Lake District Mountain Trial

Sunday 11th September

LDMTA

Haven't done this for a few years and don't have the best memories of  it. But for some unexplainable reason I decided to give it another chance. The men's course (now the classic) is a very tough day out so I opt for the medium course, previously the women's course. There is also a short course. I think they changed things around because some women wanted to do the longer course, and were more than capable of it, and some men, getting older, didn't fancy such a long day out. So now all courses are open to all. Providing you have the necessary experience.

The location this year was Mungrisdale. Back 'o' Skiddaw. I had a leisurely start time of 9.24. But my lift had 8.42 so we set off at 7.00am. There was much discussion in the car of the area, weather, and how long we could expect to be out. The forecast was terrible! So it was a relief to find out on arrival that the courses would be shortened. Registered and ready I made my way to the start. Kit checked I wait my start time.

All too soon it is go and I collect my map. It is quite a distance to the first control but on a good path to begin with. This gives a good chance to work out the route as I climb steadily up to Mungrisdale Common. I find out later that others, including the winner and second place, took a different route. But the splits show not much in it. Therefore I conclude that my line must have been better! CP1 dibbed and off to CP2 on The Knott. I remember parts of this section from the Rab MM a couple of years ago and manage to avoid most of the heather. I remind myself of the strategy to set off steady and keep keep going. It worked for me at the Ben last week. So I hold back a little on the climb.

After CP2 runners are taking various routes but I decide to stick to mine and not be distracted. I have learnt from the last few years of MM's with DW to decide on your own route and stick to it. If often works out OK. I see JR (not a reference to Dallas) and wave. Because the course is shortened it means CP3 is a bit of an out and back route but I am soon heading for CP4 at Bowscale Tarn. Again I pick my own route ignoring others, it seems to be working. But then I find myself at the river Caldew. I could run 1km down stream to the bridge or follow my planned route accross the river and direct. A look at the hillside ahead and no one is in sight. Is this a bad decision? Only one way to find out and I search for a crossing point. Nothing obvious so I go for it. It soon gets deeper and faster but I am committed. With the opposite bank almost within reach I slip and after some panic, splashing, swearing and thrashing I grab the far bank and haul myself out. Surprisingly map still in hand. Is has been a while since I got my 25m breaststroke certificate but now I realise it was well worth the effort.

After recovering my composure I get some jelly babies down and head up the climb. Runners appear from nowhere. Some form the out of bounds! Again my line proves good and I gain places. Meeting BJ at the tarn. The final climb is daunting but there is no option. Whichever way you go it's steep. Again I pace myself. Concentrate on the map and control descriptions. Look ahead and choose a good lines. On the run in to the last control, and finish, I feel good. Please to finish ahead of the bad weather I am soon changed and discussing the day with fellow competitors over a bowl of curry, tea and cake.

Will I be back next year? Who knows. Perhaps I'll wait until I am 50.

Russell