Castles Relay - Dinas M to Foel

Got signed up to the following leg from last year and instead of finishing I was starting in Dinas M and on the route to Foel. The run followed the main road and at times it was a bit hairy with the stream of vehicles passing close. Top field of runners always good to stretch my ability. Lost touch with the leaders early on but held on top 10 position with a fast finish. Superb crowd at the finish saw me come in 8th out if 80. 

Ras yr Hafod 2013

With a long distance cycle trip around the corner I was always in doubt if I should make the trip to the Hafod but an early trip from work found me cycling the 20 miles to the start line. A superb setting of Rivers, tree's and single track it's a top race. A limited field of 16 athletes was a disappointment but still contained enough talent to make it a tough race.

I pushed hard after the first mile and made it a task of thrashing out the first lap and settle into a rhythm for the 2nd. No Sign of any runners I enjoyed the second lap and finished strong. Jumping on the bike I headed for home before the light stopped play. Not a bad nights work.

41min - 10k.

Sarn Helen Castles Relay on the weekend.

Tour series 4th Cat

After finally given in to the new bike, fitting issues!! I polished the Scott and set about my plans for the night. Another wild night expected a late change of course proved a great move with less straights and more twists. A course which would suit my skinny sticks and cornering skills. Set off ready to finish in one piece this year, but after 10meters I was in the barrier. My training partner missed a pedal and ploughed us all into the wall. Bent handle bars and leavers I was happy to call it a day but remembered the bonus of a lap out if you are held up due to an accident or technical. On lap 2 I slotted myself into the 2nd group and went about pursuing the leaders. Put a few good shifts on the front and somehow managed to avoid some nasty crashes. With 5min to go I was in the lead pack and feeling strong. Last lap I attacked and went for glory, last corner with a lead I got held up by some back markers. Having to brake and manoeuvre I lost my momentum and got picked to the line to finish 2nd. Thrilled to have been competitive but really should have grabbed the win. 

Sunday was the end to the festival weekend with a 105m bike ride with the boys. Awesome day with 9700 ft of climbing it was testing but very enjoyable. Cracking weekend. 

Sarnhelen hill race

Scorching hot day on the cards it was always going to be a tough event. 16.5 miles little knowledge of the route and a strong field of local runners. Started off a steady pace and hit the gears when we approached the hills and reached 3rd position. Once we climbed the scenery was out of the world with views reaching down to Brecon and beyond. The road switched to single track, trail and rock with a selection of quirky twists and turns. Never sticking to the same track was refreshing and kept all the athletes on their toes ready for the next turn. 8 miles in and running with Glyn we approached a monster 1 mile climb. Climbing like a goat I put 200m on him on the top and pushed home from this point. Long decent to llanfair was a tough stage with the knees taken a pounding. The climbing continued after a short break with a long climb up into long wood, strong climb I'd given myself a nice lead on 4th. With 3 miles left the legs and calfs were tight and heavy but no sign of competition I was able to enjoy the finish into Lampeter. Finished 1h 58. 40 sec ahead of 4th, 8 min down on 1st and 2nd.Drink stops were plenty with 2 cups of water being drunk at each station, along with 2 gels. Superb day with a stunning course.

Cwrtnewydd 4 mile

Local run which always manages to gather a strong field of runners. Another nice day sun out I pushed a hard pace from the start and held onto 2nd, managed a pb and a strong run.

Llandow crit

Made more of an effort this time around with a few turns on the front of the bunch before a group finish, my legs leaving me a little slower in 11th.

Teifi 10

Welsh champ event the field quickly gathered and showing some fast runners. A steady run with mike until 8 miles then put the hammer down to a fast finish in just over an hour. Beaten by a 70 year old who happened to set a world record fastest time, 4 minutes quicker than my young legs. Painful