Trail running at it’s best
To feel fresh, flexible and strong on a clear, crisp and windless day makes the perfect trail run an enticing possibility. Add to that available time, as well as access to the beautiful landscape of the Gower Peninsula and a trail running treat becomes an inevitable reality. I was lucky for December 2020 trail half marathon.
The route
You can see my route on Strava.
Half marathon in pictures
It was just such a day in late December 2020. It was like a gift that arrived for my birthday and also for my commitment to run a half marathon in support of the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants before the dawn of 2021. The condition for my previous and first run in this fundraising effort was quite the opposite. You can read about this at November Trail Marathon 2020.
The first ascent from just outside Llanmadoc Village gave the first spectacular views. The top left picture is from Llanmadoc hill across to Worm’s head. A view to the west is of Broughton and the Carmarthenshire coast on the other side of the stretch of water that looks more like a mill pond than the sea on this windless day.
Then follows a descent into Llangennith Village and the second ascent up Rhossili Down. I pause to look back for a picture of Llangennith Village, more picturesque than usual in this clearest of light. The top of Rhossili down is a good spot for a short rest. The rest usually includes a drink, a snack and a breathtaking view across the sea, with the Worm’s head reaching out into the distance. Today is not disappoinment!
More beauty to run through
After running across the top of Rhossili Down, we descend into the village of Rhossili. I have found my good friend Sally along the way and we share some delicious miles. We run through the village and down towards the coastal path that takes us towards Worm’s head. The path then continues west past Fall Bay and on towards Mewslade Bay. At Mewslade the route turns back over the same two hills. My legs have changed to become tired, but the views have remained spectacular. After 15.08 miles and 2hours 42 minutes a trail half marathon is more than done. My body is drenched in endorphins and I feel tired and happy!
Running for life’s challenges
Life is not always beautiful. The world is not always beautiful. Our society is not always beautiful. Sometimes there is so much ugly that it can overwhelm us. Sometimes we can be so depleted by circumstances that the last thing that seems possible is a run. Moments and periods of anxiety, depression, loneliness and despair are all to real and can leave us exhausted and unhappy.
I went through such a period of overwhelm when my husband’s spouse visa was refused by the UK Home Office. We were separated for an anxious and agonising 9 months during 2020. Running kept me grounded and going, quite literally, during this time. This is why I now dedicate my running to raise funds for a charity that works for the Welfare of Immigrants and be extension for justice and equality in our society.
You can read my story on my here.
If you would like to collaborate in raising awareness or funds for this cause, please get in touch via social media.
