Swansea 10k: Another Challenge on the Horizon
I’ve just signed up for the Swansea 10k on September 15th! This race wasn’t initially on my calendar, but after getting through most of the Run 4 Wales series, I’m hungry for more challenges. Plus, Swansea’s flat, coastal route is known for being fast, and I’m eager to see what I can do there—knee injury or not.
Speaking of the injury, I’m still working on recovering from the setback at the London 10k, so my main focus is training smart and listening to my body. The CDF 10k on September 1st will be a good test to see where I’m at before tackling Swansea.
I’m really excited for this one because I’ve heard the atmosphere in Swansea is fantastic, with the route offering stunning views along the coast. It’s another great opportunity to test myself and keep building momentum as I work towards my biggest goal yet: the Cardiff Half Marathon.
With two races in quick succession, September is going to be a big month for me. Fingers crossed my knee holds up—I’m determined to give it everything I’ve got!
Taking on the Run 4 Wales Series: Next Stop, CDF 10k!
I’m in the final stretch of the Run 4 Wales 10k series, and it’s been an amazing journey so far! With three races already behind me, my next challenge is the CDF 10k on September 1st. I’m excited to cross that finish line and complete the series, but there’s a bit of anxiety hanging over me due to the knee injury I picked up at the London 10k. That sharp turn still haunts me! I’ve been focusing on recovery and training smart, but it’s definitely on my mind as race day approaches.
What keeps me motivated is not just finishing the series, but also raising funds to qualify for the Cardiff Half Marathon. The idea of running 13.1 miles is both thrilling and daunting—it would be the furthest I’ve ever run! The support I’ve received so far has been incredible, and it’s pushing me to stay committed, even with the injury.
This series has been more than just ticking off races; it’s been about pushing boundaries, setting new goals, and seeing how far I can go. The CDF 10k is a big milestone, but it’s also just the beginning as I work towards the half marathon. I can’t wait to see what’s next and to keep challenging myself—hopefully with a fully healed knee!
London 10k!
The London 10k was an experience to remember! From the moment I hit the start line, the energy was electric. The crowds, music, and lively atmosphere gave me flashbacks to the Paris 10k—the vibe was almost identical. There’s something special about running through iconic city streets with so many people cheering you on; it made every step feel lighter.
I was cruising along, really soaking up the buzz, until I hit a sharp corner around the midway point. In my excitement, I turned faster than I should have and felt a sudden pain in my left leg. It was gutting because I’d been feeling so strong up until then. The injury forced me to ease off a bit, but I was determined to push through and finish.
Despite the setback, the rest of the race was still incredible. London truly knows how to put on an event, and the atmosphere kept my spirits high even as I navigated the discomfort. Crossing the finish line was bittersweet—I was thrilled with the experience but frustrated by the injury.
Now it’s all about recovery and getting back out there. Even with the hiccup, the London 10k was a highlight for me—a reminder of why I love running and how every race brings its own set of challenges and joys.
Porthcawl 10K (R4W Series)
The Porthcawl 10k turned out to be my best race so far! The weather was near perfect—warm, but nowhere near the scorching heat of Cardiff. I felt confident from the start, and it showed in my pace. Even with a quick stop for a bathroom break, I was still on track for a personal best.
The coastal route was stunning, and I even got to catch glimpses of the Swansea Airshow overhead, which added some excitement to the run. The crowd support was fantastic, helping me keep up my speed through the entire course.
Crossing the finish line, I was thrilled to see I’d set a new personal record. It’s amazing how much progress I’ve made in just a few races, and this one really showed what I’m capable of. The Porthcawl 10k was a mix of great conditions, scenic views, and strong running—everything just clicked. Now I’m more motivated than ever to keep pushing and see how much faster I can go!
I did it! Paris 10k
I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve completed the Paris 10k with a time of 1:33:20! This experience has been nothing short of amazing, and I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude and reflect on this incredible journey.
Running through the streets of Paris was like a dream come true. The route took me past some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Seeing the Eiffel Tower as I ran, passing by the Louvre, and even running through Princess Diana’s tunnel was surreal. The sight of the Arc de Triomphe standing proudly in the distance was a breathtaking moment that I will never forget.
One of the highlights of this experience was the kindness and encouragement from the French people. Their support along the route was heartwarming and kept me motivated every step of the way. I have truly felt at my happiest in Paris, and this city will always hold a special place in my heart.
I am incredibly proud to have organized this so last minute, registering only a week before the race, and still managing to raise 170€ for the Abbé Pierre Foundation. This achievement was made possible by the generosity and support of my wonderful followers. Together, we’ve contributed to a cause that helps the homeless in France, and for that, I am deeply grateful!
Thank you to everyone who donated and supported me throughout this journey. Your encouragement and kindness have made this one of the best moments of my life. I couldn’t have done it without you, and I am forever thankful.
Here’s to more adventures and making a difference together!
With love,
Carys Lorraine
Thank you for your donations! Paris 10k!
I’m thrilled to announce that thanks to your incredible support, I’ve reached my fundraising goal for the @adidas10kparis ! 🎉 We raised 170€ in just one day, surpassing the original goal of 150€! All of the funds will go directly to the @fondationabbepierre , making a positive impact on those in need.
I’m so grateful for everyone who came together to donate and help me achieve this milestone. Your generosity means the world to me, and it’s inspiring to see how quickly our community can make a difference.
This Sunday, I’ll be running my first race abroad, and I couldn’t be more excited (and a little nervous)! Making sure all the forms and documents were in order was quite the task, but we did it! 🇫🇷🏅
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and encouragement. Let’s do this! 💪🏼✨
#Paris10k #ThankYou #Grateful #RunningForACause #AbbéPierreFoundation #FirstRaceAbroad #FeelingBlessed
You can still donate here!
Cardiff Bay 10k (R4W Series)
The Cardiff Bay 10k was my toughest race yet, and not just because of the distance. On race day, the temperature soared to 25°C—unseasonably hot for spring. As I lined up at the start, the sun was already beating down, and I knew this was going to be a challenge.
The scenic course around Cardiff Bay was as beautiful as I’d hoped, but the heat was relentless. By the halfway point, it felt like every step was taking twice as much energy. Despite hydrating at every water station, the sweltering sun made it hard to keep my pace steady. Along the route, I saw four runners collapse from the heat, which was both sobering and a reminder to listen to my body.
It wasn’t my fastest race, but it was definitely the most mentally demanding. Pushing through that final stretch took all my focus, but crossing the finish line in those conditions was a real victory. This race taught me that running is as much about resilience and adaptability as it is about physical fitness. Even in tough conditions, I proved to myself that I can keep moving forward, no matter what.
My Second 10k Race in Newport (R4W Series)
After the thrill of my first 10k in Llanelli, I was eager to take on my next challenge: the Newport 10k. This race felt different from the start—still exciting, but with a new layer of confidence. Having one race under my belt, I knew what to expect and how to pace myself.
The course in Newport was a mix of city streets and scenic river views, offering a fresh experience compared to my first race. I started strong, feeling more in control of my pace and energy. The familiar rhythm of running was comforting, but this time, I pushed myself a bit harder, aiming to beat my previous time.
The final kilometers were tough, but I felt more prepared mentally and physically. As I approached the finish line, a sense of accomplishment washed over me. Newport wasn’t just about finishing another race; it was about seeing how far I’ve come since Llanelli. Crossing the line, I realized I’m not just running races—I’m building momentum for whatever comes next.
My First 10k Race in Llanelli
February 2024 marked a big milestone for me—my first 10k race in Llanelli! The chilly morning air buzzed with excitement as I stood at the start line, nerves and anticipation swirling inside me.
As the race began, the stunning coastal views kept me motivated, especially when the going got tough around the halfway mark. The early kilometers flew by, but the final stretch tested my endurance. Still, I pushed through, driven by the cheering spectators and my own determination.
Crossing the finish line felt incredible—a mix of exhaustion, pride, and pure joy. This race was more than just 10 kilometers; it was a testament to my hard work and perseverance. I can’t wait to see where my running journey takes me next!
Unraveling the World of Deepfakes: A Deceptive Mirage in the Digital Era
Introduction
In this era of rapidly advancing technology, an intriguing yet concerning phenomenon has emerged, known as “deepfakes.” Deepfakes are a sophisticated form of artificial intelligence (AI) manipulation that allows for the creation of highly realistic counterfeit media content. This groundbreaking technology raises critical questions about the authenticity and trustworthiness of digital information. In this blog post, we delve into the captivating world of deepfakes, exploring their creation process, potential applications, and the ethical implications they entail.
Understanding Deepfakes
Deepfakes are digitally altered media, typically videos or images, in which the face or body of a person is convincingly replaced or modified using AI algorithms, particularly deep learning techniques. These algorithms analyze and synthesize vast amounts of data to generate a remarkably realistic counterfeit. By training on extensive datasets of images or videos of a target individual, an AI model can replicate their facial expressions, mannerisms, and even voice, seamlessly merging them into another video or image.
Creation Process of Deepfakes
The creation of deepfakes involves several stages, including data collection, training, and synthesis. Initially, a comprehensive dataset containing various images or videos of the target individual is gathered from publicly available sources or social media platforms. This dataset serves as the training material for the AI model.
Next, the AI model, often based on a neural network architecture called Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), is trained using the collected dataset. GANs consist of two neural networks: a generator and a discriminator. The generator generates counterfeit content, while the discriminator tries to differentiate between real and fake media. Through an iterative process, the generator learns to create increasingly convincing deepfakes, while the discriminator becomes more adept at detecting them.
Finally, once the AI model has been trained sufficiently, it can synthesize new content by combining the facial or body features of the target individual with the desired source video or image. The result is a highly deceptive and realistic deepfake that can be easily mistaken for genuine footage.
Applications and Impact
While deepfakes have gained notoriety primarily due to their potential for misuse and deception, they also possess various positive and creative applications. In the entertainment industry, for instance, deepfake technology can be employed to bring beloved characters back to life or enable actors to portray younger or older versions of themselves convincingly. It can also facilitate dubbing and localization efforts, making movies and TV shows more accessible to global audiences.
On the flip side, deepfakes raise significant concerns regarding the spread of disinformation and the erosion of trust. Malicious actors can exploit this technology for political manipulation, revenge porn, or fabricating evidence. Deepfake videos could be used to incite violence, damage reputations, or create chaos by spreading false narratives. Detecting and debunking deepfakes has become an essential challenge for media platforms, journalists, and society as a whole.
Ethical Considerations and Future Mitigation
The rise of deepfakes compels us to confront complex ethical questions. The ease with which AI algorithms can create convincing forgeries challenges the long-established notion of trust in visual media. Misleading deepfakes can have severe consequences, eroding public trust, exacerbating societal divisions, and undermining the credibility of legitimate evidence.
Addressing the issue of deepfakes requires a multi-faceted approach. Technological advancements in deepfake detection tools, such as image forensics, can help identify manipulated content. Awareness campaigns and media literacy initiatives are crucial in educating the public about the existence and potential dangers of deepfakes. Furthermore, collaborations between governments, technology companies, and researchers are necessary to develop policies and guidelines for handling deepfake threats.
Conclusion
Deepfakes represent an awe-inspiring technological achievement with both positive and negative implications. As this technology continues to evolve, the need for vigilance and countermeasures against malicious use becomes increasingly critical. By fostering a collective understanding of deepfakes and investing in robust detection mechanisms, we can mitigate the potential harms while leveraging the positive aspects of this captivating, albeit deceptive, digital art form.