done, initially as a way to keep fit and then as a passion.
Was this always trail / fell?
We do quite a mixture really. When we’re in places where there’s great off-road running (which is admittedly quite a lot) we make the most of it, but we both enjoy a bit of road running too.
How did you progress to marathons, ultras, Ironman events, mountain marathons ,adventure races and the like?
Do you have a mantra?
Sim: Strong knees, strong ankles, sure feet.
Jen: If it was easy everyone would be doing it.
© High Terrain Events http://www.highterrainevents.co.uk/
What would you say to anyone considering trail running?
Do it! Start with a little bit and build up. The demands of running off-road on your body are quite different from road running so it can take a while to get used to that, but the key is little and often and to increase speed and distance as you feel able. It’s a great way to mix up your training and a fantastic way to see the world. It’s given us so much: friendship, self-reliance, a deep appreciation and knowledge of the country we live in and it’s brilliant for mind and body too. And don’t be afraid to explore – it’s easy to get stuck in a routine of specific running routes, but it can be incredibly rewarding to try somewhere new and different. That’s part of the reason we wrote our “Wild Running” book, as we loved exploring but would often end up running along an A road trying to find the next bit of footpath. The book is an introduction to trails all over the country so runners can get a taste of the fantastic variety of running here.
What has been your favourite event to date?
We did the Endurancelife Coast to Coast Extreme a few years back. It starts on Devon’s most northerly point at around 11pm and you run, cycle and kayak non-stop to Devon’s most southerly point, about 150 miles away. It was an incredible experience to have together, exploring our home county and supporting each other’s highs and lows along the way. We still talk about it now!
How have you found contributing to Trail Running magazine and others like Running Fitness magazine?
It’s great being part of teams that are as passionate about running as we are. We like the challenge and satisfaction of producing a regular feature, making sure it’s as well-written and researched as possible, finding our favourite photos to go alongside it and then the excitement of actually seeing it in print. We’re doing quite a lot of gear reviews for Trail Running mag at the moment and it’s great to research all the brands and manufacturing processes as part of that. It’s taught us a lot about corporate responsibility and what to look for when buying kit. It’s great getting to test out all the latest gear too and being involved in the exciting new development and innovation that’s continually happening in this area.
You’re very positive about environmentally-conscious running and adventure. How can we encourage more of this?
We think part of loving and appreciating beautiful places is taking ownership for the way we treat them. Running is a low-impact way to explore, causing relatively little damage to the landscape and with minimal requirement for equipment. Humans are incredibly efficient distance runners so it seems like a perfect sport in a world where resources are so precious. Car-use is something we all have to be conscious of, and we’re trying to encourage race organisers to put public transport-friendly options in place and to find routes that are possible to run without using a car. Unfortunately, due to their remote nature, this isn’t possible in many wilder locations, but we think driving should always be a considered decision rather than a default one. We’re also keen to work with organisations to make sure recreational use of their places is low impact and works with their conservation aims. Many are having to diversify to generate additional income but it’s important for this to be a low-impact as possible. As an example, when devising routes through forest and woodland, we’ll work closely with relevant organisations to make sure important habitat isn’t disturbed and that proposed routes fit in with the management of the area.
© Dave MacLeod http://www.davemacleod.com/
What’s the best running advice each of you have been given?
Jen: Take short cuts in races, but never in training.
What is your favourite running fuel? Any recipe suggestions?
We usually have a Nakd bar with us on longer runs. We’re verging on vegan, as in we don’t eat meat or dairy but will will eat eggs from our own hens! Eating lots of organic veg and grains feels like it does a good job of fuelling and recovery – our favourite meal is probably sweet potato and spinach curry with rice and dhal.
Pre-planned route or just ‘go where it takes us’?
It’s good to mix it up. We have set training runs that we’ll do every day, but then once or twice a week it’s great to go exploring, get lost for a bit and feel the ‘wildness’ of a place.
What adventures are you planning for 2016?
We spent the past 18 months living a nomadic life, camping most of the time, exploring Britain’s greenery. We now have a house and a garden that we’re turning in a but veg patch, so we’re going to be getting that in shape and training hard for some key races later in the year.
Jen, Sim thank you so much I’m sure your words and those amazing shots will have people desperate to get out onto the trails!
Team Salomon and Red Bull athlete, Ryan Sandes is a record-breaking, multiple award-winning ultra runner. He spent some time talking about achievements, his favourite places to run, fuel food and more
Ryan, since bursting onto the trail running scene in 2008 you’ve won an incredible number and range of races and awards. What do you consider your best achievement to date?
Thats a hard one, races like winning the Leadville 100 or winning the 4 Desert series come to mind. After writing my book I have realised it the small things I am most proud of. I won a K9 Search and Rescue 4km race with our dog T-Dog (Thandi) – looking back now I am pretty proud of that.
Why do you run?
I love the feeling of freedom it gives me and it has taking me on a journey to all seven continents. It is a form of meditation for me and allows me to escape the business of everyday life.
Where do you most love to run and why?
I love running at home on Table Mountain. I feel most comfortable there and love the combination of mountain and ocean views. It is an extension of my back garden.
© Red Bull Media House
What has running in remote Malagasy and Nepalese villages taught you?
Keep life simple. The Malagasy and Nepalese people live extremely basic lifestyles but they are some of the most happiest people I have ever seen.
How would you describe the DrakTraverse?
One of the hardest things I have ever done. It’s a traverse of the Drakensberg Mountains, from North to South. You have to be self supported and know the Drakensberg Mountains really well. I have run on all seven continents and the Drakensberg Mountains are the most wild I have run in.
© Red Bull Media House
Mountains or valleys?
Mountains, they throw me out of my comfort zone.
© Red Bull Media House
© Red Bull Media House
Your mind appears to be recognised as your greatest strength. Where does this come from?
I think I was born with it. I have always enjoyed challenges and pushing myself to bring out the best in me. I love running so mentally it is easier to get past the low moments. I am quite stubborn and I think that is a good quality for ultra runners to have – never give up.
What would you say to someone who thinks ultras and multi-day events are beyond them?
Anything is possible with the correct planning and preparation. One grain of sand at a time. You need to break your goal down into micro goals and bite size chunks.
Could you give us an idea of your training regime?
Its varies a lot depending on the race I am training for. I have reduced my millage a bit over the last year as I think ultra runners tend to over do things. I run on average about 12 – 22 hours a week and then do some strength and mobility work on top of that. Its important to make sure your body is moving correctly and efficiently to run your best.
© Red Bull Media House
3 favourite fuel foods, go:
Pre-run – Nut Butter and honey on toast
During – Llama Bar and Red Bull and water
Post-run – Biltong (beef jerky) or chocolate milkshake
© Red Bull Media House
What is so special about trail running?
It is so pure and simple and give you a direct connection with nature. We live such busy lifestyles these days that I think its important to have time to connect with nature.
How would you describe the ultra-running and mountain running communities?
Generally they are very core but extremely friendly and welcoming.
© Red Bull Media House
What’s the best advice anyone has given you?
Live everyday as if it were you last. Make the most of life.
What adventures are you planning for 2016?
I am taking part in the World Ultra Trail Tour this year. I have already run the Tarawera 100km in New Zealand and will be running the Australia Ultra in May and then the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in August. UTMB is my main goal race. I have a few smaller races planned like Red Bull K3 etc. My wife Vanessa and I are also expecting our first baby in late September so that will be a very exciting adventure for us. In 2017/2018 I am hoping to do a Traverse of the Rwenzori Mountains with Ryno Griesel.
Congrats to you and Vanessa!
© Kelvin Trautman
What South African trail would you most recommend to runners from abroad?
The Otter trail – it is one of my favourite trails and is so unique. Its combines really technical trail running with epic coastal trails and insane views of the ocean.
You’re a fellow Red Hot Chilli Peppers fan. What’s your favourite running music / playlist?
I like to mix up my play list up from old school classics to more recent stuff. I don’t like anything to extreme and listen to ‘background’ music when I am running. I like to be able to hear my surroundings when I am running.
Agreed! Nothing beats embracing your surroundings when on the trails Ryan thanks very much indeed for sharing your experiences. Good luck with the book and UTMB 2016 too
Ryan’s book “Trail Blazer – My life as an ultra-distance runner” is available now
