Todays permitted exercise!

[Mike T]

The first time i did the LDMT, the map collection point was at Alcock Tarn (south end). With the first checkpoint being a couple of hundred metres down from the summit of Dove Crag on the east slope.

This did cause quite some interesting route choice (also the zero visibility may have contributed).

I went directly east from the tarn, across the ridge to the south of Heron Pike, down into Rydale, then a torrid climb up the SW flank of Dove Crag. Was quite an introduction to the LDMT!

Looking at Routegadget it seems the majority did a variation on the same theme.... although a sizeable number of people did opt to go clockwise round the Horseshoe until reaching Dove Crag from the north!

What a choice! I think I would go clockwise around the horseshoe, but neither option appeals.

[Travs]

https://www.sportident.routegadget.c...2/#11&course=1

This was the full course, which may be of interest/amusement to someone of your location....

[Mike T]

11.57 miles, 3,752 feet, 4 hours 16 minutes: Elterwater Common - KWL ascent to Silver How - Lang How - Swinescar Pike - Blea Rigg - Stickle Tarn - Sergeant Man - back more or less the way I had come, with some minor variations. Sunny, with thin high clouds; the distant high tops were not visible because of haze. No rain. Terrain mainly dry with good grip. Quite a few walkers on the fells, and a group of about 8 fell runners was seen ascending towards Blea Rigg.

I got down to my T-shirt today. Superb weather.

[Mike T]

https://www.sportident.routegadget.c...2/#11&course=1

This was the full course, which may be of interest/amusement to someone of your location....

That was a very tough day out. Respect.

[Mike T]

11.01 miles, 4,067 feet, 4 hours 7 minutes: Travellers Rest - Winterseeds - Grisedale Tarn - Helvellyn - Grisedale Tarn - Seat Sandal - Winterseeds - Travellers Rest. Overcast initially, with the cloud base catching the high tops, later there was quite a bit of blue sky/sunshine. A cold wind from the south west. No rain. Terrain anything from dry to damp/wet/saturated; slippery in places. Quite a few walkers about; two fellow runners seen.

From the Tarn I ascended via the zig-zag steps, and descended on the grass next to them - it was too wet and slippery to go up/down next to the wall.

I was initially OK with just two thin layers on top, but once I had turned into the wind I needed my windproof.

[Mike T]

9.11 miles, 2,927 feet, 2 hours 57 minutes: Rothay Bridge - Roman Ruins - Borrans Park - Waterhead steps - Stagshaw Gardens - Champion Tree Trail - Wansfell Pike - along the ridge to the true top and back - down the race route to the race finish - Ambleside. Sunshine and high fluffy clouds, the latter sometimes obscuring the highest tops. No wind to speak of. A few spots of rain as I was finishing. Terrain mainly dry; damp/wet/saturated and slippery in places. Lots of walkers about; one fellow runner seen.

[Mike T]

10.05 miles, 4,107 feet, 4 hours 29 minutes: ODG - The Band - Climber's Traverse - Bowfell - Three Tarns - Crinkle Crags - Red Tarn - Pike o'Blisco - Three Shires descent - Blea Tarn - ODG. Sunshine and high clouds, virtually no wind, no rain. Terrain mainly dry with good grip. Not many walkers about; no other runners seen.

Two layers on top throughout. Perfect running conditions.

[Mike T]

7.39 miles, 2,737 feet, 3 hours 10 minutes: NDG - Stickle Tarn - North Rake - Thunacar Knott - High Raise - Sergeant Man - Blea Rigg - Stickle Tarn - NDG. Virtually wall to wall sunshine - a scattering of thin high clouds - a pleasant cool breeze from the east. Terrain mainly dry with good grip. Not many walkers about; no other runners see.

Two thin layers were perfect today.

[Mike T]

9.76 miles, 3,355 feet, 3 hours 12 minutes: Loughrigg trails, ascending via the Clappersgate zig-zags, descending via the track past the old golf club to Miller Bridge, and taking in Todd and Ivy Crags, Lily Tarn, Loughrigg top, and down to the road at High Close. Sunshine and high clouds, and a moderate wind from the east. No rain. Terrain mainly dry and firm, with good grip. Very few walkers about; two fellow runners seen.

Another two layers on top day.

[Mossdog]

I'm continually impressed at your running prowess Mike.

On Tuesday, I clocked up just under 15 miles in 2hr 49 mins running from Carhullan (just above Bampton), up to Loadpot hill and then along the ridge to High Street and back (2831 ft), all the while thinking to myself Mike T does this day after day!

Ran again last night, out my back door making an effort to clock 7.01 miles in 1hr 17 mins (1181 ft)and my legs and ankles felt, erm 'tender'. If I'm lucky I'll have notched up a measly 30 miles by Sunday. You're an inspiration Mike, which helps with my own motivation.