Cerist Aquathlon Series Race 1 - Owain Llŷr James

I missed the North Wales Cross Country League at Lilleshall in order to take part in the 1st of the Cerist aquathlon races. A 6am start in the fog, gave way to slightly better, but much colder weather further south in Machynlleth. Fifty athletes braved the chilly conditions to swim 400m, followed by a 5kM run.
I had a good swim, which saw me getting the fastest swim time of the day in 4:48. My 5kM run took me 16:29, with a 1 minute transition time to be added, giving me 2nd fastest run time of the day. With an overall time of 22:17, I won the junior category, but also was 1st overall!

Pictures can be seen at http://www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk/

Twin Piers 10K

It was the Pier to Pier race yesterday, which is an annual 10kM race between the piers of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay.


273 runners braved the downpour and gale force winds to run along the cost between the two seaside towns. The race started at 1pm, with the usual frantic start, before everyone got into their stride.
After 37 minutes of running I came home in 10th place. Quite pleased really, as weather hadn’t helped fast running.

I was wearing my new F Lite 230, which I found very comfortable and light. Ideal for road racing.
Results can be found here, and pictures from SportpicturesCymru.

National TLI Jersey

You may remember my post about the National Open Cyclo Cross Race at Prestatyn, organised by TLI Cymru, where I was entered as and under 18 in the race, but the organisers changed their minds and put me in with the seniors?

http://team.inov-8.eu/2010/10/national-open-cyclo-cross-championship.html

Well, while at Race 5 of the Revolution Bikes at Glynllifon near Caernarfon last week, the organisers presented me with the TLI National Jersey and gold medal for my U18 junior win at the TLI championships! It was a great suprise, and something that I was not expecting!

Owain being presented by Barry Davies

More pictures can be seen on the SportpicturesCymru web site.

Snow Training

The snow has hit hard over the mountains of Snowdonia, and although I'm unable to get out of my village to train at the local track, it is still possible to go for a run!

I've had a shoulder injury over the past few weeks, which has stopped my early morning swims, so I've been able to fit in some more running.....even in the snow.

Using my Roclite™ 312 GTX , I started on my four mile run. Even though it was cold, the shoes kept my feet warm and dry, and along with my Inov 8 Zip Tech tee, there was no issues with the cold.

Moel Eilio

Develpment Squad Call Up

Following my Welsh vest with Welsh Triathlon during the summer, I've now been invited to attend a four day Christmas Training Camp at the Welsh Institue of Sport at Cardiff.

The development squad has been formed to provide the necessary knowledge and support to allow the most talented young athletes to develop and progress on to the Great Britain performance pathway. This is being delivered through training camps in the school holiday periods and Academy training days. The squad is being supported by services at the Welsh Institute of Sport. Currently 6 athletes (3yth, 3jnr) are part of the squad. Selection is based on performances at National Series Triathlon events and individual sports.

Welsh Colleges Cross Country Vest

A cold day greeted runners from all over Wales to Colwyn bay, in order to compete in the Welsh Colleges Cross Country Trial Race today.
The previous days rain had taken it's toll on the course, as it was extremely muddy in parts. Complaints could be heard from some athletes due to the condition of the course, which would only get worse, as we had to run five laps of the five mile course. I was however quietly confident as I was wearing my X Talons 212, which I’ve found to very reliable in previous races, with plenty of grip.
As the start gun filled the cold air with smoke, the usual stampede started as most athletes vied for position. After the first corner some athletes had pulled out due to possible injury, but the vast majority got stuck in. With a lap to go, my legs were hurting due to the heavy conditions, but I motivated myself to carry on. Coming home in fourth place secured the Welsh Colleges vest, and a trip to Loughborough in April 2011.

North Wales Cross Country League, Bangor

A year's worth of weather greeted the runners from across North Wales and the borders for the second in this years North Wales Cross Country League at Bangor.

The mornings sporadic rain was followed by dry weather, but as the junior men and senior women lined up for the start, the heavens opened and down came the rain.

Two an a half laps of Treborth Athletic track fields saw me up with the leaders, as the rain stopped and the hail stones started to bounce off the runners as they snaked their way along the field and through the woods!

The X Talons 212 copped well in the mud, with plenty of grip on the up hill sections.

At the half way point, I started to pass a few runners, eventually coming home strongly in fifth place.

Pictures can be seen on the SportpicturesCymru website.