I've done almost four full weeks at work since my last holiday, which is far far too long, so this weekend came around at just the right time. A four day weekend (which, if you ask me, is how long every weekend should be, at least) was on the cards, and an adventure in Wales was awaiting! My friend Alan has just completed his PhD (congratulations, Dr Alan!) and had planned a group trip as a celebration/ beacon of light to aim for at the end of the long, dark, and despairing tunnel that is writing up a thesis.
I've never been to Corris, which is in Snowdonia, the destination for the weekend. I was excited for this because 1) one of my favourite things about running is exploring new places, and 2) I am one quarter Welsh, but have spent only a few days there in my whole life.
Corris is a village in south Snowdonia. It's name is derived from corres, which is Welsh for "a female dwarf", which probably describes the small river it is next to, which flows into a bigger river. The closest train station is Machynlleth, the ancient seat of the Welsh Parliament, which is a short bus ride away. It is quite a long way away, in fact....
It also has a great independent hostel, which is fairly simple, but comfortable and homely. it had all the things you need to relax after days in the Great Welsh Outdoors, plus plenty of things that I hadn't realised you would need (Tutankhamun, for example), but made me all the happier for them being there.
We pretty much had the place to ourselves really, apart from Krav the friendly cat...
After we had settled in and refuelled with tea and biscuits, it was time for a circuit training session in the garden, followed by a Krav Maga session run by Alan and Tom. I wasn't sure what to expect about Krav Maga. It's a self defence system, I believe developed for the Israeli Defence and Security Forces, and is very practical, teaching how to deal with real life physically threatening situations. So I wasn't too sure I would be very well suited to it, not having any sort of experience in this type of thing, but I think it's always good to try new things, and go into it with an open mind. Plus, Alan and Tom seemed to be the best teachers to have, and it's got to be a good thing to be more aware of what sort of things could help improve your chances, should you find yourself in a bad situation. Did lots of drills around punching, kicking, escaping from grabs, and putting it all together at the end. I was really surprised I enjoyed it so much! I learnt a lot, and that being small doesn't mean you can't defend yourself against someone bigger!
Saturday was time for some good mountain running. Cadair Idris is the closest mountain to Corris (893 m), and we did a big loop up the mountain....
...with a stop for wild swimming (Tom/Alan = very brave) / wild paddling (Andrew/Hisayo/me = brave enough)
As we got close to the top it starting tipping it down, but a mountain isn't a proper mountain without bad weather....
Happily, there was a stone hut at the top to shelter, and have a snack, to warm up a bit. The weather cleared up a bit later, and it was fun running down the mountain, into the valleys and through forests, and having a picnic in a church yard before getting soaked again a bit later, but it is Wales, after all. What a great run! Feels so free to be somewhere as beautiful and wild as this.
Refuelling after a long run must not be neglected, and careful attention paid to making sure you have enough cheese...
Sunday it rained a lot, but this was a good opportunity to do a Pilates class and foot exercises lead by Hisayo, and then try the local tea shop, catch a ride on the steam railway (that used to serve the local slate mines, and tourism in the area).....
....mixed in with a short hilly run between showers....
Followed by the pub, of course......
Monday was time for a quick hill session, and some more Krav, this time learning how to defend from a knife attack (which Krav the cat seemed keen to join in with). Then, it was time to head back to Machynlleth, which although doesn't have a Parliament anymore, does have lots of tea shops, and a modern art gallery, which is a good way to spend some time before catching train.
All too soon it was time to head home. Thanks Alan, Tom, Hisayo and Andrew for a great trip! Thanks Wales for being only quite wet, not a total wash out. Felt like a proper get away, and feeling stronger in body and mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment