Race report by Dave Phillips.
I guess that if you pop down to Pembrokeshire for a long week end of gardening, housework, going to and joining in with Tenby Male Choir at their concert at St. Mary’s Church, then a couple of runs won’t mess up things too much. Then it turned out to be a double 1st (or triple 1st if last week’s Draycote 20 miler counts).
National Trust Colby Gardens 5k – Saturday 29.9.18
This pre breakfast 3 lapper over the stony trails in the beautiful woodlands made sure that I could justify my Welsh breakfast when I got home. As usual the 4 hills per lap added to the interest on the narrow paths with runners and their dogs. Mind you I had the place to myself on lap 3 so no real problems.
Usual banter on the laps so a good start to the w/e.
Massey/Pembrokeshire Harriers time:
Dave Phillips 38.02. Plus 1st in my age category.
Pembrokeshire ½ mararthon, Dale – Sunday 30.9.18
This event along with the 10k was a sell out again but what a killer the half is-that’s why I do it every year. Plus it’s part of Pembrokeshire Harriers club race series so a “must do”.
The 1st 3 hilly miles take you to the cliff tops at St. Anne’s Head and Lighthouse where you have to turn back as the next land is America and I didn’t fancy a biathlon.
Then from 6 to 9 is as tough as they come as it’s all uphill to Marloes at the highest point of the coast round here. Super views of Skomer Island but again I didn’t fancy a swim. In fact you could see the horizon of the sea and land in all directions such was the height we had climbed on almost traffic free lanes. Probably the cars couldn’t make it up the hills.
Then a jog back down through Marloes to 11 where the ups and downs came into play with about 6 hills in the last 2 miles.
Eventually the finish came into sight on the sea front and was I glad to finish. Next year anyone?
Massey/Pembrokeshire Harriers time:
Dave Phillips 3hrs 01 min. Plus I won the prize ( a bottle of Chardonay) for the Oldest Runner in the half!! Guess if you are that old you will always win-that’s why I keep going.
Add these 2 firsts to my age category 1st at Draycote then it’s a Tripos or Hat Trick I guess!
Roll on Chester marathon this w/e.