A Weekend to Remember: ASICS FrontRunner UK & Ireland Winter Meet-Up at Tynrhyd Retreat

 The ASICS FrontRunner UK & Ireland Winter Meet-Up at Tynrhyd Retreat was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the joy found in exploring nature's wonders.

Friday: Trailblazing under Starlit Skies

The excitement was brewing all afternoon as the ASICS FrontRunner team gathered at the luxurious Tynrhyd Retreat for their Winter Meet-Up, codenamed MegaMeet, not a minute before 1600hrs. Friday kicked off with a burst of energy as the team started to welcome one another and unwrapped surprise goodie bags,  one of many surprises setting the tone for a weekend filled with joy and camaraderie. A headtorch trail run through Coed Rheidol Nature Reserve added a sense of adventure under the starlit skies, a small token gesture of the unforgettable experiences to come.

The day concluded with a feast prepared by a very talented chef; Beth - The Free Range Chef. The aroma of sweet potato curry wafted through the retreat, fuelling the team for the weekend's adventures. As night fell, the group gathered for film night featuring the 2023 Barkley Marathon Documentary, dropping a subtle hint about the challenges awaiting them.

Saturday: Early Risers, Trail Chasers, and Glamour Unleashed

Saturday morning brought a rude awakening by Holly "Laz Lake" Stables and the unmistakable sound of an air horn (not the famous conch!). Undeterred by the early start, the team set off at 7am, navigating the Welsh trails in search of seven books—five for the Fun Run and two for the Full Send. No watches, no maps, just a list of written instructions.

The sunrise witnessed during this quest added a touch of magic to the already breathtaking scenery. The pages where collected by the team, with some strong trail runners bringing it home for the "Full Send", but sadly some are still navigating the written instructions in the Sheep Fields.

After the early trail run, the group enjoyed downtime, whilst we used the stunning location for future content or just catching up in the retreat's many kitchens or relaxing in the hot tub.  It really was a weekend to remember.

The evening then transformed into a 'Night at the Oscars', a glamorous affair where ASICS running attire was swapped for elegant outfits. Silly awards brought laughter, but the highlight of the night was the announcement of the ASICS FrontRunner of the Year awards, honouring three well-deserved winners. More sublime food by such a talented chef, to top the evening off. Three hearty courses of different flavours from around the world. Take. Me. Back!

Sunday: A Wholesome Farewell

As Sunday dawned, sore heads were surprisingly scarce. The team gathered for one final trail run, this time leading to a nearby lake. The run marked the culmination of a super wholesome and action-packed weekend, where bonds were strengthened, challenges overcome, and memories created. The theme of the weekend, "Sound Mind, Sound Body," resonated as the team reflected on the physical and mental well-being fostered by their shared passion for running and camaraderie.

The ASICS FrontRunner UK & Ireland Winter Meet-Up at Tynrhyd Retreat was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the joy found in exploring nature's wonders. As the team dispersed, the echoes of laughter and the spirit of adventure lingered, leaving everyone with a treasure trove of memories and a renewed appreciation for the profound connection between a sound mind and a sound body.