My friend Jo had decided to come along to this event after hearing lots about it from me. So Jo and I set off to the lakes Friday afternoon in torrential rain……An incident on the way up meant we were stuck on the hard shoulder of the M6 in a car that had no windscreen wipers - Wouldn't have been a problem if it was dry but with the heavy rain we couldn't see a thing to enable us to drive. Anyway Jo's husband turned up to save the day with a replacement vehicle and off we went. Sadly we missed the evening run out to keswick but more importantly we made it in time for Dinner. PHEW!
The evening consisted of meeting everyone and a talk on Kit for trail running and generally becoming acquaitend with one another. The group seemed good, a nice mixture of people from all different parts of the country and it was good to see some familiar faces from previous weekends who had come back again as they enjoyed the last one so much.
A good hearty breakfast set us all up well for the day and then a brief core session to introduce people to the benefits of core strength work to prevent injury just about finished everyone off before the run started. Then it was time for the main man to arrive - strategically timed to enter after the session I noticed.
The group were now all kitted up and ready to head out. The conditions could not have been more perfect we were so lucky to have stunning sunshine all day long and a crisp thin layer of snow to run on. We headed out in reverse of the usual route out to Watlendath and then continued onto many other hills and lovely places ….none of which I can remember the names of. A few great photo stops and then back to the hostel via an ice bath along the lakeshore for showers and a filling lunch.
The afternoon was spent discussing training and how to fit it all in around life, jobs, family etc and Ricky certainly showed everyone that we have no excuses for not getting out there and sorting ourselves out with regards to training.
It can be hard balancing training but I think after talking through options people realised that there are ways to fit it in if you are determined to do so.
In the evening, before dinner thankfully - a night run up onto Walla crag was the plan. Petzl head torches were available for testing and a really enjoyable evening was had by all. The night was cool and clear and the views of the lights over Keswick were beautiful.
Back to the warmth of the Hostel - Evening meal and an early night for sad people like me….needing to cash in on a few hours good sleep.
Sunday morning was pretty reasonable with regards to the weather but was COLD - Bleaberry fell is full of peat bogs and I don't like having numb feet. I think I have gone a bit soft.
It must have been cold because even Hardcore Heidi put her coat on at one point and Ricky requested a training camp in Majorca for the next trip.
Despite the chilly weather we had a good run with sessions on descending techniques and up hill running. A happy gang returned to the hostel for lunch and depart.
Another super weekend - A great bunch of people. Many thanks to 9Bar for the nutrition. Petzl for head torches. Ricky for his time, expertise and good humour. Well done High Terrain Events again!
