Notes
Lakeland 50 w Dan. 3000m ascent. Call it "running", ok, because (a) the winners run, (b) it's a race, (c) in running gear.
Phew. A lot of lessons learnt. Had a very torrid and horrible time, sick about six times between Mardale and Sadgill. Gradually recuperated at Kentmere, gained energy with apple juice carton, smoothies, pasta, totally fine by Ambleside and from there to the end. Basically - went much too hard up Fusedale (mistake to overtake people, nutter), hot weather not great for me, loathed the gels and electrolyte drinks, didn't eat enough, blood sugars crashed horribly. Thought I had absolutely zero chance of finishing, as the world went past us and I felt nauseous at every incline. Disastrous. Catastrophic. Humbling. Oh well, we finished and got the T-shirt.
Dan dropped as we approached Ambleside (they were in park + W bro-in-law Michael), he was then struggling over Chapel Stile (Sarah met us again there) and took 45 mins there too, as I had at Kentmere. He was chafing as well. Sorry to tell you that I was 83.8 kg at weigh-in (partially clothed, 13 stone). I will never weigh so much again.
Route finding was good (well done me) esp. in dark sections over Loughrigg, Blea Moss and Tilbs. Kit was good (Sportiva shoes, baby OMM rucksac). Torrential RAIN again over Tilberthwaite - frogs hopping, vast rivers running on the paths, suddenly gusty wind and rivers crashing in the darkness. An experience. A very mixed experience.
Just to record some positives. Longsleddale looked georgeous, lovely river to play in. Troutbeck bridleway is lovely - shd do Wansfell + return via ?Nanny path and that track. I actually quite enjoyed the bad weather and the rain. Pleased with my navigation. Surprised that you can recover from a sugar low like that. Glad to finish!