Are you ready for another mountain top experience? For my sake, I hope your answer is "yes." Why? Once again, I have details about another marathon that revolves around a mountain. To me, it's starting to feel like a conspiracy, or that people just LOVE to run over hills and through valleys. Either way, the Lake District Mountain Marathon is par for the course.

The Lake District Mountain Marathon is located in the UK. This marathon has a lot of history. Not only is it a 40-year-old run, it also is known for being treacherous. Yes, this marathon is not for dainty runners. So put your tutus away and throw on a pair of hiking boots or cleats that can do double duty as running shoes. The Lake District Mountain Marathon is full of brush known to scratch one's legs and rough paths designed to create blisters on your feet and hands. In other words, you have to be able to deal with rough terrain, and the great outdoors, in order to run it. Even if you take a compass, areas of this marathon lack visibility, so it may not do you any good. What is the benefit of running this particular race? Surviving it.

Runners who make it through the Lake District Mountain Marathon feel as if they can survive anything. It's a feeling of pride that comes after doing something that 75 percent of the people you know can't or won't do. I believe this is the key motivation for people who decide to face off with the Lake District Mountain Marathon. They want to prove to themselves and the world how strong they are mentally and physically.

Are you interested in running a challenging race? If so, sign up for the next run. It won't be until next year, which will give you plenty of time to practice. Start by going to an abandoned lot full of brush and mire. Then run through it for a couple of hours. It just might be enough to help you get ready for the opening day of the Lake District Mountain Marathon.