Compressport Trail 10k Wales

I was back in Coed Y Brenin national forest park again for my 2nd trail race of the year, the 10k compressport run.

My main aim for this race was to get as close to the 1hr mark as possible. There were 3 pacers in the race; 1hr20min. 1hr10min and the 1hr runner with flags.

The first half of the race involved a lot of climbing and I felt less fit than my half marathon race I did previously. There was 1 aid station about mid way through and I took some electrolyte drink  and banana along the way.

I did make most of the down hill sections of the race but it felt really painful on my lower back. So in hindsight I could have easily gained another minute or two off my overal finishing time.

This was my official time, I was extremely pleased with finishing under the hour! 58mins and 31sec was my chip time!

  


The start and finish area with the race sponsor. I was a wee bit early as you can see!

About 1 mile left

Approaching the finish line!

Mud , shoes, race number and a superb medal for the day!!

Salomon Trail Marathon Wales, Half 2016

A half marathon in the world-renowned Coed Y Brenin forest was to be my first ever race on trail and track.
A full marathon race was also on that day with an earlier start of 9:00am. My race the half distance started an hour later. As I have learnt later after my race the winner of the full marathon just finished as I'd crossed the line!

The day before the race, we had stayed over at the beautiful Bala in a relaxing and welcoming B&B. This was easier than driving straight from home on race day.

It was about a 20mile drive from Bala to the race car park, we arrived about 8:25am and the overflow car park was already 80% full!

There was a lot of midges about, luckily I bought along some anti mosquito spray and applied liberally on my arms and legs.


This was the path down to the visitor's centre and starting area

The start and finish line looking out from the bridge.

Races for the full marathon begin to gather at the start line for the 9am race.

Marathon runners at the pre-race briefing.

And they're off!

The first climb takes you through the visitor's centre.

At Copper Bog, about 5.5miles in.

At mile 9.

A video of the half runners at the start of the race, I think I run past around 1min6sec in!

Frances took this picture shortly after I'd crossed the line.

Approaching the end of the race, photo taken by Dan Wyre.

Crossing the line in around 2hrs 12mins.

The official chip time by TDL.

Race summary on strava, the second climb from miles 5 to 7 was a killer!

We did not get medals for the race but a very nice wooden tea coaster. Also the freebie bag from salomon racing was very good indeed! It had a small red TMW Tee shirt, energy gel, protein bar and a pair of salomon socks!

The last descent to the finish was an amazing feeling when the noise of the crowd and race announcer becomes louder and louder.

After an amazing 13.2 miles which included some superb single tracks of descents, I came home with full of elation plus 3 black toe nails and a large blister on both feet! 

Crib Goch & Snowdon in Winter

I met 3 other great guys, 2 were from Brazil and 1 local and we all stayed together for the traverse.

Garnedd Ugain Summit. Windy and cold!

A view from the Miners Path, very little snow on low levels.

A windy and very cold summit on Garnedd Ugain!

Winter Ascent Tryfan, Bristly Ridge, Glyders and Y Garn.

Start of an 8hr+ day of winter ascent of Tryfan north ridge, Bristly ridge, Glyder Fach, Glyder Fawr and Y Garn. Unfortunately gps watch battery ran out during Y Garn descent! We also got lost in the dark at the foot of Y Garn trying to cross a stream on very boggy land.

Snow on the slopes of Glyder Fach and Bristly ridge was too soft and deep, it was 1 step forward and 2 steps back for most of the climb!

Summit!

Lunch break on Tryfan.

On our way up Glyder Fach, by passing most of Bristly ridge. The snow was deep and very soft, it was extremely hard to climb.

Temperature dipped so out came the shell and spare hat. I had lost a beanie hat already on the way up Bristly ridge and a merino wool neck gaiter at Tryfan!

Much needed rest after Bristly ridge.

A classic shot! 

A long descent down Glyder Fawr.

Sun set with 1 more summit to go, superb!

Final climb of the day, Y Garn!

Summit pose on Y Garn.

Head torches out for the descent home.

It was pitch black at around 6:30pm by the time we got to the base of Y Garn.

After getting a bit lost in very boggy grass area we had managed to get back to the car aound 7pm.