And another week draws to a close…
Reason to be cheerful #3472…
What a week!
Attendance at training on the rise despite a big weekend looming!
in spite of dramatic weather conditions the trip north to our spiritual home attracted decent numbers…
Magically the conditions improved as our brave souls headed out for their run!! The might Phoenix commanding mother nature?
Anticipation.
Nerves.
Excitement.
Plans afoot for a big weekend…
A really big weekend!
The usual parkrun frenzy was somewhat diminished because of other plans… bigger plans!
21 made an early start to their weekend lining up on Penarth Pier to make the long journey all the way along the coast to our namesake village. Their journeys would vary in time but all would give their all with true Phoenix spirit to achieve their goal… 33.5 miles. Big goal!
An hour later many lined up on parkrun start lines at the usual variety of locations.
As work is completed on the “beach” at Porthcawl the route returns to the lower prom – with a twist! Combined with celebrating 6 years of it’s running many donned superhero costumes for the birthday celebrations and a great time was had by all!
Some of those taking on the shorter, but still immensely challenging, race along the coast made their way to the home of Gavin and Stacey to fulfil their parkrun fix before heading to Porthkerry Park to start their journey.
Meanwhile, down west one lined with others to take on a brutal 13 (ish) mile adventure-run to take on undulating terrain, steep hills, icy river-runs and multiple sea-dips. Not for the faint hearted!
Back on the coast volunteers gave their support and runners continued their journeys.
42 set off from Porthkerry Park start their homeward run… 18.5 miles – not to be sniffed at!
Cool conditions gave way to sunshine as the clouds burnt away…
Muddy paths of last year were forgotten and replaced with dry and hard surfaces… These are things that can’t be predicted!
Legs became heavy…
Mutual support was rife…
The Party at the Beach was in their minds as they pressed on…
Supporters followed progress by moving along the route giving heart to those who battled…
Bodies became weary. Minds were tested.
The Phoenix fire in the belly burned strong and lifted all when things got tough…
As more made it to the end the party grew bigger….
… all waiting for the very last man to finish!
Ultra marathon runners created at an event that continues to show true club spirit in every regard!
The Phoenix rose high and soared over the South Wales Coastal Path for a day that will never fade from memory!
Weary legs but beaming smiles carried many away from Ogmore to celebrate their achievements…
Night falls…
Sun rises…
Some hit the trails for their early morning Sunday session…
Our heroes continued their journeys in large numbers…
One headed west to complete a route on the hills around Margam while another completed a 10 mile race postponed from earlier in the year.
Long training runs were completed yet again ahead of the impending spring marathons.
Business as usual for many but a weekend that will be imprinted on the minds of many for a very long time…
The Phoenix dared to dream.
They dreamed big.
Sometimes.
Just sometimes.
Dreams come true!
So often I say it – but it’s always true…
#lovethisclub
#loveourclub