Yorkshire Three Peaks Solo. Whernside. Ingleborough. Running the 3 Peaks - Part 2 of 2 - Nicola Runs

Aug 13, 2025

Intro

This is a quick summary of “Yorkshire Three Peaks Solo. Whernside. Ingleborough. Running the 3 Peaks - Part 2 of 2” from Nicola Runs. It’s an inspiring watch — we’re breaking it down so you can try the approach today. Be sure to watch the full video for all the details.

Key Points

Hydration strategy: Bring a lightweight water filter, fill up from streams, and keep lids tight. Filter on‑the‑go to stay hydrated without carrying a huge water load.
Fueling on the trail: A can of Coke (sugar + caffeine) gave a quick boost, but the real go‑to was jelly snakes (a high‑carb, easy‑to‑carry snack) for sustained energy.
Climbing mindset: Steep sections were around 7‑10% grade – treat them like short hill repeats: keep effort steady, focus on cadence, and don’t over‑push.
Mental tactics: Keep looking at the sea or scenery to stay positive, and remember you’re outside your comfort zone – that’s where the reward comes.

Workout Example (Inspired by the video)

25‑mile trail run with ~5,000 ft elevation gain (approx. 24‑25 miles total):

Start at Horton‑in‑Ribblesdale – run the first 8 mi at a comfortable “conversational” pace (about 10–11 min/mi) to warm up.
First major climb (Whernside) – 2‑3 mi of steady uphill at a steady effort, aiming for a 7‑10% grade. Keep breathing steady; focus on cadence (≈80‑90 spm).
Mid‑point fuel: 1‑2 h in, consume a candy‑type snack (e.g., jelly worms) and a small caffeine boost (e.g., a small soda or coffee) for quick energy.
Ingleborough ascent – repeat the steady‑up approach, using the same effort, and keep a water bottle handy (filter from a stream if needed).
Descent & cool‑down: Easy jog or walk for the final 5 mi, staying loose and refilling water as needed.
Finish: Celebrate with a warm drink or snack (e.g., veggie chili) after the run.

Closing Note

Give this long‑run adventure a try—adjust the distance and climbs to match your own paces in the Pacing app, and remember to stay hydrated, fuel smart, and enjoy the views. Happy running!