Team Pursuit 2012

A race which was a first for myself after missing out on last years action due to a timing error. Arrived in the driving rain and wind at Crymych Leisure centre after a weekend Cupboard shopping. The race involved a team of 5 athletes setting off on the 6.5 mile route on set times with all athletes setting off on 15 second intervals. Sarn Helen brought 4 teams down to the race with 3 male and 1 female. I was selected in the A team which included some top runners, it wouldn't have surprised me if all of us took the 5 fastest times of the day. Mike D, D Hooper, Glyn P Carwyn T and myself. I set off after 7 minutes and quickly put my foot down catching the 30 runners up front. The route was on narrow lanes and started off with a 1 mile down hill dash, a undulating middle section before reaching the 5 mile mark where it kicked up with a nasty climb which had the legs screaming out for a walk. Very cold and wet the finish line was a welcome site and result confirmed Sarn Helen A winning by an 8 min margin and myself picking up the 4th fastest time out of the day. Very enjoyable and a new form of racing always a bonus.

Llyn Llydaw New years Race 2012

Plenty of doubt if I should sign up to this beauty but having somehow managed to be nominated as the Dez driver for the night the 10.00am race was on. Shoes on I headed from Nant Gwynant to Pen y pass to find the conditions absolutely shocking. Gale Force winds and howling rain, lovely. Tricky conditions to decide on clothing but settled for 2 under layers, 1 t-shirt and shorts but without any snow on the peaks in a new year race this was a rare sight. Staggered start with each group heading off in 4 min intervals. Nominated myself in the Fast group which was the last to head off, leaving Pen y pass and turning the first corner i was struggling to even move let alone run. Left my group within the first 1/2 mile and settled into a leisurely pace. Leaving the footpath around Llyn Llydaw involved 2 miles of river crossings, bogs and stone jumping. A quick stint back on the footpath before another off road stagger for 3/4 mile, a quick touch of the green shed before blasting back to the Youth Hostel. Wind strong enough to push me off the footpath and hailstones which had me hiding my face. The worst thing was that Tina had come to watch and had been caught in the middle of the storm with only a Rain cat and my Fleece didn't do much to keep her dry.

Finished with a smile and the timekeeper announcing my time to be the fastest of the day so far. Having started last and passed both groups in front I thought I'd finally won my first event. BUUUUTTT Mr timekeeper had missed one name who would eventually take the prize by 2 min, with myself finishing 2nd. With the results out a couple of days later I'd already told half the family of my winning start to 2012, Dohhh!
Keep trying