Salomon Trail Running Workshop with Ricky Lightfoot

Salomon Trail Running Workshop Lake District with Ricky Lightfoot

Salomon is really pushing trail running at the moment and are putting on a series of workshops to help people experience the joy of running on trails for themselves. Lured in by the opportunity to test the latest Salomon and Suunto gear all for free Victoria and I signed up for one in the Lake District led by fell running legend Ricky Lightfoot. Now that sounds like a good morning out.

We were meant to attend the beginners class but thanks to the A1 being closed we added 2 hours to our journey and missed it so had to settle for the intermediate class that started a few hours later.

The route was a chosen by Ricky to give a good introduction to the fells. Victoria was a little apprehensive about doing the intermediate class but Ricky made sure everyone was well looked after throughout. I was nervous of the potential grief I might get when we finished if it turned out that Victoria hated it. Thankfully it seems like we have a convert to fell running.

From Dodds car park the run follows a single track for 1.5 km before starting the climb up to Ullock Pike, the trail continues on single track with a height gain of approx 500m in 2 km.

From the summit the trail descends to the col between Dodd and Carlside becoming steeper as you go, the trail is a little more technical here until the col is reached.

At the col we then follow the 4×4 trail down and continue our descent down alongside Skill Beck until the car park is reached.

For a free event it was fantastic. Ricky really looked after the group and ensured everyone was ok and at the same time imparting some of his vast knowledge of fell running on the group and helping us put it into practice.

One thing that was interesting was listening to his knowledge and advice on which routes to take and the best trails in the area including pointing out the location of a crashed Wellington bomber. That’s something to go and investigate next time we’re in the area.

Salomon are onto a winner with these events. Getting a master class by their athletes whilst testing their gear is a great way for people to buy into the brand. I know for sure they have sold at least one pair of Speedcross and a Suunto watch as a result.

If you get chance then sign up and go. There are events up and down the country so theres a good chance of finding an event near you.
More info and sign up here 

Suunto Spartan Ultra watch on test
Testing out the latest Suunto Spartan Ultra watch
Salomon Speedcross 4 trail running shoes
Shiney new Salomon Speedcross 4 before they got introduced to the Cumbrian Fells.
Salomon trail running workshop Lake Dirtsict
There was a range of Salomon gear for everyone to test out
Start of the single track climb up to Ullock Pike
It was a good long climb up to the summit of Ullock Pike
No better place to test out a pair of trail shoes than The Lakes
No better place to test out Salomons latest trail shoes than The Lakes
Ricky Lightfoot explaining the best techniques for climbing hills
Putting the knowledge into practice. Onwards and upwards
Climbing into the clag. Skiddaw is to the left hidden by the clouds
Stunning views from the half way point of the climb
The Speedcross excelled in the conditions
Stopping for a break and admiring the views
Ricky explaining the best technique for running downhill fast

Murky on the tops and a strong wind blowing. Typical Lake District weather
Charging off down from the summit of Carl Side
Ricky leading the group down from the summit

Showing the boys how it’s done
A stirling effort for a first time fell runner
Can’t keep a Labrador out of a muddy puddle
Nearly back to the car.
Flying down the final section through the woods

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