Rob's Blog (April 2023)

Wow - how is it April already?! 

I am sat in the only spot in my caravan at Hafan y Mor Haven writing this blog on my phone before embarking on 5 miles in the first bit of sunshine we have had since we arrived 3 days ago!

Exciting podcast news incoming - Series 9 came to an epic conclusion since my last update. 11 massive episodes in the bag with some incredible guests telling their amazing stories. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make S9 a success!

The train rolls on though and Series 10 is just around the corner. JP and I have been working our socks off to bring you some more members of running community telling you about their adventures and I have to say, it’s shaping up to be a special one!

Plus of course, more of our usual nonsense including an exciting new SMJ segment that YOU can get involved in! If you would like to be a part of the podcast and help Statman Jon ‘survive the elements’ in a Bear Grylls style adventure then drop us a message on IG or email whatthefartlekpodcast@gmail.com.

Community wise - parkrun cup is now in R4 with only 16 of you remaining, amazingly including last years champion Claire Murnane who refuses to be ousted from her throne! We have seen so many PBs set once again and I am sure you will agree 100+ of you have made it a roaring success, I, for one, can’t wait to see its epic conclusion

We have a big meet up incoming this weekend, Manchester Marathon is only a few days away. Over 40 Fartlek Family will be there tackling the 26.2, dream teaming the relay or forming our cheer squad of joy! Our gang will be at around 8.5 miles (just after the Lidl on your right) ready to help you ‘Power Up’ - please let us know if you are running so we can keep our eyes open for you! More importantly we will be at Brewdog in Manchester from 7pm for beers and celebrations - wearing your medal is mandatory!

On a personal note, I am now just over a week out from my first London marathon. My training was derailed by a lung infection that stopped me running for nearly 3 weeks but I’ve managed to get back out there just in time for taper to begin! A couple of runs have given me a bit of confidence, it might be a slow one but I’m hopeful I won’t keel over! 

We passed our fundraising goal for Make A Wish, thank you so much to everyone who donated, with a special shout out to Paul Lock and his company LoadHog Foundation who donated a massive £1,000. If you bought a hoody, socks, played the World Cup game, bought raffle tickets, laughed at my moustache or just donated out of the goodness of you heart, we currently sit at £5,753 for this amazing cause - and will continue to raise money through the year.

A big thank you to the amazing core team as always for their hard work behind the scenes to make the podcast and community possible - there is no way this would be workable without them and I hope they know how much I appreciate the grind!

Go out there and smash spring marathons guys and we will be in your ears every step of the way!

May your runs continue to be runderful, be excellent to each other, be kind or piss off and see you on the flip flop. 

Rob