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!
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