The Wasdale Warriors – running in the Lakes
Well, it’s been a while. It’s February already so I guess it’s time to crawl out of my cardboard box, escape the warm corner of the shed and dust off those well worked 2011 reptilian running legs.
2011 was a cracker. 2012 is gonna be even better!
Last weekend I met up with some fine people in the Lakes to run over some hills, eat, sleep and run some more. That was the plan anyway, and that’s pretty much what happened. HQ for the weekend was a couple of cottages in Wasdale Head (no less than the home of the one and only Joss Naylor a true running legend on a world level). It’s a pretty remote place – ‘the end of the road’ and with a fair amount of snow and freezing temperatures it’s a harsh environment. Inspiring though. So many hills, views and routes. You can sense the history of the hills reaching up either side of Wast Water both in how they were formed and by their contribution to the sport of fell-running.
Day 1, the weather was really kind. Blue skies for a lot of the day and fresh snow above 2000ft.Running peak-to-peak felt like such a privilege, with moments that I wouldn’t trade for all the money (or running shoes) in the world.
Day 2, we weren’t so lucky. Weather turned, lots of snow, sleet and cold winds so we didn’t quite get around all the peaks we had planned. Still managed a few however for the Numbers-King 😉
The Lake District is a remarkable place and I don’t say that lightly. It’s not like I’m short on options living in Scotland. It always makes me sad to leave, but I know I’ll continue to go back. Fairly soon too, if things work out with races etc.
Finally, it helped to have some cracking company: from the Lakes-Obssessed BGR-bound Johnny to the Crazy minimally-dressed southerner, the charming Chief Navigator to the chickpea-eating Himalayan hero and my one and only Running Da’ – Dinger.
Thanks for having me guys, I loved it.
Pyllon - ultra runner 
Hi Paul, I love your new header pic. Loch Thom, and part of my training route. Great shot!
February 13, 2012 at 1:30 pm
I think you’d be the only one to recognise it Thomas 🙂
Hope you’re well!?
Paul
February 13, 2012 at 8:57 pm
Brilliant! I now know you are all bonkers. What’s wrong with coming down on a black bin bag??? Looking forward to a great season of blogs! 🙂
February 13, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Cheers Sue. Hope you’re getting there with the rest / running / recovery 🙂
February 13, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Stunning pics bro! Great job.
February 13, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Thanks dude x
February 13, 2012 at 8:59 pm
Love the new header!
All the best for 2012 …. I have a feeling it’s going to a special year for you.
PS … can you send me a profile for whw web site????
February 14, 2012 at 7:54 am
Nice pictures Paul. Looks like you all had a fun time. The guy in shirts must have been freezing. Mum. X
February 14, 2012 at 8:21 am
Meant to say shorts not shirts!
February 14, 2012 at 8:23 am