Day: December 7, 2008

Coastal Trail Series – Gower

Yesterday was the second of seven half marathons that Steve is attempting to do. This time it was held in Gower, Wales. The race base was out of the small Welsh village of Llangennith.

It was only 2 hours away so we left at 6.30am, picked up a friend on the way and got there in plenty of time for a coffee and general browse before the race started.

The weather was magic, blue skies from here to forever. Not quite the Sydney blue that we know and miss but blue enough for us. Wales is a magic country and in particular down on the coast the scenery is stunning.

Steve has been sick (first time in ages) and hadn’t managed to get any training in since the last run. Even given this I don’t think he did that badly. Mind you I’m impressed that these people get through it without keeling over. This time it was not only hills but beach running as well.

While he was off running, I went for a walk to the beach with my mate where we set up the burner for a nice hot cuppa, rugged up in all our winter woolies watching the surfers in their thick neoprene suits. Nut cases!






Bath Christmas Markets

Held from the 27th November to the 7th December in Bath the idea is to replicate the atmosphere and wintery appeal of the European Christmas markets. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to go to the proper European ones yet (something always conspires against us so we never get the time to go). If the European ones are anything like Bath was then I really won’t bother. It was a rather big let down. For all the atmosphere that Bath has during the day with the golden Bath stone buildings etc the markets at night really lacked any atmosphere.
You would expect a cosy feel, colourfully lit, wonderfully decorated stalls, lots of mulled wine, roasting chestnuts, carols or at least Christmassy music. Well there was some of that but mostly lots of stalls selling stuff you just don’t need.
Glad I’ve done it so I know that I needn’t bother in future.