So as training intensifies, I have to add more elevation to my training. Living in the North of England means one thing ‘a trip to the Lake District’.
The Lake district has some absolute superb running routes and we attempted the 30 mile course with 11000 ft of elevation called the”Tea Round”. It is called the Tea Round, as it is all the peaks that can be seen for a tea shop in Keswick. Cat Bells, Robinson, High Stile,Grisedale Pike, Hobcarton Crag, Eel Crag, Sail, Causey Pike, Rowling End and Barrow.
I have already completed it twice in 11h 50 mins and 10h 48 mins. The plan was for around 9 hours.
I set off with a friend and we set off on a damp morning around 7am. The first climb is after around 3 mile (cat bells) and it was an absolute calf burner. We made good time and had completed it within an hour. Then onto Robinson and you couldnt see the summit for the low cloud. We again mad good time and made the summit within 2 hours. A steep descent in Gatesgarth and then the toughest climb (high stile). Finally we found a good line upto the summit and we on track for 9 hours. The descent was tough due to the rain and we both took a tumble.
The next climb up Whiteless Pike and it was energy sapping, my quads were on fire. A quick refill of water for a beck and onto Hobcarton Crag. It was on the way upto Hobcarton that my friend started to feel dizzy and unwell so at this point after 18 miles and 8000ft of climbing, we called it a day.
I wont lie, i was disappointed and felt like a sub 9 hour round was achievable. However, my friends health was the priority. He told me on to the 6 mile return to Keswick, that he had a stroke 10 year ago and had same symptoms up there.
So it was the correct decision and we go again. Next weekend a trip to Scafell Pike (Englands Highest peak).
Michael wants 2 run further 
