Took up running in late 1984. Joined Llanelli A.C in 1985, entering many local races. Didn't realise I was so competitive and soon got drawn into X-Country and Track races as I improved. Seemed to have an affinity for X-Country and Steeplechase races, (the tougher/muddier the better, seemingly) and won my share of local events such as the Llandeilo 8 miler, Drefach 10k, Gorseinon 10k and Myddfai 8 mile along with the Nidum Treble (over H-mara/10 mile/10k distances). Became Dyfed Champion at different events, including X-Country, 10,000 and 5,000 on the track. These are of course pre-Po10 along with the 30 plus races each year between '85 and 2000.
Some noteworthy earler achievements include
Winning the Inaugural Sospan Multi-Terrain Race in 1988 (8 mile at that time) in 44m 04s.
Winning the Afan Half Marathon in Port Talbot (also 1988) in a Club record time of 69m 09s.
Making my marathon debut in the 1990 London Marathon, running 2hr 38min 47sec, (my best time by approx 90s).
Apart from the Full and Half marathon times above, personal bests achieved on the road include:
5km: 16min 10sec (Carmarthen, 1998), 5 mile: 26min 27sec (Pembrey C.P, 1989), 10km: 31min 59sec (Newport, 1989), 8 mile: 42min 37sec (Llandeilo, 1988), 10 mile: 53min 20sec (Newport, 1989), 20 miles: 1hr 58 min 41 (Cardiff 1990).
Was part of the amazing T & F team at Llanelli (late '80's/early 90's) when they won promotion to the top tier of, (and went on to win) the Welsh League Title.
Some of the Track Personal bests set in Open meetings, cup competions or Welsh League meetings along the way include:
800m: 2min 05.9sec (Swansea Open, 1992), 1500m: 4min 10sec (Cwmbran Open 1988), 3000m: 8min 57sec (Swansea Open, 1989), 5,000m: 15min 38.22sec, (Welsh Champ's, Cwmbran, 1993), 10,000m: 32min 44 sec (Welsh Champ's-Swansea 1990) & 400 Hurdles: 63.5 sec (Welsh League, 1992), 2,000m S/Chase: 6min 24sec (Cardiff I-Counties 1993) and 3,000m S/Chase: 9min 47sec.
Contiued to improve off road too, attending most if not all Gwent League X-C races each season, establishing myself as a regular top 30 runner by the early 90's, progressing to a number of top 20 finishes and a best of 11th on the mud and hills of Aberdare.
The above is a potted history prior to the service provided by PO10 around yr 2000 onwards, although the early 2,000s are a bit sketchy too .