Mya’s Cosy Sofa Journey
What another fantastic turnout on Tuesday night for week 2 of the Cosy Sofa. People are making great progress and there's a great atmosphere in the groups. Well done to everyone who was there and thanks to all our volunteers.
Many of you will know Mya from the fantastic job she does each week volunteering at Ecos Parkrun. This year Mya is doing her first Cosy Sofa and tells us her inspirational story.
In early 2023, my school had offered us the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. One of the sections to complete was volunteering, so I decided to come to Ecos parkrun to do this. At first I was really nervous, as I didn't know many people, but they were so lovely to me, and I have made so many friends. At the start I was doing smaller jobs and I finally worked my way up to doing Run Director, I never thought I would of been able to do this but everyone at parkrun was helping me achieve this.
While volunteering, I had never thought of running, but a couple weeks ago, my mum had mentioned the couch to 5k to me and I was intrigued, I am now doing the couch to 5k and i'm really glad I had started it.
I would truly recommend this couch to 5k scheme to anyone who is interested in starting to run.
Run Director Mya at Ecos parkrun
Peters Lava Strava!
A race report by Pedro Flamenco.
Many of you may be familiar with Strava, whether you are a user or perhaps aware of the place it has in the lives of many runners. Each January there is a simple formula I keep track of. In simple terms when the number of treadmill runs being uploaded outweigh those done outside it is time to get some warm weather training squeezed in.
The location for this adventure is the island of Tenerife, a Canarian island which I first visited back in 1992. How times have changed over the last 30 years – from heading out on Veronica’s strip (dancing to Dr Alban) to coming back during latter years for family holidays. Great memories of taking in Siam Park and the other many attractions located in the south-east corner of the island.
Other Ballymena Runners who have previously ran on Tenerife include Billy and Timmy Balmer, Robert and Gemma Clyde and Laura McMullan to name a few.
The island has so much more to offer and for the last number of years I have been fortunate to spend a week of running each January. There are many trails which cover the length and breadth of the volcanic island. Arrival was on Saturday evening and after driving an hour north to my base for the week (Callao Salvaje) it was time to grab some sleep before driving further into the mountains for my race.
Starting in the tiny village of El Molledo, the Tenergue Trail 8k is not your average race. Nestled in the volcanic landscape of Tenerife, this challenging course offered stunning scenery and a true test of endurance, somewhat of a surprise given it is just over 5 miles in distance. The course has a positive elevation gain of 405 meters, reaching a maximum altitude of 978 meters.
This race is a must-do for trail runners seeking a unique experience. It must be pointed out that many trail runners based in the Ballymena area are familiar with running on a volcanic landscape given the proximity of the superb Antrim Plateau. Our very own Slemish is the remains of the plug of an extinct volcano.
The race starts in El Molledo, a charming village nestled in the foothills of Tenerife's majestic mountains close to the stunning landscape surrounding Masca. The Tenergue Trail is more than just a race; it's an adventure. The atmosphere is electric, with a palpable sense of camaraderie among the runners. The local community comes out in full force to cheer on the participants, creating an unforgettable experience. From the first moment of lining up at the start line there is a real ‘fiesta’ feel to the event.
The course ascends through a mix of volcanic rock, lush forests, and winding trails. The terrain is technical, with rocky sections and steep climbs that will test your footing and stamina. Remembering advice given to me many years ago by veteran mountain runner Mark Alexander I kept my eyes on the terrain a few feet further down the course avoiding the temptation of looking directly down at my feet. This really helps with placing each step carefully on the treacherous terrain.
Within the first 500 metres I was beginning to wonder if this was a mistake as a local runner fell hard onto the unforgiving volcanic rock and was receiving emergency treatment. Fortunately, the race is organised by the local fire brigade who also provide a much-valued mountain rescue service in the region.
The course undulated before taking in one of the first major climbs which provided breathtaking panoramic views of the island, the glistening Atlantic Ocean, and the awe-inspiring Teide volcano.
My race plan was to start conservatively as I had been advised that it was critical to save something in the tank for the last couple of kilometres which are completely uphill. After 3km I was beginning to think I had been too cautious as one of the official photographers asked me something in Spanish. I replied “Soy de Ballymena.” only for him to reply in English “are you the last runner?” Indeed I was not but this spurred me on and I began to close up some ground between myself and local runners who were beginning to struggle on the second tough climb of the race.
Minutes later I experience my first ‘ledge’ which had been signposted with the words “Warning. Technical Zone.” Somewhat of an understatement this section involved holding onto a steel rope attached to the cliff whilst trying not to focus too much on the ‘drop’ on my left. My Garmin watch heart rate reading took a bit of a spike but the exhilaration of crossing along this section will provide a memory for life.
The aid station, strategically placed at the halfway point, provided a welcome respite with water and more importantly words of encouragement.
The next section involved descending back into the shade of the valley (a welcome respite from the soaring temperatures). The hardened lava flow was at times covered with what can only be described as” rock marbles” which made it difficult to stay on your feet and created a few scares. The relief of the descent was soon swamped by the realisation that the finish line would only be reached after the final long climb.
Saving something for the final push was great advice which gave me the strength to pass a large number of runners who were struggling with the long ascent.
Arriving back at the village the party was in full flow and a final push to the line was rewarded by the reward of fresh paella and plenty of local refreshments.
A special mention to Belfast lad Conor who now lives full time in Tenerife and the Amarilla Coastrun group which he has set up. A really great resource providing running event information across the island as well as organising a free 5k run every Saturday morning in Amarilla (approx. 15mins from the southern airport).
Peter at the Tenergue Trail 8k in Tenerife