Race reports by Dave Phillips.
As usual at this time of year we pop down to our place in Penally to do the garden, fish, sing with the Tenby Male Choir, train with Pembrokeshire Harriers and of course do the local races.
So 5 races it was in 10 days, back now for the week and the Corporate 5, then back this w/e for the same stuff (3 races including a fell race) + holidays of course.
May have to see the doctor as the breathing problem has returned.
National Trust Colby Gardens 5k, near Amroth, Pembs – 5.8.17
Good turnout for this event with c160 runners including 2 of us from Massey, 2 from Solihull and a few others I meet round the circuit. A few local ladies are thinking of joining Pembs Harriers on what we call the “Couch to 5k” build up so 12 turned up for the park run and 4 of us from PH dragged and swept them round for their inaugural run. They all enjoyed it and have promised to join us.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 40.18.
Brecon 10 miler – 6.8.17
Done this many times but as you can imagine the foothills of the Brecon Beacons are anything but flat but wonderful scenery with the start and finish on the track made the event worthwhile.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 2hrs 5 mins.
Poppit Sands 3 miler – 8.8.17
This was the last in the series of 3 just outside Cardigan at the mouth of the estuary. So it was a full house as the overall winners would be announced afterwards but the wind blowing off the sea and up the beach and estuary was horrendous. Soft sand and a head on 50+MPH wind is not the easiest thing around . But on lap 2 the tide was racing in and the large stepping stones over the small sub estuary crossing were completely submerged and we had to wade across the river bed knee deep in fast flowing water. It was only a few yards but many fell over as you couldn’t see the rocks on the stream bed. Then the beach again with the head on wind to the finish.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 36.11
Colby Gardens 5k – 12.8.17
Similar goings on to the week before and again we dragged round the “Couch to 5K” ladies and several had joined us at Pembs Harriers.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 40.21.
Cardigan Mayors 10k – 13.8.17
I do this every year and I always say “they don’t come any harder”. Well my breathing problems were back with me and I nearly turned back after 100 yards as I was breathless. But the sweeper said he would get me round so off we went for 3.5 miles mostly all uphill and very steep. Finally the top was reached and then it was flat and gradually down back to Cardigan where the Mayor handed me my goodie bag. I was last and apologised for keeping him out so long.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 1hr 24 mins.