Llanfoist Crossing parkrun 10 – Up, Down and Around

We decided to attend Llanfoist Crossing parkrun as there was a Facebook post asking if we were parkrun Faithfuls?! Plus it was event 10 which I also wanted to up my Wilson Index. Also they were asking for a Run Reporter and that took my volunteer credits up to 46.

Llanfoist Crossing, Merthyr Road, Llanfoist, Abergavenny, NP7 9LP

Facilities at Llanfoist Crossing parkrun

We love a bit of free parking and toilets not far from the start and thankfully Llanfoist Crossing parkrun has both.

Parking

There are actually 3 car parks – one nearest the start for those with mobility issues. Another which filled up quickly (100m from the start), and a larger one 500m from the start but right next to the garden centre where the toilets are. It may be worth thinking about going to the furthest one away if you arrive early, just to give more of a chance to those arriving a bit later to get to the briefing on time.

Thank you to the 6 parking marshalls!

Toilets

The toilets are in the garden centre and very nice. The ladies even had sanitary products in a basket.

Llanfoist Crossing parkrun Course

An out-and-back on tarmac (cycle path), but with an additional lap of a small undulating field at around halfway.

Trail shoes are advised for Llanfoist Crossing parkrun although 80% is on tarmac. For that very reason I just wore my road shoes. Personally I am not running in barefoot shoes enough for that level of stress on my calves! As it happened I was absolutely fine.

Personally I think people could have self-seeded and had a bit more patience at the start because there was quite a bottle neck.

Don’t be deceived – although it isn’t the most tricky course it isn’t the easiest either. There’s lovely km markers that may help motivate you though!

There’s a lot of up and down and the field part I was describe as fun.

Keep right and look around at the stunning views.

My Experience

Personally I felt I should have been positioned well. Not at the front but not that many rows back. Also at the side as it is usually easier to go around people. It was not. My first km was in 6 minutes and 16 seconds. Every time I thought I may be able to go around others it just wasn’t possible politely.

For those of you who work in miles the first one I completed in 10 minutes and 7 seconds. So you can understand that I thought that I wasn’t actually going to get a sub30.

Previously I have been struggling to not give up and walk. Despite the slower time it was really tempting to due to the undulations. Coming out of the field a lady who was two in front of me did stop and walk up that little hill. Somehow I still managed to keep on jogging along.

Eventually on the 4^th km I did decide that I wouldn’t be happy with a time over 30 minutes and it was much easier now to overtake, and therefore put a bit more effort into it.

The Finish

The finish isn’t set out at the start, it’s just not practical. You run all the way down the path and it is on your right – but you have to first go to the end and turn around. My husband had obviously finished by the time I got to this point and warned me not to sprint from the turn around. Besides which it is “uphill.”

My sprint finish was therefore started later than it should have been and I had not gained much momentum. Due to the bit going the other way there were cones everywhere, even with my glasses I did not “get” where to run for the finish. Even had to apologise to the lady who was trying to finish in front of me as I think I got in her way.

Now I know it is really obvious!

Officially my time was 10 seconds than my Strava but either way well under sub29 so I am happy with that. My first time on the course so I rang the PB bell!

Other People There

A lovely parkrun. Lots of people there to help guide and instruct us. As well as a lovely crowd of people.

95 Tourists from various places in Wales; Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Malvern, Watford and Hereford to name a few!

First Timers

Welcome to 14 people doing their first ever parkrun. I hope they had a fantastic time and return again and again. Who wouldn’t after experiencing the fun of the field in the middle of the run right!

Celebrations

In fact there was lots of celebrating – Zoe’s 40^th Birthday parkrun -(which looked like lots of fun for the whole family), volunteer Ashleys birthday (at the last turn around point); a hen party; Andy’s 25^th run and Kevin’s 100^th parkrun and Cowell – to name a few!

Volunteers

Including myself doing the Run Report there were 31 volunteers. Also it was Run Director Hannah’s 50^th Volunteer! Plus Andy was doing his first volunteer at parkrun.

Things to Know if it is Your First Time at Llanfoist Crossing parkrun

• The ladies toilet has sanitary products in if you get caught short!
• If you bring your own mug you get 50p off drinks.
• When you finish you need to cross the path (but be aware of other users still taking part) in order to scan.
• You are also on the course still to head back to the car park, so again need to be mindful of those who haven’t finished.

Llanfoist Crossing parkrun Stats Event 10

• 185 participants. 75 male, 96 female and 14 unknown.
• Times were between 17:45-57:02
• First female was in 22:24
• Highest age grading went to the ladies – with 83.73% a time of 22:51 (VW60-64) and the highest for the gents was 73.79% a time of 22:19 (VM60-64)
• 28 PBs
• 99 sub 30

Other parkruns nearby I have done:

Pontypool parkrun (8.0m), Bryn Bach parkrun (10.1m), Cwmbran parkrun (12.1m), Chippenham Playing Fields, Monmouth parkrun (13.8m)), Riverfront parkrun (15.8m) and Newport parkrun (17.7m)

Visit these other bloggers who cover parkrun: Sarah at Mum of Three World, Jackie at Never Imitate and Chrissy at It’s Me Chrissy J