Paul’s Blog – Posted 09/01/15

Since my beating by Iain on News Years Day & having over exerted myself at the end of December I took things easier for a few days & felt it was a well needed ‘rest’.

That said & despite a late night at the Cafe’s Open MIC night I did manage to get along to Eryri’s SMR on Sunday morning held by Steve & Ruth. With a good turnout we split into two groups & headed out on a circuit of the hills surrounding Eglwyslbach. It was a beautiful morning to re-discover a hidden gem of a valley I hadn’t visited since driving through it with my parents over 30 years ago. The snow capped view of the Carneddau literally capped it all before we were treated to Soup & Cakes back at their house. Thanks also to Dorina & Jeremy for giving the respective lifts there & back.

Now it’s my turn & with this coming SMR being on my shoulders I managed to get out on Tuesday afternoon to recce the route I’ve been planning, won’t say more now other than length & climbs are pretty similar to Steve’s route last Sunday &there is a great climb through the woods at halfway point. There is also a bail out option (but be warned that includes a slog of a climb early on the way back). Gaby’s Goulash & Cakes back at the Cafe afterwards will be our reward.

My main focus for January is looming over me, the Anglesey CTS a week on Saturday, led me to yesterday stop the relative inactivity as mentally if not physically I needed to put in my usual pre-marathon 20 miler. My training partner, Dorina, joined me on her Mountain Bike as we headed out through the Coed y Brenin & then on down the beautiful Mawdach Trail. The weather was great despite a bit of a head wind until after 10 miles when it was time to turn back. A mile from home I waved goodbye to Dorina & headed up to the Waterfalls for an extra 4 miles the last 2 of which were in truth hard work but worth it, now mentally in the right place for next weeks Marathon (since when was 28 miles a Marathon!). As for Dorina, this was her hardest ride to date since only learning to cycle a few months ago, think she’s beginning to like it as her first words to me when I got home were ‘next week can we go all the way to Barmouth’. I kept my mouth quiet for once before responding a couple of hours later, NO!

As for the Cafe, it was great to be busy over Christmas & New Year & to see so many friends whom we have met as a result of it. This week we have all had a bit of time off but it has become our World (although I do a fair job at seeing a bit of the other World too) so thank you all for your support. Gaby & Dorina in particular should be very proud, not to mention Nick, Ady & Simona for their support too.

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