The 'Taste of the Tea Round' Hill Workout
Workout - The 'Taste of the Tea Round' Hill Workout
- 10min @ 7'00''/km
- 4 lots of:
- 6min @ 6'00''/km
- 3min rest
- 10min @ 7'00''/km
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Taking on the Tea Round | Trail Running in the Lake District from Run4Adventure is well worth watching. Here’s a breakdown of the route, what to pack, and pacing strategy to tackle something similar yourself in the Lakes. The video has more context and detail if you want the full story.
Key Points:
- The full Tea Round spans roughly 28 miles (45 km) with about 10,000 feet (3,000 m) of elevation gain, but the video follows a 19-mile (30 km) section that climbs 5,469 feet (1,667 m).
- Approach it as a training run: start easy, bring trekking poles for the steep pitches, stay hydrated, and dress for rapidly shifting weather.
- You’ll need a waterproof jacket, first-aid kit, hydration vest, poles, and food—always pack more water and snacks than you think you’ll use.
- Pace strategy: Hold a conversational rhythm climbing, using poles to anchor your pace. Let the long descents be where you recover. These pacing rules apply across distance, whether you’re on a trail or targeting a road PR. For detailed race-day pacing guidance, see mastering the 10K.
- Practical tip: “Play it by ear”—adjust your effort based on terrain and conditions. Avoid pushing hard on climbs if your training hasn’t prepared you. Building the strength needed for these ascents comes from time and consistency, often with targeted, focused sessions. mastering interval training explains how to structure this work.
Workout Example:
Trail Run – "Mini Tea Round"
- Distance: ~11 mi (17 km)
- Elevation gain: ~4,300 ft (1,300 m)
- Pace: Easy‑moderate (conversational) on climbs; use trekking poles for rhythm.
- Gear: hydration vest (1‑2 L), waterproof jacket, pole(s), snack, and a small first‑aid kit.
- Structure:
• Warm‑up: 1 mi easy on flat ground.
• Climb 1 (Cat Bells): 1.5 mi, moderate effort, use poles. Treat these climbs like the "on" portion of an interval. While the goal here is endurance, not all-out speed, the principles of structured effort are the same ones used for [mastering 5K speed](/blog/mastering-5k-speed-proven-interval-strategies-to-cut-minutes-off-your-time).
• Summit 1 (Robinson): 0.5 mi, steady climb.
• Descend: 2 mi easy, recover.
• Climb 2 (Dale Head): 1 mi, steady effort.
• Finish with a 2‑mi downhill run, cool‑down walk.Tweak the distances and paces in the Pacing app to match where you’re at fitness-wise.
Closing Note: Head to the Lake District and give it a go. Adjust the mileage and elevation to fit your fitness level, and drink in those views. Grab your poles, pack water, and hit the trail—use the Pacing app to customize the route and make it yours. Keep safe, keep running, and embrace the adventure.
References
- Taking on the Tea Round | Trail Running in the Lake District | Run4Adventure - YouTube (YouTube Video)