The Great Lakeland 3 Day: Quality Family Time !?

 Just over a year ago, someone told me you could take your dog to Great Lakeland 3 Day and I got a bit over excited and tried to book on to it with only a week or two to go. Fortunately my husband intervened and said I would enjoy it more with a bit more planning, and that we could do it together. I think he hoped I would forget about it. I didn't. I booked us in (Martin, the dog and I) and started looking at the kit list. It was only about two months ago I realised it would be the weekend after the Peak Divide... at least we were planning on walking it. 

By some miracle (and probably a lot of patience from Martin), the logistics of two camping events, the need for weight and space specific dry bags with all our gear in, and my clinic team realising I was going to be unhelpful after about 3:30 on the Friday, we made it to Threlkeld in time for our prebooked supper and to get the tent pitched before the light went. The mad wave of panic left, and a bit of excitement now took over as I stared at the slopes of Blencathra in a stunning golden evening light, sipping my tea. I felt relaxed, even though the weekend would bring challenges. I knew I could hike 10 miles a day, even with Peak Divide only a week out of my legs. 

The first of the challenges was the cold and the dog. Oscar has been camping with me once before but was just he and I, and it was a warm weekend. Unfortunately, the warmth of earlier in the week had given way to cooler temps, and the potential of minus degrees overnight. Oscar had a blanket but it wasn't enough. And whilst getting him in to the tent went okay, he was cold and shivering by midnight. My husband woke me to tell me. So the dog ended up in my sleeping bag which I had to open to accommodate him, and I ended up pretty damn cold. However, problems can be solved. 

For those that don't know, the GL3D as it is known is a three day orienteering event in the Lakes. You chose betwen courses of different lengths ranging from the Extreme (a 50k, 42kn and the 30km) to the Cafe (which we did) , or an adventure point score course, and camp at different locations betweem days. It is softer than the big daddy events like the OMM as you have a drop bag to leave your tent in, food vendors in the evening and lot sof nice entertainment like talks and films in the evening. But there a no showers, portaloos and, apart from the cafe course, you take all your own food with you. But we were on the cafe course, and we were going to take this luxury to extremes. 

On the morning of day 1, the dog was awake at 6am (probably his paws were out the sleeping bag or something) and it had been a rough night in the tent with not much sleep for anyone. This was not an auspicous start and Martin was not in a fab mood. However, we had pre booked breakfast, and there was a coffee van for posh coffees. Martin was less impressed to find his sausage was vegetarian and all the catering was vegetarian, but perked up a bit all the same. We packed up the tent and with reasonable ease, got everything back in the dry bags. With the dog it was a bit more tricky as he always had to be attached to one of us, and I was glad I had not attempted this alone last year. The moment of truth was when our dry bags came in well under weight at drop off. This helped me relax a bit. We watched the earliest starters head off, getting afeel of how it worked. I chugged a second cup of tea, and we decided we might as well get going.

The only condition of doing the course routes is that you must visit each point in order. However, you do not necessarily all have to go the same way. That said, for the Cafe and other simpler courses a GPX is provided and this was what most people were using. We passed kit check, paused for a photo, and then dibbed out of the campsite.

Fairly fresh on day 1 

The walk started with a lovely section along the river. Runners would pass us, off on various adventures (4 of the 5 courses went this way) and the dog was desperate to get  in the river. When we orienteer, usually I get the dog and Martin gets the map as its tricky to manage both. I then chip in if it gets confusing. Eventually the bridge with the first control came along, and people began to spread in to different directions. We headed off to the of the potential cafe stops at Smetabanning camp site. There were a few runners on the cafe course, as well as walkers, and most people said hello as they passed. This section was quite quiet, partly as it was early and partly as it is outside popular parts of the park. 

The first cafe stop was the self service shop on the campsite which was dead cute. We had a nosey, even though we didn't need anything (and came away with a flapjack). I love it when people make an effort like this and honesty run enterpises reassure me there is still good in the world. Then it was off down the drive to join the old railway line that would take us towards Keswick. We had formulated a plan to leave the route after Latrigg (our Wainwright for the day) and head in to the town to a) buy Oscar a sleeping bag, and b) get lunch. 

As we strolled down the railway line, the sun was coming out. It was going to be a lovely day. At this time, the K2T footpath wasn't too busy but we did have a little panic about whether we were going to get mown down by parkrun which would be starting very shortly. Fortunately, we turned off before getting to the parkrun turn around point, and climbed up a hill that took to the footpath to Latrigg. The second cafe point of the day , the ice cream van, had not arrived but we were happy to wait until Keswick. Heading up, I had walked this way before but to Martin it was new and he enjoyed the views over towards Derwent water. It was stunning looking out over the fells above Keswick and Braithwaite. 

 From the top of Latrigg I confess we just wandered down the route we fancied in to Keswick, taking a bit more time in the woods for the dog to sniff, and then walking the reverse of the railway line back in to Keswick. People on the course gave us funny looks when they saw us going the other way- i suspect thinking we'd missed the check point. But we had plans for lunch at my favourite stop: Fellpack. Now if there was a prize for bougiest lunches on this event, Martin and I would have won it. Whilst in Keswick we also picked up a kids sleeping bag for the dog (Martin had some mad plan about me giving the dog my very old sleeping bag and getting myself an expensive new one but this to me was daft, my old one is fab), some extra supplies of food and generally had a mooch. Keswick was bustling but not too manic, and it is nice to be able to see it in the sun!

And then we were off back out of town and up to Castlerigg stone circle. On this climb we encountered people in various states: some were on the Herdwick course and starting to flag, others were on even longer courses and marching solidly up hills with poles. There was a control just outside the climbing centre which also offered a cafe, as well as an ice cream van. I think quite a few people stopped here for refreshment as it was warming up and the routes were converging. 

Our last climb of the day was Low Rigg but there was grumbling in the husband camp about a sore toe. I encouraged him to put a blister plaster on it but got more grumbling. However, Martin was doing better than some people around us; the hard ground had caught a fair few people out and fell shoes had proved an uncomfortable choice for some. My Innov8 hiking boots are not my favourite ever but at least they are a bit padded on the soles. Thankfully, Scarpa were sponsoring the event and lending out shoes to trial; I think they saved a few races that day (and hopefully converted a few people to fans). We hadn't done this section at all and it was so nice to do a new place. One of the themes of the weekend was taking paths we otherwise wouldn't have gotten around to; valley walks and woodland trails through pretty connecting places that in our quest of big mountain days we forget. 

We arrived at the campsite at the end of day one fairly pleased with our day. We might have technically had one of the slowest times on the cafe course, but we seemed to be the only ones who had stopped for a sit down lunch and a mooch in town. People actually asked if that was allowed, and were surprised to here it was a yes! It is a very flexible event (though there is a daily cut off). People at camp were in varous states: some had clearly gone very hard, some a bit too hard and some were just having a lovely time. We took our complimentary beers and went to set up the tent. 

Food in camp is not cheap but it is a lot easier than heating up dehydrated meals. I also sat and watched some of the movies on display, and chatted to people about their days: the routes, the highs and the lows. I met my running coach in person too, which was nice. He was there doing sports massage (which sold out every evening). Sadly we timed dinner wrong and had over an hour wait, and it was getting chilly in the air by the time we ate, so we ended up retreating to the tent shortly after. We looked at the map and formed a plan for the next day: Martin had a brain wave that if we did the route in reverse, we would end up at th pub at a good time to have Sunday lunch as the other cafe on the map had been closed. 

Another cold night came in, but at least the dog had his own sleeping bag. I had several layers on and had broken sleep, my wriggling tendancies extracting me from my bag only to wake up cold. 

Camp noises start early on the event: people start running very early if they have big days planned, and this requries early wake ups. Mercifully, we did not need to pack the tent up that morning as we were camping the same place and for this I was very grateful. I got up early and took the dog to the loos, before joining the queue for coffee. Martin had been grumpy and pufffing as I got out the tent, having not slept well. I thought an offering was needed, though my phone decided not to work and I had to run back to the tent for my purse before paying (Thank you Podda and Wren for keeping us going but also for your understanding at this time!). Coffees and cinnamon bun in hand, I went to wake the beast in the tent for day 2. He looked very sad when I told him he had to get up. 

Martin nearly failed kit check on day two by wearing three coats to start. It was cold in the monring air, and his tiredness was clearly breaking through his normally over warm personal thermostat. Fortunately, the mountain safety guys were convinced in the end. We did have some of the biggest rucksacks due to dog kit, as well as being on the cafe course, so I don't think we were really the worry. Also, when i asked about doing the course backwards, the timers said it was fine but we needed to register it as an adventure course, which was fine by us given our lack of competitive attitude. 

Puffy eyes on day two

All but two courses started out the reverse of the end of day 1, but we caused confusion by then turning right at a gate rather than left. A pair of chaps checked with us that we weren't going the wrong way but we explained our plan. I think a few people later thought it was a good plan but hindsight is a wonderful thing. So we set off in peace and relative solitude, seeing very few people as we headed back up the course from the day before before climbing up to High Rigg and a new Wainwright for us both. This was a bit of a stiff leg climb initially. On top we met a lady who was one of the event staff and had a quick chat about her route options for her own little adventure run. Then we headed off to find the control on the knot before following a path of the top of the fell that would have been hard to identify on the map but was easy with the GPX. 

We wound down the far side of High rigg and towards a river. Dog had a drink and then we crossed the stile to be greeted by the road crossing team, who I think were surprised to see us early as they were waiting for most of the cafe course guys the other way later in the day. But I was glad to get the fast road crossed early. Then we headed across a farm and towards the plantation that would take us up to Raven Crag (our second new Wainwright today). At the foot we met a man who commented he thinks that this place must be on instagram a she had been walking here in May many years and never seen so many people. We nodded sympathetically, quietly hoping th elarge number of GL3D people weren't about to ruin his day. 

Then we climbed up through the plantation for a few km, winding on forest tracks and footpaths, to pop out at the foot of the board walk and steps to the viewing platform. It was suddenly much busier, mostly we just walkers but we did start to see the odd person from the event. One or two had clearly given the steep climb up the other side some serious beans as they looked pretty wrecked. I think we definitely had the nicer climb. It was busy so we powered up the last climb and on to the viewing platform for amazing views over Thirlmere

Then we reversed our steps and caused more confusion as we started heading down the path others were coming up. We offered reassurance (when asked) that the route down for the event was a lot less steep than the one up. I was glad of good boots and fairly confident feet on the steep loose path, and begged the dog not to pull. I did have one little slip and banged a hand but that was about it. It was a long climb down! 

At the bottom, we headed on the road around the reservoir. As we crossed the damn we saw a few slightly lost event participants trying to jump the wall out of the woods having take a very minor wrong turn and missed the proper steps 20 meters on. Fortunately from our angle they were obvious. This next section was stunning: a lovely woodland path with bluebells and the lake just to our right. It was single track and we were against the flow but it didn't matter if we were slow. We just smiled at people going the other way, occassionally exchanging comments. 

We reached the climb up Great How which is an out and back. We had it as our last real climb of the day but the top section was a bit tricky, with the control on the viewpoint not the cairn. Its not a long climb but some of the other cafe guys were coming up and down with more effort than we were. One group of women were clearly a bit anxious about this climb and I worried about them on the bigger, steeper climb to Raven's Crag from this side. But once we were down on the reservoir path, we passed very few people, and nearly no one from the event. It was pleasantly quiet despite its ease of access and lovely views. Everyone wants to go up Helvyllan. 

And once we reached the Thirlmere car park, it was apparent how many people did indeed want to go up the big mountain. The car park was full and there was jostling for spaces. People with clearly inappropraite clothing and kit were heading up the hill and we got out of there pretty quick. It was a short climb to join a footpath that sauntered on the lower slopes of the range and here we bumped in to Jacob the fell runner of 'George' the film fame. He stopped for a quick chat and to talk about the event which was nice- his partner was doing it and bit annoyed they had ended up running it effectively in her backyard! Apparently their dog had also had tent issues and had to be picked up and taken home which made me feel less bad about my ridiculous dog. 

Eventually we left the route to take a diversion to the pub for Sunday lunch. It wasn't too busy and we all get very well fed (even Oscar got roast chicken despite me telling Martin to NOT feed him from the table). There were a few people in the pub from the event, all doing various routes, as well as well dressed folk. I was aware we probably smelt a bit from two nights in a tent and no shower. 

After a leisurely lunch, we climbed back up to the path and continued along above the A591. Eventually we dropped past some amazing plunge pools to the last control of the day and on to the road for a short section (mercifully there was a verge) before we turned in to some fantastic woods and the path that would take us back past the very cute farm (with woodland mushroom trail) and back in to camp for the night (and the complimentary cake you get every day!) 

There was more foot grumbling from the husband but we made it to the talk on running with dogs and dog first aid. Then it was time for the dog show which involved dogs catching treats (Oscar was hopeless), walking nicely in a circle (not Oscar's strong point) and waggiest tail (Oscar was tired and grumpy). Oh well, it was good fun anyway. 

That night was the coldest yet. Again it dropped below zero in the valley and took a long time to warm up in the morning. We huddled together for warmth and once again in the morning I took Martin his coffee offering. At least the next night would be in our own beds. 

Check out the eye bags

Despite a grumpy husband, the tent got packed away without too much fuss. It was damp from a little rain overnight (the only of the weekend) and would need drying once we got home but that was later. Our porridge pots didn't mix well as the water was cooling too quick to mix them. I managed ot smile for the start....Martin was less happy. 

Martin's unhappiness was a bit of a theme for the day. His toe hurt and he just wanted done. We once again headed out on the route, glad the cafe route was not going up the big climb the Herdwicks and others were starting on. It was gentle and pretty, past some stunning farm and pretty lambs, before we started to climb up Clough head. The initial section through the quarry was loose and steep, with the other course coming the other way. But then it was on to the open fell and a meadering climb through the knots of Clough head. We bumped in to Steve from my club who was also running but I think doing the adventure course. Lots of people drop down in the last day due to the need to make the cut off at 2 or 3pm, as well as long drives home (plus tiredness I suspect!). 

The descent off clough head was one of the few points that could have been a moment for a compass on the weekend but out of laziness we used the GPX (it was clear and you could see the landmarks anyway). I chatted to Steve a bit but could sense Martin's grumpiness behind so made an excuse and dropped back to walk with Martin. We wombled back in to the valley, very close to what owuld be the finish line before veering away back towards the old railway line. We took a diversion and got Martin a cola at Smettabanning which sort of lifted his mood for a bit.

The main K2T railway route was much busier today, as it was later in the day. Cyclists, runners and walkers all jostled and I was glad to turn off the path to head up past the now present ice cream van. We then dropped down in to a lovely gulley which I think was Oscar's favourite part of the walk as got to play in the stream a while. 

Then it was a steady climb up through small woodlands and fields to the Blencathra centre. Unfortunately we missed the path and ended up walking back up the road to the control in the car park, but oh well. It was mostly downhill now, and a gentle walk in to Threlkeld. Martin needled me a few times. I was abit annoyed at his attitude, given I had paid for th event, but also I guess I was tired and had a small but irritating blister too. 

After Threlkeld it was a simple flat walk back to the finish line. People were flowing down the riverside path in dribs and drabs, and Martin had slwed down considerably. But then we could see the last control, then the tents of the finish. We crossed the line with our marriage intact!

At the finish line we were served a lovely chilli and rice, with a cookie to take home. The sun was now out and it had warmed up and people were lounging on both the seating and their dry bags. We sat and discussed how it had gone, and there was even the slip of 'next time' from Martin so who knows! I quite fancy coming back and giving a bigger course a go (a weekend of the herdwick or a mixture to include the Wainwright) but let me see who I can get interested in it. I loved the event and can see the reason it cost a lot to put on though appreciate this is too much for a lot of people. I was very glad of a bath and a bed that night though! 

The Peak Divide: Because Running to Sheffield is more reliable than the train

 The Peak Divide is categorically not a race. It is in fact, a shuffle and a journey. It runs from the Vimto statue in Manchester to just past the Henderson's Relish factory in Sheffield and comes in two formats: the classic two day event and the oner. The classic has the joy of more pizza, camping, the best breakfast and spreading out the fun over even longer. 

I didn't really know what to make of this event as it has long stretches of actual running, then stretches of relatively technical trail and to add to that it has camping. Having never done multiday, I was entirely unsure how my body would respond. And the training hadn't been great (despite this my coach was unendingly sure I could do it), with multiple illnesses, a lack of discipline and non-existent strenght training. So I had hoped the registration process would be relatively seemless.....but the  laptop had run out of battey before I got there and I found myself standing awkwardly in a brewery not knowing anyone the night before my race. Yes, it starts in a brewery. It finishes in a Taphouse. It works. It would have been better if I had someone to sit and enjoy a pizza with at registration but its still a pretty good vibe. The lack of pizza company is also probably why I ended up parting with a not insubstantial amount of money for a hat but I wasn't going to miss out on merch like I did at Lakeland 50. 

So all I had to do the next day was turn up and chop my toothbrush in half. Yes, that is also a thing and a wooden tooth brush is provided for this purpose, along with your brevet card at registration. My husband and dog had come to watch us go off and I bumped in to Nat who was also running and I know from Chorlton Runners. She was running with Bird Outside who were a lovely bunch of girls who focus on getting on outdoor adventures together which is very up my street. We chatted, and I chatted to a few other people. Lots of people came to pet the dog which meant a bit more chatting, including to a chap who was very useful in talking about the Great Lakeland 3 day which we were booked in for the following week. Talking about the future somehow helped calm the nerves. I did not feel fit. 

And then suddenly there was a kind of a briefing. It was pretty informal and included the old raise your hand if you aren't here problem (not entirely reassuring with regards the event safety but its a very relaxed event). And then we began to walk down to the Vimto statue, flags waving and stopping traffic as 250 people tried to cross a road in central Manchester on a Saturday morning. 

At the Vimto statue there was some chat that very few could here, a big group photo and then we were off on a job down the canal at what was described as a neutralised pace. There was a lot more traffic disgruntlement and then some serious dog walker disgruntlement as we all tried to head off first through streets then down on to the tow path. Luckily, most people were quite calm about it, or maybe just bemused. I chatted to a lady from Dorset for a while and realised I was going a touch faster than I really ought given the distance. But as we got to the Etihad Stadium, we stopped for a final regroup. I was also aware I now needed the loo and there wasn't one for some time....

At the regroup I found the Bird Outside girls and for the next few miles ran with them, getting to know them and their lives a bit. We also chatted to the odd other person going at a similar pace. The canal (like many) goes through a lot of old industrial and round the back of some slightly less nice housing blocks. But we ate up the miles with chat until we all found a small park with a bush we could all wee in. This naturally took some time and as we rejoined the canal the sweeper came right past us. I was a bit surprised as I thought we weren't moving particularly slowly. 

I was pleased to get off the first canal and do a bit of a wiggle through some old scrub land to join the more scenic Peak Forest canal. In this nature area, I nearly got the directions wrong but fortunately someone spotted the mistake and we averted disaster. The section of Peak Forest canal we did was new to me, and a mixture of ponies, the backs of houses and sweeping bends. It was nice just chugging along, trying not to think about the journey ahead, having chats and making sure I kept eating and drinking. 

The first water stop came at the end of the canal before we crossed the bridge to Gee Cross. It was literally one of the organisers Dad's and a few soft flask water bowsers plus a few people cheering. But it was nice to know the canal section was done. 

The group had split on the canal and there was some discussion as to waiting but we figured the Tesco was near so why not wait there with food. So we started to jog up the first real hill. I hadn't really appreciated that the tesco was more than a few turns away from the canal but we go there eventually. Many people were sitting on the bank outside eating various food stuff and admiring the blossom of the cherry tree. I went for a ginger shot (high risk strategy but it worked) and couple of bananas but I am a snacker when I run, whereas others wanted proper sandwiches. 

This stop was a bit longer than I probably would have opted for on my own (I rush check points) and I did end up a little chilly. I needed to remember it was journey not a race and no time would be recorded. That said, there was more lovely chatting including to the Moi Outside team who were doing the event. I love their cafe in Hebden and have determined I will make one of their events soon. But we had all regrouped, stretched, refuelled and the sweeper once again came in to sight. So we got moving up toward Werneth Lowe, which was a walking climb for the most part. 

Thank goodness for the loos at the visitor centre. Again, this took a bit of time. But it was better than sharing a bush. 

Over the top of Werneth Lowe we met some work colleagues of one of the girls who were very lovely, offering snacks. And then it was the long down hill toward Broadbottom. The road section was fine but the path is a bit of a one- the first section stinks of manure, the next section is really loose but then its field and a lovely wood footpath. We popped out at the bottom to a sign my colleague had place on the gate of the (gorgeous) house saying 'Go Hannah Go!' which was so cute. But I was aware we were drifting towards the back of the pack so kept the girls moving to head up the next hill. I had recce'd this section and was glad for it as its a bit windy. 

It was mostly a walk towards the top of Cown Edge and the gnocchi gap sign. But we weaved between farms and along tracks before passing the Picking Stones where my club have had many photos taken on head torch nights. Nat and I got a photo but in general she was running much more strongly than I. The group had spread a bit and we arrived in Gnocchi gap with a bit of spread. 

Gnocchi gap is the main day one checkpoint and serve Gnocchi (gnochetti this year) with a fab tomato sauce and a selection of toppings, as well as sweats and Kickback coffee. Whilst I can't risk coffee on a run, these guys do know their stuff and I need to go over a make a purchase at their store soon (mostly as its lovely to visit). The Gnocchi went down surprisingly well and probably made me a bit bold for the following day (where the gamble went less well). It was a relief as my snack pack was getting a bit sticky now, with dates smooshed in to sports nutrition. Lesson learnt there...

I felt a bit rude but I wanted to get going after this point and so politely got running again. After the first uphill field two of the girls had already caught me and we would run within sight of each other to the end of the day. This section was a bit meh as its over a hill and farmland to drop back on to the road you basically on, where the cars try to run you down before you cross a very fast road to a stile....

But then the route really takes off. This section was flagged and uphill. I was a mixture of running and walking. It altered gradient quite a lot so I just took it insections. And I was catching quite a few people which was pleasant (though, it isn't a race, feeling strong is always nice). I didn't know this section but I knew the area so knew where we were heading: Ashop Head looming large in the distance. I chatted to a few people as I passed, including someone who had travelled from the continent to do the event. The moor opened up around us, and we passed the remains of one of the lost aircraft on the moor. There was the odd skylark despite the steady snake of people. I tried not to wander at how long I would feel okay for. 

Eventually we were on the rise before Ashop's head climb. I had caught up the two other girls and we had all elected to put music on. This was a good choice. I listened to the calming tones of Einauldi as I made the climb up the steep face of Ashop's head. It actually wasn't bad and I am used to moving over the terrain we were starting to encounter. The Kinder Plateau is a mixture of gritstone path, boulders and, as you hit the south edge, bog. However, the plateau was mostly dry and as the playlist shifted to my usual skater rock and naughties indie, I felt I was getting a bit of a rhythm. Lots of walkers were up on the plateau, and who can blame them? The morning cloud have lifted and the beautiful views had opened up. 

Once again, I was moving well through the pack, but I could feel my legs fatigueing and was VERY glad to see the trig of Kinder Low, and the girls stood by it. The next short section was fun as we ran along old sections of heather that had died back leaving springy surface to run on. We were followed by a couple of lads who were, I suspect, glad to have someone else pick the line. 

We dodged the large boulders, and started to spread out on the erratic path that takes you along the front of Kinder. I was ever glad of people coming the other way to not miss any turns, and in the distance could see a man waving a flag on top of one of the rises- was this the mythical Mt Malibu?

It turns out not. Whilst I was mostly running well, this section did seem to go on longer than it should and I was glad to see another flag with the guys from OGT at the right turn to take us off the plateau before Grindsbrook knoll. The didn't want to photo or interview me as I was clearly a fat frumpy middle age woman, and not the cool young thing they wanted in the their promotional material. Which was fine as I was ready to finish and also very short on water. 

The descent down the field would have been lovely on fresh legs. But the Mt Malibu stop was still a delight even if I went for the non-alcoholic option to make up for my lack of water. Just a few km to go but it was down a steep, loose path so it was a bit slower going than I might have liked. Oh well, i was back running with the girls and giggling as our legs refused to do what they were told. We managed a jog across the field at the bottom and in to Edale. The run up the drive to the campsite felt like miles....

After signing in (again, emphasing there is no time), and being handed my beer, I was a bit antisocial and focussed on getting my tent set up, some fluid in, and general kit admin. Fortunately, a very kind volunteer had set up the hired tents so all I needed to do was put my blow up mattress and sleeping bag in there, and sort myself out. I also was very grateful to myself for packing my mini stool as sitting on the ground was not really an option. 

My husband and dog appeared serendipitously as I was walking across the drive. Pleased to see me, my dog immediately climbed in the tent and snoozed on my sleeping bag. Martin kidly offered to collect my pizza slice whilst I showered. FYI, the top shower block at Newlands Farm is excellent and I cam out feeling if not amazing, certainly acceptable. I was remarkably unchaffed and unblistered which was a good omen. 

We spent the evening sitting with people chatting, comparing journeys, eating bowls of pasta and custard cakes and generally chilling. Fire pits were lit but it was difficult to get a chair near one. Cups of tea were served by SUMs socks, and the bar was open. I had a hot chocolate with Baileys before bed, just as the egg and spork races were commencing. But by 10 very people were awake and I was certainly in my tent. 

I don't camp often and I don't sleep wonderfully, but I did sleep, waking cold in the night a few times and rotating various layers. At about 2am I went to the loo, and looked up at the stars which were so innumerable it took my breath away (I miss starry skies from my childhood so much now I live in Manchester). There were a surprising number of people about shuffling to and from the loo at this time- beer, electrolytes and a bit of fluid regulation from the kidneys I suspect. 

I crept out of my tent in the morning, cautiously testing everything. It mostly seemed to work though there was a definite stiff and achiness to the lower limbs. I hoped it would warm up with movement. Tea and coffee were being served, and then an amazing breakfast of croissants, overnight oats, amazing bread, berries, PB and nutella were served. Despite the number of carbs I had eaten the night before, I found room for more.I also managed to get my tent and bag packed and stacked in time for a second cup of tea before we all set off together around 9am. 

Now it was the turn of Edale to have 250 people jame the road and some people were fine with it, others a bit less so. Especially when we had to cross a single file bridge. It was a bit manic. But then we were climbing up the field and on to the path to Ringing Roger that would take us back on to Kinder Plateau. I had my poles out but it was so follow the leader I think it made little difference. It was nice to just chat and follow the person in front, not worrying about pace. I was a bit anxious about today having not done multiday before, but at least i had recce'd the route to Stannage Edge. The last 10 miles would be all new territory though. 

Up on the plateau it remained fairly single file but at a reasonable pace so I trotted along. People were good at different sections. But then we turned on to the path off Kinder and down across to Win Hill. At this point the girls and I started to spread out and that was fine. I was holding them up and happy to potter at my own pace. I ran more of the long steady section up to the foot of Win Hill that I thought I might but it was by no means fast. The views were stunning though. The temperature was also rising. 

Having been up Win Hill a fair few times, I didn't take long at the top for photos. I got my poles out and started down the long descent to Bamford and the reservoirs. Win hill is increasingly busy these days, I think due to Instagram, and the steep section off the top was awash with people heading up and down so I just took it as it came. Then it was in to the woods and some nice cool air. It was a bit muddy on the middle track but otherwise fantastic running until the steep shoot that spits you out near the dam. An American chap behind me commented on how beautiful it all was. And it gets better I told him. 

The concrete section round to the checkpoint at the car park was a bit of a drag but I think I ran most of it, poles in hand. I might have missed some nutrition in this section but thought I might make it up in the checkpoint. 

The checkpoint was mobbed; the queue for water was very long despite tap, water fountain and toilets. But it was warm and people were getting though a lot. It was also a busy place with people parking up for walks (it is a car park I avoid as its so busy and an awkward shape). Trays of bread pudding were being handed out and it felt rude to take the sorren instead. And this is where my gambles with nutrition took a turn for the worse, but not in my usual way. I queued for the tap nibbling this large bit of pudding. And by the time I got there I had eaten it all. It felt a bit heavy initially but I could walk it off on the climb I was sure. I quickly applied two blister plasters and then started off down the path, initially jogging and then walking, feeling fatigued and heavy. 

The climb to Bamford Edge is fairly steep anyway, so I had planned to walk this. But as I hit the top, people were pulling past and away from me. I was mostly walking, even though it was very much runnable. I felt heavy and tired and a bit sick. I just kept plodding, past the groups of people taking photos on the ledge. Sadly I was in no mood to take photos though the views in this section were stunning. 

Despite my recce'ing, I was glad to follow people on the left hand turn as the path crossed the moss towards Stannage. A little group of us had formed as we followed the trod across the moor and in to the bog. I skipped across it but some people were less confident, having come from less boggy places. I even got complimented on my bog hopping skill, which was nice. But we were climbing again and somehow I missed the right turn on the path to take us under the edge, leading several people with me. It wasn't a long diversion, but we then cut cross country to get back on the path. I kept trying to jog but it was very hit and miss (mostly miss). the little group broke up and I tried not to get too disheartened as they pulled away. 

I chatted to a chap from Milton Keynes was as we climbed the bridleway up to Stannage Edge. He had taken a nasty tumble the day before and actually ended up in hospital for the evening. He was using poles and being very cautious on the uneven footing of the top of Stannage. I sensed he was frustrated by his steadier pace. Around now a group of the guys from Left Hand Giant came past, making good progress. I later caught up with one of them (who also had bread pudding issues on top of gut issues) and had a chat. She was doing UTS in a few weeks so this was just a test run; I was suitably impressed. 

After Stannage we headed around the corner and the main checkpoint was there. They were serving some epic looking mozarella and tomatoe sandwiches but I was once bitten, twice shy and so filled up my water, sorted my socks which were rolling down, and chatted to someone who had decided to stop at the first checkpoint (and was now making a good go of cheering everyone else which is very good form). And then it was off to Burbage along a short section of road (again fast, again people trying to kill you) before on to the moor. 

I think here I started to pick up again. There was no way I would catch up with the girls but I wanted to make it to Sheffield before 3pm so Martin wasn't waiting (he gets grumpy). Plus, it was now very much net downhill. I ran most of the moorland section, and down in to Lady Cannings plantation which was both cool from the trees and a nice easy running surface. I worried about getting lost and would pull up the map on my phone, part as reassurance, partly to rest a bit. But it was mostly straight on. Mountain bikers were coming up the way, and I did not envy the climb but the wheels seemed a good idea. 

As I popped out the otherside, in to a small parking area, I managed a spurt of reasonable pace as I headed in to the village of Ringlow. The pub was reasonably busy as was the road and I tried not to get hit by anyone reversing/parking, nor annoy any drivers. I think i probably had a 1000mile stare on, but I also started my music somewhere here. 

I caught a couple of lads as we turned left into a footpath and i think they were surprised I wanted to run. But I kept running, over the next two fields, straight down, my fell running legs somehow absorbing the steepness of the slope. Fleetwood Mac The Chain played in my ears as I tipped down the slope; someone even commented their surprise at my movement (fat girls at speed are alarming to many people). 

Then I bumped out on the track that marks the start of Endcliffe park. It would be to-ing and froing with various people to the end now. Most people were in groups but I was quite happy with my own pace. It wasn't hard to navigate but it seemed to go one for a long while and I feared ending up the wrong side of the river. The path dipped and bent, winding with the river but also under shady trees. Ordinarily it woul dbe very pleasant but I was fatiguing and aware any minute I would crash. I had a vague idea of picking up a lemonade at the cafe but the queue was insane so I carried on. How long was this path? Would I be able to run the road section after? Or even navigate it? (I find urban navigation worse than rural where there is usually one path)

People passed me, I passed people. It wasn't a race but people were run walking as was I and we would all hit the walk phase at different times. I felt overall I was slipping back but who really knows. 

The park formalised and I saw a coffee van. She had San Pelligrino. I decided a well times lemonade would help me for the last section. However, the lady at the coffee van was a chatter, and I got stuck there longer than I might have wanted. Eventually, I got my lemonade and ran on out of the park and in to the streets of Sheffield.

Its a few weeks on now, and this next section is a bit of a dream sequence. Seperated from the people I had been around, I wa snow in a bit of a gap but would occassionally over take or be over taken. I think I ran more of it than I walked. It was warm and the light limestone of Sheffield buildings and pavements looked very white in the light. Sheffield felt charming and we passed parks and university buildings, up and down roads, winding towards the centre. I had in my mind it was two miles from the edge of the park. I just kept moving forward, checking my phone for route details. 

And then suddently I was at th ebit of the map I had failed to understand though it made sense when I saw the tram stop and the crossing (no large bridge with steps- hurray). And I was on pedestrianised street next to the Henderson's relish factory, and left turn down a side street, across a road (thank you wonderful person who checked the road crossing for me as my brain was fudge by now), through an alley (I'd not have seen that if not for road crossing lady) and up the seemingly steepest street ever....to finish. 

There were cow bells and clapping but it felt a bit odd. I didn't know whether to stand and chat, but eventually wobbled inside to sign in and collect my Hendersons relish medal. The girls were at a table right in the middle of the outside part of the pub. It was bustling. Big hugs and photos. I thn tried to queue for the bar before realising I needed to sit down before that massive undertaking! The journey was over and I exchanged stories, before Martin arrived and kindly again queued for my pizza. I think I ate more pizza and pasta over this weekend than I usually do in several months....needs must. We sat for a few hours, trying to get to the bar, eating pizza, clapping in people. It was a lovely vibe though the pub needed twice as much space really, as it was very short on chairs. Eventually, Martin very kindly drove me home to fall asleep on the sofa with a Chinese takeway (I am usually a healthy eater I promise but you can see why I am the size I am now). 

The more I reflect on the event, the more I loved it. It is incredibly idiosyncratic. The WhatsApp chat was like the wild west. But I had so much fun. I don't think it was the run of a life time for me (That is still the Lakeland 50) but I ran okay. I problem solved. I have some plans of how I would do it different next time. I'd definitely recommend it, but you need to be adventure not time orientated, and curious but reasonably competent to Shuffle. I met some fab people and it has made me reflect that maybe I need to stop going to events with a time focus and perhaps focus more on adventure running with friends in future. 

Official finish photo, Peak Divide