In some respects anyway! I did actually post here which is a positive, but as a negative, I didn't run.
First there was a bit of a sickness bug...
Then there was the snow...
Then there was the ice...
I have a full on list of excuses, none of them help really.
Monday saw me break the two week streak of relative inactivity with a quick run after work. Two weeks is a long time not to run it turns out. I was awful, had heartburn from about a mile in and am still confused about how I didn't end up blowing chunks into the side of the road.
Not exactly my finest moment.. But on I press, same as I always do, into last nights club session. Never easy these and I don't feel I was running well at all but I think it'll get me back onto some kind of track.
The session consisted of 16 x 45 second efforts with a 1 min between. After 8 we also had a 1/2 mile lap... rest.
I felt slower than I should be and I kind of tired during the session, but it got done and there are only benefits to that. Been really enjoying running with Aberdare this year and I'm clearly fitter than I was, so it's been a positive experience all round!
Come Saturday I'll be hitting up Penallta parkrun to have a swing at a decent 5k time. Not expecting a PB, even though it is a faster course than Merthyr, just want to get ready to have a good run at Nos Galan on New Years Eve.
Hoping to try a few new parkruns over the next couple of months, as my association with Merthyr parkrun came to a unceremonious end last week, freeing me up to try. I plan on hitting Ponty at some point, I'm told Swansea Bay is fast too...
I'm just past 10 miles for the week, plus I'll probably run Thursday, much better stuff. Feeling quietly confident about 2018 at the moment, new challenges (the Ultra!) await.
Wednesday, 20 December 2017
Thursday, 14 December 2017
I had an Ultra good idea!
I shared my idea to upgrade my long distance races from Marathon to Ultra in my last post. It was an idea, quite possibly a bad one, but an idea regardless.
Well it is an idea no longer, it is a thing, a thing that is happening... on May 6th in the lovely surroundings of Pembrey I will be running the 50km version of...
Well it is an idea no longer, it is a thing, a thing that is happening... on May 6th in the lovely surroundings of Pembrey I will be running the 50km version of...
For the record I didn't pay £28...
I went to St Illtyds school, this is St Illtyds race, it's written in the stars!!
I should be building up to it quite nicely, Jan will see me peak (in races) at 8 miles (Lliswerry), Up to a half marathon in March (Merthyr), Full in April (Manchester) then May comes around!
I'm a bit sparse for Feb...
I've had a quiet week n a half as I've had a unwell belly and then the snow and ice came and I'm not fancying breaking a leg. I have an Ultra coming up you know.
In other news I'm RD for parkrun this week, so if anyone wants to come and swell Merthyr's frankly poor numbers you're very welcome. We're also short of volunteers... hit me up!
Thursday, 7 December 2017
It's been a while...
I've been busy!
Luckily including busy running. Fairly normal service will resume I'm sure.
Now, what this about, could be many things, but for now I'll stick to... cross country!
I'm a lousy trail runner, I've said this many times before, so by extension I'm a pretty lousy XC runner. I'm not great on tarmac either, but getting better...
However, as a part of my club I've been running in the Gwent Cross Country league. Dragging my oversized gut through mud in several very nice locations.
Firstly was to our fair capital city, Cardiff, in particular Llandaff Fields. I didn't really know what to expect, I thought the standard would be monstrously high and I was right. Regardless, I strapped on my new-from-ebay spikes and off I went. It was tough, very tough but I ran quite well and it was over before I really realised. It was fun! Now my score was counting towards the Aberdare D (maybe Even E?) team, so I wasn't setting the world alight. But it was a start.
Next it was on to Brecon and much tougher heavy conditions, however I improved my finish place by quite a few places (less people there maybe) and was lapped by Dewi Griffiths...
Didn't run so well after a busy schedule really but it was ok. Tough but good day in the office.
Finally (more to come) was a longish drive to Pembrey Country Park, and by far the best conditions so far. Sandy climbs weren't the easiest but I got my highest placing to date, which is the kind of progression I can track. Wasn't feeling 100% well either so, all good!
The moral of the story I suppose is, try something new, you may enjoy it.
With that in mind, my 2018 races will hopefully include my first Ultra... only slightly further than a marathon, but baby steps.
Luckily including busy running. Fairly normal service will resume I'm sure.
Now, what this about, could be many things, but for now I'll stick to... cross country!
I'm a lousy trail runner, I've said this many times before, so by extension I'm a pretty lousy XC runner. I'm not great on tarmac either, but getting better...
However, as a part of my club I've been running in the Gwent Cross Country league. Dragging my oversized gut through mud in several very nice locations.
Firstly was to our fair capital city, Cardiff, in particular Llandaff Fields. I didn't really know what to expect, I thought the standard would be monstrously high and I was right. Regardless, I strapped on my new-from-ebay spikes and off I went. It was tough, very tough but I ran quite well and it was over before I really realised. It was fun! Now my score was counting towards the Aberdare D (maybe Even E?) team, so I wasn't setting the world alight. But it was a start.
Next it was on to Brecon and much tougher heavy conditions, however I improved my finish place by quite a few places (less people there maybe) and was lapped by Dewi Griffiths...
Didn't run so well after a busy schedule really but it was ok. Tough but good day in the office.
Finally (more to come) was a longish drive to Pembrey Country Park, and by far the best conditions so far. Sandy climbs weren't the easiest but I got my highest placing to date, which is the kind of progression I can track. Wasn't feeling 100% well either so, all good!
The moral of the story I suppose is, try something new, you may enjoy it.
With that in mind, my 2018 races will hopefully include my first Ultra... only slightly further than a marathon, but baby steps.
Wednesday, 4 October 2017
No London Baby!
Wait, what's this? I have an email... off no-reply@London.... oh balls.
I have now received confirmation, for the 6th(ish?) successive yea I have been unsuccessful in my ballot application to the London Marathon.
The ballot receives too many applications to be a realistic shout anyway, the system needs reviewing badly, as unless I come 14th on Big Brother or something so get given a place, manage to raise more money than I've ever managed in my entire life or take over an hour off my PB, I'm never running that race.
However, this will not get me down! I'm now planning a return trip to Manchester to redo my first ever marathon, which is also still my PB.
I'll get on that tonight!
There's also apparently a Newport one next year. I've never been a fan of the half (only done it once, no training, didn't enjoy) so I think Manc is the future.
Manchester baby!
Monday, 2 October 2017
Cardiff Half and Swansea 10k race reports
Well, I've had a productive couple of running weeks, if not a blogging!
Last Sunday saw me hit Swansea for the 10k, hopefully chasing 45 minutes and another PB (been regular this year).
I started badly, I was late, it was raining and I needed a pee. But all was sorted as much as can be at the expense of a decent warm up.
Off I went, chasing the 45 min pacer, who went off a bit swiftly may I say, until he seemed to slow down a little (he did). I then found myself a couple of seconds in front of him, not really sure what I was doing. This wasn't the plan!
In a change to my normal head state, from somewhere I got weirdly positive and thought, I can hold this. Before I knew it I was turning into the easier return 4.7km. A couple of efforts and digging and and I was over in 44:15. Well ahead of expectations.
Good grief! But had I killed myself ahead of the following week... of course not it doesn't take a week to get over a 10k.
7 short days later and I was in Cardiff, it was damp and drizzly again, after queuing for everything for hours... I was running late but got everything done at the expense... wait, there's a pattern here...
Targeting 1:42, to beat my Swansea time, I felt quite confident.
Anyway, 3 mins to the start, I crowded into the white pen (never been in the front pen before) and was shortly off. Being at the back, I took places fairly steadily, passing a few mates. As time went on I realised I was feeling ok, not doing anything stupid and I passed through 10k in 47 minutes or so.
I decided to keep it steady and while I did lose some pace through the race (and I hadn't noticed all the little inclines so much in the other 4567 times I've ran this race), and I did have to dig in goiing round Roath Park in particular, but everthing held together and I even had a bit to push on the last half mile.
I ran over the line and the frustrating 1:40:05 was on my watch. Gutted wasn't the word, of course a great result but so close...
I pick my bag up and get my phone... text... picture, screen shot from the tracking app... 1:40:01. That's worse... good god!! Still happy, just frustrated...
Finally, 30 mins later, the app gets updated. 1:39:59.
<insert Hallelujah chorus link here>
I'm definatley stronger and faster than I have been. I think there's more in me, hopefully I can finish the year ok, then next year push on into the 1:36/7's and 42/3 for 10k.
Hoping so!
No sign of me on the TV coverage...
Last Sunday saw me hit Swansea for the 10k, hopefully chasing 45 minutes and another PB (been regular this year).
I started badly, I was late, it was raining and I needed a pee. But all was sorted as much as can be at the expense of a decent warm up.
Off I went, chasing the 45 min pacer, who went off a bit swiftly may I say, until he seemed to slow down a little (he did). I then found myself a couple of seconds in front of him, not really sure what I was doing. This wasn't the plan!
In a change to my normal head state, from somewhere I got weirdly positive and thought, I can hold this. Before I knew it I was turning into the easier return 4.7km. A couple of efforts and digging and and I was over in 44:15. Well ahead of expectations.
 |
| Damp but pleased! |
Good grief! But had I killed myself ahead of the following week... of course not it doesn't take a week to get over a 10k.
7 short days later and I was in Cardiff, it was damp and drizzly again, after queuing for everything for hours... I was running late but got everything done at the expense... wait, there's a pattern here...
Targeting 1:42, to beat my Swansea time, I felt quite confident.
Anyway, 3 mins to the start, I crowded into the white pen (never been in the front pen before) and was shortly off. Being at the back, I took places fairly steadily, passing a few mates. As time went on I realised I was feeling ok, not doing anything stupid and I passed through 10k in 47 minutes or so.
I decided to keep it steady and while I did lose some pace through the race (and I hadn't noticed all the little inclines so much in the other 4567 times I've ran this race), and I did have to dig in goiing round Roath Park in particular, but everthing held together and I even had a bit to push on the last half mile.
I ran over the line and the frustrating 1:40:05 was on my watch. Gutted wasn't the word, of course a great result but so close...
I pick my bag up and get my phone... text... picture, screen shot from the tracking app... 1:40:01. That's worse... good god!! Still happy, just frustrated...
Finally, 30 mins later, the app gets updated. 1:39:59.
<insert Hallelujah chorus link here>
I'm definatley stronger and faster than I have been. I think there's more in me, hopefully I can finish the year ok, then next year push on into the 1:36/7's and 42/3 for 10k.
Hoping so!
No sign of me on the TV coverage...
Monday, 18 September 2017
Race Report - Merthyr parkrun #22 and Merthyr Muddy 5 miler
Well wasn't that a busy weekend!
As it was my weekend off volunteering, I thought it'd be the best use of the time to go to exactly the same place only with my running head on! Now, let's be honest here, my running head is a pretty poor place, but generally speaking it work s enough to get me round.
My confidence and concentration in the middle of a race, as I may have mentioned before, is one of my biggest failings. It'll come, eventually.
Anyway, let's start at that very venue, Merthyr parkrun. My 5k PB is there (21:11 at my only real attempt at the course) so I thought I'd have a decent swing at it. I generally speaking followed my usual pattern, decent, comfortable (for 5k) first mile, second mile convinced myself I was going to blow up/pull up injured/catch fire and mentally fought myself for it, then the last bit... smell the finish line and go.
<I'll embed the strava here, doesn't appear to be working at the mo>
I got over the line, looked at my watch and swore loudly (sorry kids) at the 21:05 that was before me. 5 seconds off target... I'll get there. 5th place is reasonable, but still want a little faster.
So, the kids were running Sunday at the pre race bit of the Merthyr Muddy 5 Miler so after some umming and ahhing I decided to enter the adult race too. 5 miles, after looking at the course about 2.2 on concrete then rest on potentially boggy mud, the 2.2 means I went for road shoes of course or I'd have no knees left by the trail.
As it was my weekend off volunteering, I thought it'd be the best use of the time to go to exactly the same place only with my running head on! Now, let's be honest here, my running head is a pretty poor place, but generally speaking it work s enough to get me round.
My confidence and concentration in the middle of a race, as I may have mentioned before, is one of my biggest failings. It'll come, eventually.
Anyway, let's start at that very venue, Merthyr parkrun. My 5k PB is there (21:11 at my only real attempt at the course) so I thought I'd have a decent swing at it. I generally speaking followed my usual pattern, decent, comfortable (for 5k) first mile, second mile convinced myself I was going to blow up/pull up injured/catch fire and mentally fought myself for it, then the last bit... smell the finish line and go.
<I'll embed the strava here, doesn't appear to be working at the mo>
I got over the line, looked at my watch and swore loudly (sorry kids) at the 21:05 that was before me. 5 seconds off target... I'll get there. 5th place is reasonable, but still want a little faster.
So, the kids were running Sunday at the pre race bit of the Merthyr Muddy 5 Miler so after some umming and ahhing I decided to enter the adult race too. 5 miles, after looking at the course about 2.2 on concrete then rest on potentially boggy mud, the 2.2 means I went for road shoes of course or I'd have no knees left by the trail.
The route was nice, familiar and enjoyable, nice easy 2 miles (which I attacked knowing I'd lose 100 places on the mud). I felt I ran well enough, coming in 7th in 36:41. Good event this, only about 40 runners which is a shame, but equally the trail is narrow, so many more could cause congestion. Tough one to call.
<More Strava woes!>
Photo's nicked of the event page!
Sunday, 3 September 2017
Race Report - Roman Run
Seems like I'm picking the tough ones this year, this reminded me of Tenby!
The roman run as a scenic, 16 mile, hilly(!), run from Silver Street in Brecon to Cyfartha Park in sunny Merthyr. On route it takes in the roman road between the two, hence the name...
The start is hilly, more hilly than I thought, so my moderate/aggressive start was a bad plan and I believe I suffered later on... Mile 3-6 was... hilly! Well the next thing to a mountain, much walking was done. The downhill side was far more successful, steady rhythm, maybe faster than I should have gone, but all good.
Once you hit the reservoir area, it gets a little more up/down, and it was here issues were experienced. First off I needed a pee, easy to fix, then I had a couple of tweaks in the old hamstring and I ran sore for a while. But nothing that was going to do much other than slow me slightly on the hills, which it did.
Targets were:
And I did:
The roman run as a scenic, 16 mile, hilly(!), run from Silver Street in Brecon to Cyfartha Park in sunny Merthyr. On route it takes in the roman road between the two, hence the name...
The start is hilly, more hilly than I thought, so my moderate/aggressive start was a bad plan and I believe I suffered later on... Mile 3-6 was... hilly! Well the next thing to a mountain, much walking was done. The downhill side was far more successful, steady rhythm, maybe faster than I should have gone, but all good.
Once you hit the reservoir area, it gets a little more up/down, and it was here issues were experienced. First off I needed a pee, easy to fix, then I had a couple of tweaks in the old hamstring and I ran sore for a while. But nothing that was going to do much other than slow me slightly on the hills, which it did.
Starting to smell the end in Pontscill, this was put to the back of my mind and I hit the majority downhill last few miles. One last climb up (most of) Sanatorium Hill was slow, but I took on some water and ran towards the finish. Then left calf... cramp, nasty too, followed by right calf cramp... The way I was running must have looked properly special at this point!
Determined not to stop I tried to run it off and by the time I hit the long downhill to the park I was ok!
Quick trip up the exit route of the park and bingo. Done. I was glad to see the end!
It was a tricky run and I did kick on a bit too much early on, it also highlighted I need to add more longer runs into my training. It also pretty much confirmed I'm in no shape to even attempt the Merthyr Marathon, so let's leave that for at least this year.
I didn't run well, there was too much sore this, cramp that, tired the other, walking climbs... but it wasn't a write off either
So how did I do?
Targets were:
So targets, pretty much licking my finger and putting it in the air here:
Baseline: 2:50
Achievable: 2:35
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 2:20
Achievable: 2:35
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 2:20
B target hit, and that's fine!
And I did:
Friday, 1 September 2017
Race Day Preview - Roman Run (Brecon - Merthyr)
This is an odd one. I know what to expect as I'm not crazy so looked up the course a bit first, I've also ran parts of it before... but it's an odd distance, over mixed terrain and hilly. It's also point to point which is also something I've not done before.
The Roman Run is a 16 mile the-things-I-said-above race between Scenic Brecon and The Sky-News-Famous Merthyr (Cyfartha Park to be exact). There appear to be several nasty hills, but in the main I think it'll be ok, but I'm not expecting much of a performance.
This is due to:
The Roman Run is a 16 mile the-things-I-said-above race between Scenic Brecon and The Sky-News-Famous Merthyr (Cyfartha Park to be exact). There appear to be several nasty hills, but in the main I think it'll be ok, but I'm not expecting much of a performance.
This is due to:
- The distance, 16 miles is odd, do I go half pace and hang on, or marathon pace (lol) and kick on?
- Lack of longer training runs of late, will I blow up regardless
- The underfoot, I'm the worst trail runner you've ever met, I believe I've mentioned this before, I will end up in a ditch bleeding at some point.
But I'm told the shirt is awesome.
So targets, pretty much licking my finger and putting it in the air here:
Baseline: 2:50? - Yeah, that feels like numbers, in a sequence
Achievable: 2:35 - Pushing on the targets a bit as I'm too easy on myself sometimes
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 2:20, no chance, but it's there to aim for!
Achievable: 2:35 - Pushing on the targets a bit as I'm too easy on myself sometimes
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 2:20, no chance, but it's there to aim for!
I just accidentally put them in at 15 minute intervals!
Race day pick up for the number, so if you like that kind of thing watch instagram / facebook for a picture and what not.
It'll be an experience, then next year I'll know arse from elbow and will go for time.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
Rest of year target time.
So, been thinking. Time wise I've had a good year (if you ignore marathons where I've been awful due to mainly lack of prep/training). I've hit PBs at almost every distance I've run, and now the year is beginning to come to a close... what's my end of year target. Well...
5k - Sub 21
I rarely run a 5k, and as a result my times are both not the best and probably not 100% representative of my ability. I'd imagine I have another 20/30 seconds in me if I did the distance regularly. Or it wasn't the Merthyr parkrun course as that's not the flattest or fastest...
So there's the target, sub 21 by end of year, or collapse trying (not really).
10k - Sub 45
PB has been lowered to 45:26 which realistically was better than I thought at the start of the year. But still have at least 1 maybe 2 left to push on. Swansea is historically one of my better efforts so if I'm going lower it may be there. I'll have to combat my usual attempt to convince myself I'm about to die moment I get in every race, even when I'm not.
Lowering it to Sub 45 would make me a happy camper, and as I'm not exactly getting any younger, may be a peak!
Half Marathon - Sub 1:41
The 1:43 PB in Swansea wasn't an amazing run, I cramped at one point, I lost focus at one point, the pacer was all over the shop... So I can do better, whether a better more even run with no cramp will be faster remains to be seen, but you'd hope so. I'm never going under 1:40 I accepted that a long time ago, but I can try my best to get close.
Cardiff is last effort for the year so I'll say 1:41?
Others
Face focus.. I have none, my warm ups are awful (Merthyr was about my best ever... and got me a PB) so that needs fixing. My head is generally in the shed mid race, that needs fixing. I'll work on both of these for the rest of the year as well. It'll be ok.
5k - Sub 21
I rarely run a 5k, and as a result my times are both not the best and probably not 100% representative of my ability. I'd imagine I have another 20/30 seconds in me if I did the distance regularly. Or it wasn't the Merthyr parkrun course as that's not the flattest or fastest...
So there's the target, sub 21 by end of year, or collapse trying (not really).
10k - Sub 45
PB has been lowered to 45:26 which realistically was better than I thought at the start of the year. But still have at least 1 maybe 2 left to push on. Swansea is historically one of my better efforts so if I'm going lower it may be there. I'll have to combat my usual attempt to convince myself I'm about to die moment I get in every race, even when I'm not.
Lowering it to Sub 45 would make me a happy camper, and as I'm not exactly getting any younger, may be a peak!
 |
| Actual picture of me in Merthyr 10k |
Half Marathon - Sub 1:41
The 1:43 PB in Swansea wasn't an amazing run, I cramped at one point, I lost focus at one point, the pacer was all over the shop... So I can do better, whether a better more even run with no cramp will be faster remains to be seen, but you'd hope so. I'm never going under 1:40 I accepted that a long time ago, but I can try my best to get close.
Cardiff is last effort for the year so I'll say 1:41?
Others
Face focus.. I have none, my warm ups are awful (Merthyr was about my best ever... and got me a PB) so that needs fixing. My head is generally in the shed mid race, that needs fixing. I'll work on both of these for the rest of the year as well. It'll be ok.
Monday, 21 August 2017
Race report - Merthyr 10k
Auto-correct wants to change the name to the Merry 10k. Think that's a bit far...
I've come to the conclusion I like a 10am start, I'm far more awake and I can't taste my breakfast anymore during the warm up. Getting up an hour earlier is a struggle so, best take advantage of these ones.
So it's the weekend morning and I'm at Merthyr leisure center... parkrun time... wait no. It's Sunday. It's Merthyr 10k time. I rock up, have a chat for 10 with my former club mates (out in force, a great site) and then set off on my mile warm up.
After a canter and a further chat we made our way to the start line, mere yards away from the parkrun one and we were off. Well everyone else was off, I was not paying attention and was caught off guard, and too far back... oops, schoolboy errors!
After that a brisk downhill start got me going and I got into my stride quite well, my usual doubting in my head didn't start til later than normal and for not as long as usual! I was able to keep a pretty even pace throughout and pushed for the finish with not all that much left. Think I did it quite well.
On course I picked up far more places than I lost and it felt... fine! Good almost. The course wasn't flat, but you'd not call it anything past... bumpy. Caerphilly and 1/2 of Treforest are far worse for difficulty. This was an opportunity and I feel I took it quite well.
Perked up at the finish as the wife n kids were waiting to cheer me in which is always a boost at the end.
So how did I do:
Targets were:
Baseline: 52:51
Achievable: 48:00
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 46:00
and I did:
Happy camper! Can never argue with a PB, but even though I still think I can go quicker. If I can sort my head in the middle of the race, I think there's more in the tank.
Things to improve of course, basic speed is still lacking, even though light years ahead of where it was, and concentration / focus in the middle where I always seem to think I'm about to collapse even though I'm perfectly fine. I'm odd.
Suppose we'll see if I get into Swansea, that's flatter and faster!
I've come to the conclusion I like a 10am start, I'm far more awake and I can't taste my breakfast anymore during the warm up. Getting up an hour earlier is a struggle so, best take advantage of these ones.
So it's the weekend morning and I'm at Merthyr leisure center... parkrun time... wait no. It's Sunday. It's Merthyr 10k time. I rock up, have a chat for 10 with my former club mates (out in force, a great site) and then set off on my mile warm up.
After a canter and a further chat we made our way to the start line, mere yards away from the parkrun one and we were off. Well everyone else was off, I was not paying attention and was caught off guard, and too far back... oops, schoolboy errors!
After that a brisk downhill start got me going and I got into my stride quite well, my usual doubting in my head didn't start til later than normal and for not as long as usual! I was able to keep a pretty even pace throughout and pushed for the finish with not all that much left. Think I did it quite well.
On course I picked up far more places than I lost and it felt... fine! Good almost. The course wasn't flat, but you'd not call it anything past... bumpy. Caerphilly and 1/2 of Treforest are far worse for difficulty. This was an opportunity and I feel I took it quite well.
Perked up at the finish as the wife n kids were waiting to cheer me in which is always a boost at the end.
So how did I do:
Targets were:
Baseline: 52:51
Achievable: 48:00
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 46:00
and I did:
Happy camper! Can never argue with a PB, but even though I still think I can go quicker. If I can sort my head in the middle of the race, I think there's more in the tank.
Things to improve of course, basic speed is still lacking, even though light years ahead of where it was, and concentration / focus in the middle where I always seem to think I'm about to collapse even though I'm perfectly fine. I'm odd.
Suppose we'll see if I get into Swansea, that's flatter and faster!
Saturday, 19 August 2017
Race Day Preview - Merthyr 10k
There are many benefits to a local race, especially one that starts at 10am. Little travel, more time in bed...
There are also downsides, as in there's not a flat 3 miles in Merthyr to have the course on!
Anyway, this Sunday, tomorrow if you will, I will be participating in my 3rd ever Merthyr 10k! Never having ran particularly well in the event!
It's a stretch of trail I've run 100s of times but this time I get to pay for the privilege! I don't think there's chip timing either...
Last year I ran it in a very beatable 52:52, slower that my Caerphilly 10k of the same year. I don't know either. I'm thinking I should be under that. The course is a little up and down, but nothing I don't know every inch of and shouldn't pose as much of an issue as say, the first half of treforest, especially as it looks like being cool/wet.
So, Targets?
Baseline: 52:51 - I'll be annoyed to go slower, even with rubbish prep
Achievable: 48:00 - Caerphilly was rough, I should be faster here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 46:00, nudge a PB? Can't see it but I'll sure as hell go for it!
No number as it's a collect on the day deal. May be my last unattached race, who knows!
There are also downsides, as in there's not a flat 3 miles in Merthyr to have the course on!
Anyway, this Sunday, tomorrow if you will, I will be participating in my 3rd ever Merthyr 10k! Never having ran particularly well in the event!
It's a stretch of trail I've run 100s of times but this time I get to pay for the privilege! I don't think there's chip timing either...
Last year I ran it in a very beatable 52:52, slower that my Caerphilly 10k of the same year. I don't know either. I'm thinking I should be under that. The course is a little up and down, but nothing I don't know every inch of and shouldn't pose as much of an issue as say, the first half of treforest, especially as it looks like being cool/wet.
So, Targets?
Baseline: 52:51 - I'll be annoyed to go slower, even with rubbish prep
Achievable: 48:00 - Caerphilly was rough, I should be faster here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 46:00, nudge a PB? Can't see it but I'll sure as hell go for it!
No number as it's a collect on the day deal. May be my last unattached race, who knows!
Friday, 18 August 2017
I would walk 500 miles...
For the record I didn't walk many of them!
It was a warm Tuesday evening on a field in Aberdare, probably mid way through a 3 minute effort when a milestone was hit. 500 miles for the year (well 502 now) are in the bag and this is despite me being very lazy of late.
Last few weeks the mileage hasn't been large, I hadn't been to training (no Aberdare since Tenby, 1 session with Merthyr which more convinced me, as enjoyable as it was, I need to be training not doing social runs) no real motivation to get going on my own.
I started going again with a nice 6 miles, including the slip road, which is a mile and a half of reasonable incline... I was awful but still a slightly better awful than I used to think was ok.
Even if I fell apart now it's been a passable year, 5k, 10k, and HM PBs, so let's not get down, work through the last few months!
Snowdon is off, place sold (for external reasons) which is a little disappointing but needed to be done. So my last big effort booked for the year is the Roman Run (16 miles, 2nd Sept), no doubt there'll be more and I suppose this half open the door for the Merthyr Marathon...
But this week I returned to AVAAC and ran quite well, the break showed a bit! But I got going at least to a reasonable level during the session. I'm beginning the process of joining Aberdare too, be nice to be with a club again as... well I miss not paying full price for races, all those £2s and £3s add up!
This weekend I'm run directing for Merthyr parkrun, planning on running there in the morning, hangover dependent, followed by taking oldest sprog out for a run in the day. Then... a race! The Merthyr 10k, 10am Sunday. Expect a separate post, but I'm not confident for the previous not really training reasons.
It was a warm Tuesday evening on a field in Aberdare, probably mid way through a 3 minute effort when a milestone was hit. 500 miles for the year (well 502 now) are in the bag and this is despite me being very lazy of late.
Last few weeks the mileage hasn't been large, I hadn't been to training (no Aberdare since Tenby, 1 session with Merthyr which more convinced me, as enjoyable as it was, I need to be training not doing social runs) no real motivation to get going on my own.
I started going again with a nice 6 miles, including the slip road, which is a mile and a half of reasonable incline... I was awful but still a slightly better awful than I used to think was ok.
Even if I fell apart now it's been a passable year, 5k, 10k, and HM PBs, so let's not get down, work through the last few months!
Snowdon is off, place sold (for external reasons) which is a little disappointing but needed to be done. So my last big effort booked for the year is the Roman Run (16 miles, 2nd Sept), no doubt there'll be more and I suppose this half open the door for the Merthyr Marathon...
But this week I returned to AVAAC and ran quite well, the break showed a bit! But I got going at least to a reasonable level during the session. I'm beginning the process of joining Aberdare too, be nice to be with a club again as... well I miss not paying full price for races, all those £2s and £3s add up!
This weekend I'm run directing for Merthyr parkrun, planning on running there in the morning, hangover dependent, followed by taking oldest sprog out for a run in the day. Then... a race! The Merthyr 10k, 10am Sunday. Expect a separate post, but I'm not confident for the previous not really training reasons.
Sunday, 16 July 2017
Race Review - The Loop 10k
Well that was pretty!
Today I jetted off to the hotspot which is Barry Sidings just past Pontypridd to take part in the Loop 10k. This, as I mentioned, is a mainly hill, mainly trail race which I completed for the first time last year.
One of the main things I like abnout the Loop is the level it involves the kids, it's one of very few places my 4 year old can get a short race so he feels included.
This year I had my boy in the 5 and under race (2nd place boy, 3 rd overall), and my girl in the under 11's (I think) 1km taking a minute off her best. Good start, all that was left was the old man to not keep up the standard!
So, 10:30 came around and we were off, 50 yards flat then up and up! The course has a nice 1000ft of elevation, all contained within the first 4 miles or so (then you head back down). The course is trail, nice trail, bit rocky but at no point are you wading in mud or anything. Suppose it's hard for water to gather when it's all on a slope!
I jogged off up the hill, feeling ok at the start, however with the memory of last year reducing me to walking still in my mind. The first mile came and went and I was pretty steady, not feeling it and sooner than I thought the second mile was gone too. At that point I thought, I can run this...
Fighting the odd urge, as in the mind gives up before the body does, to low or walk, I got sight of the water station, half way. Suddenly a unwarranted sense of confidence kicked on and I powered on through and up the final climbing section. I was running easily ahead of schedule...
Once you round the peak of the mountain it's time to descend.. obviously...
Now I'm a pretty poor trail runner and this is why. I started down the steep rocky trail and instant heart in mouth. I plodded down carefully, internally convinced if I so much as overstretch I'll end up dead against a rock...
I've been worse and while I was cautious on the first section today (letting people past at one point) I managed to kinda half attack pretty much all of it... no heads hit at all. Although plenty of ducking past trees etc!
So, my targets were:
Baseline: 1:00:00 - it'll be tough, but I still hope to keep it under and hour
Achievable: 58:00 - 3 mins under last year, as long as I grow a set on the downhill I think I can get here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 55:00
and I did:
Very happy, much better than I expected. Maybe there's another year left in my old man legs yet...
The Loop is one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a challenge but not yet ready to do it over the longer distances (e.g. Tenby). It's well organised, has free race photos (I'll share my thoughts there again) is a nice course and is generally a good day, especially if the kids get involved too!
Today I jetted off to the hotspot which is Barry Sidings just past Pontypridd to take part in the Loop 10k. This, as I mentioned, is a mainly hill, mainly trail race which I completed for the first time last year.
One of the main things I like abnout the Loop is the level it involves the kids, it's one of very few places my 4 year old can get a short race so he feels included.
This year I had my boy in the 5 and under race (2nd place boy, 3 rd overall), and my girl in the under 11's (I think) 1km taking a minute off her best. Good start, all that was left was the old man to not keep up the standard!
So, 10:30 came around and we were off, 50 yards flat then up and up! The course has a nice 1000ft of elevation, all contained within the first 4 miles or so (then you head back down). The course is trail, nice trail, bit rocky but at no point are you wading in mud or anything. Suppose it's hard for water to gather when it's all on a slope!
I jogged off up the hill, feeling ok at the start, however with the memory of last year reducing me to walking still in my mind. The first mile came and went and I was pretty steady, not feeling it and sooner than I thought the second mile was gone too. At that point I thought, I can run this...Fighting the odd urge, as in the mind gives up before the body does, to low or walk, I got sight of the water station, half way. Suddenly a unwarranted sense of confidence kicked on and I powered on through and up the final climbing section. I was running easily ahead of schedule...
Once you round the peak of the mountain it's time to descend.. obviously...
Now I'm a pretty poor trail runner and this is why. I started down the steep rocky trail and instant heart in mouth. I plodded down carefully, internally convinced if I so much as overstretch I'll end up dead against a rock...
I've been worse and while I was cautious on the first section today (letting people past at one point) I managed to kinda half attack pretty much all of it... no heads hit at all. Although plenty of ducking past trees etc!
So, my targets were:
Baseline: 1:00:00 - it'll be tough, but I still hope to keep it under and hour
Achievable: 58:00 - 3 mins under last year, as long as I grow a set on the downhill I think I can get here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 55:00
and I did:
Very happy, much better than I expected. Maybe there's another year left in my old man legs yet...
The Loop is one I'd recommend to anyone looking for a challenge but not yet ready to do it over the longer distances (e.g. Tenby). It's well organised, has free race photos (I'll share my thoughts there again) is a nice course and is generally a good day, especially if the kids get involved too!
Saturday, 15 July 2017
Race Day Preview - The Loop 10k
I love hills...
Well I don't think I do but considering the events I plan/enter, there must be a part of me somewhere deep inside that does.
This Sunday I will be in Barry Sidings, which is nowhere near Barry, running the Loop 10k for the 2nd time.
Last year it was by big reintroduction from an injury and I ran a testing course in 61 minutes and change. I hope to go better this year as while I've had a bit of a niggle over the last week, I'm in moderate/decent shape.
I'm signing up on the day, so lack a race number yet...
Also I will have 1 in the kids 100m, and 1 in the next age group up 1k. They were both drilled today and will make it to the end at least!
So tomorrow, targets are:
Baseline: 1:00:00 - it'll be tough, but I still hope to keep it under and hour
Achievable: 58:00 - 3 mins under last year, as long as I grow a set on the downhill I think I can get here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 55:00, I think it's too tough and I'll be too nervous on the knee but this is supposed to be slightly beyond me so...
The fun starts at 10am! Ponty rodents usually put on a good race so I've every confidence, now if they could arrange cloud/slight drizzle maybe?
Well I don't think I do but considering the events I plan/enter, there must be a part of me somewhere deep inside that does.
This Sunday I will be in Barry Sidings, which is nowhere near Barry, running the Loop 10k for the 2nd time.
Last year it was by big reintroduction from an injury and I ran a testing course in 61 minutes and change. I hope to go better this year as while I've had a bit of a niggle over the last week, I'm in moderate/decent shape.
I'm signing up on the day, so lack a race number yet...
Also I will have 1 in the kids 100m, and 1 in the next age group up 1k. They were both drilled today and will make it to the end at least!
So tomorrow, targets are:
Baseline: 1:00:00 - it'll be tough, but I still hope to keep it under and hour
Achievable: 58:00 - 3 mins under last year, as long as I grow a set on the downhill I think I can get here
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time: 55:00, I think it's too tough and I'll be too nervous on the knee but this is supposed to be slightly beyond me so...
The fun starts at 10am! Ponty rodents usually put on a good race so I've every confidence, now if they could arrange cloud/slight drizzle maybe?
Monday, 10 July 2017
Race Report - The Wales Marathon, Tenby
Ooooof.
That pretty much sums up the event! This was my 3rd marathon and by far the toughest run I've ever done. 1800ft of almost relentless elevation gain...
The setting is lovely, it forms part of the Long Course Weekend, but as I'm neither a particularly skilled cyclist or swimmer, I was just there for the run. I'd been warned prior about the difficultly of the route and from the outset I decided to pick my battles with the hills (brutal ones start at the 3 mile marker) to make sure I'd last the distance.
So from the well set out start in Tenby we went and off towards Pembroke, and it didn't disappoint, what a tough course, but I was managing pace and the hills well and passed half way smack on my target (just under 2 hours). Trotting on through pembroke back towards the hills and country roads though I hit a snag. My right knee/hamstring started to hurt, allot, exactly the same as in the Merthyr Half.
I thought, long way to go lets be sensible and dropped to a walk, gave it a stretch/rub and try and walk off whatever was going on. After a slow resulting mile I tried to go, finding I was ok om the flat, but struggling either up or down hill. As a result I further picked my battles and thought carefully where I was running.
The approach worked and I got a little better movement in my knee after a while, running a whole mile at one point before the pain kicked in (must've been a rush of blood). Generally quick walking the bigger hills (stopping would have been the end I think) and jogging the flat/downs where I could.
The miles moved past quicker than I was expecting and I still thought I had a chance at a 4:30 finish (my pre-race top target) until I foolishly ran a full mile downhill 24-25 and pretty much ended any resistance I had left. Hobbling across past Tenby leisure center in the end.
The last 300 yards were quicker as I just went "stuff it" and grimaced for the crowds, finishing at most of a sprint, which I o course regretted within 40 yards the other side!
So how did I do:
Official time was 4:36!
The route is very pretty, but absolutely rock hard. The hills are rolling at best and frequently huge, bravo to the people who did that on their 3rd day. If you're looking for a challenge this is it, not one to be taken lightly at all. Despite the hurt and the heat and the sunburn (oops) I'm glad I did it. I doubt I'll ever be fit enough to consider the full weekend but I'd love too one day.
One criticism would be the water stations were a bit chaotic. The teams were working hard but couldn't produce the cups of water fast enough for the arriving athletes, also cups... pain. Gels would also be nice (good as jelly babies are). Sort that, as everyone seemed to stop pretty much at each station and I'd have saved a few minutes (although equally I was glad of the rest!)
I finished injured but happy. It has put my club session tomorrow and The Loop 10k on Sunday into considerable question however as I doubt this knee will be solid this week. Recovery times are better these times though.
Medal was decent, but no free shirt!!!! Love a free shirt
That pretty much sums up the event! This was my 3rd marathon and by far the toughest run I've ever done. 1800ft of almost relentless elevation gain...
The setting is lovely, it forms part of the Long Course Weekend, but as I'm neither a particularly skilled cyclist or swimmer, I was just there for the run. I'd been warned prior about the difficultly of the route and from the outset I decided to pick my battles with the hills (brutal ones start at the 3 mile marker) to make sure I'd last the distance.
 |
| I'll never look cool... |
So from the well set out start in Tenby we went and off towards Pembroke, and it didn't disappoint, what a tough course, but I was managing pace and the hills well and passed half way smack on my target (just under 2 hours). Trotting on through pembroke back towards the hills and country roads though I hit a snag. My right knee/hamstring started to hurt, allot, exactly the same as in the Merthyr Half.
I thought, long way to go lets be sensible and dropped to a walk, gave it a stretch/rub and try and walk off whatever was going on. After a slow resulting mile I tried to go, finding I was ok om the flat, but struggling either up or down hill. As a result I further picked my battles and thought carefully where I was running.
The approach worked and I got a little better movement in my knee after a while, running a whole mile at one point before the pain kicked in (must've been a rush of blood). Generally quick walking the bigger hills (stopping would have been the end I think) and jogging the flat/downs where I could.
The miles moved past quicker than I was expecting and I still thought I had a chance at a 4:30 finish (my pre-race top target) until I foolishly ran a full mile downhill 24-25 and pretty much ended any resistance I had left. Hobbling across past Tenby leisure center in the end.
The last 300 yards were quicker as I just went "stuff it" and grimaced for the crowds, finishing at most of a sprint, which I o course regretted within 40 yards the other side!
So how did I do:
Official time was 4:36!
The route is very pretty, but absolutely rock hard. The hills are rolling at best and frequently huge, bravo to the people who did that on their 3rd day. If you're looking for a challenge this is it, not one to be taken lightly at all. Despite the hurt and the heat and the sunburn (oops) I'm glad I did it. I doubt I'll ever be fit enough to consider the full weekend but I'd love too one day.
One criticism would be the water stations were a bit chaotic. The teams were working hard but couldn't produce the cups of water fast enough for the arriving athletes, also cups... pain. Gels would also be nice (good as jelly babies are). Sort that, as everyone seemed to stop pretty much at each station and I'd have saved a few minutes (although equally I was glad of the rest!)
I finished injured but happy. It has put my club session tomorrow and The Loop 10k on Sunday into considerable question however as I doubt this knee will be solid this week. Recovery times are better these times though.
Medal was decent, but no free shirt!!!! Love a free shirt
Monday, 26 June 2017
Race Report - Swansea Half Marathon
I like Swansea, if I ever moved from the Tyd and stayed in the UK it's one of two places I'd consider (the other being Bristol). So competing for s second time in their half marathon is a nice thing to do. The course is very straight, not as flat as I remember (based on the stats I saw, still feels pretty flat to me, I think there's a risk my strava was off there) but fast! A nice quick course.
It was rainy at the start as I lined up in pen B, in my all new 1bloodydrop.com vest (very snug, needed a size higher, but amazingly comfortable), the 1:45 pacers in my sights. All felt good, and we were off. Off quite quick, I did think if the pacers were struggling with maths. Miles were consistently a little fast, 7:15, 7:30... a few people questioned them for them to reveal their plan was to go quick to allow fall off in the second half. Personally I'd have liked even, but I was keeping with them...
Had a little grumble coming down the seafront, little pain in my side I couldn't really explain, but nothing to significantly stop me, so on I pressed, and when the pacer did slow, I pulled ahead, maintaining a similar pace to the natural 'target' for 1:45. Dropped off a little at the end, especially a disappointing last mile, which was a little climb and I had a few seconds of what could have developed into cramp, but behaved enough not to stop me.
Targets were:
Baseline:
1:50:00 I think even on a meh day now I should be sub 110 mins
Achievable:1:45:00
It's 'flat and fast' so lets find a pacer and say Hi!
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
1:44:00 would be a big PB, I'll try...
and I got
The PBs just keep coming this year, that takes 2:39 off my previous 13.1 best! Also the elevation is higher than the one in Merthyr (but more gradual), I'm not sure that's right...
The onebloodydrop thing was an attempt to set a record for the most T1 diabetics in a race, which I believe was achieved, well done everyone. Was a pleasure to be a part of it.
It was rainy at the start as I lined up in pen B, in my all new 1bloodydrop.com vest (very snug, needed a size higher, but amazingly comfortable), the 1:45 pacers in my sights. All felt good, and we were off. Off quite quick, I did think if the pacers were struggling with maths. Miles were consistently a little fast, 7:15, 7:30... a few people questioned them for them to reveal their plan was to go quick to allow fall off in the second half. Personally I'd have liked even, but I was keeping with them...
Had a little grumble coming down the seafront, little pain in my side I couldn't really explain, but nothing to significantly stop me, so on I pressed, and when the pacer did slow, I pulled ahead, maintaining a similar pace to the natural 'target' for 1:45. Dropped off a little at the end, especially a disappointing last mile, which was a little climb and I had a few seconds of what could have developed into cramp, but behaved enough not to stop me.
Targets were:
Baseline:
1:50:00 I think even on a meh day now I should be sub 110 mins
Achievable:1:45:00
It's 'flat and fast' so lets find a pacer and say Hi!
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
1:44:00 would be a big PB, I'll try...
and I got
The PBs just keep coming this year, that takes 2:39 off my previous 13.1 best! Also the elevation is higher than the one in Merthyr (but more gradual), I'm not sure that's right...
The onebloodydrop thing was an attempt to set a record for the most T1 diabetics in a race, which I believe was achieved, well done everyone. Was a pleasure to be a part of it.
Saturday, 24 June 2017
Race Day Preview - Swansea Half Marathon
Delayed this while I was watching the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl playing until... well... still going now... is not good the night before a half!
Anyway, the 2017 roadshow moves to Abertawe tomorrow for my second time around their half marathon, which is apparently the best half marathon! I think...
I have no idea what Pink, or B or my name mean... I'll find out I suppose.
Feeling positive I think, last half was Merthyr which is a much harder course... and I PB'd it with a chest infection.
So tomorrow, targets are:
Baseline:
1:50:00 I think even on a meh day now I should be sub 110 mins
Achievable:1:45:00, it's 'flat and fast' so lets find a pacer and say Hi!
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:1:44:00 would be a big PB, I'll try...
I'm also part of a record attempt for the most T1 diabetics in a half marathon, so that'll be fun! Foos are still going, so I'm off to finish watching them... then maybe just not sleep.
Anyway, the 2017 roadshow moves to Abertawe tomorrow for my second time around their half marathon, which is apparently the best half marathon! I think...
I have no idea what Pink, or B or my name mean... I'll find out I suppose.
Feeling positive I think, last half was Merthyr which is a much harder course... and I PB'd it with a chest infection.
So tomorrow, targets are:
Baseline:
1:50:00 I think even on a meh day now I should be sub 110 mins
Achievable:1:45:00, it's 'flat and fast' so lets find a pacer and say Hi!
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:1:44:00 would be a big PB, I'll try...
I'm also part of a record attempt for the most T1 diabetics in a half marathon, so that'll be fun! Foos are still going, so I'm off to finish watching them... then maybe just not sleep.
Monday, 19 June 2017
Race Report - Caerphilly 10k
Hot... I could do this report with a single word... HOT.
But I'm vaguely professional so I won't!
So yesterday, it was time for my short notice entry into the wonderful Caerphilly 10k, twice the elevation of Treforest! Due to the late entry for both me and my oldest we had to pick up numbers on the day... I don't that often go into pre-race organisational stuff, but today I am. It was horrendous!
Long queues, unhelpful marshals (and also some super-helpful one who pretty much fixed the whole situation) ensured the junior race was late going. I queued along with daughter right up until the start and just about got her turned around and pinned up. She had teh worlds shortest warm up and was off. On the plus side she ran well considering the pre race stress and heat taking 4 minutes of her time from last year. Bravo girl.
Then it was my turn to queue, the wife did most of it, me taking over once the juniors finished and I'd located the child. I get to the front, give my name (keenly aware of less than 15 minutes til the start), to be told they've not got me as the print outs start at the end of D (after Driscoll!) so they need the laptop... which is broken...
I stand there and wait, hearing the announcer trying to get people to start getting in the pens, until they give up trying to fix said laptop and give me a brand new number, I grabbed and ran (no warm up for me!) but got to the start on time, if a little further back than I'd have liked.
So the race...
I thought it was too hot at the start... as soon as we were off, I knew it. This combined with the course having very little flat on it... joy!
It starts with a climb, there's a climb in the final k and there's a climb at half way I didn't even remember from last year. The route is fine apart from that, all closed or part closed roads and well marshaled. 2 water stations were very welcome but I shot myself in the foot losing my energy gel in the frantic run around before the start.
At 7k (the above is at about 9) I honestly contemplated giving up, but I appear to have grown some determination from somewhere!
Also god bless the people out with hoses!!
I didn't do a prview for this and that's a good thing as my targets moved when I realised how hot it was. They were: A: 46 (which I moved in my head to 48) B: 50 (beat last years 50:50) C: 52.
So how did I do:
I'll take that. I really will, 2 mins off last year and lost 32 stone of fluid based body weight on the way round...
Did I mention it was hot?
On to Swansea Half next weekend where I will pay cash if someone can arrange some cloud cover...
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| Cheers for the photo Sian! |
Also god bless the people out with hoses!!
I didn't do a prview for this and that's a good thing as my targets moved when I realised how hot it was. They were: A: 46 (which I moved in my head to 48) B: 50 (beat last years 50:50) C: 52.
So how did I do:
I'll take that. I really will, 2 mins off last year and lost 32 stone of fluid based body weight on the way round...
Did I mention it was hot?
On to Swansea Half next weekend where I will pay cash if someone can arrange some cloud cover...
Sunday, 11 June 2017
Me and the gym we got issues
Of late I believe that, by my standards at least and ignoring the Llanelli 'incident', I've been running quite well. The 2nd improvement of he year on my 10k time, on a harder course, kinda backs me up.
I do feel some percentage of this is down to the time I was spending on lunch in the gym. Strength work has helped and pushing fast on a treadmill is good and gives me a bit on confidence to do it on the road.
However, no more gym for me. Moving offices (same job) leaves me too far away from the place to keep going. Bad times. As I'm also clubless (anyone training on a Tuesday or Wednesday incorporating technical sessions hit me up), it's pretty likely form will start heading down pretty swiftly.
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| Me in 3 weeks |
So, the solution... I'm not sure! Maybe hit up the YouTube and try core exercises from there? I doubt it'll be as effective but may slow the decline.
There's far too much going on with kids etc to go after work without hardly ever running again.
On the plus side, despite forcing myself to choose between Caerphilly and Treforest 10ks this year, and choosing Treforest one (46:02, PB), I've entered Caerphilly (and the oldest in the 2km race) anyway.
Self control is not my thing.
On the plus side, despite forcing myself to choose between Caerphilly and Treforest 10ks this year, and choosing Treforest one (46:02, PB), I've entered Caerphilly (and the oldest in the 2km race) anyway.
Self control is not my thing.
Thursday, 1 June 2017
#VolunteersWeek
So apparently it's Volunteers Week. This is a good thing and ironically on the week I'm not volunteering anywhere for anything as I'm on holibobs.
You may know this if you read here regularly (does anyone??) but I volunteer. I'm a member of the core team for Merthyr parkrun and I've helped out over in Penallta Junior parkrun. It's not a great amount, adding up to 10 sessions, but that's almost getting to half way to my tshirt!
It's rewarding and it's essential to remember, volunteers make the race. Not only in parkrun too, but any race needs volunteers, from London Marathon to a local 5k, no helpers, no runners. So maybe, just occasionally offer a helping hand and give back a little to help maintain the things you enjoy.
When you think about it, they're that essential, every week is really volunteers week.
You may know this if you read here regularly (does anyone??) but I volunteer. I'm a member of the core team for Merthyr parkrun and I've helped out over in Penallta Junior parkrun. It's not a great amount, adding up to 10 sessions, but that's almost getting to half way to my tshirt!
It's good fun, there's a variety of roles (I've been Run Director (2), Timer (4), Marshal (2), Barcode scanner, Tail Runner as well as helping process the results) so you hopefully won't get bored doing the same thing, unless that's your bag, I'm not judging.
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| Plus you get to wear a cool yellow... thing! |
It's rewarding and it's essential to remember, volunteers make the race. Not only in parkrun too, but any race needs volunteers, from London Marathon to a local 5k, no helpers, no runners. So maybe, just occasionally offer a helping hand and give back a little to help maintain the things you enjoy.
If the rest of the world is like Merthyr parkrun (and it's really isn't) you'll have a good day/hour/however long.
When you think about it, they're that essential, every week is really volunteers week.
Sunday, 28 May 2017
Race Report - Treforest 10k
It was a hot and sunny morning and I was sat in the beer garden of a pub... squinting into the sun.
Baseline:
51:00 (8:12 min/ml) - conditions may not be great and it's a tough course at the start. That'd be... passable
Achievable:
48:00 (7:43 min/ml) - Close to Cardiff St Davids run, think I'm capable
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
47:00 (7:34 min/ml) - New PB, always somewhere in mind
With an official time of 46:02 in pos 62 for a 1:11 new PB!!!
Happy boy, and on a flat course I do think that can come down further! That won't happen for a little while yet though as it's a half next then a hilly full. Swansea in September-ish?
No alcoholic beverages were to be had as a) it was 9:30am and b) I was the for the Treforest 10k! The race got off after an immaculately observed minutes silence from the nearby industrial estate and it went... up. The first half of the race was a test, large hill, then largish hill etc I tried to take these on like a man and press on up them, which I achieved.
Sadly this took half a yard of pace (what an odd phrase that is) towards the end of the race, which was very flat. I stayed solid and consistent, but lacked an edge at the end. Losing a few seconds on each mile all adds up, but this will come I'm confident.
The course was good, pretty, well marshaled, challenging but fair, I enjoyed, this is one I'll recommend happily, as long as you don't mind a hill or 3. Cheap too, but no medal or tshirt this time! However, what did I get?
Targets were:
Baseline:
51:00 (8:12 min/ml) - conditions may not be great and it's a tough course at the start. That'd be... passable
Achievable:
48:00 (7:43 min/ml) - Close to Cardiff St Davids run, think I'm capable
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
47:00 (7:34 min/ml) - New PB, always somewhere in mind
and I got:
With an official time of 46:02 in pos 62 for a 1:11 new PB!!!
Happy boy, and on a flat course I do think that can come down further! That won't happen for a little while yet though as it's a half next then a hilly full. Swansea in September-ish?
Saturday, 27 May 2017
Race Day Preview - Treforest 10k
After my last outing while sporting a number was the mostly ok then suddenly train wreck of a Great Welsh Marathon, my prep for my next 26.2 miler begins with a 10k from Treforest Industrial Estate tomorrow.
It promises to be an interesting test. Starts flat, then get's a little tasty for a while before a pretty flat second 5. Special.
I honestly have 0 idea what to expect from the weather, I'm dressing for hot, even though I'm not!
Goals for the day:
Baseline:
51:00 (8:12 min/ml) - conditions may not be great and it's a tough course at the start. That'd be... passable
Achievable:
48:00 (7:43 min/ml) - Close to Cardiff St Davids run, think I'm capable
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
47:00 (7:34 min/ml) - New PB, always somewhere in mind
It's a pick up on the day kind of number deal, so no picture. I am using that bright top form last time again though, so kind of squint and picture it!
The Swansea Half Marathon follows this and then it's time for the marathon in Tenby (The Wales Marathon, can't people just call marathons after the place they're held anymore???)
It promises to be an interesting test. Starts flat, then get's a little tasty for a while before a pretty flat second 5. Special.
I honestly have 0 idea what to expect from the weather, I'm dressing for hot, even though I'm not!
Goals for the day:
Baseline:
51:00 (8:12 min/ml) - conditions may not be great and it's a tough course at the start. That'd be... passable
Achievable:
48:00 (7:43 min/ml) - Close to Cardiff St Davids run, think I'm capable
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
47:00 (7:34 min/ml) - New PB, always somewhere in mind
It's a pick up on the day kind of number deal, so no picture. I am using that bright top form last time again though, so kind of squint and picture it!
The Swansea Half Marathon follows this and then it's time for the marathon in Tenby (The Wales Marathon, can't people just call marathons after the place they're held anymore???)
Monday, 22 May 2017
Oooooooooh half way there
At the start of the year I set myself a target of 650 miles run in 2017.
Periodically (twice...) I've updated on progress, but I held of screaming about passing 300 miles, as:
Did I mention the heat?
This mediocre / ok 10k took me to a grand total of 326 miles, half way to my goal! As it's not the end of June at the moment, this mean's I'm ahead of schedule, with 2 marathons to come this year!
Next out is Saturday tail running Merthyr parkrun and Sunday in the Treforest 10k. Keep piling the miles on!! (Possible the SSAFA 5k in Cardiff Wednesday? I'll see)
Periodically (twice...) I've updated on progress, but I held of screaming about passing 300 miles, as:
- I sucked at that race;
- I wanted to do an awful Bon Jovi reference.
- It seemed like 325 (or half) was more of a milestone!
But yesterday I took a rather hot jaunt from Pontypridd up past the University of South Wales. So so hot.
Did I mention the heat?
This mediocre / ok 10k took me to a grand total of 326 miles, half way to my goal! As it's not the end of June at the moment, this mean's I'm ahead of schedule, with 2 marathons to come this year!
Next out is Saturday tail running Merthyr parkrun and Sunday in the Treforest 10k. Keep piling the miles on!! (Possible the SSAFA 5k in Cardiff Wednesday? I'll see)
Friday, 19 May 2017
Treadmill time and the case of the 2 x 5ks
Generally speaking I like to run outdoors, preferably on a path (I'm a lousy trail runner as will be noted by absence from the Royal Welsh Trail Running Festival this weekend).
I'm not the worlds biggest fan of treadmills.
However, they do have their benefits and I'm aware of this. They're good for speed work, for intervals. So with the weather less than clement and in my last stand in the gym before my place of work becomes too far away for it to be practical, I decided to see how quick I could bounce on the spot.
First attempt was to go under 21 mins for a 5k. Something I've never looked like doing in a regular run. I did the maths and worked out the pace I needed and off I went.
14.4kph... comfortable, so I bumped it up to give myself some breathing room at the end... 14.7kph, all fine. In the end I went up to 15kph for the last couple of hundred meters and finished in 20:34.Was I tired? Yes! Was I spent? No, not quite...
So this made me think... 20 minutes?? Could I. Screw it I'll have a go.
2 days later, maths done once again (do 15.1 to account for the not swift acceleration at the start...) and off I go. First 1.5 / 2k fine, but then I found myself losing concentration and form every now and again. Refocused (benefit of the treadmill right there as I didn't lose pace, where I'd have slowed on my own) and carried on.
3k... fine 4k hmmm feeling it... last 500m.. contemplating throwing up a little... but beep the machine went and...
It can be done. Well I mean obviously it can be done, but it can be done... BY ME! I know it's just a treadmill and its harder out there in the world, I'll never count anything recorded on one as a PB etc. But this is a confidence booster, a big one. Be sad to see my membership end.
I need to take this new found confidence on the road and cry to myself when I run 23:56 somewhere!
I'm also booking races in prep for Tenby. I'm in the Swansea Half and I'm booking Treforest tomorrow. Feeling confident!! Ish
I'm not the worlds biggest fan of treadmills.
However, they do have their benefits and I'm aware of this. They're good for speed work, for intervals. So with the weather less than clement and in my last stand in the gym before my place of work becomes too far away for it to be practical, I decided to see how quick I could bounce on the spot.
First attempt was to go under 21 mins for a 5k. Something I've never looked like doing in a regular run. I did the maths and worked out the pace I needed and off I went.
14.4kph... comfortable, so I bumped it up to give myself some breathing room at the end... 14.7kph, all fine. In the end I went up to 15kph for the last couple of hundred meters and finished in 20:34.Was I tired? Yes! Was I spent? No, not quite...
So this made me think... 20 minutes?? Could I. Screw it I'll have a go.
2 days later, maths done once again (do 15.1 to account for the not swift acceleration at the start...) and off I go. First 1.5 / 2k fine, but then I found myself losing concentration and form every now and again. Refocused (benefit of the treadmill right there as I didn't lose pace, where I'd have slowed on my own) and carried on.
3k... fine 4k hmmm feeling it... last 500m.. contemplating throwing up a little... but beep the machine went and...
It can be done. Well I mean obviously it can be done, but it can be done... BY ME! I know it's just a treadmill and its harder out there in the world, I'll never count anything recorded on one as a PB etc. But this is a confidence booster, a big one. Be sad to see my membership end.
I need to take this new found confidence on the road and cry to myself when I run 23:56 somewhere!
I'm also booking races in prep for Tenby. I'm in the Swansea Half and I'm booking Treforest tomorrow. Feeling confident!! Ish
Sunday, 14 May 2017
On the Marathon trail again
"Once more unto the course, dear friends, once more;
Or close the start pens up with our Marathon dead."
OK, badly modified over the top Shakespeare quotes aren't why you come to this blog, so I'll get onto the point...
Originally this year I thought there was a marathon in me, the Snowdon marathon in October. But me being me, I signed for for Llanelli and well, that's a story for another page. However, that wasn't the absolute catastrophe I deserved, which has made me think, ride my semi-decent level of fitness and do the extra bit of training I needed last time, I could get this down towards 4 hours.
Then someone mentioned the Tenby marathon and I though, oooh there's a event with just enough gap for me to work hard in...
Well one thing led to another and...
Yeah, I could remember.
No way of looking at it differently, Llanelli was a failure, mainly caused by my own body saying 'nope!'. I have the chance here to redeem myself in my own eyes. I can do this!
Or close the start pens up with our Marathon dead."
OK, badly modified over the top Shakespeare quotes aren't why you come to this blog, so I'll get onto the point...
Originally this year I thought there was a marathon in me, the Snowdon marathon in October. But me being me, I signed for for Llanelli and well, that's a story for another page. However, that wasn't the absolute catastrophe I deserved, which has made me think, ride my semi-decent level of fitness and do the extra bit of training I needed last time, I could get this down towards 4 hours.
Then someone mentioned the Tenby marathon and I though, oooh there's a event with just enough gap for me to work hard in...
Well one thing led to another and...
Yeah, I could remember.
No way of looking at it differently, Llanelli was a failure, mainly caused by my own body saying 'nope!'. I have the chance here to redeem myself in my own eyes. I can do this!
The route looks nice, no soul destroying laps this time around, I'm confident. Over confident maybe, bus better than that than be a nervous wreck.
My target time will be 4 hours, I will do the long runs I need, I will eat enough before the race. It'll be good! It's also a harder course, I have this in mind as well.
Tuesday, 9 May 2017
Race report - Great Welsh Marathon
Now I've taken a couple of days to mull this one over...
Did I enjoy this? Yes and no, things went against me on course, diabetic hypo, which lead to a few stomach cramps and an emergency... comfort break at mile 16/17ish which left me somewhat drained. After that I couldn't get going again and my resultant poor running form ended up giving me some quite bad hip pain.
Up until then I'd been solid, slightly (3/4 mins) to fast over the first lap (we'll come to that) but regulated my pace onto the second to just about 9 a mile, even while quaffing jelly babies to keep my sugars up.
The first half marathon was solid in around 1:50, at which point I felt fresh as a daisy, but then, well check my splits!
The course was scenic enough (except for an industrial estate, but you always get something like that) but 2 laps. Now I didn't think that laps would bother me. I thought wrong. As soon as I got onto the second lap I suffered mentally, shortly after the shakes started, I'm confident they're not connected but the timing... As a half marathon this would be outstanding but the retread of the same area twice means I don't think I could recommend the full race.
Also running with the half runners the first lap was odd, as obviously very different pacing going on, and it also made the 2nd lap feel, empty, at the time where most runners need that extra energy around!
So how did I do? Targets were:
Baseline:
Not bother the nice St Johns people too much... (finish)
Achievable:
4:20:00 (9:55 min/ml)
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
4:05:00 (9:21 min/ml)
and I did:
My actual time was 4:15, due to the aforementioned reasons... watch stops when I do!
The rewards were a very nice medal and possibly the nicest running shirt I now own. Thing is beautiful and deserves to be on a better runner than me!
Overall, I didn't deserve better for the prep I'd done. But on course I felt I could have done if all was well. Mixed feelings bordering on disappointment and keen to do another, looking at Tenby in a couple of months... work hard and I'll get better results.
Be the Treforest 10k next out though end of the month.
Edit!
A note to the marshal I rushed past when he was trying to give me a gel. Toilet was calling. Leaving the gel and water outside the loo for me when I come out was a genuine nice act. You deserve my medal more than me!
Did I enjoy this? Yes and no, things went against me on course, diabetic hypo, which lead to a few stomach cramps and an emergency... comfort break at mile 16/17ish which left me somewhat drained. After that I couldn't get going again and my resultant poor running form ended up giving me some quite bad hip pain.
Up until then I'd been solid, slightly (3/4 mins) to fast over the first lap (we'll come to that) but regulated my pace onto the second to just about 9 a mile, even while quaffing jelly babies to keep my sugars up.
The first half marathon was solid in around 1:50, at which point I felt fresh as a daisy, but then, well check my splits!
The course was scenic enough (except for an industrial estate, but you always get something like that) but 2 laps. Now I didn't think that laps would bother me. I thought wrong. As soon as I got onto the second lap I suffered mentally, shortly after the shakes started, I'm confident they're not connected but the timing... As a half marathon this would be outstanding but the retread of the same area twice means I don't think I could recommend the full race.
Also running with the half runners the first lap was odd, as obviously very different pacing going on, and it also made the 2nd lap feel, empty, at the time where most runners need that extra energy around!
So how did I do? Targets were:
Baseline:
Not bother the nice St Johns people too much... (finish)
Achievable:
4:20:00 (9:55 min/ml)
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
4:05:00 (9:21 min/ml)
and I did:
My actual time was 4:15, due to the aforementioned reasons... watch stops when I do!
The rewards were a very nice medal and possibly the nicest running shirt I now own. Thing is beautiful and deserves to be on a better runner than me!
Overall, I didn't deserve better for the prep I'd done. But on course I felt I could have done if all was well. Mixed feelings bordering on disappointment and keen to do another, looking at Tenby in a couple of months... work hard and I'll get better results.
Be the Treforest 10k next out though end of the month.
Edit!
A note to the marshal I rushed past when he was trying to give me a gel. Toilet was calling. Leaving the gel and water outside the loo for me when I come out was a genuine nice act. You deserve my medal more than me!
Saturday, 6 May 2017
Race Day Preview - Great Welsh Marathon
Marathon #1 of 2017, #2 ever is here... joy...
I jest, I am looking forward to it, it'll be a good test. However, my prep has been inadequate to say the least and this isn't going to be a PB or anything. I've accepted this fact.
Goals for the day:
Baseline:
Not bother the nice St Johns people too much... (finish)
Achievable:
4:20:00 (9:55 min/ml)
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
4:05:00 (9:21 min/ml)
Last one would be a PB... which contradicts what I said... I'm going to bed...
I ran 4:09 in Manchester last year, I'm fitter/stronger now I think, but equally I'd done the prep for that one. Who knows hey!
No number shot as I get that tomorrow. Try instagram at about 8:05.
I jest, I am looking forward to it, it'll be a good test. However, my prep has been inadequate to say the least and this isn't going to be a PB or anything. I've accepted this fact.
Goals for the day:
Baseline:
Not bother the nice St Johns people too much... (finish)
Achievable:
4:20:00 (9:55 min/ml)
Would be nice, but maybe beyond me this time:
4:05:00 (9:21 min/ml)
Last one would be a PB... which contradicts what I said... I'm going to bed...
I ran 4:09 in Manchester last year, I'm fitter/stronger now I think, but equally I'd done the prep for that one. Who knows hey!
No number shot as I get that tomorrow. Try instagram at about 8:05.
Monday, 1 May 2017
April Monthly Summary!
Month 4 of 12 of the year of 2017 is done and for me and well... it's not all Happy and Shiny...
So, everyone around, distance, distance, I didn't do enough.. (you can kind of fit that to the tune).
In April I covered a mere 45.3 miles, for easily my lowest total of the year. But as a way of demonstrating I'm still testing myself, this low total gave me my highest elevation gain of the year. Makes sense.
This total included 1 race (6m, 13%).
Not a good month, although my parkrun volunteer stats have gone through the roof!
So far...
So, everyone around, distance, distance, I didn't do enough.. (you can kind of fit that to the tune).
My continuing mission towards an annual total of 650 miles has continued on target. To hit this I need to be averaging 54 miles a month or roughly 14 miles a week.
In April I covered a mere 45.3 miles, for easily my lowest total of the year. But as a way of demonstrating I'm still testing myself, this low total gave me my highest elevation gain of the year. Makes sense.
This total included 1 race (6m, 13%).
Not a good month, although my parkrun volunteer stats have gone through the roof!
So far...
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Total |
| 78.5 | 71.4 | 77.4 | 45.3 | 272.6 |
| 12% | 11% | 12% | 7% | 42% |
I did say I was anticipating a poor month and I delivered. Still ahead of teh target curve and I can pretty much guarantee getting 26.2 miles in May... and possibly another 6 in Treforest...
Anyone in Llanelli or Tref say hi! I'll be the one crying in anticipation of an awful race. and a PW (or DNF)
Sunday, 30 April 2017
Ballot time
The London Marathon is done!
Let's start the whole process over again!!
Tomorrow begins my annual process of signing up to the London Marathon ballot.The week long, dilution to the point of no hope, of places for the British entry in the World Marathon Majors series.
Back in the day it capped at 125,000 entries, making it unlikely but as it's now 5 days long it gets around 250,000 making it as likely as me waking up tomorrow able to run the 'goof for age' time. I can't... by over an hour...
The only reason I can really think for this change is the hope more and more people choose to donate their entry fee, even if they don't get in. Increased cash through the door. Running clubs also get a very small allocation of places based on their size (1 for up to 100 members), but as I haven't got one of them anymore...
Yes, there are always charity places, but the raising of £2,000 + makes that the most stressful thing ever plus many charities charge the runner double the normal entry fee on top. This isn't always their fault as it sound like the organisers charge charities crazy amounts of money for the privilege of having a place.
So come the morning (or at some point during the week) I'll enter, already knowing it's a waste of bandwidth. Then I'll browse through the charity places, before deciding I can't do it. Then I'll forget about it til next year. Where I'll probably do the same.
The only reason I can really think for this change is the hope more and more people choose to donate their entry fee, even if they don't get in. Increased cash through the door. Running clubs also get a very small allocation of places based on their size (1 for up to 100 members), but as I haven't got one of them anymore...
Yes, there are always charity places, but the raising of £2,000 + makes that the most stressful thing ever plus many charities charge the runner double the normal entry fee on top. This isn't always their fault as it sound like the organisers charge charities crazy amounts of money for the privilege of having a place.
So come the morning (or at some point during the week) I'll enter, already knowing it's a waste of bandwidth. Then I'll browse through the charity places, before deciding I can't do it. Then I'll forget about it til next year. Where I'll probably do the same.
Wednesday, 26 April 2017
To run or not to run....
11 days to go...
11 days until the Great Welsh Marathon and my jaunt between Llanelli and Bury Port. Today I tried a much delayed long run, not as long as I would have as it's too close, but I thought 15 will do it. Give me the confidence that I'm going to do at least a passable job.
However, what I didn't realise is how close Bryn Bach Park is to Merthyr.. as a result I ran there, across a tiny stone covered road, which frequently had me stood at the side of the road waiting for cars to pass.
By the way, if it says go slow due to loose stones on road, LISTEN, I got battered by tiny tiny little rocks so many times...
Back on topic, I ran there and looked at my watch to be dismayed so see a mere 4.5 miles... undeterred I did a unplanned 2nd lap of the lake and headed back, same road, same issues... after a slight detour under ASDA I was about to return o the start and... still short. So I added another hill, then another loop, then I realised the run had become so disjointed there was no point anymore.
So I'm short on mileage... badly short, should I still run Llanelli, or more likely run it 'to get round' not to try and PB. I don't know, but I better decide soon.
While running I was very comfortable today, easily within myself, but I'm quite the distance away from being there...
11 days until the Great Welsh Marathon and my jaunt between Llanelli and Bury Port. Today I tried a much delayed long run, not as long as I would have as it's too close, but I thought 15 will do it. Give me the confidence that I'm going to do at least a passable job.
However, what I didn't realise is how close Bryn Bach Park is to Merthyr.. as a result I ran there, across a tiny stone covered road, which frequently had me stood at the side of the road waiting for cars to pass.
 |
| I have no idea what's going on with my face. |
By the way, if it says go slow due to loose stones on road, LISTEN, I got battered by tiny tiny little rocks so many times...
Back on topic, I ran there and looked at my watch to be dismayed so see a mere 4.5 miles... undeterred I did a unplanned 2nd lap of the lake and headed back, same road, same issues... after a slight detour under ASDA I was about to return o the start and... still short. So I added another hill, then another loop, then I realised the run had become so disjointed there was no point anymore.
So I'm short on mileage... badly short, should I still run Llanelli, or more likely run it 'to get round' not to try and PB. I don't know, but I better decide soon.
While running I was very comfortable today, easily within myself, but I'm quite the distance away from being there...
Monday, 24 April 2017
Merthyr parkrun #1
Early in the month you may remember my presence at the trial run of the all new Merthyr parkrun. If you don't, that's a link, so you can instantly become 'up to speed'. Oh and sorry for the old capitol P there, I wasn't as knowledgeable at the time.
Well, it's happened. Merthyr parkrun is live, it's a thing, every Saturday morning from now on (within reason), on the Taff Trail behind the leisure center you will find it. Good times!
Event number one went well, maybe better than I expected.155 brave souls, from as far as Poole and Twyn, turned up to try the... undulating... (pretty much) 5000 meters ably assisted by 20 or so yellow jacket wearing volunterrs. Nobody got lost, fell, wasn't timed (I was a timer!), exploded or anything bad at all!
For those of you who don't know, parkrun is a weekly free timed event, aimed at getting as many as people possible active. It's a great initiative and it's running in 100s of locations all over the country now.
As someone who has run a few (17) parkrun events myself, the opportunity to become the member of a core team was really appealing and I've fallen on my feet with it being so local and having a pretty good team. The Event/Race Director is local author/celebrity Hannah Phillips with the core volunteers coming from the local running groups such as RunWithUs and MRC.
Oh and me, like my facebook page ppppppplease.
The help from parkrun has been excellent, we've been kitted out, tech'd up and supported all the way (and still ongoing). The course is a pretty one, with the bare minimum of laps going on, so it's interesting too. Where else can you get a waterfall (in the right weather conditions) and a call centre on the same 5k?
I encourage anyone to come and give it a go, it doesn't matter if you're fast, slow, a walker or anything. It's an all inclusive event and the Merthyr team will always give you a warm welcome. Don't want to run, there's always the need for more hands on deck as a volunteer!
Just please don't bring a dog or a pushchair as the course isn't suitable!
If you want more info, you can find everything you need here (website) or here (if you prefer the book of faces).
I have a feeling this will be the start of something good for the community!
Well, it's happened. Merthyr parkrun is live, it's a thing, every Saturday morning from now on (within reason), on the Taff Trail behind the leisure center you will find it. Good times!
Event number one went well, maybe better than I expected.155 brave souls, from as far as Poole and Twyn, turned up to try the... undulating... (pretty much) 5000 meters ably assisted by 20 or so yellow jacket wearing volunterrs. Nobody got lost, fell, wasn't timed (I was a timer!), exploded or anything bad at all!
 |
| High Viz Heroes and Blue Leader! |
As someone who has run a few (17) parkrun events myself, the opportunity to become the member of a core team was really appealing and I've fallen on my feet with it being so local and having a pretty good team. The Event/Race Director is local author/celebrity Hannah Phillips with the core volunteers coming from the local running groups such as RunWithUs and MRC.
Oh and me, like my facebook page ppppppplease.
The help from parkrun has been excellent, we've been kitted out, tech'd up and supported all the way (and still ongoing). The course is a pretty one, with the bare minimum of laps going on, so it's interesting too. Where else can you get a waterfall (in the right weather conditions) and a call centre on the same 5k?
I encourage anyone to come and give it a go, it doesn't matter if you're fast, slow, a walker or anything. It's an all inclusive event and the Merthyr team will always give you a warm welcome. Don't want to run, there's always the need for more hands on deck as a volunteer!
Just please don't bring a dog or a pushchair as the course isn't suitable!
If you want more info, you can find everything you need here (website) or here (if you prefer the book of faces).
I have a feeling this will be the start of something good for the community!
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