Beating the Winter Blues

The Next Challenge

As November strikes this means the end of 2018 is in sight and our thoughts start to focus on 2019 and what will our goals be for the year ahead. What will motivate you to train throughout the winter, encourage you get out there, be healthier and give you a focus through the dark and gloomy months!

For some this is simple, they have clear goals for the coming year and know what they have to do to get there. If Ironman or similar is your thing, you maybe looking at a few open water swims or sportives to give you a bit of a competitive edge.

For others its not so easy! you know you want to do something, you know you want a challenge to get you off your backside but you’re not sure what excites you enough to do this!

Well whatever you choose, if it gets you out in the fresh air and to explore new places and appreciate the great outdoors, feel a new type of psychological and physiological strain in your mind and body this can only be good for your physical and mental wellbeing and help to beat those winter blues or to quote the technical term “Seasonal affective disorder” a disorder that can drain you of energy, motivation and increase anxiety over the darkened months. So beat the SAD’S it with a plan! a set of goals that gets or keeps you moving and doing the hard yards for the spring and summer glories.

Now we are all different and some of us may need a bit more of a challenge than others to beat these blues and keep us on the straight and narrow. So for you it might be an Ultra Marathon or an Iron Distance event or it could be trying open water swimming for the first time or mastering a cycling sportive. Or even and not to be underestimated, it could be for the thrill, excitement and nervousness of the unknown, competing in an event with others and the confidence issues this uncovers within us.

But whatever your personal goals are and whatever drives you to get out there NOW is the time to seriously think about it, winter training is when the hard work and foundations are built. Those who can motivate themselves to train in November through to March are those who succeed!!!

And if you want a challenge that takes you to some of the best and most scenic locations in the UK and beyond we have something for all what ever your experience or ability is here’s a list of events that won’t disappoint.

2nd March – Ras Dewi Sant – 10K – Half Marathon – Marathon

Coast Path Full & Half Marathons and 10K all on and around the magnificent North Pembrokeshire Coast Path and finishing off in the centre of St Davids this is a real off road runners challenge with some of the best coastal views anywhere.

6th April – Tour de Shane – Pembrokeshire Sportive – 50 Miles & 70 Miles

An early Sportive and reason to keep up the winter training. Two routes both taking in some of the best coastal villages and roads the County has to offer. A proper cycling challenge finishing and starting in the glorious Bishops Palace over looked by the magnificent St Davids Cathedral. The TdS is headed up by Welsh Rugby Legend Shane Williams and is part of his efforts to raise funds and awareness for Velindre Cancer Centre.

Friday 24th / Sat 25th. The Really Muddy Weekend – Kids Mud Run & 5 Miles Obstacle / Mud Run

For those who want something different from the Swim, Bike, Run why not try the Really Muddy Weekend. All though a “Fun Challenge” it’s not an easy option. It will test the best and put you through your paces. The Friday night will also be a kids only run, to get the little ones active.

14th /15th / 16th June – Marathon des Cotes

The hardest of hardest challenges, the ultimate test in endurance running. A 3 day adventure that will see you cover the entire Pembrokeshire Coast Path 186 miles. A beautiful course and a challenge you will never forget. If you finish the event you will join a chosen few.

3rd Aug – Swim to the Edge – I Mile Swim – 2.4 mile Swim

The Green Monster, is a proper open water sea swim. A challenge that will test your confidence, nerve and ability in the sea as you round the green scar. Or the shorter Black run for those who like a lesser distance but still a navigation and confidence challenge in its own right. There is also a category for skin swimmers

31st Aug – Abereiddy Swim Blue Monster Swim 2.4miles & 1K Swim

A spectacular open water sea challenge, that will see you leave Abereiddy Beach and navigate the course, rocks, reefs and into the entrance of the magnificent world renowned Blue Lagoon. This is a proper open water sea challenge and not an easy one! There is also a category for skin swimmers

Amman Adventure 50 & 80 Mile Cycle Sportive

The October leg of the TdS series. Two routes which take in some spectacular roads around the Black Mountain and Brecon Beacons a really great ride to end the season with.

In addition to these events we will also be hosting the following events again with further details to follow

Little Haven Swim

Ramsey Island 3 Peaks

Pencarnan Runs