Ron Skilton Half M 2012

A new event which happened to clash with the 1st leg of the Gwent league in Bridgend. A 45min drive from home I was looking forward to this event a half marathon Trail race which was hosted by the town of Llanwrtyd wells. Not a huge amount of runners turned up which was dissapointing but enough for competition. Started off at the front where 4 of us quickly set a tempo and time over the chasing pack. Route started climbing within the first mile, with twisting single track, forest roads and stunning views over the hills. 20min of climbing we then stuck to the forest roads on the way down, losing 1 it was now a 3 horse race with us all keeping a high pace. With the route returning to the village after 7 miles and 5.5 to go a break was made and a gap was put between us which stayed until the finish. Road shoes not the best solution to the boggy climbs on lap 2 with the terrain involving more grassy sections, steep decents, couple of river crossings and some relentless long climbs. The last 3 miles involved a fast decent on a rocky dirt road to the tarmac before a sprint back to the village.  A very enjoyable run, a nice distance, great climbs, superb scenery and nice sandwich selection to top it off.

2nd

1h 35min.


21st October 2012

Arening Fawr

Arenig Fawr 7th Oct 2012.  (Bala - Traws)

You turn up , full of promise and enthusiasm get a good warm up in, scout the opposition and then 100 mtr's into the race, boom. I've been here before!

Glorious sunny day 6 miles north of Bala it was promising to be a great event. A large crowd at the start was informed that the start line was 1mile jog down the road, excuse for a warm up. The route started up towards the summit on a solid track before hitting the fell towards the summit of Arenig fawr. Naturally went off with a blast hoping to hold on but gradually fell off the leaders. Reached the summit in 7th with the climb never ending with the terrain boggy with a few rocks ready to catch out a loose foot. The decent was a little silly with the 4 year old Solomon's struggling to hold onto the wet grass. Lost 4 places on the run down with the route catching out most runners and over the last 2 miles the scuba kit would have helped with the boggy terrain knee deep coming into the finish.   Good to get a fell run in before the winter season, motivation to train back on track. Finished 9th.