Matt who works here at myRaceKit, decided to run the Yorkshire Three Peaks at the weekend with some mates. He took on this challenge ten years ago and decided to revisit it on a whim. Thanks to working in an awesome running store ;) Matt had his kit ready to go but wanted to share his adventure.
Starting in Horton in Ribblesdale, the group headed towards the first peak, Pen-y-ghant. It was an early start so the weather was chilly with clear visibility. For the first peak matt chose the following clothing:
Montane Dart Lite short sleeve t-shirt: This tee is a technical moisture wicking technical base layer shirt that is lightweight and a great fit.
Montane Terra Pant: Mountain lightweight walking trouser.
Montane Protium Lite Pull On: Pull over base layer. This is lightweight and a great piece of kit. The waffle fabric is breathable yet warm. We all have one of these and really rate them.
Saxx Pants: Running Boxers. Paired with good trousers, these make a great combination. They are moisture wicking with light compression support.
Injinji Liners: The Injinji liners are toe socks that are lightweight, crew length that are perfect to wear underneath your usual socks or waterproofs. Matt likes to use these because they soften the waterproof socks and help to wick away sweat. Stopping toes rubbing is essential too.
Dexshell Waterproof Socks: These are a game changer. They are super waterproof! it means you can run through the puddles without worrying about damp feet. Matt prefers wearing these to gore-tex shoes as they gore-tex shoes retain water if it gets in. Using trail shoes that offer good drainage this is not an issue with the waterproof socks. Over eight hours in the rain and perfectly dry feet.
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Trail Shoe: These are amazing! Great grip with the vibram sole. They were great on the decent. They are really grippy on the wet rock. The toe box in these are wider than normal hoka trails so fit perfectly with the thicker socks. No blisters at all from the day. These shoes are great.
Moving on to the second peak called Whernside it was now raining and visibility had definitely decreased. Matt needed to use items from his pack. He chose to take his faithful Hoka Evo 17L pack (you can get away with a 12L pack). He filled it with lots of food and water but also added:
Raidlight Waterproof Jacket: Available to order from the store
Montane Trail lite Gloves : These are lightweight and great for taking the edge off. They are not waterproof but offer warmth and windproof. These were fine for this adventure.
Black Diamond Spot headtorch: We all love this head torch. It has the most comfortable band, is lightweight and has the best battery life of all the head torches we sell. With 400 lumens output the beam lights up the path in front. Cant recommend this head torch enough.
MyRaceKit Essential Footcare Kit : Just in case, this kit has plasters, tape, a needle to lance any blisters, small pair of scissors, anti bac wipes and some anti chafe.
Gurney Goo: Part of every kit! This is the best anti chafe going. Put it wherever you need, feet, shoulders for pack rub, nipples... etc. It reduces prune feet and trench foot in wet conditions and has antibacterial properties so reduces risk of infection.
Mountain King Trail Blaze poles: These poles are fixed length poles and fold down in a four part fold. They are compact and lightweight and perfect for this terrain. Matt used them for the ascents and felt they were needed in some places. Taking the strain from your quads is always helpful and great for posture.
Taking on to the last peak, Ingleborough, the group headed up gravel terrain, rocky steps with steep ascent. Nice gentle descent though :) This adventure was fuelled with real food but topped up with Maurten and Kendall Mint Cake.
This is a great challenge this time of year as its quieter on the trail. There was no queues. A number of other trail runners but definitely not as busy. They completed it in the daylight and enjoyed the route. A mixture of terrain that can be challenging in places. A great adventure and fun day out.
