The wonderful Helene and her team of spaniels took part in an event last weekend:

I represented the NATBs in Wales this weekend. We competed on Sat in the Dysynni Trail 10k fab event, definitely worth bearing in mind for next year. Thoroughly enjoyable - mud, wind and rain what more could springer spaniels want.

I came second in the mixed category canicross and first female over all, thanks to my awesome duo of Rowan and Evie.
Seren ran with my friend Suzy who got second female.

So proud of my gang. Thanks to the fab support crew of Toffee, Maz and Pads abley assisted by Rita Benson, and Seren's lovely family Cheryl Davies, Charlotte Davies and Joan Carter and not to forget little Livvy Harrison who kept us entertained.

A lovely walk on Sunday on the beach for Toffee 's birthday which she was treated royally​!

​The dogs didn't want to pose for picture with their medals!

​Fabulous result Helene, hugs to the Springers and all of your pack :)

​On Sunday 11th June 2017 myself and my trusted Wing Man Dutchy; AKA Team "Pas Da" took to the Local Nature Reserve at Stanwick Lakes to run the 5K.  It was touch and go whether to run with my trusted friend as the temperature was high but decided as there was a nice breeze we would give it a go, pulling out if i thought it was too much.

We held back at the start until we were almost the last runner to set off,  allowing for the runners to create gaps between themselves. Something i didn't do the last time we ran in a normal non dog event and we unfortunately got caught up in the crowd which was a little intimidating for my boy.  

With the lesson learned from before we set off on to a nice open path and before we knew it we were weaving in and out of the runners with Dutchy listening to my every word.  The runners were very accommodating and allowed us to pass easily with each one smiling at Dutchy as we passed. Guessing that Stafford smile is infectious!

Despite a dog pee break and two "must scratch my shoulder" stops we manged to finish in fine style with a nice medal and to Dutchy's delight a banana waiting for us at the finish line. 

Over all it was a great morning.  The event was very well organised with the runners all very accommodating of the dogs running.  Its an event we will definitely do again!

Our official time was 24:48 putting us:

18th out of 128 runners
4th female out of 88
3rd female in age category 25-49 out of 60

NATB note: So proud of Julie and Ducthy - Team Pas Da are an awesome team who's love for each other shines through - well done!