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Tash Smith

The Inside Story… From Medic To Running Coach

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We are pleased to be interviewing Ceri-Anne Brown, an ex-army medic from Swansea who took up running almost 8 years ago, as she tells us how she got hooked on the sport that has taken the nation bceri-anne2 (1)y storm.

Having joined the army at 16, Ceri-Anne, now 38 and a mum of one, left Swansea to serve her country in Bosnia, Cyprus, USA, Oman, Afghanistan and Iraq.  There, she met her husband Stacey and after serving many years together, they both retired as sergeants back to civilian life, deciding to make Swansea their home.

Keen to hear how she has fell in love with running we interview her in advance of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon that takes place in just 5 weeks time, on Sunday 25th June.

What got you into running?

I left the army in 2008 and decided that I would continue to run however running back then was more about speed.  I decided to try a few local races 5/10ks and naturally progressed onto further distances.  Since then I have run 9 marathons and 3 ultras.

What is it about running that makes you want to get up at 5am and go for a run?

It’s a cheap way to keep fit, you can do it alone or solo, and I get so much from it.  I’ve found it brilliant for dealing with stress, clearing my head, helping me sleep and for general health.

You’ve just become an official coach for your running club Run4All can you tell us why you decided to become a coach?

I’ve come to realise that people use running as an outlet for stress, manage mental health, weight loss, and to build their social circle.  I started with very little help or advice with regards to running so I decided to help others bring out the best in themselves.  I enjoy encouraging people to use running as an outlet for stress relief, reduce anxiety and boost their self-confidence. I want to show people that anyone can run-they just need the confidence to get out the door.

We hear that you are currently coaching approximately 60 runners from your group to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.  Will this be their first long distance race?  And if so, why Swansea?

Yes for most of them they have never dreamt that they would run anything further than a 5k.  Firstly we provided them with a conditioning plan after Christmas to get them back into the right mindset then started them on a half marathon training plan.  Having such a large group of runners has been tricky but thankfully we have other coaches coming to help at our sessions to apply their knowledge and expertise.  In relation to your question “why Swansea” – I believe that to run your first half marathon in your home city is truly something special so this race was one we just had to do.

What tips can you give anyone who is training to run the Swansea Half?

  1. Get yourself good kit.
  2. Commit to the training session that you have planned.
  3. Buildup you mileage gradually.
  4. Join a running group if you can because you will absorb others positivity when running with them as well as building new friendships.
  5. Always wear a smile when running – remember you are doing something great for yourself!

 

ceri-anne3 (1)What would you say to anyone who was considering taking up running?

Don’t fear local running clubs or groups –they have people of all abilities. Our club is a group for everyone from those who have never run right up to those who have represented Wales.   It’s also a lovely way to see the area in which we live.

Finally, what’s your a motto for life?

“Here for a good time not a long time”…and “Never look down on anyone, unless you’re helping them up.”

After catching up with Ceri-Anne we discover that both her and her husband Stacey work full time, and are proud parents to a 7 year old boy.  They both find the time to train regularly, whilst juggling a busy family life.

Ceri-Anne added:

    “Our son loves to watch us in races and runs shorter distances with me.  He is also keen to join a running club when he turns 8.  We feel we are setting him a good example for when he is older as well as being strong role models.”

Ceri-Anne will be joining her fellow running group with a strong team of 89 men and women from Run4All who will be participating at the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on 25th June.

The event starts on Oxford Street in the city and offers runners a flat, fast course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entries close in only 1 week on Friday 26th May, so anyone wishing to take part should sign up now to avoid disappointment. Limited charity places will remain available up until the weekend of the event.  The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, and goody bag for all finishers.  Spectators are expected to come out in their droves to line the route and help cheer on those runners at the designated specator zones, which can be found online.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

18th May 2017
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Alzheimer’s Society Charity Champion gives his reason to Run Swansea

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When Mike Bowring and Jessica Simmons heard that Alzheimer’s Society were one of the headline charity partners at this years JCP Swansea Half Marathon they just had to get involved.  In almost 6 weeks time, Mike and his friends and family will be joining the 6,000 plus strong field of runners on the 13.1 mile course, which takes place in Swansea on the 25th June.

Mike’s grandmother; Jennie Marion Davies, or Mam Jam to her family was a Sister at Neath General Hospital.  She devoted her life to caring for others, and even up until a couple of years ago she would be busying herself around her ward ‘helping to care’ for other patients.  However, Jennie was diagnosed with dementia 17 years ago and she is the reason why Mike and Jess decided to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mike, a staff team member of Ysgol Bae Baglan said:AS

“My family and I had to watch a strong, caring and beautiful woman succumb to the terrible disease that is dementia. I feel like I lost my grandmother many years ago.  My partner Jessica and I decided that we wanted to give back to the charity that supported my family and who help millions of people who are affected by dementia, both directly and indirectly.  Last year, we decided to take part in a few challenges with the hope of raising £500 for the Society. This escalated from 3 or 4 events to 23! These included obstacle course runs, half marathons, triathlons and marathons.” 

The amazing efforts of Mike and Jess over the last year has enabled them to cover a distance of 517 miles in all 23 events – further than travelling from Swansea to Paris!  Both of them have achieved things they never thought possible, with the most memorable events being the Memory Walk, which they completed as a group with extended family.

Both Jess and Mike work at Ysgol Bae Baglan, in Port Talbot where they have organised a number of events to raise funds to the society.  Mike added:

“We think it is important to help younger generations understand dementia and we hope that we can inspire others to do what they can to help.  Jess is hoping to volunteer with the charity at the Swansea Half Marathon to help support runners – I can vouch that the Society’s cheer points definitely give a much-needed boost.

 I will be running the event with several friends and family members, all of whom feel inspired by what Jess and I have done so far and want to help us in our campaign.

 Of all of the events so far, I feel that the Swansea Half Marathon will be the stand out event for me. I will be so proud to be running the course in my Alzheimer’s Society jersey alongside not only my friends and family, but with thousands of other people, knowing that we all hope for a day where dementia no longer pulls families apart.”

The duo have set up a Just Giving page (www.justgiving.com/MikeAndJess), where anyone can donate.  So far they have raised a total of £1473.

If you would like to become a CHARITY CHAMPION and join the likes of Mike and his friends to run for the Alzheimer’s Society you can register at: http://www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk/alzheimers-society/

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is road race that is flat, fast on a course that is perfect for beginners, and first time half marathon runners.  Race entries close in only 2 weeks. However charity places for Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research UK will remain open up until the weekend of the event.

The race has recently been recognised as being the “Best Half Marathon” in the UK and runners can expect a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, post race massage and goody bag for all finishers.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

11th May 2017
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JCP Swansea Half Marathon Wins GOLD Officially Becoming The UK’s Best Half Marathon!

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After being shortlisted for the last two years, and winning silver in 2016, this year, the race that has captured the attention of the running community scoops Gold in the “Best Half Marathon” category at the 2017 UK Running Awards.

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon was awarded gold after receiving the most votes by runners at the only independent awards ceremony that celebrates the best of running and its culture.  The event took place at Indigo in the O2 on Thursday (20th April) where Tash Smith, Race Co-ordinator was presented with the trophy from the BBC’s Mike Bushell, in front of a room full of A-list names from the running and sports industry, making the award the most sought after and coveted amongst races across the UK.

running awards goldRace Director David Martin-Jewell said: “This is simply incredible, I still consider our race to be new on the scene and to win this after such a short existence is absolutely amazing! On behalf of the entire team, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has voted for the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and helped us bring Gold back to Swansea and making us the Best Half Marathon in the UK. It is an honour for us to win this and it is a testament to just how much our race means to our runners, the people of Wales and beyond.”

“We receive fantastic support from our runners and volunteers a like, without which, we would not have such a successful race, nor have the ability to win against some very big and well established races. This award is a fantastic platform for Swansea as a race destination, raising the profile of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon on a national level, which I hope will help elevate the profile of the race even more.”

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon takes place in only 9 weeks on Sunday 25th June 2017 on fully closed roads. The flat, fast course is perfect for beginners, first time half marathon runners and charity runners, whilst also attracting a large elite field from Wales and beyond to #RunSwansea. Race entries are open and public places cost only £28 for affiliated athletes and £30 for non-affiliated runners, which includes a fully marshaled course on closed roads, bespoke medal, technical t-shirt, on route entertainment, post race massage and goody bag for all finishers. A total of 8,000 places are available with 85% of spaces already taken, there is no better time to register your place than now.

Go to www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk for further race details and to sign up, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news about the JCP Swansea Half Marathon.

21st April 2017
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Mums A Go-Go As Mothering Sunday Marks Countdown To The JCP Swansea Half Marathon

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It’s hard to believe that Mothering Sunday this week will mark almost 12 weeks until the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 25th June.  There have been mums, step mums, and grannies who have laced up over the years to #RunSwansea and 2017 is set to see many more mums taking part in this Award winning race.

DSC_3489The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a fully accessible race and welcomes runners and athletes of all abilities to #RunSwansea.  Besides mums and grannies, the event has seen a fantastic field of wheelchair athletes, disabled buggy runners, a blind runner with his guide and of course the family dash which is open to all ages.

Anyone contemplating taking on the challenge of a half marathon will quickly realise that 12 weeks is a critical milestone.  This is where you can literally go from being a couch potato to a half marathon runner – so long as you do the training NOW!  That said, you must stick to the plan that suits you, so here are some great tips from the race organisers to help you get ready for THE MUST-DO race this June…

  1. If you haven’t run before don’t worry – start out by walk, jog, walk jog and build up your time or distance until you can comfortably jog/run 5k, Park Run is an excellent way of doing this!
  2. Download a running app such as the MYASICS training app which will work out your training schedule that fits into your lifestyle and build you up to become race ready.DSC_4045
  3. Try and stick to your plan! If you don’t feel like getting out there try to buddy up with someone you know – the team incentive is definitely the way to go, or even try training at a different time of day! Work out what’s best for you, but try to make sure you don’t miss a training session.
  4. Cross train – Cross-training can improve your fitness, help with injury prevention and you will see a difference in your running fitness as a result. Try yoga, swimming, cycling, elliptical trainer, or even weights to help strengthen your legs and core.
  5. Nutrition & hydration – Staying hydrated is an essential part of running, not just on race day but also during your training. It is possible to over-hydrate so drink to thirst, replacing lost fluids with small sips of water over a period of time. Make sure you fuel your runs sufficiently, what works for one person is different for someone else, work out what to eat during your training to ensure you fuel correctly before, during and after Race Day.

If you haven’t already entered to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, now is the perfect time to do so!  Registration is quick and easy and you can sign up by going to: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk You can also keep up to date with news, training advice, One-Mile Wednesday campaign and more by following their pages via Facebook.com/swanseahalf or Twitter @Swansea_HM or Instagram @swanseahalfmarathon       

24th March 2017
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JCP Swansea Half Marathon announce partnership with ASICS

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Global sports giant ASICS have confirmed that they will continue supporting the JCP Swansea Half Marathon for a 4th consecutive year. The sports brand has been associated with Swansea’s biggest road race, since its inaugural event in 2014.  ASICS have previously provided spot prizes to athletes on race day as well as supporting runners with their training through Q&A sessions, talks, and mobile app.

ASICS UK Marketing Manager, Cathy McGinnis, said:

 “ASICS is delighted to continue supporting the JCP Swansea Half Marathon. We are proud to be a part of a race that has quickly become a key event in the UK running calendar and are looking forward to supporting the runners in their journey to race day.”

Front Runner Events Managing Director, David Martin-Jewell, organiser of the JCP Swansea Half Marathon said:

“We are extremely pleased to continue our relationship with ASICS for the 4th consecutive year. It demonstrates the success of what we have created with the Swansea Half that we are able to continue to attract and work with the worlds leading running brand. We are looking forward to continuing and building on our relationship with ASICS to bring additional benefits to our runners.”

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 25th June 2016 on fully closed roads and continues to be a firm favourite amongst the running community. The flat fast course is perfect for beginners, first time half marathon runners and charity runners, whilst also attracting a large elite field from Wales and beyond to #RunSwansea.

The partnership for 2017 with ASICS will mean that prizes will be offered to category fields on race day, and anyone who has registered to take part in the JCP Swansea Half Marathon, will be entered to WIN a pair of ASICS trainers.  Anyone who has not yet entered can do so by visiting: www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk entry costs just £30 (plus BF).  When entering, don’t forget to like the Swansea Half and ASICS Facebook pages or follow us on Twitter @Swansea_HM or @AsicsUK

The competition will be open until the 31st March and winners will be notified and publicised on social media following the closing date.  So don’t delay enter TODAY!

3rd March 2017
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#OneMileWednesday

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Today, we re-launch #OneMileWednesday. The concept is simple, you just need to run a mile. Be it a mile more (for the experienced runners), or simply a mile for anyone new to running or limited by time.

Share your #OneMileWednesday photos with us on social media and you could win yourself a free training t-shirt*.

So, grab your trainers and be part of #OneMileWednesday.

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race on fully closed roads that starts in Swansea city centre and takes in six miles of stunning coastline, idyllic marina, and iconic buildings on its course.  Suitable to first timers, fun runners, elites and your everyday hero, this simply is a MUST do race for anyone thinking about running a half marathon.  The JCP Swansea Half Marathon race takes place on 25th June 2017.  To sign up to take part or keep up with the latest news go to:  www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk

Like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf, follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter and follow @swanseahalfmarathon on Instagram.

*T-shirt must be picked up from the Front Runner Events office or p&p paid. Limited sizes available. No cash alternative.

11th January 2017
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Nutrition Tips For The Festive Period

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We all over-indulge at Christmas, and why not, we all train hard enough, so we deserve a little break once a year. So, whether you are continuing your training or planning to start in the New Year, we have come up with a few simple Healthy Eating Tips to help you during the festive period.

5 Healthy Eating Tips

  1. Fruit and Vegetables

    Make sure you’re getting the right nutrients and vitamins by eating plenty of fruit and veg.

  2. Protein

    Food such as eggs are a really good source of protein and will help your muscles to recover after your training.

  3. Carbohydrates

    Eating pasta is a good low-fat, slow-release energy option to help fuel your runs. It’s also important to eat some carbs within half an hour of your training to help replenish your glycogen stores.

  4. Cereal Bars

    These can be a good, quick snack option – just make sure they’re not filled full of sugar.

  5. Hydrate

    Don’t forget to hydrate!! Before, during and after your run you should ensure you are taking on-board enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Even though it feels cold outside, you will still sweat and lose water during your training so make sure you drink plenty of water.

Remember everything in moderation, that goes for training too. So don’t just eat well, give your body the chance to relax and recover, you will feel better for it, when the training ramps up next year.

Most importantly, remember to enjoy the festive period – Eat, Run and be Merry!!

The JCP Swansea Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile race on fully closed roads that starts in Swansea city centre and takes in six miles of stunning coastline, idyllic marina, and iconic buildings on its course.  Suitable to first timers, fun runners, elites and your everyday hero, this simply is a MUST do race for anyone thinking about running a half marathon.  The JCP Swansea Half Marathon race takes place on 25th June 2017.  To sign up to take part or keep up with the latest news go to:  www.swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk

Like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/SwanseaHalf and follow @Swansea_HM #RunSwansea #FromTheCityToTheSea on Twitter.

16th December 2016
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Organisers Of The Swansea Half Marathon Announce Take Over Of The Llanelli Half

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The Organisers behind the JCP Swansea Half Marathon have today confirmed in a joint statement with the original Llanelli Half Marathon and Great Welsh Marathon event organisers, namely Human Being Active, that the SHM team will undertake the future operating of these and relevant supporting events.

David Martin-Jewell, Managing Director of Swansea Half Marathon Limited said:

“Following detailed discussions with the original organisers of the Llanelli based events, it has been agreed that the races will be transferred to us and we will begin the running of them with immediate effect. This move will protect their future and will allow us to continue developing them, to meet their full potential at highly professional levels”.

 “These events present a long legacy and heritage of road running in west Wales and we aim to continue the great work that has already been established.  In the short term, we would like to assure anyone who has entered any of next years races, that they will go ahead and we would urge anyone who has entered to contact us.”

 “We have been in close liaison with representatives from both Carmarthenshire County Council and the Scarlets, both of whom are supportive of our running of the events, and we have obtained a licence from Welsh Athletics. We will be opening entries later this week, with specific race related details to follow in due course”.

Tim Gasser a representative of the original organising team said:

“We’ve had lengthy and very positive dialogue with the team behind the JCP Swansea Half Marathon and have agreed to transfer all of our events to them. In recent years, David and his team have shown their highly professional capabilities, through bringing a hugely successful Half Marathon to west Wales which is already regarded as one of the best in the UK. It is clear what can be achieved and delivered with the right ethos, ambition and determination. We have great respect for their capabilities”.

 “Although it has been a very difficult decision to reach, we have every confidence that the SHM team will build and develop on the work we have undertaken since first bringing these events to the activity calendar in Wales many years ago”.

Any entrants with queries should contact the team on 01792 277310 or email [email protected]

The Llanelli Half Marathon will take place on 12th March 2017 from the Parc Y Scarlets and The Great Welsh Marathon will take place in April 2017.  For further information about the race go to: www.llanellihalf.co.uk or to stay up to date with all the latest news as it happens on Facebook.com/LlanelliHalf or on Twitter @LlanelliHalf

23rd November 2016
Love6

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