If I am brutally honest with you all, there is absolutely no way on this earth that I should have competed in the Commonwealth Ultra Distance championships on the basis of the restricted training that I completed on the 6 weeks running up to the event.
But, if you were in my position, would you have honestly turned down the chance to represent your country on probably one of the most prestigious sporting events to be held in Wales since the Empire games in the late 1950's. If it had been the case that I was taking a place from another
athlete, then of course I would not have done so but the fact that Andrea and I were the only athletes to be selected I have no regret in deciding to run. The whole event, from the opening ceremony at Venue
Cymru on the Thursday before, to the official closing on the Sunday evening was just simply fantastic. The organising team really had gone to town, ensuring that the event was elevated to the status it
deserved. I was honoured to give the athlete's pledge to open the games, alongside my fellow countryman Ritchie Gardiner, who was also to compete in the 55km trail race at
Newborough forest. The fact that with 24 hours to go we still had to get it translated into Welsh was a mere triviality! Following the opening ceremony, Neale and I made way across to
Gloddaeth Avenue in
Llandudno, where the legend that is Lizzy Hawker, was competing in the 24 hour race. We spent an hour or so watching, before returning later in the evening as the competitors tolled long into the night. We returned the following morning, to witness a world record being set by Lizzy who not only won the event overall but in doing so, beat the world 100km and 100mile records at the same time. Absolutely awesome! The
men's event was won by John Pares of Wales who also took the team event with Sean McCormick of
Abergele harriers The following day saw the mountain race at
Llanberis and good friends Rob Samuel and Anna Bartlett, were rewarded with team medals. With 24 hours before my race, I was concentrating on consolidating my injuries. Andy, had recommended that I tape my legs completely with 'Rock Tape'. At the same time I had a one to one with the race and UK Athletics doctor John Rogers, who explained that there was no reason for me to pull out, indeed he told me to enjoy it as I would never get the chance again to compete in this event on home soil! Sunday morning was pretty much laid back, for the first time in my race career, I had no nerves, indeed, I was relaxed, pleased and proud to be there and honoured to be lining up with some of the best trail runners in the Commonwealth. We all laughed and joked and the sense was that it really was an
occasion. The race itself was, well, long, very long.......it was the toughest thing I had ever done....the attrition rate was almost 50%. I hurt all over, but there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would finish. The Welsh men took gold and silver and the team gold, Andrea and I finished. Wales were the only combined team to field a full team at the end, Finally, I want to thank all of my friends and strangers who have been so vocal in their support...without them...I would never have done it.......Thank you, thank you, thank you.......
But, if you were in my position, would you have honestly turned down the chance to represent your country on probably one of the most prestigious sporting events to be held in Wales since the Empire games in the late 1950's. If it had been the case that I was taking a place from another athlete, then of course I would not have done so but the fact that Andrea and I were the only athletes to be selected I have no regret in deciding to run. The whole event, from the opening ceremony at Venue Cymru on the Thursday before, to the official closing on the Sunday evening was just simply fantastic. The organising team really had gone to town, ensuring that the event was elevated to the status it deserved. I was honoured to give the athlete's pledge to open the games, alongside my fellow countryman Ritchie Gardiner, who was also to compete in the 55km trail race at Newborough forest. The fact that with 24 hours to go we still had to get it translated into Welsh was a mere triviality! Following the opening ceremony, Neale and I made way across to Gloddaeth Avenue in Llandudno, where the legend that is Lizzy Hawker, was competing in the 24 hour race. We spent an hour or so watching, before returning later in the evening as the competitors tolled long into the night. We returned the following morning, to witness a world record being set by Lizzy who not only won the event overall but in doing so, beat the world 100km and 100mile records at the same time. Absolutely awesome! The men's event was won by John Pares of Wales who also took the team event with Sean McCormick of Abergele harriers The following day saw the mountain race at Llanberis and good friends Rob Samuel and Anna Bartlett, were rewarded with team medals. With 24 hours before my race, I was concentrating on consolidating my injuries. Andy, had recommended that I tape my legs completely with 'Rock Tape'. At the same time I had a one to one with the race and UK Athletics doctor John Rogers, who explained that there was no reason for me to pull out, indeed he told me to enjoy it as I would never get the chance again to compete in this event on home soil! Sunday morning was pretty much laid back, for the first time in my race career, I had no nerves, indeed, I was relaxed, pleased and proud to be there and honoured to be lining up with some of the best trail runners in the Commonwealth. We all laughed and joked and the sense was that it really was an occasion. The race itself was, well, long, very long.......it was the toughest thing I had ever done....the attrition rate was almost 50%. I hurt all over, but there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would finish. The Welsh men took gold and silver and the team gold, Andrea and I finished. Wales were the only combined team to field a full team at the end, Finally, I want to thank all of my friends and strangers who have been so vocal in their support...without them...I would never have done it.......Thank you, thank you, thank you.......
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