When I did Trail Marathon Wales on the hottest day of the year, last year, I said I'd never do a run in heat like that again. So how come I ended up attempting an ultra during a heatwave?! Yes... I must be mad. It was a day of ups and downs, and I did... Continue Reading →
My Welsh 3000s challenge: an epic adventure
The bottom line is I failed to complete the challenge. I didn't climb all of the 15 peaks in Snowdonia that are over 3000 feet (about 1000 metres), and make up the Welsh 3000s, I only climbed 10. An impulse decision meant I missed a whole section, covering 5 peaks, including my favourite, Tryfan. However,... Continue Reading →
Llangollen Round running challenge: trials and tribulations
What a day! I spent most of it unsure whether I'd complete the full 33 miles or not, swinging from lows when my whole body ached and my mind wanted nothing more than to give in, to highs when I was loving it and determined to finish. The scenery was stunning; the weather was perfect... Continue Reading →
Nervous excitement
That's what I'm feeling today. I woke early, at about 5.30, and lay there thinking about the challenge ahead of me tomorrow, wondering whether I'll manage it. 33 miles of ascents and descents. And if I don't do it, does that mean the Welsh 3000s is off? I'm having a busy day so that's stopped... Continue Reading →
The challenges begin
I'm nervous... very nervous. I feel woefully underprepared for the challenges I've booked to take part in over the next few months, the first being the Llangollen Round on Saturday... a  guided challenge along a 33 mile trail in the hills around Llangollen and the River Dee, with 5300 feet of ascent. We did the... Continue Reading →