Mud, rain, more mud and cider

Many of these blog posts will, I’m sure, be full of useful tips, fantastic experiences and great motivational ideas. They may well tell you how to best prepare for race days in the hours beforehand, what to eat, how much sleep to get – that sort of thing. Well, this isn’t quite one of those, but hopefully will be enjoyable if nothing else. I should caveat elements of this post come with the “Don’t try this at home” warning!

Having had a busy few months I’ve been unable to enter any of the main races people have been off doing and I’ve watched races come and go, and people produce great runs, personal bests and more as the sun has (generally) shone. Two curry nights have now come and gone where I’ve had to turn up medal-less and feeling a bit of a fraud as I hadn’t earned my Keema Naan on that particular evening.

So, it was with a certain level of excitement when I signed up for the Celtic Trail Half Marathon at Margam Park on Saturday. My first half of the year, the first of three, planned to build up towards what will hopefully – injuries permitting – be a 1:40-something personal-best-smasher in Cardiff on October 1^st.

That was months ago. In the meantime, I forgot the date slightly when signing up for a work social trip to Chepstow Races Ladies Evening. That was Friday night and it wasn’t just a few races and home, early to bed. Oh no…this was a 2pm coach to get there. Home at midnight after a Rod Stewart tribute act had performed (I know!).

Ah well, with the run the next day I thought I’d just go easy on the drinking, mix up the cider with the soft drinks and be fresh enough come the Saturday morning. Wouldn’t I?

Well, no. The sun was out, beating hot and there was prosecco on the bus. With some classy camping champagne flutes. By the time we arrived in Chepstow I’d had three glasses. We arrived before the gates had even opened and then there were nearly three hours until the first race so the natural thing to do was sit in the sun with a few pints. And, of course, the traditional carb-loading pre-race evening was replaced by a jumbo sausage and chips as that was pretty much all there was. And a donut (that’s how they spelled it!) for a late-night treat.

So a fairly significant number of pints later, with greasy, fatty food sitting in my stomach, I got back on the bus – had an obligatory final glass of Prosecco of the evening, and got to bed around 12:30 – seven hours until the alarm was due to wake me up.

To ensure I don't get a ticking off, I should add that it's not big and it's not clever and I advise you not to try it!

When the alarm did eventually go off, I felt surprisingly fresh. Lying there for a few moments to gather my thoughts, I actually felt OK so a ripple of positivity went through me. A beautiful evening the night before, what a lovely day it will be to run the hills and climbs of Margam Park.

The rest, as they, say, was history.

The wettest, darkest, most miserable day we’ve had in months was awaiting. It was truly horrible. We gathered around the start, huddled under trees to try and stay dry and retain a slight bit of warmth before the start. That failed and a ten-minute delay (as one of the Marshall’s Jeeps had slid down a bank) didn’t help either.

There’s a lot of talk about race envy. I’ve had plenty this year as race days have arrived. Saturday was definitely not one of those days. In fact, quite the opposite. I think I would have given up and gone home if others hadn’t been there – and that’s one of the benefits of being part of this great club.

Once the race started – as it often does – things got better. Once you’re running and getting warmed up, it felt OK and the beastly climbs of the first four miles became the main focus of the mind. 

However, as we climbed, visibility became dreadful and then got worse. Running this race in July there had been the prospect of being able to look across the 20 miles or so towards Swansea Bay at the top and perhaps even stop for some pictures. 20 metres was more like it. For much of the higher part of the route I could only see one person in front of me, even though I wasn’t that far behind others. I had to hope he/she was going the right way or Mountain Rescue would have had an extra call to make.

It was slippery, muddy and boggy. I must have run an extra half-mile darting diagonally sideways across the paths to avoid the worst of the puddles, but that only worked to a certain extent. 

Downhill sections were bordering on dangerous, with muddy puddles of the type Peppa Pig would have loved, hiding the stones and rocks which – if you landed on them wrongly – could have sent you tumbling down the hill. You literally couldn’t slow down at certain points without risking injury.

At the end, pre-race plans to grab a bacon bap and watch the others come in were abandoned due to the sandy mud covering every inch below the waist and the rain which continued to sheet down and seemed to be getting colder once the running had stopped. It was thoroughly miserable and after a brutal race we all just wanted to get home as quickly as possible.

So bearing all that in mind, I had a rubbish day, yeah?

Well, no. Because I still did a half marathon. In a none-too-shabby time considering my unadvisable preparation and a toilet stop halfway around. I did the full race in a minute or so over two hours (I’ll have to practice weeing on the move!!)  and my half-marathon time – given the course was 13.5 miles – was just five minutes off my previous PB!

So, what worked? The cider? The late night? The mud and the rain?

Who knows – but what I do know is that despite everything I have just written, I came away with a very satisfied feeling of contentment, proud of myself for the race I had run, delighted with the time and what that means for my preparation for Severn Bridge and Cardiff. The medal was superb – certainly one of my favourites – and ultimately it was all worthwhile and, nearly, enjoyable.

And I was delighted for the others too – the few who finished in front of me in amazing times, and those who I’m sorry I couldn’t see finish behind who give their all to every race – because being part of the club means you are always looking out for the results of others too, almost stalking – tracking their times and progress over time. It’s the first proper race I’ve genuinely felt part of a group for – I’ve historically been a solo runner – and it was great to share a lift, gather and chat over a cup of tea at the start and find out the times and positions of others at the end.

And ultimately I gave a huge sigh relief – sorry Tim and Vicky – but I felt unbelievably relieved that I wasn’t doing the marathon!!

The ultimate message is, I guess, even if you're not 'feeling it' on a race day, don't give up. Go out and try your best - your training will help you through and you may just surprise yourself!

Paul B

PRR Stats June 5th

Monday evenings come round too fast, before I know it it's stats time. Luckily I was reminded it was Monday earlier today!
It's been another monster week with so much going on, locally and also much further away. This week we have had the Treforest 10k with Gethin Edwards, Stephen Paskell, Cath Powell and A.N.Other
Still on the home shores but right at the top Sophie Taylor completing the Edinburgh Marathon and
Catherine Davis running much further away in Mont St-Michel, France, completing her marathon, well done on that one.

A big congratulations to Little Miss Broomfield completed her first 1 mile, not bad for a very young member at only 4!! (I think) Well done Rebecca on getting her out young.

On to the stats, 85 runners this week completing 1843km, seems like a quiet week but some serious distances completed over 243 different runs.
Our top distance this week goes to Neil Jones clocking an amazing 106.2km and for the ladies Catherine Davis at 60.2 after notching up the marathon distance.

King of the road this week is Darpan Singh with his monster run to the bay, bet you never thought you would be doing that a few months ago. Our Queen, well Queens, of the road this week are Catherine Davis and Sophie Taylor for their marathon runs, anyone who does the marathon deserves that status for a week. Well done everyone.

Adrian Davies has reclaimed the Billy goat award with 1039m climbed during the week, and with the Sunday run up the smaelog the climb this week stood at 18717m.

Faster out there this week and setting the pace was Chris Metclaf averaging 4:25min/km

Champ for the post 6:30's, distance goes to Catherine Davies with her 60.2km and Darpan Singh with his 25.2km. Impressive to see that the top 3 distances were all ladies, Cathering, Becs and Sophie all getting the miles in.

Dab of the week......... well why not add a picture in the comments and let people judge. :-)

Mentioned in dispatches..
 Adam Thomas, third run out on the record and under 5 mins per km well done.

 Anne Miles, super fast this week 28 secs off your best time so far, sub 7 well done.

 Beth Jenkins, 16 seconds off you best taking you sub 6 well done.

 Catherine Lundie, an amazing 30 seconds off you time and only 3 seconds off 5 mins.

 Chris Medcalf, equalled your best average weekly time.

 Josh Doyle, 4th run on on the stats and 41 seconds better than last week, almost sub 5.

 Lynsey Cruickshank, sub 6:30!! well done keep that up. 

 Martin Charles, first time sub 5, for broken you are getting faster!!!

 Matthew Wilmington, 32 seconds knocked off and sub 5:30 well done.

 Rebecca Broomfield, 6th run out and equalled your fastest time.

 Mandy Thomas Gulliford,  keeping it consistent with 6:30 again this week.

This Saturday is the pub social meet at the Boards head if anyone else want to come along feel free.

Don't forget the Pontypridd parkrun is not on for the next 2 weeks, so don't make the same mistake as I did last year!! well me and a few other people were there to find the fair instead of a park run.

If you're running in the heat to make sure you have plenty of water with you.

keep an eye out for the organised runs on the facebook page, If your are heading out post a message to see if anyone wants to join you over half term, there are a few more people around during the day.

Keep up the efforts 🙂

PRR stats 22nd May

Well I don't know where to start today there has been so much going on, from personal best on our club runs to the first 10k's, relay races and far flung ultras is sunnier climates. Well done to everyone on those achievements.

Still not quite there for the 2000km in a week I think it will be very soon!!
This week we did 1689km another amazing week for #TeamPRR. 98 runners making the effort this week with another 5 new runners.

A few reminders that we have the social night on June 3rd in the Boards head and everyone is welcome, also on the 25th after the Swansea half, the Indiaah curry and fund raiser. £10.95 for a great night and a few beers.

Don't forget to join the runners on pontyclunroadrunners.co.uk

Back to the stats for this week.

5 more names added to our stats, some recognised from the weekly runs and finally joining Strava, Matt Lauder, Mandy Thomas Gulliford, Neil Coleman, Catriona Rutland-Keeler, Sam Taylor.

Our long haul runner on the road this week is Vicky Mead running 80.9 km and for the men Adrian Davies gets it this week with 56.1 km.

Kings and Queens, just toooo many to mention, Louise, Reynolds, Celine Gulliford, Mandy Thoma-Gulliford, Kelly Preece, Linda Doyle and Victoria Young well done to all of you. From the relays, TeamWind - Jonathen Mead, Kay Lawless and Becks Williams,
TeamThunder - Dhana Caple, Catherine Powell, Kate Mortimer-Jones,
Superman - Neil Jones, Adam Payne, Gethin Edwards,
Tornadoes - Adrian Davies, Kerry Roberts, Huw Davis
TeamLightning - Ross Youlden, Claire Prosser, Danielle Roberts. (If i got the team members wrong they were the ones listed!!)
and our wandering travellers Phil Goodall doing the trail festival in Builth and Mark Hester doing the ironman in Barcelona.

I think it may be time for people to nominate people for best efforts, there were so many this week and as they scroll past I miss them, maybe run leaders could suggest their runner of the week.

Between everyone we completed 253 runs this week.

Our billy goat again this week was Vicky Mead climbing 1105 m, I'm guessing it must have been raining in Tonyrefail and no one got onto the hills.. Between us we climbed 14423 m.

Speedster of the week was Neil Jones with and average speed of 3:57 m/km, well done Chris.

For the sub 6:30s....

Run forest run, Vicky Mead you take the trophy this week with your 80.9km with Matt Lauder completing 31.7 for the men.

24 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Chris Medcalf, Kerry Roberts, Matt Lauder, Rhys Jones, Mandy Thomas Gulliford, Rhian Collier, Matt Bess, Jon James, Tim Davies, Carys Rees, Josh Doyle, Sarah Shepheard, Neil Jones, David Sansom, Neil Coleman, Lynsey Cruickshank, Tim Munn, Catriona Rutland-Keeler, Christine Binding, Hanna Smith, Sam Taylor, Matthew Wilmington, Adam Payne, Rachel Sutherwood.

The improvers and getting the mentions:
Adam Payne, you managed to equal your best average week from January.
Carys Rees, sub 6 minutes this week knocking 10 seconds off your previous best average.
Chris Medcalf, keeping it constant and averaging your best fastest pace.
Christine Binding, under the 8 min kilometre for the first time, well done 20 seconds off your previous best.
David Sansom, 19 seconds better and taking you sub 5:30.
Hanna Smith, 9 seconds off your previous best and almost down to the 5:30.
Jon James, equalling your best time recorded.
Josh Doyle, 3 run out and under the 6 minutes well done, 15 seconds off your best previous effort.
Kerry Roberts, second recorded week and 20 seconds better.
Lynsey Cruickshank, a massive 38 seconds better and only 1 second off the 6:30 average.
Matt Bess, third run out and 18 seconds improvement on your first run.
Matthew Wilmington, 3 more seconds off your recorded runs.
Neil Jones, not big runs but sub 4!! 3:57 for the week well done you must have been shifting at the relays over those hills!!
Rachel Sutherwood, 6 more seconds till you get to the 6 minutes, 56 seconds improvement!
Rhian Collier, second run out and 42 seconds improvement.
Rhys Jones, just 4 seconds away from the sub 5, well done.
Sarah Shepheard, keeping it consistent with another 2 seconds improvement from last week.
Tim Davies, well just flying, sub 6 minutes easily and 22 seconds faster than your previous best week.
Tim Munn, 9 seconds faster than your previous best only 6 away from 4:30.

Keep up the efforts :-)

PRR stats 15th May

Another week already, its been a quiet week for me but so many people out there have been very busy.

The big 1! well the big 100. We did it, 100 people recorded their runs on Strava this week.

Not quite there for the 2000km in a week but so close now. This week we did 1914km another amazing week for PRR. A record number of runners again logging on Strava, 100 runners making the effort this week with another 4 new runners.

The Cardiff half is till growing, now at 74 runners and a few more to come yet. #teamPRR

Back to the stats for this week.

I would like to welcome the new Strava runners to the fold, Kerry Roberts, Rhian Collier, Jo Beazer, Adam Thomas. We would like to welcome you all.

Our long haul runner on the road this week is Paul Binning running 74.7 km for the men and for the women Catherine Davis gets it again this week with 57.4 km.

But who are our kings and queens this week, well i did wonder how someone who has had such a good average dropped so low this week, then i remember when i saw the distance, for me Adam Payne is the King this week with his tremendous trail run on the weekend. Sorry Paul but you did get the distance and a mention. For the ladies, well I am going to break from the tradition of this being someone from the stats, after all this is about the effort that people put it to running not just the stats, so my Queen of the week is Kelly Preece, it was doing that long run on Sunday that sealed it, maybe you bit off a bit more than expected but you did it, well done.

We rattled up an amazing 1914.2 km logging doing 277 runs this week.

Our billy goat again this week was Adrian Davies climbing 1451 m, well after the trail run i'm not surprised. Between us we climbed 17080 m.

Speedster of the week was Chris Medcalf 4:44 m/km, well done Chris.

For the sub 6:30s....
Great  to see some of those numbers coming up for the sub 6:30s and I think a few of you may have moved into the masses.

Run forest run, well I bet Adam Payne wasn't expecting this but you lead the sub 6:30s, closely followed by Vicky, Linda and Darpan very close behind.

22 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Kerry Roberts, Kathleen Walker, Amanda Burrell, Glyn Davies, Mandy Thomas, Rhian Collier, Colin Thomas, Rebecca Broomfield, Kathryn Vaughan, Louise Reynolds, Menna Rees, Martin Charles, Jo Beazer, Llio Owen, David Sansom, Catherine Lundie, Sian Brady, Vaughn Gibson, becks williams, Adam Thomas, Sarah Shepheard, Lisa Cliffe.

The improvers and getting the mentions:
Amanda Burrell, you have done it. 5:29, that's 46 seconds faster than your previous best!
Becks Williams 14 seconds faster than your previous best average.
Catherine Lundie, your 3rd run out and 3 seconds faster than you first average.
Colin Thomas, your 5th recorded run with PRR and 15 seonds faster than your first run.
David Sansom, 5:40, 17 seconds faster the your previous best!!
Glyn Davies you have equalled your first run recorded.
Kathleen Walker 9 seconds faster than your previous best average.
Kathryn Vaughan, you have smashed the 5 min/km getting in at 4:55, 12 seconds faster.
Lisa Cliffe another 12 seconds off the best and only another 12 to smash the 6 min barrier
Llio Owen, welcome back, long time no see and back with vengeance. 10 seconds of the 6 min.
Louise Reynolds another 11 seconds off the average 5 more to beat the 5:30 min one next.
Mandy Thomas another 2 seconds off to take you under the 6:30, well done.
Martin Charles, not sure how you got on here but only another 5 seconds off you average to get you under the 5 min / km.
Menna Rees, Da iawn, 2 seconds off and keeping under that 7 minutes.
Rebecca Broomfield fourth run out and another 8 seconds off your average.
Sarah Shepheard, 2nd run out clocking your time and 49 seconds improved!!
Sian Brady 2nd run out and a mahooosive 93 seconds off the average!!!!!!!!!
Vaughn Gibson, not forgetting you Vaughan, smashed the 6, smashed the 5:30 and now you are down to 5:15. keep up those PBs.

Keep up the efforts :-)

PRR stats 7th May

Doesn't seem like a week since i wrote the last set of stats, been such a busy week with events, just too many to mention.

It has been another amazing week for PRR. Always pleased to say some more records hit and achievements made. A record number of runners again logging on Strava, 95 runners making the effort this week with 4 new runners, they will get a mention later.

Cardiff half has hit 70 and passed it reaching 73 this week and still more to go. We can really start planing the training and celebrations of what will be the biggest day in #teamPRR's history.

Personally I managed to get out there as a supporter rather than a runner and must admit I thoroughly enjoyed it, so that's the next challenge to get people out there showing the support for the personal efforts that shown to complete those races.

On with the stats...... I'm going to start today with the people who have made some major effort this week to complete half and full Marathons.
I'm going to start with the marathon runners, hats off to you all something i am yet to pluck the courage to do. Gethin Edwards a tremendous effort coming in @ 3:36 on your first ever marathon, Tim Petterson i think you had 4:50 on your first, not only a brilliant effort but after the Nit Lite 10k on the evening before a truly remarkable achievement, but don't do that again!!  And not to forget Neil Jones, coming in 3rd in just over 3 hours and still beaten by the kids over the line ;-).
Then there is the half runners, some doing that 201.1 km for the first time and showing every one it can be done, an inspiration for everyone ready for the Cardiff half. Darpan Singh, Emma Reed, you both smashed it. Steve Burrell on a great time at 1:46, Jo Marshall, Vicky Mead another great run for you both again, Vicky after the 10k the night before a great achievement. But lets also not forget the elusive Sophie Taylor making her premier as a club member down the red carpet and finally meeting a few of us, there will be now stopping you now.

I would like to welcome the new Strava runners to the fold, Matt Bess, Matthew Aherne, Sian Brady and Josh Doyle.

Once again there are many kings and queens of the road, this isn't about the distances that have been covered it is about the effort that has been put it. So all you half and full marathon runners you smashed it. Gethin Edward, Tim Petterson, Neil Jones, Steve Burrell, Darpan Singh, Emma Reed, Vicky Mead, Jo Marshall and Sophie Taylor.
Personal King of the Road has to be Tim Petterson and the Queen of the road for me goes to Emma Reed.

I know there were a few other races over the weekend and I  will add any blog from anyone if they want to send it to me.

Stats wise our long haul on the road this week is Chris Metcalf running 70.5 km for the men and for the women Catherine Davis at 52.1 km.

We rattled up an amazing 1941.4 km logging doing 265 runs this week.

Our billy goat again this week was Adrian Davies climbing 679m, must have been away from the valleys!! but between everyone we climbed 13913 m, I sure the last k in the Uni Lite should count as a double height!!

Speedster of the week was Neil Jones only 1 race logged but it was a marathon averaging 4:18 m/km I still wish i could do that for a few km.

For the sub 6:30s....

Run forest run, well she has had her share of mentions this week but well done Emma Reed 43.3km, shhhhh dont tell Vicky ;-) and the longest run goes to Tim Petterson with his monster effort on the marathon..

25 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Chris Medcalf, Chris Chambost, Kathryn Vaughan, Fay Lawrence, Kathleen Walker, Rebecca Broomfield, Matt Bess, Amanda Burrell, Rhys Jones, Kate Perna Gutteridge, Miguel Sutcliffe, Hywel Evans, Mandy Thomas, Ben Trotman, Lisa Cliffe, Matthew Aherne, Martin Charles, Sian Brady, Josh Doyle, Vaughn Gibson, Claire Sutcliffe, Becky Harry, Ann-marie Carpanini, Jessica Thomas, Leon Pisani.

The improvers and getting the mentions:
Chris Medcalf my stats say you dropped another 1 second from your best weekly average.
Chris Chambost 7 seconds off your avaerage best time, 2 seconds of the 5 minute barrier.
Kathryn Vaughan, well what can I say, 24 seconds better than your previous average.
Fay Lawrence you have equalled a previous best weekly average.
Kathleen Walker under the 5:30 taking 8 seconds off your previous best.
Rebecca Broomfield, 3rd run out on the stats and 22 seconds improvement.
Amanda Burrell another 2 seconds average improvement.
Rhys Jones your 4th run out on my stats and 10 seconds better only 10 seconds of 5 minutes.
Kate Perna Gutteridge your second run out and the same as last week, very consistent.
Miguel Sutcliffe time to get faster, 10 seconds faster than your previous best, you need more gates!!
Hywel Evans 4th run on my stats, and 11 seconds improvement.
Mandy Thomas almost under that 6:30 but very consistent.
Ben Trotman 4 th run out on the stats and 15 seconds better.
Lisa Cliffe still getting faster another 2 seconds off last weeks time.
Martin Charles 1 second better than previous best.
Vaughn Gibson must have been on the spinach, 4th run out 38 seconds improvement.
Claire Sutcliffe another 4 seconds off last weeks average, well done.
Becky Harry 4th run out and 44 second better since your first run.
Ann-marie Carpanini great week, 41 seconds faster than your previous best.
Jessica Thomas second run out on the stats, 1 second faster than last week.
Leon Pisani 6 seconds faster than your previous best average, well done.

One more to thank is Steve Burrell for the effort that has gone into the website, don't forget to register and join in.

Enough of my waffle well done everyone. Keep up the efforts :-)

Vicky 50@50

A challenge is something which takes you out of your comfort zone.

I am a lazy runner. I am very comfortable in my mind about where my limits are and what I can reasonably achieve. I run just enough to reach my target and rarely push myself hard enough to want to stop. I like to make my running easy. This weekend for the first time I scheduled two races less than 12 hours apart. I don't even do normal training runs that close together! Why would any sane person want to push themselves that hard? I needed something to jerk me out of this complacency I have settled into. 

No one would ever describe running a half marathon as easy; so combining it with a 10k race the night before would definitely be considered a challenge. 

I might have enjoyed myself too much on Saturday night.  I loved the Uni Lite Night trail, it was much more fun than expected with a great atmosphere. It was just that last vertical kilometre that made it a little bit harder than expected. After all who doesn't want to run up a mountain in the dark? Just a little kick at the end to give the race a bit of zing. I power hiked to the top listening to the cheers at the finish line getting closer, then all too soon the race was over. I wondered if I had made the challenge too easy. Should I have pushed myself harder by running the marathon instead?

After about five hours sleep I set out for the Llanelli Half Marathon with one goal in mind...finishing. I knew I wasn't going to be fast, this wasn't about getting a PB, but I couldn't run it as slowly as my normal training runs. That wouldn't be challenging enough!  It wasn't as hard as I expected to start running again after such a short recovery period. In fact the only time I wondered if I was going to finish was before I crossed the start line. Once I started running I began to enjoy being out in the sunshine and appreciating the beautiful Welsh coastline. After the first five miles I settled into my normal walk/run routine and the mile markers started becoming targets in my mind. Slowing down was the right strategy. I could talk to other runners and still appreciate my surroundings. I was still enjoying myself. 

By mile 10 the night before was catching up on me; there were shooting pains up the side of my leg, I was hot and I lost my sense of humour somewhere back at mile eight. I was also getting paranoid. Why were the runners coming from the other direction starting to shout encouraging things at me? Did I look like I was losing the plot or maybe in imminent danger of collapse? Why were they smiling so much? Then I reached the final turn round point. Two and a half miles to go; less than a park run! That never fails to amuse.

I can't say I suddenly got faster. I didn't. It didn't suddenly become easier. I kept to my run walk intervals and counted down the minutes. I did do my normal sprint finish for the finish line and I know there were more miles left in my legs which is a good way to end any run. My mantra these days is run easy enough to be able run another day. Does that make me lazy? Maybe.

I haven't achieved a zen like state to help me understand the mysteries of the ultra. It was a challenge and it took me out of my comfort zone a little bit. That's enough to keep me from getting complacent about my running. 

What I did learn this weekend is a new respect for 13.1 miles. It's a long way, a huge journey. It isn't 'just a half'. It's half of nothing! I remembered why it's my favourite distance. You get a real sense of achievement. It lasts long enough to be challenging without becoming tedious. Today I ran my tenth half marathon and it was still a challenge.

PRR up to May

Well here goes, more stats up to May 2nd
We now have 131 people up from 110 linked to strava of those 110 are active runners this year.

So far this year we have run 24742.9 km that's 10 more in a month from the last stats and spent 2562 hours doing it. Between the active runners we have climbed 194131m and completed 3326 runs.

Gethin Edwards is still king of the road so far running 918.1 km and Paul Chamberlain has still spent the most time treading up his miles at 95 hours. Our mountain goat is Adrian Davies climbing 9846 m and our most active member is Adam Payne getting out there 158 times so far this year.

For those who love the equality stats, we have 60 active female runners and 50 active male runners.

No ESTYN inspection so i cant break that down further :-)

For the ladies, queen of the road is Catherine Davis on 731.1 km, although Vicky Mead, Dahna Caple and Catherine Powell have all topped and impressive 600 km. Spending thew most time on the road at over 76 hours are Catherine Davis and Vicky Mead. Both Catherine Davis and Catherine Powell have done over 6000m of climbing with Catherine Davis just pipping it at 6390m.

The most runs goes to Catherine Davis at 87 individual recorded events.

Keep up the running.

PRR stats 30th April 2017

Another great week for PRR. We hit the 50 for the Cardiff half, well we have hit the 60 and touching the 70 as I write this. What a show we will have there.
89 members this week logging their runs on strava.
This is a new record for the number of runners logging their runs as team PRR.


A few new names on my stats list so welcome to Kate Perna Gutteridge, Catherine Lundie, Keith Johns, Sarah Shepheard, Jessica Thomas and Gareth Emery

King of the road this week is Adrian Davies running 67.7km and our Queen of the Road is Vicky Mead covering 50.4km. Chris Metcalf was our most persistent runner doing 10 runs last week.


Again stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.

We rattled up an amazing 1601.4km with 89 runners doing 237 runs this week.

Our billy goat this week was Adrian Davies climbing 1050m, but between everyone we climbed 17125m, I think the Pentyrch Hill race helped that lots this week!!

Fastest pace: Stephan Hill pushed the average pace this week at 04:35 /km. (I'm only going to clock 5km or more distance in this bit).

Run forest run: Longest run goes to Kate Mortimer-Jones doing a 18.1 km run.

Below 6:30 or above depending how you look at it!....
Top distance this week is Vicky Mead at 50.4 km
Furthest male is Chris Birt clocking 46.1 km


21 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Kate Perna Gutteridge, Tim Davies, Amanda Lawton-Robinson, Sarah Beames, Catherine Lundie, Keith Johns, Lisa Cliffe, Kathleen Walker, Natalie Chamberlain, Sarah Shepheard, Jessica Thomas, Elen Crockett, Chris Williams, Lisa Hembury, gareth emery, Claire Sutcliffe, Jonathan Mead, Amy Griffiths, Leigh Smith, Ben Trotman, Alex Davies



The improvers:
Alex Davies you knocked lots off but only a short run logged this week.
Amanda Lawton-Robinson second run recorded and 30 second better than last week.
Amy Griffiths 9 seconds better than the last run
Ben Trotman 3rd recorded run and 18 seconds improvement
Chris Williams, long time no see, 48 seconds better than you last recorded average
Claire Sutcliffe 8 seconds better than previous best
Elen Crockett some good times and 23 seconds better for your average
Jonathan Mead 20 seconds faster than your best average #parkrun
Kathleen Walker 9 seconds faster than any previous average
Leigh Smith 14 seconds faster than any previous recorded average
Lisa Cliffe another 7 seconds improvement of your previous best
Lisa Hembury still getting the results with another 14 seconds improvement
Natalie Chamberlain 2 seconds off beating that 6 minute barrier, 9 seconds better than your previous best
Sarah Beames being consistent staying at 6:42 same as last week and at your best
Tim Davies 7 seconds faster than previous best and only 8 seconds from the 6 minute barrier


Keep up the efforts :-)

The team that went up a hill and came down a mountain (twice)

Well if you've ever seen the Hugh Grant film, the Englishman who went up a hill and came down a mountain you may know about the hill that is said to have inspired the story, known locally as the Garth. Well that was this month's challenge for the PRR team. The race is a gruelling but amazing route called the Pentyrch Hill Race, which sees runners, scaling the Garth not only once, but twice! With over 370m of climbing and just over 11km of running.

The PRR team joined in for the first time last year and was such a fab experience that we decided to do it again! Indeed it was actually one of my favourite races last year. We even managed to drag along some Pentyrch virgins to experience a very unique race (not sure if they thanked us or not though!). So this year we had an incredible 20 runners join in on a sunny albeit cold Tuesday evening.

The race starts off in Pentyrch before turning to the west and the ascent  of the Garth through the forestry paths to the southwest edge. The next is a flying descent on the north side before turning to the east to see a line of people ascending the Garth again from the northeast. The second ascent feels never ending, but once at the top, there are amazing views of Cardiff and surrounding countryside before you scale up to the trig point. Then there is only one way to go....DOWN! And boy what a fast and furious 2km down back in to Pentyrch to finish at the Rugby club.

Well, I am pleased to say that all of our 20 runners completed the course and I think they all enjoyed it. We had some amazing support (even providing much needed sweets at the top) from those PRR runners not running (i.e. those with a little bit more sanity 😜), which really provided some much needed boosts around the course.

I'm sure that the PRR team will be back again next year. Many thanks to the organisers for another brilliant event.

Here's just a few comments from the team (as you can see feelings at the end were a little bit mixed, but I loved it and will definitely be coming back for more):

"Views good but not worth the pain! A amazing experience running around a place that I grew up in and a race that's very close to my heart as run by church that my grandfather was a member of !" - Neil, who had just completed the London Marathon!

"Hmmmm mind the trees downhill with the sun in your eyes!!" - Mike, mostly still in one piece.

"The views were amazing.....when I finally managed to wipe away the tears with my new buff and lift my head up from staring at the floor in pain and despair!!" - Ross

"One of my favourite events this year :-) the spectacular views at the top made the climb up well worth it. It was fun, friendly and any event that finishes at a pub is always alright by me!" - Catherine running on her 'runniversary' (1 year with the club)

"It was all a bit up and down and up and down for my liking! (See what I did there!! - I'll get my coat!🙄)" - Miguel

"It was brutal but I absolutely loved it. Bring on next year x" - Hanna

Here's the results page for this year's race

And the photos, thanks to Johnny Lam

Inspired and want to know more? Here's the race website

Vicky - 50@50

I am having a real Brexit moment this week.  There are parts of me that want to stop running; my hamstrings are the chief dissenters. They are trying to convince the rest of me that I have gone too far and pushed too hard. I am not listening to them - I believe in the silent majority. They are the parts of me, that if I stopped running, would tell me how much healthier and stronger in both mind and body I used to be when I ran. And let's not forget the cake; I wouldn't be able to eat cake if I didn't run.

Planning, preparation, perseverance and positive mental attitude are the key components to success in any endeavour aren't they? I am good at the planning part; I have my next six months weekly schedule written up. Then there's Plan B in case Plan A doesn't work. I have running/racing strategies to cover most situations. I read a lot, look at running kit, study different routes, watch the weather... You get the picture. Oh and I run, I run a lot - it's kind of essential. I keep running even though I am not the fastest, I don't give up. Most of the time that is true. Apart from today. It was a real battle this morning, my body really didn't want to run this morning. That battle I told you in my last blog - it lasted at least 20 minutes this morning. That's how hard it was.

Part of the problem is that 50 miler is starting to play on my mind, it's not just 50 miles there are hills too. I don't like hills. Anyone who runs with me knows I don't like hills. So why have I joined up for three races which each involve over 3000 feet of altitude gain? Ummm? It seemed like a good idea at the time. So hilly runs are now part of the plan, and trail runs. I love trail running! That is how I started running ... On trails, it's very therapeutic. And my dogs can come too - happy days.  I think I have the distance part nailed but those hills are worrying me. So I have started putting more hills into my runs, lots more hills. 

 I really need to listen to my own advice. It turns that ten percent rule is relevant for increasing altitude gain as well as distance. My hamstrings aren't speaking to me and the calves aren't very happy either. But nothing is broken and the rest of me is laughing and high fiving. I do feel strong, I am on track and next week's mini challenge is looking good. 

It got me thinking though. Let's face it 13.1 miles is a very long way - it's four park runs...and a bit. Oh and despite being tagged as 'fast, flat and iconic', the Cardiff Half Marathon has at least 3 maybe 4 miles that you definitely have to run up. If you are a first timer or this is your tenth half marathon you can't just turn up and hope for the best. It is a real challenge - most people will tell you that Mile 10 is the make or break point for Cardiff - if you can get past that point feeling strong, you have nailed it. In March 2016 I ran the Cardiff Half and got a PB - I was grinning like a maniac for those last three miles. Who laughs as they run up Cemetery Hill? I did, I knew I had it in the bag, it was an amazing feeling. So I ran, I ran up a hill without walking! After running 12 miles! Who knew? That is what I want for all of you. To enjoy those last few miles, knowing you are going to finish and all your hard work was worth it.

Over the next few months some of you will face your own Brexit moments. Even the best of you will have bad days. I think about 20 people signed up in the last week, it may have been my fault, I might have encouraged you, hopefully I inspired you too. Now the initial excitement is dying down reality is sinking in. 'What have I done?' seems quite a popular sentiment. Don't worry, we are a team, we are all in it together and that will make everything a lot easier I promise. 

It's still five months away which is a long time especially with all the distractions that summer will bring. My best advice is to get into a good place in your head first. Believing you can do this is the most important part. My moment of doubt this morning was just that a moment. I think I can 'run' 50 miles. I know all of you can run 13.1 miles.

Oh and try to remember to enjoy your running - if you are not smiling at the end of your run you are probably doing it wrong.

Vicky - 50 @ 50

I started planning my fiftieth birthday about two years ago. I wanted a party, I wanted an exotic holiday, trekking, horse riding in Montana, China, Peru, whale watching, foothills of the Himalayas; I wanted sparkly, pretty things. You get the picture don't you? Somehow between January 2015 and April 2016 my plans disintegrated, things changed - I blame running. 

I ran my first half marathon in March 2015 as far as I can tell things went downhill from there! Before long the only clothes I bought had Lycra in them and my most expensive shoes had laces. Now instead of partying, going on holidays and mini breaks and generally leading the good life I am a third of the way through my year of running challenges to celebrate my 50th birthday and extra challenges keep appearing. 

Between 08/01/2017 and 07/01/2018 I will have hopefully run five marathons, one for every decade. That was how it started, it seemed quite challenging but simple. I am starting and finishing with the happiest marathon in the world at the House of the Mouse. I love Disney. Slight twist to the tale; to end my year of running challenges I am going to run the Dopey Challenge - 5k, 10k, half marathon then Marathon. Four days, four races! Challenge accepted!

I ran my second marathon at Brighton. The next will be a trail marathon at Margam in July and then Snowdonia in October, arguably the hardest road marathon in the UK. That's the five but I couldn't leave it there. I wanted a showstopper!  It should be a big challenge, something significant that's what I thought. So running my first Ultra one month after my birthday made sense - 50 miles, who in their right mind chooses to run 50 miles? Running has changed me so much, who knew it was possible?

At the beginning of this year I had it all worked out. That was going to be my 50@50. It was going to be epic; I was going to be epic.

I think Mike was just joking at first but then the idea caught hold and now somehow I am facing my biggest challenge in October. Its isn't going to be simple, it's not just about me anymore, I can't just keep my fingers crossed. This is my real challenge - I am going to have to work for this one. Its a good challenge though! 50 runners in Team Pontyclun Road Runners for the Cardiff Half Marathon including over 20 beginner runners <just call me Alfie>. Now that is a challenge!  

So why am I doing this? I really don't like running. The first ten minutes of every run is pretty much a battle of wills between mind, heart and body. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it hurts a lot. I am not a runner. I bustle apparently and walk quite a bit too. I don't glide or sprint, I am certainly not fast so why am I doing this? Running has taught me a lot about myself. I didn't think I could run, not even 5k, certainly not 13.1 miles. 26.2 miles - don't be ridiculous only really good runners run marathons! 50 miles... Well we will see, I am thinking 100k next year isn't completely out of reach. I run because it means I meet interesting people, people who inspire me, who challenge me to think beyond my own limits. 

So my 50@50 isn't about me, it's about you, your running and how we all get to the starting pens on October 1st. You won't let me down will you, it's my special birthday year, we need a few more sign ups to get to the magic number. You sign on the dotted line, I will do my best to get you there. We are going to the pub afterwards. It will be fun. Oh and those sparkly, pretty things I used to want as gifts... I earn them now. They come on ribbons and nice people hang them round your neck when you cross the finish line.

PRR stats 23rd April 2017

What a week!!! I like it when the first line contains, Yet another record week!!!

82 members logging their runs on strava.

A few new names on my stats list so welcome to  Rebecca Broomfield, Kathryn Vaughan, Amanda Lawton-Robinson, Oliver Jarvis and Rachel Sutherwood

Once again we have some very deserved Kings and Queens of the road. The Chief King of the road this week has to be Neil Jones with Joanne Davies, Anne Miles, Melanie Malin, Davina Marsland, David Sansom and of course Rhian Burke in a truly inspiring running achievement by everyone.

Top distances this week are Gethin Edwards for the men running 91.6km (That's 8.4 short of the 100 achievers club!!) and Kay Lawless covering 63.4km. Kay was also our most persistent runner doing 14 runs last week.

Again stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.

We rattled up an amazing 1920.9 km with 82 runners doing 252 runs this week. I can feel the records 2000km in a week very close now. 

Our billy goat this week was Gethin Edwards climbing 1224m, but between everyonw we climbed 15390m

Fastest pace: Neil Jones pushed the average pace this week at 04:07 /km a bit a cheating as he only logged 1 run but in fairness it was 42.4km long! I just wish i could run that pace for 2 kms.

Run forest run: Longest run goes to Joanne Davies doing 44.8km in one session, I think you must have started a lap of honour for the VLM then had second thoughts!

Below 6:30 or above depending how you look at it!....
Top distance this week is Chris Birt at 80km
Furthest female is Kay Lawless clocking 63.4km

14 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.

Adrian Davies, Tim Petterson, Rebecca Broomfield, Kathryn Vaughan, Paul Chamberlain, Chris Lindley, Amanda Lawton-Robinson, Leon Pisani, Menna Rees, Oliver Jarvis, Sarah Beames, Jenny Morgan, Christine Binding, Rachel Sutherwood.

The improvers:

Adrian Davis another 13 seconds improvement this week and now only 9 seconds off beating the 5 min barrier.

Chris Lindley, smashed the 5 min barrier at 4:44 16 seconds better than any previous.

Christine Binding got the same as last week at 8:19 being very consistent.

Jenny Morgan, Second week on strava and knocked 35 seconds off your average.

Leon Pisani another 3 seconds off your previous best.

Menna Rees, Yes! beaten the 7 min and got to 6:53.

Paul Chamberlain continuing to improve and down to 5:10.

Sarah Beames second recorded week and a massive 37 seconds faster average this week.

Tim Petterson, another weekly improvement to 5:35

#PRRontour and Parkrun updates.

Been a great Parkrun week too this week, with 4 runners supporting the new Merthyr Parkrun. A bow to  Cath Powell on being first lady of the first run. No one can ever beat that one.

Menna Rees went on tour to Brueton.

Gethin Edwards, Stephen Paskell, Catherine Poweel and Stephen Cale did us proud in Merthyr.

Jonathen Mead and Vicky Mead went to Peterborough and managed to slip in some trains and motor homes while there.

Becks Williams toured to Llyn Llech Owain.

Matthew Aherne, Adrian Davies, Tim Davies, Rashmi Singh, and Emma Reed went local to Pontypridd.

Paul Griffiths represented us at his local Porthcawl run which must have been a fantastic run at the seaside. (Still my favourite)

Last but not least on my list for Parkrun was Rhys Jones at Penallta.

Tim Petterson sunning it up in Fuerteventura

Biggest tour highlight obviously all those who went to VLM.

Wall of fame will be updated with the new holders on the PRR Achievers Clubs.

Keep up the efforts :-)

PRR stats 16th April 2017

A slightly quieter week for PRR as half term progresses but we still had 75 members logging their runs on strava.

A few new names on my stats list so welcome to  Colin Thomas, Jenny Morgan, Kella Thomas, Matthew Wilmington, Sarah Beames, Amy Griffiths, Becky Harry, Vaughn Gibson

The King of the road this week is Neil Jones clocking an amazing 100.7km in prparation for the London Marathon and our Queen of the road this week is Emma Reed pushing herself to complete 51.4km in the week.

Again stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.

We rattled up an amazing 1482 km with 75 runners doing 214 runs this week.

Our billy goat this week was Neil Jones climbing 1234m.

Fastest pace: Chris Metcalf pushed the average pace again this week completing 55.1km at an average of 4:31 /km.

Run forest run: Longest run goes to Tim Petterson doing 32.5km in one session.

Below 6:30 or above depending how you look at it!....
Top distance this week is Kay Lawless at 49.8km
Furthest male is Darpan Singh clocking 31.6km

Again 25 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.

Adrian Davies, Catherine Davis, Tim Davies, Paul Chamberlain, Hanna Smith, David Sansom, Claire Sutcliffe, Martin Charles, Ross Youlden, Becky Brumbill, Carys Rees, Ann-marie Carpanini, Colin Thomas, Menna Rees, Jenny Morgan, Kella Thomas, Lisa Cliffe, Matthew Wilmington, Celine Gulliford, Sarah Beames, Tim Munn, Amy Griffiths, Becky Harry, Vaughn Gibson, Christine Binding.

Some mention-able improvements:

Catherine Davis 9 seconds better than last week but you smashed the 6 mins / km, 

Tim Davies another 3 seconds so 36 seconds faster per km in 6 weeks, 

David Sansom a 19 second improvement smashing the 6 minute barrier,

Claire Sutcliffe 9 second improvement from last week,

Martin Charles survived all know medical conditions, reached the other gate and beat his own pace by 10 seconds,

Ross Youlden first time recording an average under 5 mins smashing 24 seconds of the previous best,

Carys Rees onl;y 1 second away from the magic 6 mins,

Ann-marie Carpanini taking 24 seconds off the previous best and beating the 7 min barrier,

Menna Rees hitting the 7 minute barrier,

Lisa Cliffe another massive milestone, 14 seconds better than last week, that's 23 seconds in 3 weeks!!

Celine Gulliford 12 seconds better than previous best average,

Christine Binding 15 seconds improvement on last week, 35 seconds better in just 4 weeks.

Wall of fame will be updated with the new holders on the PRR Achievers Clubs.

Keep up the efforts :-)

PRR stats 9th April 2017

Another amazing week of running and yet again a record number of names recording their runs with strava as PRR in total 76 people.

Some special respect this week to the team that survived and conquered the Brighton marathon

The king and Queens of the road have to be  Chris Chambost, Vicky Mead,  Jo Marshall and Sophie Taylor.

Again stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.

We rattled up an amazing 1649.7 km with 76 runners doing 215 runs this week, another record for PRR.

Top distance goes to Gethin Edwards running to 76.8km, and top hill climber this week was Adrian Davies climbing 911m.

Top female distance was Vicky Mead running 56.9km with her marathon distance, closely followed by Emma Reed running 55.2km, Both pipped by Jo with her late stats at 57.9km!!

Fastest pace: Chris Metcalf pushed the average pace this week doing 22.1km at an average of 4:38 /km.

Longest runs go to Chris, Vicky, Jo and Sophie well done to all of you.

Below 6:30 or above depending how you look at it!....
Top distance this week is Vicky Mead at 56.9km
Furthest male is Phil Goodall clocking 34.7km

A few new names on my list this week, so welcome to my stats for Rhys Jones and Becca Swales, I think Jamie Rowland was a late link from last week too.

25 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Catherine Davis, David Sansom, Paul Chamberlain, Rhys Jones, Tim Davies, Lisa Hembury, Chris Lindley, Joanne Davies, Mike Donnelly, Tim Petterson, Jonathan Mead, Christine Binding, Chris Birt, Menna Rees, Leon Pisani, Amanda Burrell, Anne Miles, Andrew Proctor, Mathew Thomas, Becca Swales, Claire Sutcliffe, Becky Brumbill, Leigh Smith, Lisa Cliffe, Natalie Chamberlain.

Another great week for Catherine Davis, now only 1 second away from the 6 minute average running pace. Menna Rees only 2 seconds and Anne Miles only 7 seconds off the 7 minute pace.

I listed the Parkrun stats on Saturday so i'll put those on here from next week. Don't forget if its not on Strava (Or Parkrun) it wont be in the stats. Remember to add Pontyclun Road Runners to your teams.

Keep up the efforts :-)

Parkrun Special #NewPB

Its been another great week for the roadrunners with more and more people joining in with Parkrun too.

Parkrun tourist season is here, quite a few people have travel the country this weekend, and don't forget the first time must be a PB :-)

Well done to Menna Rees with her run at Brueton, 35:09 and a #NewPB
Tim Petterson travelling to Wycombe Rye, first time here #NewPB.
Becks Williams running at Llyn Llech Owain, first time here and her first Parkrun #NewPB. Well done and a great time 25:15.
Jonathen Mead #NewPB running at Hove Promenade to support Vicky and a few other for the Brighton Marathon today.

And the local ones:
Stephen Cale at Cardiff
Stephen Paskell and Catherine Powell at Riverfront, both with their first run at this one so a PB each, well done and Cath I believe your fastest parkrun over all 21:27 #NewPB.
A good turnout again at Pontypridd with Gethin Edwards with his first sub 20 if anyone didn't know #NewPB, Mike Donnelly, Adrian Davies #NewPB, Paul Chamberlin first run out at Ponty, Paul Binning, Tim Davies #NewPB, Emma Reed just 3 seconds off that PB, Hilary Wright with her first sub 30, well done Hillary a #NewPB,  and Linda Doyle who could have been quicker apart from the unscheduled stop ;-). Paul and Emma, great times considering you ran to parkrun as well.
Paul Griffiths represented PRR at Porthcawl for what must have been a glorious sunshine day there.

If you ran Parkrun Yesterday and not getting a mention today make sure you have Pontyclun Road runners as your team so we can give you a shout out. I know there were a few who ran.
Christine Binding #NewPB, Victoria Young, Dhana Capel also with a #NewPB (Running under Cardiff *cough cough*).

So all in all a fantastic start to the weekend. I make that 10 #NewPB

I'll only ever run 10k!

.....least that's what I said when I joined the Pontyclun RoadRunners a little over a year ago. However,  I have just run the furthest I have ever run...19.25 miles!

With the continued support and advice from my PRR family, I have steadily been increasing distances. As you have guessed it I have been totally bitten by the running bug. With two half marathons under my belt, it was time for a new challenge, so that's when I signed up to take part in the Run, Walk, Crawl Vale Ultra Half Marathon along the Welsh Coastal Path. Two race distances were available, 32 and 18.5 miles. So, okay the 32 miles was definitely pushing it but I thought with the right training I might just make the 18.5 miles.

So we began training, slowly increasing the distances we were running and of course training for the first time carrying a backpack (a compulsory part of the race is to carry essential kit including compass, whistle, emergency blanket, food, water, hat and a whole lot more). So, for several runs we practised carring bags of rice around our local area! Of course another essential part of our training was to prepare not only for the "mildly undulating" hills of the path but also the vast mix of terrains, from extremely muddy paths, stoney beaches, grass, asphalt and a whole lot more. So we did several recce missions along the path also trying to make sure we wouldn't get lost on race day as the race was going to be essentially self led. Seeing some of the paths after heavy rain we were really hoping that we would see some sun to dry up the paths.

So along can race day and we felt that we had done as much training as we could have done: hills, mud, miles and miles. We had been told that the distance had been extended due to part of the coastal path collapsing, so we had an extra 1 mile to look forward to! So we were all ready on the start line ready to run from Porthkerry to Ogmore in glorious sunshine. Well, I can honestly say it was a fab experience. Yes, it was hard, four and a quarter hours of tiring work, but what fab scenery and what a sense of achievement. It was very emotional crossing the finish line, with the huge crowds cheering us on. However, I was very happy to see all of the PRR crew waiting to welcome us home. I can't wait to do it again next year and I am looking for the next challenge. We all celebrated with a well earned race weekend curry.

PRR stats 2nd April 2017

Well what a week for running, an amazing effort from everyone closed of with a lovely social raising £165 for the club.
Another record number of names recording their runs with strava as PRR in total 71 people.

A new member this week called Strava Athlete, lovely profile pic but you need to change your name and be welcomed to the club.

Again stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.

We rattled up an amazing 1565.5 km with 71 runners doing 199 runs this week,
King of the road the week was Steve Burrell with his marathon effort taking him to 61.1km, king of the hills this week is Tim Petterson climbing 625m.

Queen of the road was Cath Powell doing 50.1 km
Throwing in some more stats: Stefan Hill pushed the average pace again this week doing 10.1km at an average of 4:33 /km.
Chris Metcalf clocked the longest single run at 42.4 km, well done. Just pipping Steve to the post with his marathon distance.

Below 6:30....
King of the road is Tim Petterson running 30.9 km
Queen of the road is Katie Mortimer-Jones  running 43.5 km

26 runners this week either first time running or setting a new best average pace.
Catherine Davis, Emma Reed, Natalie Chamberlain, Tim Davies, Louise Reynolds, Celine Gulliford, Phil Goodall, Tim Munn, Darpan Singh, Andrew Proctor, Victoria Young, Elen Crockett, Joanne Davies, Mathew Thomas, Sophie Taylor, Kay Lawless, Mark Hester, Dhana Caple, Menna Rees, Strava Athlete, Llio Owen, Jon James, Leon Pisani, Gray Hill, Amy Hill, Kelly Tsh.

Beth Jenkins, Catherine Davis, Claire Mullett, Darpan Singh, Emma Reed, Lottie Rogers you are all within 6 seconds of breaking the 6 minute average running pace.

Keep up the efforts :-)

PRR first quarter stats

As requested the year to date stats for PRR, Well up to April 1st.
We have 110 people linked to strava of those 84 are active runners this year.

So far this year we have run 11625.6km and spent 1195 hours doing it.  between the 84 active runners we have climbed 89632m and completed 1402 runs.

Gethin Edwards is the king of the road so far running 612.1km and Paul Chamberlain has spent the most time running at 86 hours. Our mountain goat is Adrian Davies climbing 6487m and our most active member is Tim Petterson getting out there 90 times so far this year.

For the ladies, 44 active female runners, queen of the road is Dhana Caple on 582.3km with Vicky spending thew most time on the road at over 57 hours. Dhana you manage to be the mountain climber to at 5354m. Joint leaders for the most runs with Kathleen Walker and Lynne Hill both completing 59 runs.

An amazing start to the year, keep up the running.

PRR Stats 26th March 2017:

Not so many races going on this week, but some great training efforts. Next week will be a big one with a few halfs, 10ks and the Vale Ultra.
Good luck to everyone running.
AND don't forget the social on the sunday for everyone the enjoy and relax. Indiaah 7PM let everyone know. Once again a record number of names recording their runs with strava as PRR in total 70 people.

A few more new names on my list for this week so they get a mention:
Victoria Young
David Sansom
Mandy Thomas
Christine Binding
Mathew Thomas

So welcome to the PRR stats.

Stats are split this week so results for everyone and separately for those below 6:30 and those above.
We rattled up an amazing 1330.3 km with 70 runners doing 174 runs this week,
King of the road was Gethin Edwards clocking 68km, king of the hills this week is Adrian Davies climbing 970m.
Queen of the road was Jo Marshall doing 50.4 km
Throwing in some more stats: Chris Metcalf pushed the average pace again this week doing 35.4km at an average of 4:35 /km, a little slower than last week.
Anne Miles clocked the longest single run at 35.2 km, well done.

 Below 6:30....
King of the road is Tim Davies running 36.9 km
Queen of the road is Vicky Mead running 49.4 km

 Most improved from last stats....... another new section

 Tim Petterson, has been showing some great running averaging 5:42 /km first time under 6 min average.

 23 runners either ran for the first time or set their fastest average weekly pace, well dome to all of you.

 Parkrun Updates:

Great to see a few more names popping up on the parkrun list, we have now run 552 parkruns between us, that's pretty good for 29 runners. A few milestones coming up, Paul Griffiths on 91 so not long till the 100. Steve Paskel keep doing so we can celebrate your 50 in a few months. Hilary Wright doing well, clocking up that important No10 on your next run.

 Keep up the efforts :-)

 I will find a way to get to mention everyone.

PRR Stats 19th March 2017:

Another great week of running at PRR, so many fantastic effort from old runners and new ones too.
We rattled up an amazing 1460.7 km between a record 61 runners last week,
King of the road was Adrian Davies clocking 67.8km and climbing 962 m make him king of the hills too.
Throwing in some more stats:
Chris Metcalf pushed the average pace doing 41.5km at an average of 4:26 /km.
Steve Burrell clocked the longest single run at 32.3km beating Vicky mead by 0.1km (Cruel!!).

Great to see some new names on the Stats lists and even better to see more of the womblers names coming through:
Becks Williams 36.3km
Sophie Taylor 27.7km
Claire Prosser 24.9km
Kelly Tsh 9.7km
Kathleen Walker 7.6km
Jon James 5.6km
Menna Rees 5km
Claire Sutcliffe 5km
Elen Crockett 4.9km
Danielle Griffiths 4.9km

Keep up the efforts

:-)

Gaining stamina and endurance

Partly to write as a test to check I can add a post, I found this article on building endurance and how it shouldn't all just be abnout running. Interesting read

http://www.mensfitness.com/training/endurance/7-ways-to-boost-your-endurance-and-stamina

Happy running!
Paul

Going to be a busy day tomorrow for the Road Runners.
A few of us are doing the Georges run for 2 wish upon a star, will be a bit of an emotional day but all for a good cause.

A long run from Ynysmaerdy down to the University hospital, plus a few kilometres at either end.