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!
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