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.