Tough day out in the heat to attempt my first FKT.
Started in Pont Walby where the trail is essentially a 2500ft climb for the first 10miles taking in gorgeous scenery around Rhigos viewpoint.
Tiny diversion at Zip World as GPS had it going through the zip line area so had to go around this (matter of metres).
I was moving well at this point with strong average pace on the climbs.
A lot of fire road took you along the ridge line where I found some shaded area to swap out some water and have a bite to eat.
Moving into Bridgend County was next, where the trail supplied views for days towards Nant-y-Moel, dropping down into a lovely Valleys town. This was a whopping descent. There was a large set of trees fallen so I had to take a small diversion down and around this area. This was to my detriment as I lost around 90mins after taking a large fall. I got back on route and re-supplied at a shop in the town. From mile 20 onwards, there would be no significant climbs and most of the remaining route was relatively flat with small undulation.
Due to my fall, I eased off the gas and had to manage some pain.
Continuing on route past Ogmore Vale and Blackmill, the country path takes you into Thomastown through stunning views of the surrounding hills and fields. I stocked up again here and had a well deserved ice lolly and can of coke. Moving around and thiugh Smilog Woods provided much needed shade from the 26⁰c heat and I used a river to wet my buffs and hat. Llantrisant and Pontyclun were next and miles were ticking off slower by this point.
Crossing the M4 was a nice feeling as I entered my Borough of Vale of Glamorgan and with 17 miles remaining, this was largely farm land. I saw plenty of horses and had inquisitive cows who followed me!
The route took me through Vale Golf Club and Hensol Forest and I could almost smell the sea and finish line now.
I used up all water and planned to resupply at Bonvilston but the shop was closed. Luckily, it was only 7 miles to the finish so I locked in and managed to get some negative splits to finish in Porthkerry in 12:31:46.
I felt pretty battered and bruised but it was a great feeling to see my family at the finish.
I opted for self-supported which felt about right with the timings of shops on route.
This could have easily been sub-11 hours if I hadn't had the fall and on a cool day, a decent runner can beat this.
My advice is to recce mile 17-20 and check fallen trees for safety.