WHY I RUN - BY BEN MOUNSEY

It’s dark.
I’m alone and I’m tired.
I’m cold, wet and hungry.
I’m miles from home.
My body hurts.
I’m dreaming about food and the warmth of my bed.
I’m so tempted to quit right now.
It would be so easy to give up.
This is my choice.
Nobody is forcing me to do it.
I could stop right now and no-one would ever know.

Why am I doing this?

Why do I run?

I’m not afraid to admit that I’m obsessed with running. It’s an addiction that needs feeding but one that is easily satiated. I’m at my happiest when I’m
running, completely immersed in the sights, sounds and the smells of the outdoors.

‘OBSESSED IS JUST A WORD THE LAZY USE TO DESCRIBE THE DEDICATED’ inov-8

I feel blessed that I can run. It makes me appreciate what I’m capable of and it gives me an enormous sense of freedom and well-being. Not all my runs are
fast or difficult. Most of the time I just like going slow so I can enjoy the views. No run is ever the same. No view is ever the same. My eyes have witnessed
some amazing sights. I’m constantly aware of what’s around me and I never take it for granted. More than anything, I love to run in the mountains. To climb high above the rest of the world and far away from the pressures of everyday life. I don’t need to listen to music for motivation, I prefer to lend an ear to nature, whose sounds are just as intriguing as her sights. It’s here, in this perfect wilderness, that I find my comfort and solace.

Pictured above: Val di Mello, Val Masino, Northern Italy

I run because it’s a release from the stresses and strains of everyday life. I can forget all my worries and just focus on the simplicity of putting one foot in
front of the other. When I’m out running I do most of my thinking with a clear head. I like to spend time planning and making decisions. Although admittedly, most of my time is spent thinking of an interesting name for my run on Strava, one that befits the effort I’ve made, or describes the experience I’ve just had.

Running gives me a purpose and a sense of belonging. If I’m running well and often, then I’m happy and content. It makes me feel good, both physically and mentally. It gives me the confidence and structure in my life that I need in order to be successful in everything that I do. 

Pictured above: Climbing high on Sentiero Spinotti, above Collina,
Northern Italy

I’m always looking for a new adventure. I like to explore my surroundings. There is nothing in the world that gives me greater pleasure than climbing a
mountain or finding a new trail. I’m usually without a plan. I like to make my own way, tread my own path. There are times when I don’t know where I’m going and I don't know where I am. I run where I want and where my feet take me. I’ve found that sometimes in life, the only way to really find yourself is by first getting lost.

Pictured above: Training on Sharphaw, North Yorkshire

Part of my addiction includes competing – I just love to race. I enjoy it because I like to test myself. Not just against others, but against the course, the terrain and the natural elements. I like to push my body to see how far I can go, how fast I can run and what I can achieve.
 
Racing has taken me to some amazing places, allowed me to enjoy new experiences and meet other like-minded people. I’m yet to meet a trail runner who doesn’t share my love and passion for the sport. Being a part of the off-road running community feels like being part of an extended family that stretches right across the globe.

Pictured above: Flying the flag for the GB team at the European
Mountain Running Championship 2016, in Arco, Italy.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have competed for the three C’s – my club, county and country. The memories I have will last a lifetime and I’m always hungry to create more. I have hundreds of special moments to look back on and I dream about what I’ll achieve next if I keep working hard in training and during races. Whenever I need some extra motivation to get out of bed in a morning, or do an extra mile, or another hill rep in the rain, then I think back to these moments and I’m instantly reminded of why I’m doing it. I don’t want to have any regrets in life and I don’t want to look back and think about what I ‘could’ have achieved.

THAT’s why I run. 

You can read more of Ben Mounsey's adventures on his own blog. 

An afternoon at Newbridge on Wye Primary School

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending Newbridge on Wye Primary School in order to help launch the start of an initiative to help the pupils get fitter, more healthy and active outside.  This was the launch of a scheme called The Daily Mile, which the children of Newbridge School will now perform between 9am and 9:15am everyday.

This will involve the children running, jogging and walking their way to a healthier lifestyle when they complete 13 laps of the school yard everyday. 

It was a massive honour for me to be invited to attend the launch alongside Welsh Government Minister Kirsty Williams and T47 international athlete Morgan Jones who actually attended Newbridge School when he was younger. Running is a sport that brings so many people together and it was so humbling to see all the children so enthusiastic and excited to run and to experience that enjoyment and sense of achievement together as a school. 

I would just like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Newbridge Primary School for inviting me to attend. It will be an afternoon I remember for many years to come. I would also like to wish good luck to the pupils and staff of the school in finding and growing their passion for healthy activity together as I am sure they will do by running a mile everyday as a school community! 

You can watch the YouTube clip below by Jonathon Nash of Sport Powys to help you understand why the Daily Mile is such a great initiative for the children of the next generation to participate in. 

If you or your child has been inspired by this; why not bring your child along to the llandrindodlife children's running group, which meets at Llandrindod Wells Lake every Wednesday, 4-5pm. This is for children aged 8 and over and costs just £2 per child. It's a fun introduction into the sport with the aim of getting the children of the Llandrindod Wells community and beyond more active and healthy, just like the Daily Mile at Newbridge Primary School! If you would like some more information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

RWG MOBILE

(This post was orginally published on the llandrindodlife blog site which promotes the community of Llandrindod Wells.)

"RWG Mobile is run by people in Wales, for people in Wales...wherever you are."

Maybe you haven't heard of RWG Mobile before? I hadn't either until recently but read on to discover what this unique Welsh service has to offer the people of Wales. 

First things first; you may be wondering what RWG stands for? The answer is Red, White and Green; like the colours on the Welsh flag. Using this name highlights the mobile networks' patriotism and their passion for all things Welsh and what Wales stands for. 

"Before RWG Mobile was launched, there wasn’t a mobile network that belonged to Wales. A mobile network that was run by people in Wales, for people in Wales. One with a Welsh language service as standard. RWG Mobile set about to change that."

Other countries have their own mobile network so why should the people of Wales have to settle for less? Here you have Wales' very own mobile network which is suitable for everyone with the flexibility of no contract. 

RWG Mobile is a pay-as-you-go mobile provider that gives you total flexibility of how you buy and consume your mobile services.

RWG gives you complete freedom over your mobile network and how you use your phone as it gives you the ability to buy your voice minutes, texts and data completely separately and to renew them when you wish to. If you accidentally go over your limits you won't be punished. By using RWG Mobile you are not locked to a long-term contract and so you are not paying for a service you don't use. 

To use the RWG mobile network you can use sim cards, the RWG app or both. The RWG Mobile application is available via the Google Play Store and Apple Store. To top up, you can easily use the downloaded app, your local PayPoint store or via your account online.

RWG Mobile bundles are valid for 30 days and are drawn down from credit balance only. There are different bundles for voice minutes, texts and data so it's easy to find the one which suits you and your needs.

RWG Mobile SMS bundles

RWG Mobile voice minutes bundles

RWG Mobile data bundles

 

What is so special about the RWG Mobile app?

 

The RWG Mobile app provides additional phone numbers you can use for free and low cost calls and messaging without the need for an extra SIM card. App to app online calls and messages are free and unlimited. Users you can call and message for free are clearly highlighted in your app ‘Contacts’. You will need a WiFi or data connection to use the RWG Mobile app. 

The best thing about this app is the fact it gives you the ability to have extra mobile numbers on your existing phone so you can have separate numbers for different aspects of your busy everyday life for business, social and personal use. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Features of RWG Mobile:

• Extra mobile numbers for business and personal use
• Free calls to other RWG users
• Free chat via the RWG Mobile app with other app users
• Low cost calls to any phone
• Low cost SMS to any phone
• 4G at no extra cost
• First extra number is free
• Get another business line without the need for an extra device
• Keep your personal number private
• Peronalised voicemail on each profile
• Customise each RWG profile
• Easily see who is calling you
• Decide when you're available 
• International roaming
• Free Wi-Fi calling

Another thing which is unique about RWG Mobile is the fact the customer service team are happy to help in English or yng Nghymraeg! They are able to provide you with a true Welsh service which I think is really special for the people of Wales.

RWG Mobile is a Welsh company, passionate about all things Welsh and all the things Wales stands for. I am Welsh athlete, with a passion for the country in which I live and run. Every time I pull on that Welsh vest and represent the red, white and green; I am extremely proud to be a part of this small but mighty nation. 

There is no better feeling than running the hills of Wales and feeling alive on a windy and wild, Welsh hill top

It is on this note that I wish to tell you about how RWG Mobile are supporting me; my running ambitions and my community work and how through using the unique RWG Mobile network, you can support me too.

If you are currently using a pay-as-you-go network which is not RWG Mobile then I strongly advise you to switch to the red, white and green network, as not only will you be supporting a true Welsh company; you will be supporting a Welsh athlete who is helping to put our hometown of Llandrindod Wells back on the map.
 
RWG Mobile have provided me with a revenue share opportunity where I receive 15% rebate on top ups from any customer who I bring to their network. The customers who move to RWG Mobile will also receive 10% free on their first top up. 

There are two ways of ensuring this works...

1. Every time you top-up your RWG Mobile sim use the promotional code HEIDI. This will give you 10% free on your first top up and allow me to qualify for 15% rebate. This will help me with things such as travel and accommodation costs when I compete. 
2. If you have not yet got a RWG Mobile Sim then you can easily request one, free of charge here. In order to support me; all you need to do is put my name in brackets after your name in the first field and then your account is allocated to me to qualify for rebate. You will receive 10% free on your first top up.

Just add my name in brackets after yours... it's as simple as that!

The use of mobile phones has become part of every day life in the 21st century. If you are as passionate about Wales as I am; why don't you choose to drape your phone in the pride of the red, white and green Welsh flag and order your free RWG Mobile sim today!

Welsh people, Welsh companies, Welsh communities should stick together. Together us Welsh people can be a part of something wonderful. 

  
Don't forget to follow RWG Mobile on Twitter and like them on Facebook to stay up to date.

INOV-8 ROCLITE REVIEW

Hop over to the INOV-8 website or any of their social media channels and you'll soon find that everyone is raving about the all new decade in the making, ROCLITE shoe. But what are ROCLITE and why is everyone so excited?

Carry on reading if you really really want to try a new pair of INOV-8 latest ROCLITE (come on, I know you want to) but you're not sure you'll be able to convince your family you really need to add another pair to your beloved 'mountain' of trail shoes already bursting out of the cupboard or off the shelves of your 'shoe cave'.

I mean looking at my shelves, they seem pretty full but I still managed to just about squeeze a pair of ROCLITE in. There's no reason why you can't too. After all, a pair from the INOV-8 range of all new ROCLITE are just what you need to hit the new year with a BANG!!!

It states on the INOV-8 website:

A good running shoe is one that stands the test of time in a hugely competitive market place. That shoe is the ROCLITE.

I couldn't agree more, with the original ROCLITE launched back in 2006. (Back when I didn't even know running existed, let alone what trail shoes were) Over the last decade the shoe has taken on numerous guises for runners who seek a shoe that can work well on many types of off road terrain.

"From the original ROCLITE 315 to the super-lightweight ROCLITE 243 and the more recent ROCLITE 295, runners wearing these shoes have broken global records and won world championships. It was even the shoe of choice for Kevin Carr, who between 2013 and 2015 undertook the ultimate all terrain running challenge, becoming the fastest man to run around the world."

Times are a'changing and to mark a decade at the top, the ROCLITE has had the most significant revamp to date. While the DNA at the heart of its success has been retained, five new shoes make up a fresh, exciting ROCLITE range that boasts next generation running shoe technologies.

And so we have the all new ROCLITE 290, 305, 325, 305 GTX and 325 GTX.

Personally, I have the INOV-8 ROCLITE 290 and their unique mix of lightness and flexibility means they are fast and agile over a number of different terrains and surfaces.

My first ROCLITE 290 experience was early on a frosty Wednesday morning when I raced to the hills above my hometown of Llandrindod Wells to catch the sunrise. On this particular morning, they dealt with a number of underfoot conditions from frosty grass, frozen icy puddles, rocks, roads and well-trodden hard-packed frozen trails. I ended my morning, hilly adventure feeling impressed by the ROCLITE's durability for the different types of Mid-Wales' terrain thrown at them.

Racing mother nature with ROCLITE 290 & INOV-8 Full-Length Running Tights

The quick response from the POWERFLOW midsole provides a perfect mechanism for shock absorption and assists with giving you that extra kick of energy that you might require. In my case, to race mother nature and get to the top of the hill before sunrise! (I made it!)

The hills I call home

The ROCLITE 290 weighs in at 290g which is perfect for anyone like me who prefers a light, smooth ride with minimum weight over any terrain. The stud depth of 6mm is perfect for gripping onto whatever path you're running, giving your shoe a larger surface area for greater stability. (Means less/no falling over-hooray!) The studs are also multi directional, preventing any debris from clogging up in between them and thus further improving grip.

Built around the natural anatomy of the foot, the new ADAPTERWEB met-cradle adapts to the natural movement and swelling of the foot in motion thus creating a more stable ride and reducing foot movement within the shoe. This creates the perfect fit for any athlete.

Features of the ROCLITE

Another thing that really shouts out to me and probably will do to every other running shoe lover out there is the look of the ROCLITES. The colour and style of all the ROCLITES really makes them stand out as a shoe that has been revamped with a wham. What's more, they're a shoe that not only looks good but performs well too. What's not to love!?

ROCLITE 325, 305, 290

I can honestly say, I will be using the ROCLITE 290 frequently over the coming months; both for my training preparation for the up and coming mountain season and also for racing on the mountains and trails over the summer.

So if you hadn't worked it out by now; I am a BIG fan of the all new INOV-8 ROCLITE range and give INOV-8 a big thumbs up!

But... don't just take my word for it. Go and get yourself a pair and you'll soon discover what all the fuss is about!

Feeling nervous on the start line? Calm yourself by playing a little game and tally up the different shoe brands. You'll soon discover INOV-8 is often the most widely worn... so breathe deeply and take heart, for you know you are wearing a brand with a proven trail record for success! If you're not wearing INOV-8; well more fool you... it's time to go shopping... well shoe shopping anyway!

Ta Ta for now,
Heidi x

PS: A massive THANK YOU!!!! to INOV-8 for the continued support. I'm so lucky to be an ambassador for such an amazing brand.

running into 2017

Paradise

Her ragged breath escaped her lungs, creating a cloud of water vapour, adding to the misty haze already floating over the damp forest clinging onto the tops of the ancient conifers. 

And her feet; how they gracefully stroked the rocky undulating forest track. An eternal rhythm, an eternal pace, an eternal awareness that she was traveling forward using the power formulated by her own two feet. How truly mesmerizing was it that she felt so alive in this forest wilderness; surrounded by nothing but her own frantically beating heart and all that the untamed habitat around her possessed. 

She was not in nature. She was simply part of Mother Nature. An unspoken alliance was built with the tall trees surrounding her. A deep understanding; no matter how far she swerved along the path, flying on silent strides, breathing in the damp, fresh, wood-like air. And, no matter how exhausted she felt; if there was ever a time when each stride forward felt heavier and more laborious than the last, as the monotony of dragging her slight frame up a lung-bursting ascent became too much. All she would need to do was stop. Draw to halt and simply take a moment to survey the spectacle of nature. 

This was performed now as her legs screamed for their need of oxygen at the summit of a lengthy climb. Her body and mind had carried her to a new height, well above the forest. The misty cloud had parted and given way to rays of sunbeams which penetrated her skin just as they penetrated the earths'. The girl held her sweaty hands on her pounding head and sighed a sigh of contentment for there was a panorama of stunning, wild landscape all around. At that moment, she could conceive the idea her own flesh, body and mind was just a tiny speck in the enormity of the universe. These had to be the moments she lived for. She was not to be tamed and neither was nature; as they worked together in harmony.

A wave of new strength pulsed through her body, unravelling from her feet, right through to the top of her head. There was a gentle nudge, a forceful ache arising from deep within her soul. She needed to move her body once more and feel the gentle breeze caress her face. The descent was waiting for her and she graciously obliged after lingering to steel one last glance, committing the image to memory. She would need to obtain that photograph later.

She tore down the single track, descending as fast as her body and the laws of physics would allow. Her limbs; a tangle of blurring momentum. The wind; rushing in her ears, and her eyes; streaming tears of sheer velocity but also tears of happiness. This was the closest she could get to flying and she had never felt so alive.

Each jarring bend caused her rhythm to change. Moving swiftly, dancing over the terrain that seemed to laugh with amusement at her gleeful sense of wonder. It was only natural that a monumental mouthful of joy escaped her lips and filled the eerie silence. She encompassed the forest with these sounds, scattering the notes as if she was the conductor of this marvellous created kingdom. She was soaring on pure, raw human emotion with her senses activated to their highest heights.

All too soon, the forest floor began to level off slightly and with it her legs began to move less frantically. Her muscles and bones were slowly able to relax into a settled rhythm once more.  She began to stare up, towards the tops of the tallest trees, enchanted by the stories they must have to tell of lives and adventures gone by. She almost stumbled into a lone deer, gracefully racing over the dirt path. Stopping dead at the same time, the two creatures stood eye to eye. One; chest heaving, breathless from the exhilarating descent. The other; calm and motionless, more confident than fearful, as if knowing the girl would do no harm. 

Fascinated by the deer's continuous gaze, the girl extended her arm outwards; silently pondering whether the deer would agree to be touched. She longed to feel its warm fur beneath the palm of her hand. Alas; the spell was broken and the deer made off into the thicket, not wanting to make contact with the foreign human world. For the girl, just feasting her eyes upon the deer would have to be enough today.

Again, commencing her movement along the winding paths through the trees, the girl began to realise she would soon be transported back to reality. To a modern world far away from this peaceful, tranquil place. The forest haven conjured up a magical, mystical atmosphere, where in the shade and amongst the protection of the great trees, time seemed to slow and she had space to breath, think and ultimately; live rather than exist.

The green forest from where she was emerging provided her with a place to play, be free and escape the monotony she experienced in everyday life. With each familiar stride forward she was nearing her materialistic, metal car that would provide transport to the concrete forest where she lived, worked and interacted with other people.

She always felt a pang of regret as she drove away from her blissful sanctuary. A pang, often replaced by a feeling of protection. She knew deep in her heart she would return tomorrow to run her well-trodden path once more. In person or to explore in her dreams; either way would be enough. To once again, run wild hand in hand with nature’s paradise.

A Little Catch Up...

It's the start of a new week... the sun is shining down over the mystical land of Wales. My morning run along the trails done... Climbing over fallen trees, floating through the fields. Now it's time to gather my thoughts and bring you all up to date with what's been happening recently. 

30th July 2016: British Athletics trial for the World Mountain Running Championships, Skiddaw

Skiddaw, Jenkins Hill. What a hill. What a test. Walking the course the day before the race, I knew the race was going to be a toughie. A real mental battle. 

Ultimately, I knew the race was not going to be against the other runners... it was going to be against yourself and your own head. Against your own desire to do your best, leave it all out there on the course and get up that hill as fast as you could.

The start of the junior women's race was fairly flat, with a gradual climb. I knew if I went off too fast I would be suffering when I got to the brutal climb so the plan was to go off steady and meet the hill at an easy pace when I got to it.

Sticking to the plan, I led the pack along the easier section, trotting along nicely, skipping over the stones. All too soon, we met with Jenkins Hill and the fun began. 

A little bit of running, a little bit of walking when the pain gets too much. Up and up, feeling like my lungs were going to burst. I'd honestly never ran up anything so steep before.

Running up into the misty clouds which were hanging over the hill, around the final steep switchback, I knew I'd done enough and managed to run relaxed along the more gradual last km to the finish. 

By winning the race, I'd automatically qualified to run for GB at the World Mountain Running Championships alongside my Welsh team mate and friend Bronwen Jenkinson who finished in second place. 

Well done to everyone who competed in all the races that day, just completing that brutal course is an achievement in itself. 

Time to put the hard work in for the big one in September. 

The British team for the World Mountain Running Championships on September 11th in Bulgaria can be found here.

Working hard during the trial

British Junior Home International Training Camp, Caldbeck YHA

This past weekend, I travelled up to the Lake District once more, this time for a training camp with some of the other up and coming young mountain runners in the UK. 

Let's be honest, it wouldn't be a training camp if I didn't fall over or damage myself in some way.  I again managed to do just that by slipping on a rock during the first run of the camp shortly after we arrived. This resulted in a very cut knee that wouldn't stop bleeding for about 24 hours. I'm just lucky I don't damage myself more seriously when I fall!

The camp was a lot of fun, learning new things and getting to know some people better. 

We did a hill session on the dreaded Jenkins Hill up Skiddaw into driving wind and rain but this was good fun even though we were all soaked through when we finished. 

There were talks about massage, warm ups, winter training, nutrition, the mental aspects of running, international opportunities and many fun team building activities. 

Thank you to everyone involved in creating such an inspiring weekend.

Sunday long run with the rest of the juniors

Team building activities involving getting the pole to the ground

******

I've got some more exciting news as I am now very thrilled to say I am an inov-8 brand ambassador! I'm so proud to be supported by this brand and can't wait to get running successfully (I'll try not to fall over!) in more of the kit and shoes and also write some blog posts for the brand. 

A big massive THANK YOU to inov-8 for giving me this opportunity. 

I am excited for what the future may hold. Nevertheless, for now as we learnt at the training camp on the weekend... it's time to focus on the three p's. 

positive, present, process

Until next time, 

Heidi x