Ariannell Wears Her She Ultra Medal
A young woman from Walchmai achieved seventh place out of approximately 2,500 women in the She Ultra event held in Pen Llŷn over the weekend. She credits starting running during the lockdown period with changing her life.
Ariannell Parry, aged 27, completed the 50-kilometre course, which began and ended in Pwllheli, in four hours, 57 minutes, and 33 seconds.
Reflecting on her achievement over the weekend, Ariannell said:
"I wasn't athletic at all at school. I didn't do PE as a GCSE, I didn't do anything like that. I was never picked for team sports."
From Disliking Sports to Loving Running
Very proud to have run the course in less than 40 minutes behind Sanne Vinks, who came first, Ariannell explains how her love for running has grown over recent years.
"I started running during the lockdown. I've been going to the gym and mountain biking a lot as well, but during the lockdown I stopped all of that and just started sprinting," Ariannell explained.
"I enjoy the freedom of being out there and I don't put any pressure on myself.
"I don't like team sports, so running gives me the freedom to do what I want. I don't have to make anyone else happy while running, and it allows me to go before work and then go to the gym."
First Marathon: Manchester Marathon
Over the past five years, Ariannell has challenged herself both as a runner and as an individual by competing in numerous running events.
"Running during the lockdown showed me how being consistent helps you develop. I'm quite impatient, so I wanted to improve.
"By now, I've done five road marathons. The first one I did was the Manchester Marathon.
"I enjoyed that more than I thought I would, so after that I went on to do the Holyhead Marathon in Anglesey, and then the Firelighter ultra marathon along the island's coast. I was the first female in that one, so that really helped with my confidence."
Training Pays Off
On Saturday 11 April, Ariannell began her 50-kilometre journey with her friends Lili, Elin, Eldeg, and her mother Sandra.
This was the first time the five of them participated in the event, which raises funds for cancer charities.
Although she managed to finish seventh, Ariannell says that enjoying the event was her main goal:
"Achievements give a little extra boost, but I don't feel like I do it for that.
"With the She Ultra, when I saw how close I was to completing it in under five hours, I thought I'd just go for it and try to achieve that.
"I went out on Saturday just to enjoy it. My friends and my mum were all doing it to have fun. And I knew I could enjoy it because of the training I had done."
Training in Rain During Dark Winter Months
What is her secret to training?
"I've recently had a coach, and that's the best thing I've done.
"He gives me so much structure. I run quality, not quantity, so I don't run a huge amount in a week.
"Consistency is important. I've been out in wind, rain, all kinds of weather over the winter, and I've been up to my knees in water!"
Mother and Daughter Support Each Other
Women supporting women is a significant part of the She Ultra ethos, which raises funds and awareness for cancers affecting women.
Ariannell and Sandra supported each other as mother and daughter on the day as well.
"I phoned Mum during the race to say I had finished, and she started crying.
"She had to get off the phone because she couldn't run, cry, and breathe at the same time!"
After crossing the finish line near the Plas Heli sailing centre and experiencing the thrill of finishing seventh, Ariannell wanted to encourage her mother to complete the course.
"Mum was feeling a bit low towards the end, so I had a shower, then I went to meet her near Wetherspoons to walk back with her and get her over the line. I was so proud of Mum.
"We went home to have a big, fat Chinese takeaway to celebrate with the whole family."
Feelings About Her Success and Next Challenge
How does Ariannell feel about her success now, and do her legs hurt?
"I'm so happy and proud. I want to do something bigger now. And the training has worked because I feel okay and have been back running."
Her next challenge is the Edinburgh Marathon in May.
What advice does Ariannell have for women eager to take part in the She Ultra next year?
"Go out and run or walk a little bit every week. Keep at it and just for it because it's a nice event and everyone supports each other."
Follow Cymru Fyw on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok.
Send any story ideas to cymrufyw@bbc.co.uk or contact via WhatsApp on 07709850033.
for the latest from Wales on your mobile device.
Also of Interest:
- 2,500 women compete in charity race in Llŷn
- She Ultra sparks conversation about women's health
- Mari Grug and her friend Laura complete the She Ultra
