Pete, Head of Sales at Montane

The Montane Lakeland 50 & 100 returns this weekend...

For those unsure of what to expect, hear from the race founder and director Marc Laithwaite to learn all about the race origins and his favourite route highlights. 

With a 50-mile route and a 100-mile loop to conquer, the Montane Lakeland race attracts a wide variety of running abilities to take on the tough, undulating Lake District trails - more so than any other ultra event we work with, such as the Spine Race. This makes the Lakeland a uniquely accessible challenge!

Alongside the many runners taking part this year are several of #TeamMontane, including members of our HQ office, as well as our athletes and ambassadors. We caught up with them to find out how they getting on and how they are preparing for the big weekend...

Could you give us an introduction about yourself? 

Renee: I am Renee McGregor, Montane Athlete, sports Dietitian, author, and runner. I am also a trustee for campaigning charity and community group, Black Trail Runners, that seeks to increase the inclusion, participation, and representation of Black and other ethnic minority individuals in trail, fell and mountain running. 

Liam: My name is Liam Steinbeck and I am the Materials Manager here at Montane. I grew up in Southwest Ireland and nurtured an interest in the outdoors, hillwalking, scrambling, climbing camping, and anything outdoors. This has given me many exciting opportunities to visit mountainous places, including trekking in Nepal and to the summits of various peaks in New Zealand, along with many other fantastic adventures. These days I am quicker to put on my running shoes than a climbing harness. Running is so much more accessible and less time-consuming with endless challenges. Mostly running on trails, and the Northumberland hills, I’ve been lucky to complete a wide range of events from shorter faster stuff, right up to a couple of 100 milers.    

Pete: I’m Pete, 46 YO & Head of Sales at Montane. I grew up in a small village in Yorkshire called Menston, with its position at the foot of Ilkley Moor It made for a wonderful childhood adventure playground where I could run, bike and climb from my front door. My first ultra was a local one organised by the Sunderland Strollers, The Urban Ultra, a 37.5 mile route starting and finishing in Sunderland, I surprised myself and finished 5th. Since that day I’ve completed a whole host of different ultras including the Montane Lakeland 100, this year it will be my 5th outing on the Montane Lakeland 50.

David: I’m David, Finance Director here at Montane and have been with the business for almost 4 years. Where possible I’ve tried to have a go at our sponsored events, having done the Lakeland 50 twice before, most of the Trial Series a few times, the Cheviot Goat and Winter Spine Sprint. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while but is a significant step up from those and a bit of a step into the unknown. And there’s the added complication that my wife Clare is due with baby #2 on the Sunday of the event! 

Bee: I'm Bee from Shetland, who now lives near Glasgow, and I'm a qualified Mountain Leader and a Munroist having just compleated my first round of Munros. I spend most of my time outdoors scampering around the mountains of Scotland. I love a challenge and love trying new things, from my first ever triathlon being Ironman Mallorca 70.3, to Everest Base Camp and summiting Island Peak (6189m) and last year I fastpacked the GR20 solo in 7.5 days. 

Howard: I’m Howard Dracup and i've been with Montane for around 5 years now. I’m a running coach, I live in the Lake District and I like running and racing on mountain trails. 

Katy: I’m Katy Parrott, a 32 year old endurance athlete and I’ve been running ultra marathons since catching the bug from my first 100km in 2018. I’d consider myself an all round outdoors addict – if there’s an adventure to be had I’m there; from high altitude mountaineering, to fast packing mountain ranges, and running the length of Devon. I’ve been a Montane Athlete for 6 years and have been so supported through the highs and lows – particularly seeing me at the finish line of the Montane Lapland Arctic Ultra in 2022, just 15 months after I needed a major knee reconstruction following a serious injury. I feel so privileged to be part of the team. 

Renee, Montane Athlete

What do you do differently in your training leading up to an ultra? 

Renee: The main difference from my day to day running in comparison to when I’m training for an ultra is prioritizing strength training to prevent injury and ensuring sufficient rest. My job is demanding and so I actively try to block out chunks of time that help both my body and mind recover. 

Liam: Training is always specific to event/s in my schedule, usually with 1 or 2 “A” races and some smaller tune-up events peppered throughout the year. The volume of training depends on the distance of the event for the LL100 for example I have followed a very specific program for 5 days of running, 1 day of strength and conditioning and 1 rest day every week. I followed this for 3 weeks building volume followed by a recovery lower volume/intensity week, for the last 30 weeks. Roughly peak training has reached about 60 miles a week. My S&C session is very considered and I use a personal trainer to do this, she’s a former team GB athlete and monitors my progress and keeps the training progressive yet sensible. I also see a sports therapist for some soft tissue work, sports massage, dry needling etc maybe every 4-6 weeks, more often as the volume increases.    

Pete: I’m terrible at structured training, simply the worst in fact and I never follow a plan as they just don’t work with my life. Instead I cram most of my training into a busy weekend with back to back long runs.  I will try and get 3 decent runs in during the week, often later in the evening which can be tough to maintain in the winter months and I’ll endeavour to get two or three gym sessions. My strategy is try and stay injury free, try and be consistent with my training and try to enjoy my running.

David: Try wherever possible to get as many miles and hills in as I can. But that’s easier said than done with a 2 year old toddler, an adolescent spaniel, a pregnant wife, a house and garden which seem to have more than their fair share of disasters (think leaking roof, fallen trees, broken electrics, blocked drains etc!) and work at Montane being as busy as ever. I’ve signed up for a number of marathons and lower distance ultras in the lead up this year to ensure I’m getting some long runs in at the weekend. It’s fortunate there’s so many great events nowadays that there is likely an option every weekend to be able to get something in the calendar which is always a good motivating factor. Plus the above mentioned spaniel will happily do endless loops of the relatively hilly local woods which often helps to kill two birds with one stone! And we’re lucky that my in-laws live on the edge of the Lake District (almost on the doorstep of the 50 start at Dalemain) so that helps with getting some miles in on the fells too.

Bee: I try to spend as much time on my feet as possible, so I make sure to get some big hill days in, with lots of miles and lots of elevation gain. I focus less on running and more on moving quickly and efficiently over tricky terrain in various conditions. I'm lucky being in Scotland meaning I can head for big days out in remote areas and be very self sufficient. I also like to practice with what I will carry on the day, to make sure I have everything that I would want and that there are no kit issues. 

Howard: Hmmm good question! I guess lots of stuff stays the same as I try to be consistent all year around. A few things that do change though is my strength training plan and my running volume. With the strength training I do a little bit less and focus on maintaining while my running volume increases. 

Katy: I generally keep my base fitness at a decent level all year round, but my training definitely ramps up in preparation for an ultra. For me, time on legs is really important, so I get in long, hilly training runs every week. I will also do back to back long runs, to get used to running on tired legs. I will throw in additional swim sessions to mix up my cardio and rest my knees when necessary. I also ensure I do at least 2 gym sessions a week to keep on top of rehab from previous injuries. Strength and conditioning is essential to help prevent injuries from reoccurring.  

Liam, Materials Manager at Montane

What are you looking forward to most during the Lakeland Weekend? 

Renee: I’ve heard so much about the party atmosphere, I’m really excited to experience this but I’m also fortunate to call The Lake District my home and I can’t wait to run this beautiful course. 

Liam: The Lakeland is special, the atmosphere is incredible, the Lake District is a beautiful place. The route is very challenging, and I am looking forward to the challenge, to the possibility of failure. People at ultra events tend to be very supportive and everybody wants everyone else to do really well, it is largely about you against the course.      

Pete: Simply being at this event is a total buzz. I’ve taken part in either the 50 or 100 7 times now but I’ve attend almost all of the events since the race began so it’s really special to me. I’ve made some good friends who I often only see once a year so I get to catch up with them and chill out with my Strollers buddies who always man the Wasdalehead checkpoint. The race/run itself is always an emotional roller coaster, hopefully with more ups than downs!

David: (If I get that far!) reaching the final ascent after Tilberthwaite, seeing the cottages and quarries and Old Man and knowing it’s just the miners track back down to Coniston. And then maybe a pint of Coniston Bluebird if my stomach will allow!

Bee: If I am completely honest, I'm looking forward to the banter and camaraderie the most. I've never been at the event myself, but every year I follow along on instagram, and the checkpoints and volunteers look incredible, and I know how needed some kind words are from the volunteers when the going gets tough. So I can't wait to meet everyone. I've also been following the facebook group and the chat around the whole event seems to have a massive emphasis on fun, which I love! I'm also really looking forward to crossing the finish line and getting that medal. It will be my first official ultra, as although I did 5 days of an 8 day ultra, because I didn't finish it i didnt get a medal, so I'm really excited to (hopefully) have some proof that I did this one.

Howard: Everything! The route, the checkpoints, the atmosphere and the people!! I’m really looking forward to a big day out in the hills too! 

Katy: I haven’t spent much time in the Lake District, so I’m really excited about getting out on the trails and exploring such a beautiful landscape. I’ve been told the atmosphere at the Lakeland Weekend is phenomenal so I can’t wait to experience that, and also catch up with new friends and make new ones our on the route. I always seem to come away from an ultra with some amazing new pals!

Bee, Montane Ambassador

Tell us about your current go-to item of Montane gear? 

Renee: My go to kit has been the Dart Lite T-Shirt, Twin Skin Trail Running Shorts, Phase Lite Waterproof Jacket and the Gecko VP. 

Liam: A couple of items at this time of year are the first things I go for, the Dart Nano T-Shirts, it is exceptionally comfortable, manages moisture brilliantly and dries super-fast. I will be wearing it for the best part of 40 hours it needs to be reliable and work. The next thing is my Featherlite Windproof Gilet to protect my core from the wind or if the temperature drops at night or on the tops. I’m still hopeful that my waterproof will remain in my pack, but if needed it will be a Phase Nano Waterproof Jacket using Gore-tex Active shell, maximum breathability with maximum protection.  

Pete: My Gecko VP 5+, it has never let me down and will be the pack I use on 50. The amount of accessible storage means that I never have to take my pack off unless I need to get to my emergency kit.

David: It’s still the Phase Nano Waterproof. I know over the course of the weekend I’m more than likely to need it. It stuffs so small and light into a Gecko yet is great for keeping you dry and having fantastic breathability. It’s definitely been put through its paces in the Cheviots, Pennines and Lakes and performed brilliantly.   

Bee: It has to be my Montane Gecko VP 12+. I've had mine for over 3 years now and I would be lost without it. It has so much space, plenty of accessible pockets and fits nice and snug for when I am scampering downhill or out for a long hill day. It makes accessing water and snacks on the go so handy and it's great for longer days due to it holding so much. When you think it's full, you can always squeeze in something else.

Howard: Oh hard question! I've got 5…the Sirocco Lite Insulated Jacket, the Fireball Nano Jacket, the Dynamic Nano Pants, Dragon 5” Shorts (discontinued) and the Dart Nano Zip T-Shirt! I practically live in them all 7 days a week.

Katy: My current two go-to Montane items are the Gecko packs and Phase Lite waterproof. I have both the 5+ and 12+ Gecko packs and will be using the 12 for the Lakeland 50. I love how comfortable and functional they are – plenty of room and pockets for all essential kit and snacks! I always carry the Phase Lite – regardless of forecast as you never know in Britain! It’s super lightweight and easily packs away. I usually run hot, but luckily I don’t overheat when wearing the Phase Lite in the wind or rain. It always performs really well in all conditions. 

David, Finance Director at Montane

How do you fuel yourself for an ultra? 

Renee: I start fueling 3 days out to ensure that I have full glycogen stores. I tend to focus on higher carb foods. On race day my go to breakfast is always toast – one with marmite and one with honey, black coffee. During the run I use a real mix of liquid energy in the form of Active root, the occasional gel but mainly real food like cheese and marmite bagels, salted cashew nuts, oatcakes and snickers bars. 

Liam: At the checkpoints, I will always gravitate towards fruit, bananas, oranges or watermelon, I find fruit very refreshing and easy on the stomach. I will carry some cold pizza and a few pork pies. I try to eat “real food” as much as I can, I find gels or too much sugar gets very difficult to eat after a long period of time.  The other thing I will take care of is hydration and use a mix of electrolyte tablets and s-caps salt tablets to help replenish what is being lost in sweat, hopefully reducing muscle cramping and delaying fatigue.

Pete: I take the approach that I suspect most people can get onboard with – Pork Pies! Being serious I prefer to have ‘proper food’ when I’m running and will be using the checkpoints on the course for sandwiches and coffee. I will carry a bit of food for on course snacking which will include Cadbury’s Fudge, Squashies, cereal bars and just in case I need a boost I’ll carry a gel and some shotbloks.

David: Normally they are early starts so a big bowl of porridge helps, but not sure I’ll fancy that before a 6pm start. So likely a big pot of pasta the night before and then some leftovers through the Friday. On the go it’s definitely sticking to ‘normal’ food. So some pork pies, jam sandwiches, salty/buttery potatoes and plenty of jelly babies, Freddo’s, Fudge bars and Chomps (other branded chocolate is available). Then looking forward to a famous Montane smoothie at Kentmere!

Bee: I'm not great with this, but I try not to overthink it. I take and eat real food though. I haven't ever really used gels that often, although I will carry a couple for emergencies. Babybel and salt and vinegar crisps are always in my running pack, as are some pureed fruit pouches and some trail mix. I wouldn't look to me for nutritional advice, but I take food that I like and will eat.  And obviously there will be a couple of Haribo Tangfastics in my bag as well. Not sure I would survive without them. :) It also goes without saying drinking lots of water is essential, and I'll be sure to have a can of Irn Bru ready for the finish line.

Howard: I’m quite hardcore when it comes to fuelling in a race I predominantly use gels or chews! If it’s a super long race though I’ll eat lots of real food too! At Lakeland though I’ll be fine on just sports nutrition. I use carbs all the way, 90g per hour. At Lakeland I’ll be using precision fuel and hydration chews, 3 packets per hour. 

Katy: I start my carb loading during the whole week before and also ensure I get plenty of sleep and rest during that week too. This helps me feel prepared.
During an ultra I have to be strict to make sure I eat something every hour, otherwise I will focused on putting one foot in front of the other and forget! I don’t get on well with gels, so tend to favour real foods such as nuts, flapjack, choccie biccies and crisps – I’ve even run with slices of pizza before. I’m pretty good at staying hydrated, and will always have one bottle with electrolytes and one with water – I get sick of too much sweet tasting stuff!

Howard, Montane Athlete

If you would like to know how #TeamMontane or any other of the participants are getting on during the event, go to our Lakeland Hub to track them across the course.