Lakeland 100 | Coniston | 4K | July 2024

[@AndyUltra]

Finally got round watching this. I'm an expert at DNF's as you know and i applaud you both for the determination right up to Ambleside when you have to say 'enough is enough'. You're still heroes and legends in my book and i certainly know when knees and feet become an issue. You'll be back though one day and stronger. When things like covid etc happen in the same year, you think you have recovered but your body hasn't. It takes more than a year to get fit again. Bloody great video though and the best one yet of the Lakeland 100. Respect to you both.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Andy, appreciate your kind words. This certainly took some much out of us both by the end but ultimately it was injuries forcing the DNF. Mentally we were still strong but we had to be realistic with speed we were travelling given that there were a few more ascents. We would both hate to call upon others for help so chose the safe option and took the DNF! We’ll be in the ballot again in September and should we not be successful will be looking for an alternative 100, probably the Brecon Beacons with GBUltras, same day and similar numbers to LL100. Rest up Legend 👍

[@kennywalker808]

Cracking effort and love the attitude, really like your videos. I'm off to the lakes this weekend for LIaD and have been watching your efforts for tips. No shame in a DNF when it is right, if it makes you feel better in 2014 I DNFd at mile 127/145 of the GUCR so feel your pain of being close! It took me 10 years and 3 more attempts but beat it this year. Go smash the next one!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you very much Kenny, appreciate it. Hopefully will smash the next one and may even see you on the start line this Saturday!! Best of luck 👍

[@malcolmcolindixon]

I passed you just before Howtown, I think it was, I couldn't remember your names so said "you're the guys from KZbin eh?". You said you were struggling then so what an achievement to make it to Ambleside. The 50 is hard so what you 100 (105 miles) guys do is mind boggling 🤯. Great video BTW. I hope you recover quickly.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you, it was a tough weekend for sure. Recovering well now and hopefully be back again next year. Congratulations on your 50. Your support is very much appreciated 👍

[@guyevans6818]

You two are inspirational. I have been following you for a while and bumped into you at the start of a few of a events. At events like this I am a back of the pack runner. Thanks for posting this. It is raw and real. It would have been easy for you to not post this; but by doing so you make it clear that there are days we all struggle. That is more, not less motivating, than when you smash it. Thank you.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. Your support is very much appreciated. Nothing wrong with being a back runner. Getting your moneys worth has to be on the agenda! It’s not about the finish but about the journey. You can learnt so much about yourself which is why we love (to hate??) these long ultras. Hopefully see you again soon 👍

[@davidlogan]

Well done both - an incredible effort and account of what it takes to run the 100! Loved hearing your thoughts as you progressed. I DNF’d in 2017 and feel there is unfinished business here for me : ) Must have passed you at some point as I ran the 50 this year. I know exactly what you mean about the muddy descent into Haweswater!!! Well done 👏🏻

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. Luckily we managed a finish last year so bitter sweet really. It’s 1-1 now. Hopefully back again next year. Will you be entering the ballot for the 100 to put the record straight?! Congrats on your 50 👍

[@davidlogan]

Good question! Undecided as of yet!

[@Worcestershire321]

Monumental effort both. I amongst hundreds and hundreds of others cheered you all out as you set off on Friday. That weather caused some dreadful conditions in places but am so incredibly impressed about how you both soldiered through until your bodies couldn’t take any more. That’s what it’s all about. Well done 👏 👣 💪🏼

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much, it has to be ranked as the best start to any race we’ve ever done. Absolutely amazing. As for the race itself and the weather at times it was tough. That said, injuries can’t be helped but definitely have a big impact regarding the outcome. We’ll be back 👍

[@OlgasBritishFells]

92 miles is nearly the whole route. Massive weldone guys, I understand it's frustrating though. You two are amazing. Can't believe how far you suffered through the pain. Weldone Cheryl and Gary!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Olga. The hard work was done. It’s pretty straight forward from Ambleside but even so, we knew we wouldn’t have covered it safely. Disappointed but the right decision 😊

[@ianbooth369]

Awesome achievement 92 miles! A rough build up with covid etc, well done to you both, right decisions taken at the right time , always another day, the Lakes are not going anywhere. I look forward to your next adventure 👏👏👏

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Ian. It was certainly a tough weekend but as you say, it’ll be there next year. We’re recovering just fine and haven’t sustained long term injuries which is the main thing. Thanks so much 👍

[@southwestrunner7263]

You guys are so awesome. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are an inspiration to us, your fellow runners. Your honesty shines through in your films, you should be extremely proud of this (and your many other) achievements. Many congratulations on an incredible effort!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much, your comments mean a lot to us. We do try and show how it is, even the low points as to some that’s more important. We’re all human and can’t always succeed. It’s about overcoming and coming back to have another go 👍

[@laurensaul-n6j]

Absolutely brilliant video. I chatted to you on the start line and then headed to the back of the pack for the duration. Your video really shows the strength of will required to take on something like the 100 but also shows how exposing it is and the crazy roller coaster of emotions you can experience. I think it's so important to have videos like this that celebrate the effort and the experience whilst acknowledging that sometimes it just doesn't go to plan. Thanks for the video and looking forward to seeing more of Marley on future vids!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. We remember talking to you. Hope your race went without too many hitches?? It wasn’t our weekend at all but even so we tried to push through it. We’re safe in the knowledge that it’s injuries that inevitably stopped us rather than our minds giving up. That was far from the case which made it incredibly difficult to call it at Ambleside. We’ll be back again to put this right. Need to!!

[@lizziecooke5730]

Omg you two are so resilient - huge well done! Also a lovely video - I settled down to watch it with a beer after work and was not disappointed, some beautiful scenery especially around sunset and dawn.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. Your support is very much appreciated ☺️

[@michaelcultra4496]

Hi guys. Was my fist attemp at the lakeland 100 on Friday and it was a very humbling experience. Dropped out at blencathra. Made a lot of mistake but my biggest regret was not saying hello to you both when I spotted you both on the start line, I guess I was a bit starstruck! . I watch all your stuff. Even on a bad day you still did way better than most and I know if you hadn't finished last year you would have powered on to the finish line!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. It’s such a tough race isn’t it? You’ve done well getting to Blencathra so like us, don’t beat yourself up. It’ll be there next year 👍

[@matth1586]

Well done guys, you live to fight another day. Be great to see you running some of our 50s and 100s down here in the south west and south Wales.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks so much, appreciate it. We haven’t done much down south to be honest apart from Race to the King. Race to the Stones and North Downs Way 200. Need to do more!!

[@ibrazier]

Epic efforts!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you ☺️

[@Jenn-Noakes]

It takes so much courage to know when enough is enough. Well done both, you should be proud of the effort and what was achieved

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you, appreciate your kind comments 😊

[@pauljohnston9776]

Bad luck you two . make sure you have another go and you'll smash it .I bailed at pooley bridge twice before completing it on the third attempt in 2018 .no surrender 👊👏

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks very much. We did it for the first time last year and managed to get around (30 minutes up at Dalemain). We were on for bettering that time this year but all that happened. It just wasn’t to be. 1-1 now. May have to do something about that in the future!! Glad to hear you also got around after not giving up 👍

[@marcushowell4031]

I said hi (and I watched your channel) when I saw you up the hill after Pooley and you looked fresh.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi and thank you so much, appreciate your support 👍

[@johnpapadopoulos516]

An amazing effort guys, you should be very proud. You did absolutely the right thing by stopping when you did, there will always be next year. Keep up the great work

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks so much. Looking towards 2025!!

[@mikehall6433]

Great seeing you again guys. Totally gutted you didn’t make to the end. But totally the right decision made. Thanks for sharing your journey. See you out on the fells 🤙🏼

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi Mike, nice to see you too 👍 Just not to be this year but we gave it a good go so happy with that. Thanks and see you soon no doubt 😊

[@tomharvey-run]

Great efforts to keep going so far. This year, I DNF’d at Howtown 66 miles due to chest infection burning up. Tough call but for the best

[@TrailRunningCouple]

That’s a shame. It’s hard dropping out but when it’s a legitimate reason it’s easier to digest. Hopefully you’ll be back 👍

[@tomharvey-run]

@@TrailRunningCouple Hopefully back at some stage, with a different mindset and clear health. Best wishes for your future races.

[@edwardhaigh5977]

I love watching your videos thank you for sharing as they help motivate me to get out and explore. I have faith that you will both be back and be succesful next time round

[@TrailRunningCouple]

We absolutely will, so glad to hear you take lots of positives from our content. It makes it all worthwhile. All the best in your future outings 👍

[@billmacklin4923]

Well done excellent effort you two hope you crack it next time. I cannot imagine the state of Gary’s feet after 90+ miles mine were destroyed after a mere 50km on the Race to the Stones a few weeks ago.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Bill. They were a mess. Rated in the top three by the medic at the 60 mile aid station. I have to admit, blister plasters and paracetamol does make a difference. We did Race to the Stones (and King) a few years ago. Great events and routes 👍

[@davidtaylor4103]

Thanks for the video - brought back a lot of memories and sorry it didn’t quite work out for you this year.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi and thank you. Not to worry, just wasn’t our weekend but what can you do? We’ll be back again 👍

[@pauladawson1614]

You did the right thing guys, well done! Love watching the videos, keep it up 👏😀

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you ☺️

[@frazeryoung7882]

Fantastic running great video well done back stronger

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks so much 😊

[@davemorland9452]

Brilliant effort under the circumstances. That descent to Haweswater and a long to Mardale was horrendous even when relatively fresh on the 50, so you did amazingly well to cope with that. Hope you both recover soon.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you. I’d say it’s our least favourite part of the whole route. Hate it with a passion 😂

[@asiadave]

Huge effort and you gave it your absolute all, well done guys that is some monster distance. I think its also commendable that you stopped so close to the end knowing it was the right and safe thing to do, its so easy to get sole focus in situations like that.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks so much. Given we had completed the hardest parts of the course and we had a mere 14 miles left on easier ground it was hard to walk away. That said, we knew we couldn’t keep the pace needed so issues would have arisen. It’s just not worth it when others may have been required to help us. Happy with the decision in those circumstances. Thank you for your comments 😊

[@tommylawlor2857]

Love you guys,so humble and honest,you live to fight another day and you two will,all the very best.❤

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much 😊

[@therugbysaundi]

Bad luck guys. I was marshalling at Ambleside and had said hello to you before the start on Friday. I wasn’t sure if you had DNF’d or not so didn’t want to raise the subject. It was quite a low personal moment for me in the long shift at Ambleside to see you both in pain and so disappointed. I hope you come back next year and breeze through Ambleside with more luck on your side. Keep up with the content. It’s so inspiring.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much. I think we both felt a little down at Ambleside knowing it was over for us but with a knee injury (Cheryl) you just have to be so careful, especially when it was as painful as it was. We’ll be back again for sure 👍

[@markcameron3]

I don't do runs as long as yours but when I feel I'm struggling I just look around me, see tons of others in the same position as me, and then tell myself I'm not struggling, how I'm feeling is normal at this stage. Good attempt you two, wiser and stronger next time 💪

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Mark. We can do struggles, this was more a case of Cheryl’s knee injury slowing us down to near enough a standstill. She had pushed so hard on it to the point where it was showing external bruising from the internal damage. It’s just the way it goes sometimes but we’ll be back for sure 👍

[@markcameron3]

@@TrailRunningCouple don't you ever agree for one to carry on in cases like that or is it all or nothing?

[@TrailRunningCouple]

No, we always run together so start and finish together. Just something we’ve always done. I’d hate to carry on wondering if Cheryl was ok, I’d probably turn around and come back!! 😂

[@KC_Cort]

Ah guys you did amazing 🤩 it was a fantastic effort and the vlog was brilliant 😊enjoy your recovery ❤️‍🩹

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks both, tough time out on course but still found it enjoyable 😊

[@mattcarr3798]

Brilliant effort guys, as they say there's always next year x

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Managed it last year, was hoping for 2-0 instead of 1-1. May have to set that right next year!! Thanks for watching 👍

[@markg99]

Ouch. Hopefully you've both recovered from your exertions. It's a tough looking race for sure. The stars will align for one of your attempts I'm sure 👍

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Well it’s 1-1 now on the 💯 Not happy with that score so will address it at some point! It’s a long tough race for sure! Thank you ☺️

[@titothetroddler]

Hi Gary and Cheryl, gutted for you, but sometimes it just doesn’t go for you, you 2 are as hard as nails so the only time you won’t get round is if your bodies let you down, absolutely no shame in DNF, to cover the distance and ascent/decent you did was still an incredible achievement, 50 miles is the furthest I’ve been which is nothing compared to what you do, I did the Bronte Way in November and that is still the hardest thing I have ever done, I had goretex boots but water went over the top and for about 30 miles no matter how many times i changed my socks they were wet again within 2 minutes, my feet at the end were similar to how Gary described his, massive blisters on forefoot’s and lots elsewhere. I am sure you will be back, keep doing what you do, you are both amazing. All the best Tito 👍😊

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much Tito, your kind words are very much appreciated. We’ve definitely taken this on the chin. Yes we’re disappointed but injuries happen and can change the outcome of any race/event. More so in the longer ones. We’ll be back again next year if we get through the ballot. Haven’t seen much of the Bronte Way…

[@krisweston9732]

Wow you did so well to get to Ambleside i honestly thought you were done at Mardale. Epic effort and lovely to meet you both. I'll be back next year minus the calf tear and hopefully join you in the 100 the year after

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Kris! Lots of food, blister patching and motivation convinced me to try and move on. Shame not to make it to the end after that but what can you do? Hope you recover soon and come back to smash it 💪 Thanks so much for your help, it’s really appreciated ☺️

[@Ecoroof1986]

Well done guys. Bec and I just watched it. 👏

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks both, appreciate it 😊

[@jasonross1046]

Great effort both. I was on the 50 and passed you at the top of Fusedale. On my way up I was thinking of a comment Cheryl made in last year’s video about why would anyone put this climb in a 105 mile race this far in. It made me smile and made me determined to keep going knowing all you 100 milers were doing it too ….. and then I saw you ! It was a bit weird and surreal 😂 Great video as always I’m sure you’ll be back 💪

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Haha who would have thought?? 😂 it’s a tough ascent. Nothing technical nor hard but just mind numbingly long. Can’t say it’s up there with our favourites!! Well done on your 50 👍

[@northender2006]

I felt your pain as you came out of Mardale. So sorry you couldn't make it. You're both made of stern stuff and no doubt will be back to put the record straight. Rest up well, see you at Lakes in a day!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi Alex! Great effort, you absolutely smashed it! It wasn’t our weekend but we’ll definitely be back to put it right. See you at LIAD 👍

[@Gregpne]

Hard luck guys . Was my first attempt at the 100 and I was timed out by 2 minutes at braithwaite. I was moving too slow after twisting my knee around 10 mile in, the section you mention you forgot about how awful it was. I felt good from buttermere but the next section killed me off. The fells are always there for another go. I hope you guys are feeling better today and looking forward to more adventures ahead. I was with Alex when you spoke after the briefing, he amazingly pulled through and made up for my DNF ❤. Next time I’ll say hello. 🤦‍♂️😁

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Definitely say hello!! Sorry to hear of your troubles. It’s such a tough event. Injuries just make it even harder. Glad to see Alex doing so well though 👍

[@davidgrimshaw7513]

Unlucky guys, not for the lack of trying that's for sure. Hope the injuries have healed.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi David, thanks very much. Both feeling better now so it’s all steam ahead for Lakes in a Day! How are the ribs? Have you planned another attempt?

[@garryhobson4562]

See I made the final cut on the Gatesgarth climb, I remember you two coming by.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

That’s a tough ascent out of Mardale!

[@mountainstream8351]

I'm so happy to see an upload today. You guys are great runners, this is just part of the journey. I would have liked to see you change your socks sooner though. When Cheryl said you were going to run another ten miles and then change your socks I thought, no, change them now. Anyways, blisters are a tough thing to push through with. What shoes were you both wearing? Thanks for the upload. It's always a pleasure to watch your running journey.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hi and thanks again for watching! We’ve never been a fan of changing socks as they just get wet again pretty much instantly. Not sure of the benefit if that happens? I took a spare pair as I tried some anti blister socks and wasn’t sure about them. I changed at 60ish miles due to blisters 😩 Cheryl changed hers as well and put on anti blister socks but took them off not much longer to put her dirty wet socks back on!! Both pairs of anti blister socks went in a bin at on of the check points 😂

[@thelegendandthechamp]

Was a wet one this year for sure. Also had feet issues, nothing worse than descending those passes with painful feet. There's always next year, well done.

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks. Definitely wet wasn’t it? 😂 Like walking on broken glass at times! Definitely be back to put this right 👍

[@darrenwilliams9643]

Bored with you two going on? I don't think so. As I said on FB you don't realise what inspirations you both are, particularly to my wife and I. We don't think we'd be able to do what you do because we don't have the hills where we are, but it doesn't stop us believing we can. And that is down to you two. Keep up the good work, love everything you do. Here's to next year.....

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you so much Darren, as always your comments are very much appreciated. We’re go glad our content is enjoyed which in turn makes it worthwhile doing. We’ll be back at Lakeland, hopefully next year to smash it again 👍

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

A tough situation and never an easy call to make. Suffered my own DNF yesterday. Some days things just don't line up in your favour. On to the next one!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks Jess and sorry to hear that. Can’t always go our way can it? Never mind, onto the next 👍

[@morrislouiseeagle7161]

a sensible decision - no shame in not finishing - if you had carried on you might have ruined both knees and feet and then taking ages to heal - and marley would be very cross with you lol thanks for sharing this with us

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thanks so much. It was all about living to fight another day. We’ll be back, no doubt about it!!

[@powerhousestrengthandcondi9945]

Brilliant effort. No shame to DNF. I’m sure you will go again next year. Hopefully see you there

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you! It’s a great event. 1-1 now. Not happy with that!

[@powerhousestrengthandcondi9945]

1-0 on the 50 so maybe see you next year on the 100 😊

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Hopefully see you there! The first half is definitely the better half so it’s worth doing just for that 👍

[@trailsandbeers]

Lakeland was my first 100 miler, I think it was 2017, it rained the whole race, I had to wrap my feet in duck tape because of blisters, bruised my left foot at 25 miles in, made it to the finish in 40 hours and couldn't walk for a week, hardest race I ever did, my left foot was double the size of the tight one after the race. Since then I've done a lot of ultras including a 200 miler in the Alps but the Lakeland was harder! Go back next year, if I can finish it anyone can!

[@TrailRunningCouple]

We did manage a finish last year on our first attempt (34hrs 29mins) and I reckon it was on for a beating had injuries not played a part. That said, it’s such a long race that most things have to be factored in and it rarely goes to plan! Thank you ☺️

[@niafer9444]

Well done to both of you. I think the combination of conditions, ascent and distance has to make that run very difficult to complete. I saw that @ about 23 minutes in you are swamped by fresh runners. I am not sure why? Personally, I would not be chuffed having to deal with the mental effects of being passed like that. Just does not seem right. Anyway, I don't want to sound negative, I am just very interested :) I hope you are both recovered and in good health. Thank you for the video :)

[@TrailRunningCouple]

Thank you. The Lakeland 50 event starts at 11:30am and joins the course after a 4 mile loop. I think the idea of that is to break up the pack a little. Still, everybody just flies past from then on 😂