With the Cardiff Half Marathon on the way, RSPB Cymru's Owen Thomas tells us all about his adventures with cycling, running and wildlife. Oh, and lycra.
A Life in Lycra
“Oh my! What are you wearing!!??” The shrieks and gasps of disbelief that greeted my arrival in the office one cold October morning in 2009 still feel like it could be yesterday. About a week earlier I had taken delivery of a shiny new road bike, and that morning was the first time I had worn lycra as part of my commute into work. Those who know me will say that I usually revel in that kind of attention, as my usual dress sense is not exactly designed to blend in with the scenery. Of course they’re 100% right.
4 years on and I’m still a committed lycra wearer, getting the odd giggle and comment from new members of staff or those who remain in awe of my incredible physique (ha!). My journey into work is only about 2 miles at the moment, and most people might think it a bit absurd to bother changing into something that’s more appropriate for Sir Bradley Wiggins or Geraint Thomas. All I can say is that I’ve become slightly addicted to the feeling I get from wearing this magical material. Let’s get this straight, lycra makes you faster. Not just aerodynamically, but more from the fact that by wearing it you’re telling other cyclists and road users that you are a serious cyclist. This appearance means that you cannot, at any point, be overtaken by another cyclist, certainly one who has a basket, bell, panniers, child seat or is wearing an item of clothing beginning with the letter j. I haven’t gone so far as to shave my legs (yet!), and I guess my competitive nature comes out in this instance, something that has always been very strong, although I always remain a safe cyclist. I could go into detail about the plethora of dangerous cycling I see everyday, but that’s probably for another blog someday...
It’s my competitive nature that has driven me to my latest challenge, running the Cardiff half marathon. I have been involved in a few physical challenges recently, including cycling the length of Wales in 21 hours along with some of my RSPB colleagues. I hope to raise some more money and raise awareness for the RSPB through completing the half marathon, as it is a charity which is close to my heart. It’s no coincidence that I’ve been working to help save nature with them for almost 6 years, and I feel there is no better placed environmental charity to tackle the various threats and challenges that face our countryside and wildlife. However, that’s not the only motivation I have for running the Cardiff half...
Anyone who grew up with two older sisters will probably understand where some of my natural competitive nature comes from. Add into the mix a mother who was a PE teacher and you have the perfect concoction for a family where sibling rivalry was a dominant force. Whilst growing up I rarely had the upper hand until I was in my early teens, by which point both my sisters were either heading off to university or interested in other things than playing me in tennis. This year they have both entered the Cardiff half marathon, giving me the chance to claim family superiority. Of course, they’re getting their excuses in early, stating that age is now very much in my favour, and that being a man gives me a clear advantage. This is true, but probably won’t dampen any feeling of satisfaction I get if I cross that finish line before them on the 6th of October. I’ll be wearing an RSPB running vest, so please show your support if you see me prancing along like Mo Farah! Of course it’ll be great to help promote our cause, and who knows, maybe I’ll even sneak some lycra on underneath...as you know...it’ll make me go faster...
Find out more about supporting the RSPB at the Cardiff Half Marathon:
RSPB - Cardiff Half Marathon