Just signed up for Cape Town 3 peaks challenge 2024 n I feel like my training period is not going to be enough 😢 😢 😢 . Paid for the classic package as a beginner I've got mixed feelings....excitement outweighs the anxiety. Can't wait!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

22 күн бұрын

Very nice that will be an amazing experience. As long as you're training consistently that is the important bit the one thing you don't 'fell' till race day is just how bigger a compound effect consistency has.

Amazing thank you for sharing this beautiful experience. Great job. 💪💯👍

Well done, very good video too

You’re a absolute beast Darren, congratulations on time for the three peaks fell race. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jim, it was an amazing experience.

The music in this was especially good and memorable! Lovely shots and great explanation of the event!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Keilan, it was an event which will stay with me for some time so wanted to do it justice :)

Well done, mate. This is inspirational!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you enjoyed it.

Absolutely amazing! Well done

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

8 ай бұрын

Thank you 🙏

Great performance mate, loved following the series, and knew you'd hit your A goal. Lucho powered. 💪 Looking forward to whatever comes next. 🙌

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stu, theres actually a bonus training session and fell shoe review coming next week...15 minute hill reps, that was a icing on the cake and my last big session. Thanks for the support. I'm in that weird place now after a major race with no immediate 'A' races planned so going to knuckle down and focus on development.

Fantastic time! Great effort, well done!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Angela :)

Cracking race report, well done!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Declan

Well done Darren. Smashed it. 👍👏🏃🏻‍♂️

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate 😊

Looks like a tough and scenic course. Great job!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, its a great race

Great achievement and loved the shots and the edit. Really impressive - thanks for sharing

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks appreciate that, it was a brilliant event.

Amazing video mate! Really great watch with lots of emotion, love it! Big up nick bookers 'you're doing really well'

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers pal, your Dad gets award for best supporting actor for sure lol

Brilliant watch - a wonderful unwrapping of a great story.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

8 ай бұрын

Thanks ☺️

Great job! Congratulations! Way to nail that goal.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

You ran a great race & described it very well. Much enjoyed by this punter.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, already got the bug to go again next year :)

Well done Darren, great vlog again, keep it up 👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Matt much appreciated

Great video and commentary, really enjoyed that. Made me want to have a crack when I make it back to the UK (from Wellington, NZ). Rest up!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stuart you really should consider it, amazing atmosphere

Nice one Darren, well done on a fantastic event.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers Tim had a great day.

Crazy course! Not too many races like that here in the states. That's a great time with over 5000 ft vert too! Nicely done!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Its a special race, not many events in the UK attract support like the 3 Peaks either and thats what really made the day special.

Great video Darren. I enjoyed watching it. You documented the event really well. Also your video looks very professional. I hope you recovered from your fall. Congratulations on your achievement.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks appreciate the kind words. Injury is still not right but it was a bad fall so will take some time, I’ll be back soon enough 😊

You are an inspiration 🤯

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

Fantastic video and time. I was there too racing it's such a brilliant course and one I try to do every year. Looking forward to April to do it again. 👍👍👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave, very special event and one I want to come back to.

Great video and effort Darren. I’m doing the Pen-y-Ghent ultra this weekend, my first ever ultra! Love the videos.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alex, never done the Pen-y-Ghent Ultra but something I have looked at. Good luck mate and hope all goes well, embrace it :)

Great video mate and good effort on the race!…..I am interested in your next shoe review! Look forward you your next video 👊👏👏👏👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ashley it was an amazing experience, not a word I use often when racing (experience that is.) New shoe goes live Wednesday next week pal.

Superb!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dan :)

Congrats mate smashed it

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, cracking day out

Great video well done!!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jez

Nice work

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

Watching the morning of the 2023 race. What an inspiring video, I do hope you give it another crack sometime. Look forward to some more videos in the future hopefully, they're great.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Johnny 😊

Brilliant account of the day. I love starts like that.

@Ecoroof1986

2 жыл бұрын

Well done

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks its a cracking event.

@Ecoroof1986

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning just ordered Lucho Dillitos after watching your review 😀

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

They're great, really like them for training runs as well as racing. Good value in terms of carb ouput per pound spent too which is handy for the old wallet :)

Great effort

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers :)

Fantastic vid mate. 👍🏻

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chris 😊

Wow well done Darren, Superb film -Have to say, would love to do this race one day!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks glad you enjoyed it. And go for it, such an incredible event and this footage does it no justice...just to be there and soak in the atmosphere its electric. The isolation of Whernside climbing through the mist with just the decent ring of cow bells was so serial after hearing the announcers at Ribblehead and crowds, just the whole experience, but the cut-offs need training for.

Hi.. Great video. Your story telling is fab. Hope you get more views and subscribers. The obvious work you put in to the videos, deserves it. Thanks

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks appreciate that :)

Well done Darren ,class 👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, it was an amazing raceday experience

@stepheneverett6131

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning ,I bet I’ve done all the peaks separate but not all together,I’ve turned 60 now but hopefully still get the chance to complete the course .

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

@@stepheneverett6131 if you do get chance it’s a special event, the variation up whernside was brilliant

Congratulations on your time Darren. Solid review this and useful hearing the perspective of another athlete. It was my first time this year and thoroughly enjoyed it, can't wait for the next one!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jonny it was an incredible atmosphere wasn’t it and not sure how you felt but in hindsight I think whernside was overgrown compared to years gone by due to the change in time of year, found that section hard going. Not sure if I’m doing April but really tempted

@xxxJbanditxxx

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Agreed, I certainly wasn't expecting the grass to be so tall, so found that to be a tougher climb than Ingleborough. Myself, Ricky and eventual winner Gary ended up getting lost in the clag and drifted quite far east of the summit, costing us the lead at the time, we even had to get our maps out at one point! These things are all character building though! Good job with the video, I will be looking out for you at the next :)

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Wow didn't realise you went so far off at Whernside, I did similar but could still just about see the tape to drift back. Awesome event though and you had one hell of a race! Well done. Defo say hello if you spot me next time.

Awesome vid and effort. I did a trail race the same day in Canada. So hard to set time goals in these races. You’re a beast dude!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks appreciate that, hope you had a great race 👍

Well done on your race performance and the quality of the video. Sensible not trying to film as you raced on this one! I did the race twice in 1977 (dry, hot) 3:13 for 49th place and 1978 (driving rain, cold) 3;24 for 57th place. Your concentration on fuelling I found interesting but back then I can only recall pushing down "jam butties" nervously within minutes of the start in the village hall and feeling bloated going up Pen Y Ghent. Nothing after that! No gels etc back then of course.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Terry interesting reading your experience and some amazing times there! I have always struggled with my stomach in longer races and done a few over 25 miles so obviously becomes a very big problem there. I do think much of it comes down to the effort put in and blood drawn away from my stomach though...

Great effort! I’ve always wanted to do this race. It looks miles different to the tourist track. I managed in 5:30hrs. you’re way much better than me. Amazed!!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Stephen, despite the majority of the race following the 3 Peaks route the diversion up Whernside makes it for me, complete isolation and the sound of those cow bells through the mist was very special.

Well done mate! New subscriber and loving the content 👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks appreciate that :)

Great race review. I had a similar experience going for sub-4, clock watching all the way down! Well done

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave and going for sub-4 is great going even that seemed like a task pre-race. Did you do it?

@d4ve3

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah I made it, 3:57 so I was very pleased. That last road section I couldn’t believe how long the line of marshalls was!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Mint well done mate! It was like a guard of honour wasn't it

Fantastic Darren really pleased for you mate put all hard work in My pal Ricky was 3rd

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin, amazing event and Ricky is a machine. I was standing near him pre-race and looked like a stallion sizing up to a Donkey lol

Great to watch and keep us informed on your new shoes - how they are on wet stone and tarmac.... I've got a pair of Altra Lone Peak 5 in my basket ~ wide toe box and comfy (but any info can sway the sale)

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stephen. If you really want something for wet stone I'd suggest looking at VJ but issue there is the width and general comfort, you can sacrifice lug depth to get the VJ Ultra though as thats wide and would be good on wet rock. Unfortunately any shoe with the stick required on wet rock will wear down on tarmac though. The ones I refer too in this video are Inov-8's G 210 which I just did a video on, they are great but only for shorter, soft fell races really as minimalist. I am also testing the VJ Spark but a question of if the width would be wide enough if you're a Altra man.

Great Effort!Lucho is my favorite!I am looking forward to your solution for the supertrac replacement!!!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

They’re great aren’t they. The supertrac alternative may not be an option for longer stuff as it’s lightweight and a fell shoe but something I’ll need this winter.

@gabornyers7091

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning I have the same problem.The Supertrac suits my feet perfectly but strugled on wet rock.I have used VJ Maxx which better but can't deal with muddy terrain as good. Did UTS a few weeks ago and spotted many VJ extreme, and also a fair number of La Sportiva. ( mainly Captiva and Bushido ) If you have a chance to test them that would be great!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

I'm not really a fan of La Sportiva for wet ground but agree VJ seems to be one of few that deals with wet rock well. I am testing the VJ Spark right now but need to get a half size up before I can share a fair review as true to size is too tight.

I've only ever walked the 3 peaks but now after seeing this I want to run it.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

It’s an amazing race Stef, the atmosphere was electric ⚡️

You have an inspirational story. I started to lose weight (-18kg at the moment) in April 2021 because of a colleague saying "you fat" every day. I took it as a joke but I eventually looked myself in the mirror metaphorically and decided enough is enough. I'm humbled to see someone like yourself who has went from having some extra weight to now running the peaks. I might see you at the start line once I'm fit enough!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Steven that's some going from April well done! I get pissed off when hearing people comment on weight, coming from a Dancing background I saw the mental side of how this can effect people who don't even have much weight to lose, people don't realise they can ignite mental illness in their ill used words. But good to hear you have taken it in a positive direction, if you're running too its important to maintain a good diet and not be too tempted to cut back on calories...I always say its about WHAT is IN the calories not HOW MANY calories you put in and its served me well. Hope to see you on the start line one day!

@bean4848

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning In the beginning my diet was literally just the same as before only much smaller portions. At the moment I'm trying to find sustainable ways to feed myself coming from 25 years of mircowave meals and take aways. I've got a book called Eat, Run, Enjoy by Billy White. It has a few good ideas in it. What was your diet like in the beginning of your journey?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

And thats the main thing, that you're thinking about sounds like you have your head on with things so thats good. Before I got a coach and took the running seriously I used to smoke, drink 3 nights a week, eat all kinds of crap and very little good stuff...now I don't smoke, drink and I am on a plant based diet so night and day really but this didn't happen over night it evolved very gradually over four or five years.

@bean4848

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning I'm thankful that I neither drink or smoke so I've a much easier battle than you would have went through. I'm unfortunately a very picky eater when it comes to salad foods since I grew up on microwave meals. I am trying new things every so often. Blueberries have been my most recent new indulgence.

congrats!!! awsum run!!!!!!! Did my first marathon trail last week, 42k with 7875 feet elevation, brutal! Legs fell apart with cramps after 16km, but managed to pull myself together again at 30km. If you ever feel like traveling, come do the Otter trail race in South Africa, its quite an adventure!!!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Graham, had a great day out! That Ultra sounds awesome and must admit getting abroad for some races is on my radar just need to get past the complications of the pandemic! Great job coming back from the cramps though that takes some good self management.

@grahamrichardson362

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning You'll love this run, its very technical, but its in one of the most beautiful place in South Africa, called Nature's Valley. This was the final run for the 2018 Golden Trail Series too.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow that sounds amazing, any place named Nature's Valley has to be worth a visit :)

I've got Scott RC Ultras in my rotation - great feel on the foot, super on snow too - but just not stable enough on uneven ground - I'm always thinking I'm going to trip/fall vs Hoka Speedgoats or Nike Pegasus Trails...

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Its a very personal thing, I really didn't get on with the Ultra's nor the standard Supertrac as felt they were too rigid.

Well done! You were looking strong coming off Penyghent; you were 52nd then so must have got past a few other runners. Whernside seemed to get the blame for the slightly slower times amongst the race leaders.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, I felt great up that first climb and loved the whole event made of course by the amazing support on route! I agree Whernside was a major contributor and thinking about it, we've had a lot of growth over Summer while its usually after a hard Winter so imagine that was a factor...did feel like trying to run on a bouncy castle lol

Outstanding, ive been following your training, what's the next challenge?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate its possibly the first training block and race combined which has gone to plan from start to finish. Next up I am focussed on developing my speed over the 20-30 mile range, get fast over Winter to add Endurance come Spring so I can have a good crack next year at some Hardmoors events, maybe 3 Peaks again (not decided) and possibly the Scafell Marathon but all up in the air right now. Will be doing my local Fell series next up (next event could be next week if my thigh settles) but they are shorter races.

Simply incredible, well done!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, it was an amazing event.

Awesome - did you time that panting with the music deliberately? top job!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Lol, I know right...I had no idea how to grab the viewer early so thought I know, a black screen and my dodgy heavy breathing will work lol. The rest fell into place

Nice one, great achievement… interested to hear what the next grippy shoe of choice will be ?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, the shoe I’m talking about on Wednesday is an alternative for the shorter races but not sure it’ll be cushioned enough for longer stuff. It’s the x-talon G210 but I’m looking at another shoe as potential longer distance option as we speak also, just need to feel it out for another few weeks once the leg is right before I start sharing.

@movemorenowjames

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning not sure what your history with shoes is but judging that you like inov8, pretty tapered, have you tried the hoka EVO jawz? Awesome grip and pretty well cushioned too, too narrow for me though. I am an Altra fan, so big fan of the king mt 2 for grippy action 👍

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

@@movemorenowjames that’s the strange thing I’m not a fan of tapered/narrow shoes but the G210 seems to work because of how flexible the upper is and the general fit. But as mentioned not for long races.

Great film. I didn't make the race despite having a place. Not fit enough. You smashed that.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paul, appreciate that. Shame you couldn't make it but theres always April. I'm looking at Edale Skyline and High Cup Nick in the build up and seriously getting the itch to go again

@peakproofuk

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning I live near Edale so I've ran the Skyline a few times - it's my absolute nemesis though! I've NEVER had a good run on it! - keep going back for more though!

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Nice you lucky bugger...when is it usually held?

@peakproofuk

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning normally March. I think it’s on for 2022

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Nice I'll have to mark it in the diary when dates available. I need to get out on these climbs for longer more often, its just the travelling.

Great video, well done! Try the VJ Sport range, definitely the best grip out there.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and good call on VJ, I am very familiar with them. Use the iRock for shorter fell races and find them a little too narrow for comfort on longer stuff. But testing the Spark as we speak to review and defo got my eye on the Xtrm, just a shame I had none suitable for the 3 Peaks as the Sparks were slightly too small so waiting on a half size up

@synergyguides7198

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning ah brilliant. I also find the iRock too narrow but the Xtreme are just about bearable. Had 3 pairs of the Maxx too. Looking forward to trying the spark. Well done again on the 3 peak race.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Yeh I tried the MaxX too and while grip was great on rock the lack of lug depth was a problem for where I run, so the Spark could be a real option. Good to know the Xtrm is a little wider.

@aiRyxi

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning great vid, nothing like some blunt trauma to spice up the trail 😂 my first thought on your shoe slip was also VJ, then I read this comment. What brands take up most of the field at a race like this? Lots of hoka here in the states

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

@@aiRyxi thanks mate. Generally Inov-8 do well in the fell races but Scott RC’s are popular on less muddy courses and I think VJ are starting to get noticed too.

Fantastic! I walked this a few years back but want to run it. Can anyone enter or do you have to qualify/meet certain standards?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

Жыл бұрын

Thanks it’s an incredible event. You have to do qualifying races, you need two of a certain standard to enter as it’s a very tough race with stringent cut off times. But the info is on their website for qualifying

I found them cut offs hard this year , but I finished it 👍🏃😃

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Well done mate, it was a strange race when you flip through the times everyone seemed to struggle. Not sure if the relative humidity at the start and poor footing up Whernside were to blame.

@Ub7m

2 жыл бұрын

@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning , Humidity was a issue for me , plus the fact I did not really put enough training in ...so as a back of the field runner ..I just got through chapel le dale with 5mins to spare . Well done on that time Mate ! 👍🏃😃

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Yes agree I drank almost a litre of water in the first 40 mins, way more than expected. To be honest mate those cut offs are made to attract good runners so whether you wizz round or squeeze through them its one hell of an achievement.

Is this the Yorkshire 3 peaks ultra arranged by rangers ultra?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

Жыл бұрын

No it’s the original 3 peaks race the fell race that’s been going for years.

those energy blocks aren't available in the US I guess, anyone found an alternative

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Thats a real shame Roger, they're unique so not sure on alternative but hopefully someone that side of the pond may.

you doing anymore videos??

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

Жыл бұрын

Hi mate, not at present as struggling for time and fitting everything in but won't say not in the future.

An energy bar wrapped in a leaf ill say no more.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

Жыл бұрын

What will they come up with next :)

darren absolutely love your content mate do you want to come on my podcast?

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Hey mate, thank you I appreciate that. And of course, always happy to chat with other runners! Either DM me on Instagram or drop me an email on darrensmith360@googlemail.com, we'll get something organised :)

"Piled on a lot of weight, got out of shape". Translation - looked like an average man for a while. I got a stitch just watching this.

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Lol, in fairness going from a Dancer to where I ended up in percentage weight gain was enough :)

sorry, but its AH-SAI-EE

@DarrenSmithTrailRunning

2 жыл бұрын

Ah you are talking about açai, I’ll know for next time. No need to apologise for correcting a mistake…however according to some sites were both wrong it’s AH-SAI with no ee at the end but they may come down to region differences possibly because there are differing opinions