Breiddyn hills 2015

Final round of the Welsh fell series, after a string season making the final few rounds had been tricky. Getting into the swing of things this year with more effort on achieving consistent training. Still only averaging 2-3 runs a week so much to improve on. A full car of us arrived at the foot of the Breiddyns just north of Welshpool, a hill range which I've passed on numerous occasions and always thought they'd be an interesting climb. Not feeling sharp in the day after a tough week in work I started at a steady pace holding on to top 10

Llyn y fan face 2015

4th place Welsh champsIn the mood for this race with some good result and training and even took in a route Reece as it was only a few miles from home. Considering this id never been to the region, long steady climb undulating over the ridge then a sharp decent down the grassy bank to the finish. 5.5 miles. Started off with 3 others at the front with a quick pace pulling away from the other runners, coming off the access road to the lake we hit the steeper part and the grass and mud. Was in 3rd then lost a position on the climb feeling the pain a little and struggling to recover. Held onto the heels of MDu runner and took some nice lines keeping sight of the front 3. A sharp up and down we hit the last summit and head straight down to the edge of the lake. A gradual decent then followed on long grass which hid some unexpected stones and obstacles. Kept close to the others and without noticing was gaining. The 3rd place runner had a fall on one of the rocks and was struggling to make the finish, promoting me up a position on his expense. Finished strong 44.13. 4th

Ras Beca 2015

This race would always fall on my wedding anniversary and was always going to be a race I would never be able to make. But how things change I was here lining up with all my friends and training partners ready for the mud bath. Lot of people making a point that's it's the race of the year and always gives you a different challenge. Started running through open moorland with pools of water waist deep with a few of the runners not holding grip and getting their heads wet. I tried to hold on to felioea heels and could see him slowly creeping away going towards the oncoming Preseli hills. On hitting the climb I was feeling stronger and half way up I managed to pass the leader but had company very close by. 3 of us making the first summit together. I got passed by an unknown runner and was lying in 2nd place and traversing the ridge on the flowing section. Really working hard all race the surface was always wet and muddy with lots of boulders and ditches. Felipe passing me on the last little climb I was in touch with the last decent to

come. For some reason I have found my decending feet and flew down to catch 2nd but maybe mentally couldn't pass. On hitting the rough, wet, muddy flat finish I was struggling to find any rhythm and at that point was happy to make 3rd place. It had been a tough day, cross country would have been easier. 30 off the win I was happy enough. A great day with the team trophy and a weekend in Bristol to clear the legs ahead.

Brecon hills 20mile Welsh champs

After an almighty week of shock and anger the only way back to reality was to find a race somewhere, the dad suggested I find one just to keep me busy. What better way to blow the cobwebs than a 20 mile run over the Brecon Beacons. Decided the night before to race so me and dad jumped in the van and headed down to a 11 start. The weather looking very mild we headed off from talybont dam up towards the bica and further on to Cronyn and penyfan. I had a good pacer in gancho in front of me who was of similar pace but would have him down as a long distance specialist so I was happy to stay on toe with him. Taking a few wrong turns in route. None of us knowing the route it was lucky the low cloud had lifted. Coming up to penyfan in mile 9 I still felt god and grabbed what food was on offer from the marshals. Cake and jelly babies and grabbed a bottle of water. I was lying in 3rd at this point with gancho few sec behind and the 2 mynydd du runners gone ahead on their own. I put in a good few miles of effort at this point but was having stop to often to check I had company as I had left my map in the van and with no sign posts was asking walkers if they had seen any runners going past. 🙈. On mile 12 coming off the mountain to the damn I saw the old man on his bike, and he knew the road for the next few miles. A big relief as I felt god but struggled with the navigation. After a flat 2 mile section we climbed once again and I caught glimpse of the 2nd place runner for the first time. Th next leg was over the ridge following the lake and finishing on the peak of tan yr foel. Was getting tired at this point but was easily holding on to 3rd and had a large gap to 4th but close enough to be able to see him. Coming off the mountain to the finish I thought I knew the route but took a wrong turn and headed down hill away from the finish. I realised to late what I had done and turned around to see that the runner behind had passed me. Still no wiser of the way to the finish I went through some fields before finally catching the finish line in the dam. 4th place. A fantastic day considering and giving me that belief that the long run was not beyond the legs. Not to far behind leaders with the wrong turns and navigational. 

Coniston show fell race #1

Snowdonia super cup

Last minute entry uphill only to the summit. Invitation only. 51.20. Felt like shiiiit after a horrible week of no running.

Fan y Big 2015 #2