Cadwaladers partnered with The British Heart Foundation for the Cardiff Half Marathon 2019 and gave the opportunity for the employees at Cadwaladers to take part. Our amazing team who ran 13.1 miles at this fantastic event have now taken a well-earned rest.
As well as challenging themselves to complete the half marathon, they also raised a whopping £1000 for this British Heart Foundation! Cliciwch yma os hoffech chi ddarllen hwn yn Gymraeg
A couple of our team have reflected on the event and have shared their experience with us;
Sandra’s Journey
Why did you decide to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon for British Heart Foundation?
I decided I needed a challenge. I wanted to see if I’d be able to push myself enough to be able to do it.
Have you run before or taken part in a running race prior to this?
I’ve done a couple of 5k fun runs for different charities before. But for sure, this was the biggest one I’ve ever done.
How did your training go?
It was difficult to juggle children, work and training. Especially during the school holidays. I tried to go for runs 3-4 days a week. It was easier when my kids where in school when I could go for runs in the mornings straight after the school run. I tried to take any opportunity to get myself out. Some days were easier than others.
How did you feel when you turned up to the event?
Mixed feelings. I felt nervous but focused.
What happened during the race?
I took it all extremely slow all the way through the race. I was just interested in finishing the race, not what sort of time I’d do it in. My goal was not to stop and keep running the whole way, and I was able to achieve this because of the good spirit everyone was in.
What was the most memorable part about running the event?
The whole race was such a huge experience. I normally need music in my ears to keep me going, but I was surprised to realise I did not need it on the day. All I needed was the other runner’s good spirits and the spectators cheering us on to keep me going. Soaking all the great atmosphere up all the way through.
How did you feel when you saw the finish line?
I was extremely relieved to see the finish line but also surprised that I had actually done it. I found myself sprinting to the finish line, and it felt amazing!
Would you do it again?
I would do it again, but I would start my training earlier in that case.
Carys’s Journey
Why did you decide to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon for the British Heart Foundation?
I wanted to raise money for my dad, Alan who passed away due to suffering several Heart Attacks. This was also an opportunity to get fit and healthy. By signing up to the Cardiff Half this gave me the chance to challenge and push myself to do something different.
Have you run before or taken part in a running race prior to this?
I haven’t taken part in a race before but I used to run and exercise quite often in the past.
How did your training go?
I would have liked to have trained more and varied the training with some different exercises.
How did you feel when you turned up to the event?
I felt so overwhelmed, excited and nervous! Finding the toilets and bag drop was challenging!
What happened during the race?
It went well for the first 6 miles but in the 7th mile, I found it more difficult. Mile 11 and 12 were really hard but by mile 13 the adrenaline kicked in. We also had loads of cheers from the students on Cathays Terrace and this really helped!
What was the most memorable part about running the event?
The last mile when you know you are close to finishing.
How did you feel when you saw the finish line?
It was emotional, I started thinking about my dad but I was happy as well. In the race, you have put your body through so much and you feel so tired. But in that last mile, you just pick up the speed and start running faster to the line despite how your body feels.
Would you do it again?
I wouldn’t say no 😉
Aled’s Journey
Why did you decide to take part in the Cardiff Half Marathon for British Heart Foundation?
As Cadwaladers nominated charity of the year, it was an honour to run in support of the BHF. The Cardiff half marathon is such a great day, full of support, kind spirit and positive vibes.
Have you run before or taken part in a running race prior to this?
This was my third half marathon.
How did your training go? – Some days a struggle to go out and train but having a flexible employer I was able to train and achieve a time that I was pleased with.
How did you feel when you turned up to the event?
Excited and nervous, but when the race began the adrenaline kicked in and focused on finishing the race.
What happened during the race?
It was a beautiful day in Cardiff, I was focused on my time and tried to enjoy the moment.
What was the most memorable part about running the event?
To see team Cadwaladers ready for the race, a proud moment for myself.
How did you feel when you saw the finish line?
Very emotional, it’s a great achievement to cross the finish line with the cheer of the crowds.
Would you do it again?
Yes – I have already looked at signing up for next year
We are incredibly proud of the time and effort of the team; Carys Williams, Sioned Taylor, Elan Roberts, Sandra Johnson, Aled Jones and Paul Morton. We can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring!
Discover your local Cadwaladers Store on our map and follow us on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news.