Natalie Teece at the Snowdonia Marathon
The Snowdonia Marathon, or the "Marathon Eryri"' may have been voted Britain's Best Marathon in 2011, but it is also one of the most difficult, offering a dramatic alternative to city races.
Having only taken on a number after an offer was posted on our forum by someone local four weeks before, Natalie Teece showed that there's nothing like a bit of spontaneity when it comes to rising to a challenge. Despite being a strong, keen and able runner, only really getting one decent long run in as preparation meant Natalie took to the start line unsure as to how things would pan out. It was a beautiful day, but very cold, while the scenery was amazing and, at times, almost enough to take her mind off the pain. Natalie reports:
"There were breathtaking views of Snowdon, England and Wales's highest peak. The race started on the road before climbing up to the top of the Llanberis Pass (1,100ft) then dropping down to the Pen Y Gwyryd junction. The race then followed an old road. Then there's a short, sharp uphill back up to the main road continuing up to Beddgelert (200ft)."
"It felt quite comfortable for most of the way despite a massive lack of hills in any training but the last 2.5 mile climb (about 1200ft) at Waunfawr was horrendous! As was the steep climb down to Llanberis for a mile afterwards! To the finish!
But all in all a fabulous event which I'd thoroughly recommend as a different challenge."
Well done to Natalie who finished in a cracking time of 3:16:50, for overall position 69, 4th Lady in her category and 5th lady overall.
Huge congratulations to Natalie on this achievement. As a comparison, she has a personal best from the London Marathon of 3:07:29 earlier in the year, so appears to have taken to the hills with amazing success.
This report was brought to you by deano
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