With two decades of experience as a leading Sports dietitian, #TeamMontane athlete Renee McGregor has an impressive resume, including supporting Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth teams, and serving as Nutrition Lead for English and Scottish National Ballet.

Beyond her professional accolades and her five best-selling books, Renee is a passionate advocate for female athlete health, frequently sharing her insights on hormonal health and its impact on performance. A British Trail Running Champion in her age group and a recent competitor in the challenging Upper Mustang race in Nepal, Renee truly lives her love for the trails. So, what does a seasoned ultra-runner and renowned dietitian pack for the gruelling Lakeland 50?

What to wear for the Lakeland 50:

Outerlayers: Women's Minimus Lite Waterproof Jacket

Midlayers: I run quite hot so this will be in my pack as my long sleeve layer - Women's Dart Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Next-to-skin: Women's Dart T-Shirt

Pack: This has been my go to pack for over a year - it was slightly altered to fit me but its one of the only packs I’ve found that doesn’t rub - Gecko VP 12+

Shoes: I have run in La Sportiva Mutants for about 5 years now - they are a great trail shoe and work so well on the Lakeland 50 route which has a bit of everything - trail, mud, bog and wet rock! 

What kit are you packing for the Lakeland 50?

The mandatory kit includes waterproofs - top and bottom. I love that Montane do a short leg waterproof trouser that fits so well and keeps me dry. We also have to carry a cup, compass, map, whistle, 2 x headtorch, first aid kit, emergency food and then our actual fuel for the race. I also pack leggings, long sleeve top, insulated jacket - I find the Montane Fireball Jacket is great - packs down easily but really keeps me warm if I need it.

What is your race strategy going into the Lakeland 50?

My aim is to try and follow pretty much the same pattern as last year - hike the ups, run the downhills and flat sections fast to make up time and hope to get to Coniston in around 12 hours.

Essential Nutrition Tips and what you'll be carrying with you en route:

I’ve been practising with my race nutrition on all long runs for the last few months. It is a mix of real food and sports nutrition. I am a big fan of carb drinks so use these and try to mix it up in the race so I don’t get bored; I also really like snickers bars, peanut M and Ms, marmite cashews and cheese sandwiches. 

Last year I made the mistake of not picking up enough from the aid stations, especially crisps and then I craved them from 50Km onwards all the way to the end. Although the cheese toastie at the last check point really was so hugely appreciated. 
The aim will be to stay on top of my fuelling and also electrolyte losses - so aiming to fuel every 30 minutes and keeping my sodium topped up as I have very high losses. 

Emergency Kit

My emergency nutrition will be a couple of gels and snickers bar. 

Renee's Race Notes:

Last year, I panicked a bit at the start and probably got carried away and ended up running the first 10 miles a bit too fast - the aim this year is to be a bit more conservative from the start and hope that pays off later. 

I know the course well as its on my doorstep and I absolutely love it. My favourite sections are the descent from Mardale head to Sadgill and then from Kentmere all the way to Elterwater. You get such a boost running through Ambleside and being local, there is always so much support. 

This year I am also going to pack my headphones and when the legs start to complain too much I think I’ll add a little drum and bass to the mix to keep me motivated. 

I think it is also important to remember that there are definitely going to be moments where it hurts, where you just want to sit down and stop. But also these moments pass and you get a second, third and maybe even forth wind. 

The key thing I think is to remember your Why.

For me, my Why is firstly to be grateful for the privilege I have to race - as I know it is not accessible to everyone. It is also to be appreciative of what my body and mind can do but most importantly it is an opportunity to represent - represent people of colour but also older women. I will be 50 in 6 months and have been totally amazed at how my body continues to adapt, progress and get stronger.