Weekly Waffle – 16th February 2020

What a week!

Having only just said farewell to storm Ciara, Dennis was on the horizon.

Training sessions went ahead during the week with slightly diminished numbers from previous as conditions proved to be erratic.  Saying that, many battled the elements and made it out of the door and we are proud of their determination to continue their training in the face of adversity.

parkruns were cancelled left, right and centre.  Perhaps parkswim might have been a better name for it this weekend.  Many still found their way to a start line and got their constitutional runs in.

For some the week has all been about preparations for Saturday.  

Presentation Night.  
Covering running during 2019.  
What a year it’s been!
A room was dressed to make it sparkle in true Ogmore Phoenix social commitee style! 
Members convened to celebrate the achievements of the many.
We laughed.
We cried.
It’s been an emotional journey for many and to relive that and celebrate it brought it all the fore.
We remember the training miles.  
We remember the pain.  
We remember the cameraderie and support.  
We remember the races.  
The failures.  The successes.  
We remember digging deep.  
We celebrate those who excelled.  For whatever reason. 
Accomplishments are not always about time.  
Often they are about endeavour and that is to be celebrated too.
We are proud.
We are proud of our Phoenix family’s endevours and look forward to what the new decade will bring!
As Storm Dennis rolled in and put pay to any further training some managed to get out and train.
We spare a thought for those affected by the horrendous floods that Dennis has left in it’s wake.  We hope that the worst is over and those who are in need manage to get the help they so dearly need.
We run.  In that process we bond.  As we build those bonds we learn.  We learn to look out for each other.  Looking out for each other extends beyond the running.  It makes us better people. 
Look out for each other.
Pertinent to the moment, be kind.
Signing off on an amazing week and looking forward to excitement to the new.
New adventures.
New dreams.
As always, and ever so slightly more than usual…
#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 9th February 2020

Another week passes and this one has been an interesting one…

Training numbers continue to rise but as we rounded off the week we have welcomed some wonderful new volunteers to our list of amazing leaders to ensure that sessions continue to be catered for as we develop.  Thanks to them all.

A new road championship event takes place on the track and draws large numbers down to set fast times in their pursuit of success.  Simultaneous with our heroes continuing their journeys to reach their goals.


Record numbers for the year headed up the valley to enjoy the usual run and cake with lots of smiling faces appearing on the photos shared.

A few travelled to tackle an off-road night race.  Head torches lit the way were caught in spectacular photos from the event.  All came back to tell stories of an excellent event.

parkrunday arrived and the expected large numbers found their way to a start line or volunteered.  Some made their way by foot, some by vehicle.  The wind had died down from a week hence and good conditions greeted those who ran despite the forecast of the following 24 hours…

With trepidation eyes were closed on Saturday to open on Sunday morning.  

Storm Ciara loitering to cause disruption.

A popular local half.  Cancelled.

Training sessions.  Cancelled.

An ultra marathon from Brecon heading down the Taff Trail towards Cardiff.  Still on.

Brave souls took it on and all battled the extreme conditions admirably. 

A band of heroes stood tall and met the might of mother nature head on supported by their fellow Phoenix along the way.

The week has brought some brighter moments.  It has also brought some testing moments.

Whatever it brought the Phoenix rallied.  Like we always do.

Keep on doing the same!

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 2nd February 2020

My last weekly waffle was way back in December.  

A lot has happened but I’ve been busy.   

“Life gets in the way.”

I spend a lot of time saying that to others and then gradually it happened to me.  It got in the way.

So it’s time to get back on top of things and there’s no time like the present.

The first month of the decade came to an end and a group had tackled RED January.  An initiative developed by the mental health charity, MIND with a view to encouraging exercise as a pathway to improve mental health.  R.E.D. It’s an acronym.  The intention is Run Every Day but we took a spin on it and reinvented it as Realistic Exercise Daily.  Something slightly different from the norm if you can’t run.  It worked.  Many followed a new routine for the first month of the year and as a group battled through to the very final day together feeling better both mentally and physically for having done it.  Hats off.  Round of applause.

Training is seeing increased numbers.  Great to see on dark nights and wet Sunday mornings.

Our heroes have done their first few weeks and continue to maintain numbers despite the variable weather.  Brave souls!

The weekend arrives and everyone gets up early for parkrunday.  Some a little earlier than others when a pilgramage to the home of parkrun saw a few Phoenix head to the big smoke to celebrate a quarter century celebration.  A 50 milestone celebration drew many up the Llynfi Valley to Welfare Park for their weekly fix.  Our other home drew many for a breezy run on the seafront with some having set off early for a run down.  The usual amazing spread of runners home and away. 

Sunday comes round and while our heroes continue their journey others tackled a wide variety of events.  The “Field of Dreams” in Margam drew a decent team to take part in a local league event.  The mud slowed them but they battled through it with usual Phoenix spirit to set excellent times and do us proud.

A group headed down to the Gower to tackle an event that proved tougher than anticipated with a particularly challenging climb that tested all to their limits.  All finished having completed the challenge and picked up a spectacular medal for their efforts.

A small group headed north to tackle a 10 mile route.  A climb after mile one challenged the legs, and the lungs.  After descending it followed an out and back rounding a lake at the end and returning to finish where it started.  

A new month has arrived and the palindromic date 02022020 rounds off an amazing week where events start to appear in volume on the calendar and we enjoy sharing in the endeavours of our fellow Phoenix.

Training programmes for spring marathons are underway.  Miles are starting to build.  

Less than two weeks to go until we celebrate the 2019 year of achievements at the presentation night!!  Looking forward to a great night.

A really positive start to the year!

Keep it up guys!

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 8th December 2019

Again, It’s been a while since the last update.  

The “weekly waffle” is swiftly becoming monthly and that defeats the object!  

The idea was always to review the weeks antics while still fresh in the mind!

Without any further ado…

We’ve parkrunned (if that’s actually a word).  Here, there and everywhere!  Home and, as always, away.  Tourism always on the increase.  We’ve seen the Big Community Relay golden baton, now nicknamed BattyMcBatonface, be collected from afar and returned to Porthcawl for it’s final official week and now being chaperoned around all the local parkruns.  We’ve seen epic PB’s and huge turnouts and gritty performances.  The beauty of parkrun is there’s no pressure.  Whatever your goal, it is accommodated.  It fits perfectly with our ethos and hence we turn out on Saturday morning in our droves.

A big group headed east to cross the Bridge over the River Severn.  Donning face paint and bright colours they enjoyed a race with a fantastic atmosphere that typifies the kind of event we all enjoy.

A couple headed to trails in the capital to complete a half marathon.

Our event count record breaker notched up another event and despite the name he he wasn’t terrified by what Twmbarlwn threw at him.  

The annual event series, again in the Welsh capital, that raises awareness of mens health issues drew a number to take part in the 10k race around Bute Park.

Another ultra around the Gower resulted in an incredible result for one half of a couple while the other recorded an equally impressive result in a 10k at the same location supported by a canine friend.  The variety of events we take part in continues to grow!

A slog around Sodbury saw trail enthusiasts clock up an impressive set of results to further their standings in the annual championships.

Another ultra attracted two of our number to the Beacons as they went OTT and got a bit lost causing much hilarity and added extra interest to a race that saw both recalling their stories and photos of a great day with enthusiasm.  It doesn’t have to be about racing to reap the rewards of an event!

Another local event in a series that our members have come to love saw record numbers stand on the start line ahead of multiple loops of the course with multiple distances covered.  A great deal of fun was had by all.  Another event clocked up on a challenge for one.

One raced 10k to the moon and clocked up a fantastic result.

A double marathon for one, back to back, and joined on the second day by another member, saw a challenge target almost reached!

A popular club 10 miler drew significant numbers down west to Pembrey with mightily impressive results recorded.

A small group travelled north to tackle a hilly half and came away with stories to tell.


Cross Country league fixtures saw very impressive team effort from the Phoenix.

Some of our number were selected to represent South Wales in a fixture in Brecon.  Another reason for the club to stand proud.

Just one headed east for the second running of the race to cross the River Severn in the same month.

Gloucester was the destination for a trio to complete a 10k.

As the end of the month arrived another marathon marked the end of a challenge to complete 19 in 2019.  An enjoyable event that heralded the start of a well earned rest!

A 10k under dark skies was the target for one notching another event on his impressive tally.

Overseas events are something we see on occasion and this time Valencia was the destination for a couple with both setting significant PB’s over two distances.  

And then to today.  With the festive season finally upon us we saw a big crowd head down to our local beauty spot in Merthyr Mawr for the annual Pudding Run.  Always a great race.  Always a great atmosphere and a lot of fun.  With the Big Dipper climb to start it’s a toughie with a huge mixture of terrain and always loved by those who take it on.  Stories of mulled wine and mince pies accompanied those of the run itself.  Mutual support between clubs crowning the enjoyment of the day!

For a month where the nights draw in and moods can dip we saw a great deal of running!  Excellent running too.

A huge well done to all.

We are approaching the season of good will.  As I like to do on many occasions I ask you to please remember those in our midst who are unable to run with us at the moment.  At this time of year they should be foremost in our minds.  If there’s someone you haven’t seen at training, a race or parkrun for a while please drop them a message and check all is OK.  Reach out.  

We are a week away from our annual celebration of the festive season and the party preparation is almost done.  A time for us to sit down together as the Phoenix Family for our Christmas Dinner and share in an evening of entertainment and fun.  An evening not involving running – even though  it is running that brought us together.

Keep running.  Keep smiling.  Keep looking out for each other.

Laters.

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 3rd November 2019

It’s a month since I last reviewed the week…

Time and tide wait for no man and busy weekends have prevented it being completed.

A lot has happened in that time so I’ll try and catch up quickly…

(and hopefully won’t miss anything out!)

As per usual we’ve done our usual plethora of parkruns!  Here there and everywhere.  parkrun celebrated it’s 15th birthday!!  We’ve had milestones.  We’ve had extreme tourism.  We’ve had lots remaining local to enjoy the comfort of their home runs.  We’ve heard the stories and we’ve seen the pictures.  We’ve had some who followed major events to support and snook off to add an extra one to their parkrun totals.  The obsession continues and grows!

We’ve seen consistent training numbers despite variable and deteriorating weather.  We’ve not been deterred from getting the miles in.  Zeroes became heroes and continue to become legends.  We are all filled with pride as we observe and nurture their journeys while developing our own.

We’ve had races by the bucketload covering a multitude of distances.

Cross country season has kicked off and great numbers have attended the first fixtures placing the club well for a good season of racing.

We’ve had ultras with a particularly popular one drawing several west to complete once again.  The addition of other distances attracted others to join in the “fun”.  All came back with great stories to tell.

Of note, we’ve had marathons aplenty with a trip north crossing two borders for some to follow the banks of a loch steeped in myth and legend.  A monster may hide under the surface but that didn’t deter our intrepid runners from completing the tough miles to the finish in the ancient cathedral city.  The miles were completed far away but the Phoenix spirit transcends distance and carried far from everyone at home to wish them well.   Another northern destination drew one in for a picturesque setting around a remote lake.  A walled city on the River Dee was the destination for two others covering the 26.2 miles.  

Multi-loop courses were circumnavigated by many once again!  A number of distances covered and all with great commitment and determination.

A half in North Wales was completed by one on the same day that the second biggest half marathon in the UK came to the Welsh capital.  It’s a race in which we’re always represented in significant numbers with this year being no exception.  116 made their way around the course while many joined them for the journey.  Caerdydd never disappoints.  An amazing atmosphere draws the Phoenix out every year.  Not only running but volunteering also.  Cameraderie and support on the route.  Nerves turning to excitement and through hard work to elation on the finish line.  

Some headed to warmer climes to tackle two distances alongside some of our neighbouring clubs on their annual tours and came back full of great stories of running under the sun – something we all miss at this time of year!

One plodded around Ponty.  Others tackled hilly events to clock up their event tally with impressive results.  Margam saw one tackle a 10k and a memorial half was completed elsewhere by another.  An undulating route – as named – was completed with a significant placing by the one who took it on.  

Across the Severn, a 10k in Bristol was the target for two family members running together whilst another 10k in National Botanical Gardens was the destination for two others.

We’ve won and collected significant national awards.  Two for their individual contribution to our development as a club and as athletes and one significant award from our national governing body recognising the significant hard work we have done to move the club forward as a whole.  An incredibly proud moment for the club and an accolade the Phoenix Spirit that courses through our veins.

46 runners and a heap of supporters made the annual pilgrimage north to tackle the might of Eryri.  A marathon that always strikes fear into those who take on the challenges it poses.  Tales of endeavour filled the air on Saturday.  Every single one cheered home by the ever present supporters around the course and at Phoenix Corner.  An amazing weekend away for all who made the journey!

Halloween found it’s way into training and some took on events with a ghoulish theme to mark the occasion as well.

This weekend was no exception for racing and 47 Phoenix went down to Cwmavon to tackle a notoriously hilly 10k named after a world famous actor who was born and grew up in the village.  A challenging route that tested the legs of those who took it on, as it always does.  

Lots going on.
Lots to be proud of.

Running, supporting and volunteering.

It’s been a very busy time of late and time is precious.  Fitting in running and all that the club brings is tricky at times.  It’s a case of juggling.  Spirits are always lifted by sharing good times with fellow Phoenix and observing antics through stories, results and pictures when it’s not possible to be there.

Sparing a thought for those in our midst who are injured.  We’ve seen a lot of them at our walking groups during sessions as well as supporting and volunteering at events.  It’s imperative we keep them involved and making sure they remain part of the Phoenix Family.  If you know someone who is injured, reach out and make sure they are OK.  Look out for each other.

Keep doing what you’re doing guys because it’s working.

A very proud time for us all, but not resting on our laurels it’s time to knuckle down, making sure we continue to thrive as we are and that the Phoenix continues to soar.

On that note I’ll bid you good night and look forward to seeing what the week ahead brings…

As always

#lovethisclub

#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 30th September 2019

It’s been three weeks since I last wrote and you know what that means… it’s going to be a long one! 

Bear with…

What a week we started with…

Yet again, there’s no rest for the Phoenix!

New training sessions appear as club development continues and our heroes continue their journeys getting closer to their goals!  

Nerves were bubbling under as the week progressed leading to a big weekend for some…

9am on Saturday brought the usual crowds to our two local venues.  One being hosted by the members of the local constabulary attracting an admirable representation of the club.  Club championships continue to draw large numbers down to the seafront for their regular 5k. Others went further afield this week with three countries of the home nations covered.

Nerves continued to build…

The sun set on a warm sunny day and rose to a cool but still Sunday morning…

Facing the dragon.  A term that’s used to refer to the notoriously tough Ironman Wales.  

2.4 mile swim.
112 mile cycle.
26.2 mile run.
All in one day.

Nerves turned into adrenaline for three of our number who headed out on their quest from Tenby’s North Beach…

While they took on their mammoth journey a group of five headed across the border to take on a half marathon.  For two of them it was their first and, meeting the challenge head on, came out of the experience holding their heads high, proud of their fantastic achievement!

Three others headed in the opposite direction to take part in a relay event giving their all and securing a significant placing and representing the club with pride!

While that was happening the water was replaced by two wheels as the trio in Tenby took to their bikes…

Up north a 6 hour event saw one of our runners reach an epic distance on a tough, hilly course in Yorkshire to scoop a second place finish and all the accolades that come with it!

As that was finishing our group down west were transitioning, two of them almost at the same time, from two wheels to two feet to make their way around the marathon route to complete their epic journey. 

As day turned to night they were still going and many sat on the edge of their seats at home following updates to hear of their heroic completion of what is considered worldwide as one of the toughest!  One coming back after completing Ironman several times, one cementing her double and one completing her first ever!  Absolutely amazing and worthy of high praise not only for the completion but also for the many months of hard training that go into crossing that finish line within the cut-off!

We went to sleep proud in the knowledge that they had all smashed their goals and were celebrating their amazing achievements.

Another week dawned and the weather remained pleasant.

With the successes of our fellow Phoenix still filling our thoughts training numbers were on the rise once again.  

The weekend saw the usual parkrun frenzy with celebrations at one of our home events as they obtained their defibrillator and one of our midst celebrated an unofficial milestone.  The usual tourists made their way elsewhere with one stealing the crown for a run down under.

Sunday brought with it mixed weather as the clouds massed overhead.  Events to the west drew many to their start lines.  Another multi-loop event attracted many with it’s friendly, low-key atmosphere.  All thoroughly enjoyed and provided mutual support for each other as they looped round for a varying number of times.  Cameraderie and support in abundance.

Further west another substantial group took to the flat and fast 10k on the seafront setting a plethora of personal bests and all enjoying the experience.

Our heroes moved one step closer to completing their course as they prepared for their final week leading up to graduation.

Another busy week – as is always the case when it comes to the Phoenix.

As we said goodbye to the week, the words of weather forecasters were ringing in our ears… rain was on it’s way…  Character building conditions!

Despite the conditions people turned up to train.  “If it’s raining, we’re training!” 

A successful midweek recce of the parkrun route on the seafront gave confidence to our heroes approaching graduation day.  

It was during the week that we received notice of a number of significant awards.  The club recognised for all the hard work done by everyone involved with a national accolade.  Not stopping their two of our number picked up further awards for their huge individual contributions to the club.  Phoenix flying high and everyone proud of it!

On Saturday, before many of us woke, a group were making their way to the airport to make a very special trip across to the Emerald Isle to complete a run that shares it’s name with the location of the very first time trial that gave rise to parkrun.  A great time was had by all on a trip that started in the middle of the night and ended right at the end of the day. 

Others, still earlier than a parkrun start, made their way to complete another multi-discipline event, some sharing the load to get the job done in admirable style with one celebrating a birthday at the same time! 

Back to Porthcawl and our heroes inaugural coincided with an international festival in the seaside town celebrating the life of the “King of Rock and Roll”.  Closed roads meant it was a unique course.  All battled the elements in less than perfect conditions to complete their goal with all runners at the finish to cheer and support them on their journey.   The festival had drawn special guests from parkrun HQ who stuck around at the end to cheer all runners home and joined in the group photo to assist with celebrations!

We move on to the last day of the week and several head to a village not too far away for a trail 10k that promised to be something of a mudfest.  Torrential rain on Saturday had done it’s job.  Confusion on the course led to some interesting stories but great fun was had by all!

While all of this was happening one of our award winners spent her first days with our national governing body coaching others to become leaders.  Growing the sport.

Yet again, stories abound.  

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – it’s often the story leading up to the moment of glory that tells the tale.  

The months of anguish.  
The hours put in to get the body ready.  
The hours put in to get the mind ready.  
The failures.  
Picking themselves back up again and getting back into it.  
The doubts.  
The fears.  
We all have them.
The grit and determination that win through to put them on the start line and drive them on to the finish.  
This goes whatever the distance. 
It doesn’t have to be long to have a story to tell.  
Whatever the story, everybody loves to share in it.  
Providing support and guidance to make it a smoother ride.  
Phoenix family mutual support doing it’s thing.
Phoenix pride for many reasons.
As someone said to me recently, “keep on keeping on”.
You know what follow…
#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 8th September 2019

The waffle is quickly becoming bi-weekly as Sunday’s become busy – but after a couple of weeks like we’ve had that means reviewing a lot more activity!

We’ve had a wide range of training sessions… We’ve taken runners onto the beach for a very important strength and conditioning session as well as stretching the legs along one of our favourite bits of coastline from Ogmore to Southerndown and back.  Downhill sessions on the dunes for trail mean lots of sand over the last couple of weeks.  All of this as well as the regular tempo and track sessions.   

Our heroes continued their journeys and are homing in on their graduation as they move forward through the programme and wow us with their amazing efforts to achieve their goals!  

In two weeks…

We’ve parkrunned.  A lot.  

Home is Porthcawl and Maesteg and at both locations we’ve turned up in our droves for our free 5k Saturday morning constitutional.  But many, and not just the usual suspects, jumped in a car well before 9am and headed off to add a new parkrun location to their ever expanding list.  We’ve had milestones.  We’ve seen PB’s.  Most important – we’ve seen big numbers. parkrun is something different to everyone.  It is whatever you want it to be.  Some weeks we go for it.  Some weeks we help someone else to a time or to get round.  Sometimes we just purely run for fun.  Sometimes, when injured, we walk it.  Staying connected.  Sharing the experience even if we can’t push it.  So important.  Maintaining sanity. 

We’ve raced.  A lot.

Last weekend one sacrificed a parkrun to chase The Bore along the banks of the Severn.  For the uninitiated The Bore is a tidal wave that happens once a year and travels up the Severn River. While he didn’t quite beat it, it was close and he enjoyed the experience.

A huge contingent made their way to the Welsh capital to cover a flat 6.2 mile route around the streets and parks of the city.  It wasn’t just running though. Some gave up their time to support the event by volunteering and handed out medals to reward the many thousands who were running.  75 club members tackled the distance.  Great effort and spirit was shown by all with fantastic performances and tales of endeavour!  It’s always a good excuse for a bit of a social afterwards too!  A great day and one that will leave lasting memories.

Two headed over the border to tackle a 10 mile route around an “old” English town and came back to tell the tale!

A few headed even further afield to tackle a half marathon event organised by a company that suggested it would be a “tough” event.  It tested them but they all made it to the end recording decent times for their effort!

Midweek races are slowing now that the nights are drawing in but the final race in our local league encouraged another record breaking turnout for this particular feature which involves two loops around a course on the beach while the tide is out.  Cementing our strong second position in the league there were incredible performances and valiant efforts from all those who ran.  As the sun slowly set on the beach, on what proved to be a stunning evening, every single runner dug deep to proudly deliver another amazing Phoenix result.

Leading into this weekend we saw one solitary runner tackle a 12 hour event on a tough looped course, recording another amazing result.  Significant positioning in the event and an incredible distance covered resulted in extra spoils for the hard work!  Inspiring stuff! 

A trio headed north to tackle the biggest half marathon in the UK on a day where the sun beat down and record spectators turned out to support.  A great experience for all with stories to tell on their return!

A collection of members headed up the valley to our spiritual home to an event supporting a charity that is working towards a world where people understand and talk openly about depression.  Some volunteered and some ran.  A tough trail route tested the legs but they all completed it admirably.  A very worthwhile day for many reasons.

Others headed down West to tackle various distances over a looped course in pleasant surroundings.  A well stocked checkpoint replenished fuel lost through running.  All picked up their medals as reward for their endeavour.

A group took on another charity challenge that followed a route from one castle to another.  A very worthy cause drew them there but the challenge itself wasn’t enough for some who opted to make the return journey on foot clocking up significant mileage in preparation for longer distances on the calendar in the future.

Two weeks done and they’ve been busy.  

Lots of training. Lots of running.  

Lots of Phoenix spirit on display.

There were a lot of stories.  All special in their own right.  Some were of long distance, some were of fast times.  But just as important are the ones of simply lacing up the trainers and heading out of the door.  Equally important are the ones of those who, unable or not wishing to run, gave up their precious time so others could.  We had stories of mutual support – the Phoenix way.  Supporting each other – often leading to discovery of abilities that some never even thought they possessed.  Being pushed out of their comfort zone.  Reminds us of those three words… Dream.  Believe.  Achieve.

Our ears are filled with pride of everyones endeavour. 

Just keep on doing what you’ve been doing.

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 27th August 2019

Again it’s been two weeks and a great deal has happened…

Not two weeks since the last one and we find ourselves gathering for another fixture of the BCRL.  Out in numbers once again topping the charts for participation.  Combined with that and excellent running around the Newbridge Fields course and back through the woods for two laps produced another fantastic second place finish!   Phoenix out in force and maintaining their reputation of flying high!

Warm weather training appealed to many and numbers were good despite the racing leading up to the weekend which invariably starts with a favourite 5k event.  It happens every Saturday, without fail.  An unofficial milestone was celebrated locally at one of our home runs.  Large numbers in attendance everywhere with the usual glut of tourists spreading their wings and finding locations far and wide.

The warm weather continued into Sunday as races appeared on the calendar.  A couple travelled west to tackle another Tough Runner event, taming the hills in style.  

Another couple headed to a reservoir to complete another tough 10k route running together to share the load.

A few crossed the border to a historic city to run through converted railway tunnels and circumnavigate the city on canal toe paths to reach their goals.  

A great weekend of running that saw Phoenix rallying together to get the job done in adverse running conditions.  While spectators relish the warmth of the sun, runners tear it.  Energy sapping it can easily turn a race of comfortable distance into a real challenge.  All met the challenge head on and completed the job in hand admirably!

A week done and into the new.

Inspired by the weekends running numbers increased at training with loops around Parc Slip leading into track sessions and combined with our heroes continuing their journey to reach their goal.  As time progresses they get ever closer to their goal.  Leaders and experienced runners turn out in force to support our runners who are making excellent progress.

Friday saw the inaugural event to mark the start of the Pride Cymru Big weekend.  A run that attracted over 100 runners.  A weekend to recognise and celebrate the importance of inclusion and diversity within society.  Something that fits perfectly with our ethos of being all-inclusive.  A few members were in attendance to share in the amazing atmosphere building in to the weekend of celebration.

parkrunday arrived.  Numbers were good but slightly dwindled by the presence of a local and popular 10k race taking in a section of local coastline that we’re all very familiar with.  Many tourists found new locations alongside our usual home runners. For some the parkrun was a part of a two day challenge combining different events to make a total marathon distance.

For one other Saturday saw the start of another two day multi-event challenge across the border organised to raise funds for a very worthy foundation. 

Popular Saturday races sometimes mean quiet Sundays.  Not the case here.  

Early rise for some who headed way down west to tackle a nobbling route of various distances.  All completed the course with stories of hardship to tell.  

Our band of merry men (and a lady) continued their collection of events in the capital to reach their goal and earn the spoils.  

A larger contingent travelled east to target an event that crossed borders.  Two distances.  Two countries.  High above the water they ran.  Looping round and tackling “the hill” they made their way back to cross the finish line to collect their medals and t-shirts.  The sun tested their metal but they all battled through to regale their stories.

Our solitary runner continued her challenge over the border to collect a multitude of medals for her effects presented for display in a unique wooden cube design.  Always nice to receive something different to mark a special occasion!

Two dropped their regular distances to chase a one mile time and both finished with fantastic results.

A bank holiday weekend always attracts extras and as the extra day off arrived two souls travelled to tackle a fell race with impressive vert in the heat and lived to tell the tale with impressive times.

Our muti-discipline contingent were out again to rack up more results at a seafront event.

While all of this is going on our hard working beginners are progressing further through their programme reminding us of how hard work and determination will produce results.  Heroes without doubt.

It never fails to amaze me the diversity of events that we do.  It also fills me with immense pride when we turn up to events and wow others with our huge turnout.  The Phoenix continues to impress wherever we go.  We are noticed and remembered.  This is largely down to our great heart and spirit.  it exudes from us all and is something that people we meet absorb and recall when they see us again.  An experience I have had a couple of times this week.  A positive lasting impression.

Fantastic performances throughout the club with many stories of endeavour.  Hard work and determination seeing many through to cross the finish line despite testing circumstances.

Positivity courses throughout, but when things are good we must take a moment to remember those who are struggling with injury.  The ones who are unable to join us on start lines.  The effect on their well-being can be severely affected by this and we must continue to rally round and remind them that we are here for them.  When they come to mind drop them a line.  A text.  A message.  A phone call.  Just to say you’re thinking of them.

Keep up the good work guys.  

You are all superstars!

#lovethisclub

#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 11th August 2019

Again it’s been a fortnight…

Life got in the way and prevented another weekly review so it’s time to catch up…

Rewind a little and memories will return of sand.  Lots of sand.  It was a Wednesday night and another edition of the Bridgend County Running League.  A fixture that’s loved and hated at the same time drew the Phoenix in significant quantity.  Runners, supporters and volunteers.  Another significant result was achieved with all those who ran being rewarded with copious quantities of cake!

While all this took place our new batch of heroes took the next steps on their journey in significant numbers.  A delight to see.  Between training and racing 130 of the club keeping active on one night!

High numbers up the valley in our spiritual home saw out the week of training but two rounded the week off with a trip to the east to tackle a tough climb very aptly named The Murder Mile and were rewarded at the top with beer!  This led us on to parkrunday where a new club record attendance was set.  Phoenix out in their droves at 12 locations in 3 different countries.  Maesteg, a home run for many, celebrated it’s second birthday with a huge Phoenix contingent taking part in one way or another.  The famous duo fancy dress theme temped several into the party spirit for the morning. 

The afternoon was an annual pilgrimage for many as the ever popular Beer mile drew many to don fancy dress once again for an event that continues to appeal every year.  4 beers, one mile.  More of a challenge than it sounds.  A great deal of fun was had by all as the party continued into the night…

The sun rose on a warm Sunday morning.  

A compact and bijou group followed the A470 north to Brecon.  Starting and ending on a track, 10  scenic miles were the order of the day and impressive results were obtained in the process.

The home of Gavin and Stacey drew large numbers onto the Island for the next 10k in a very popular local series.  Great numbers, great results and great fun was enjoyed by all.

And all the while our heroes continued to push their boundaries discovering new potential they never knew existed.

Saying goodbye to the week and saying hello to another.

The forecast changed.  The heatwave was disappearing giving way to more typical conditions.  Rain.

Training in the week saw a trip to Merthyr Mawr and back and a tough track session that always tests those who take part but, suitable for all, it’s these sessions that make us better.  Meanwhile our heroes continued to develop.  A huge group made their way to Ogmore to tackle the popular and tough climb to Bwlch Y Clawdd and back down.

Midweek events still abound and this week was no exception.  A 5k event in the capital saw a few line up on the start line to record some more events in their calendar.  The following night some also took to the seafront in Swansea once again to complete the same distance event in aid of a very worthy charity.

The weather finally turned and storms lashed the area.  Saturday morning saw a plethora of parkrun cancellations in the locale.  Some managed to find locations that were still running while many were already planning tourism that allowed them to get their 5k fix in.

One completed a tough looped course marathon to increase the total on a personal challenge.  A unique medal was the reward for a successful day.

Despite the weather continuing to test we saw large numbers head down to the local half marathon that always attracts us in large numbers.  Despite the conditions and the hilly profile it produced significant results for those who took it on.  

The weather didn’t defeat our heroes continuing their quests as they bravely fought the conditions to battle towards their eventual goal with guts and determination.  True Phoenix spirit already growing within!

What an amazing two weeks!  

Brilliant to see numbers at training on the rise as well as numbers taking part in events of all distances.  Phoenix spirit shining through in every case.

It’s simple – keep doing what you’re doing and if you need any support then just turn one way or another and you can be assured there will be a Phoenix by your side to guide you through.

You lot are simply awesome!

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub

Weekly Waffle – 28th July 2019

Temperatures soar.  

Record levels reached.  

We are so lucky to have the beach within our reach where strength training sessions were held.

Midweek drew a trio to Caerdydd for the last in a series.  Attempts to break records failed battling against the heat and humidity of the evening despite it being a birthday celebration for one.

A recce of an upcoming fixture saw a number tackle a sandy route a week ahead of it’s official running while a huge group continued their running development.

More efforts on the Planka gave way to a rest day as we built up to the weekend and parkrunday.

9am start lines were filled with Phoenix.  Some got there by foot as training for big races on the horizon continued.  Pirates lined the seafront on one of our home locations while our other home enjoyed a centenary celebration.  Two on a mission clocked up a significant number of locations as tourism fever takes hold.  We had Phoenix penning run reports as others ventured further afield with two finding themselves in Canada to complete their 5k ritual.  

It wasn’t parkrunday for all though as a handful headed west down the M4 to a mixture of distances around trails in the Afan Valley.  Great performances all round in the heat with one picking up another accolade for crossing the finish line first!  Another trophy for the mantelpiece!

Our junior members got an opportunity for some track activities down in Swansea ending with fun on the beach in the warm weather.

Wonderful stuff!

The sun eventually went down.  

Before it even thought about waking from it’s slumber a group met in the dark to drive to the base of the highest peak in South Wales and made their way to the top on foot to watch the sun rise.  The weather was against them seeing the true glory of the moment but the experience was enjoyed by all with photos at the summit as confirmation.

Back at home our intrepid new runners took the next steps on their journey.  Heroes they are already for taking those first steps last week but this takes them one step closer to reaching their goal.  

More wonderful stuff!

It’s always difficult in the heat.  As temperatures rise we need to stay hydrated and protect our skin from the direct affect of sunlight.  Despite the extremes this week we saw good numbers at training as well as finish lines crossed.

More reasons to be proud.

Well done to all who stepped out of the door.

Spare a thought for those who aren’t able for one reason or another.  There are several amongst us currently unable to put any miles in and to them we send huge positive vibes for a speedy recovery.  The Phoenix family is bound by strong bonds.  We look out for each other.  If you know of someone who is struggling just reach out a hand of support.  Send a message.  Pop round.  Share a cuppa.  Just check they are OK.

Keep doing what you’re doing guys!

You’re all amazing!

#lovethisclub
#loveourclub