Phuket D.N.F

Sorry to report a DNF, a full report will be coming once i have got over the dissapointment and the tears have stopped , but basically everything just seized up on me the last 24 hours - Hips, glutes, and quads meant i could barely tun the pedals over and pulled the pin at 4 ksinto the bike after doing the swim :(


 A sad and broken young Timmy

cheers

Final Prep...

With it raining Cats and Dogs all through the night and morning i was kind of glad i was in the comfort of the heat chamber for the final time. Wasn't expecting the 4 hour round trip mind you that comes when Aussie (or more particular Sydney) drivers forget how to drive in a bit of rain...... Fair Dinkum, they must be the worlds worse drivers  and i wonder if they get there licence free with a Mc Happy Meal sometimes ?
Anyway back in the 37 degree heat for a repeat of Mondays session, after an easy day yesterday i immediately felt a lot better and this reflected in the fact my heart rate never got above 136 bpm. Still sweated buckets mind you and lost another half a kilo in the 45 minute set.
Well that pretty much wraps the training up now, with only a swim planned for Thursday to go before i fly out on the Friday. Happy with the way it's come together in truth so we'll just have to see how it plays out come Sunday.
Still been receiving texts/emails from Enda every half and hour  about trying to get me to do the Half Ironman a week later as well - I might have to take out a restraining order to keep him away from me in Thailand as i dont want him and his ladyboy friends cramping my style over there ?

Just had the official voting card from Tommy H for the HuRTS awards this year, and have already submitted my votes........Very tough this year and all we be known on the 15th December, Should be a good old night(Please God, don't let me get stuck in a corner with Kanser listening to his injury woes again :) )

Cheers

Leprechauns on Tour 2011........ More Shame.

Well after sending out an SOS to find out where our Davie Kane aka Kanser has been hiding since his sorry walk out of Centennial Park after JPM it was left to the Trash spies to track our HuRTS Legend down.
We are pleased to announce today that all is well with our little Irish friend and in fact along with fellow countryman Eamo has been touring around the country doing a 'Leprechauns on Tour' to all the schools on the east coast trying his best to sell 'Fairy Dust'.
'With times tough Timmy in the corporate world and nobody taking me seriously ,not to mention nobody wanting to listen to my injuries i thought it best to take time out'  he told the Trash. 'But i will be back' he went on....

The Boys on Tour, Kanser and Eamo Elf :)

No training today after Enda pulled the pin this morning i decided to have a rest day and just run with clients for the morning, remembering it is a taper week and i have to return to the Heat Chamber for the final 45 minutes of torture in the morning.
Cheers

**** Is there NO SHAME in that Kane bloke, I think HuRTS chairman should look at his membership status for next year - and give him the Red Card :)

Acclimatization Time

After a busy social Sunday spent at the Opera Bar and then an evening in Newtown enjoying a few beers it was decided to give Enda a wide berth this morning so skipped the bike session despite him phoning me every 45 seconds.
Also run out of time to get to the Monday swim squad that has been a great session over the past 5 weeks or so with Rich H, Mermaid Em, Pete Walker and Sonya.
I did however get the chance to get out to Lidcombe for the heat chamber and the chance to acclimatize to the hot and humid conditions that will be on show come Sunday. With the chamber set at 37 degrees and 65% humidity i decided to do 45 minutes at 4 mins/per k. As soon as it started i knew this was going to be tough and the sweat was pouring out after the first 5 mins (although i do think it may have been the Carlton Draught Beer leaving rather then how hard i was working). The thing about the treadmills i find is it is very boring and every minute seems like 10, i had the breathing OK but felt so heavy legged, Heart rate was good and only ever maxed out at 143, consumed 750 ml of liquid and still lost half a kilo in weight after 45 minutes workout.
Was stuffed by the end, but glad i did it and will return one more time on Wednesday for a final hit out,
Cheers

All Aboard the 6.17 Express to Waterfall.

I needed one more long ride before next weeks race so i lined up Enda and a few others for the long ride south to Waterfall. Meet at the park and caught up with Enda, Eoin, Jock Milson (Scott), Evan, and one other guy who i actually thought was mute,(didn't get two words out of him all morning) and i was even  doing sign language at one stage.
Pretty much from the off the boys weren't hanging around, With Ironman, and Half's coming up within the next two weeks the boys were in top form and i was barely hanging on for the first 15ks and was thankful for the lights to be on Red as different stages just to get a brief breather. Soon reached half way at Waterfall some 50ks later in record time and beat the 6.17 train out of Central Station there by about 30 mins i reckon. If only City Rail were as slick as this team of cyclists this morning :)
Now if i thought going out was tough the return is where the boys really  'Put the Hammer Down' and it's every man for himself. With speeds hitting close on 70ks per hour at some points it wasn't long before we hit Sutherland Petrol Station for a sugar fix of Coke and Chocolate and another breather whilst Enda was given a shot of toughen up medicine(and a bit of abuse) to get him back to Bondi.
Things settled a bit for the last 20ks home with Enda and Eoing happy to sit at the front but tucked in behind two girls ahead admiring the views and basically doing sod all :)
Quick coffee back at the park before finishing off cycling back home for a 110ks for the morning.
That is the longest ride I've done since about March time when i was training for Husky Long course, so happy to get through that and felt OK.
Will have an easy week now before i fly out on Friday, when i will make  a few phone calls O/S to the locals in Thailand to arrange a nice warm welcome for Enda when he arrives :)

Out now for a few well earned beers in a beer garden around Newtown, and I'll be turning my phone OFF around 8.30 tonight so Enda can't get me to do his 40ks time trial in the morning.

Cheers

Saturday Swim At Cloey

Perfect Sydney morning so down to Cloey for a swim, water was as flat as a tack, and even clearer then it has been over the past couple of weeks. Just did out and back to the buoy 5 times today it was that good of conditions. Saw C.T and Greta down there as well who joined us on the 4th and 5th rep. Even saw a gangly stick man standing on the edge of the water (that was about as far as he got) that was Sean Williams - I think C.T was hoping he would get in and challenge him to a race.
Very good and tough weeks training just gone, very happy with that and have now earned myself a taper week before i fly out on Friday to Thailand. Will try to get to the heat and humidity chamber sometime as well to try to acclimatise to the hot conditions that will greet me for Phuket.

Still no sign of our Kanser since JPM race last Wednesday and the fans are getting worried - and have put out a 'Where's Kanser' Sign around town - If you do see him tell him Timmy is looking for a breaky and a cuppa tea before i depart will you :)

Have a good weekend
Cheers

'Where's Kanser???? ..........He's in there somewhere?

Cat & Mouse Brick Session

The definition of Redemption, The act of redeeming or the condition of having been redeemed....
and so it was with Enda returning to the park after Monday's shellacking on the bike, With rain teaming down in the park it made for a tough conditions on the bike that made up our brick session for the morning.
Session decided was 3 x laps bike (12k) + 4 flagpole run loops (2ks)
                                 2 x bike (8ks) + 3 flagpole (1.5k)
                                 1 x bike (4ks) +  2 flagpole (1k)

After a very heavy weeks training i knew i was going to struggle along today, and with Enda doing bugger all for the past 4 days, except for his lame 2 efforts the other day at HuRTS as well as getting some motivation from his Ireland team making the European Championships overnight he was bound to fire up and get some sort of redemption.
Started the first 3 loops and it was very cagey from the off with Enda happy to sit on my wheel, we changed places a couple of times coming in of the bike together in 18 mins, A terrible transition saw him get the jump on me and i never got it back although happy to cover the 2ks in 7.00 mins (3.30 pace), with Enda a few seconds ahead.
Second round was pretty much same same.... Only the 'Wily Old Coyote' sat on my wheel for one and half laps this time before 'putting the hammer down' with a strong break, He tried everything - Even cut the corner at one point and was nearly knocking over the walkers on the path as he attempted to break me. Had to dig in BIG time not to lose him and again came off  the bike at the same time in 12.06. Out on the run with none of us giving an inch although with his fresher legs he got the better of me once again for Round 2 to Enda. As i crossed the line in 5.30 (3.32 pace)
Knew it was going to be on for young and old for the final effort so decided early i would sit on his wheel this time and bide my time and make the break 800 out from home. Sat in well and when the time came..... It was Cheerio Enda, only this time he couldn't come with me and the only thing that  bulked me was a car that nearly bloody killed me. Got in transition and was away, now with cement legs i was hanging on for dear life but with 280 mtrs to go 'The Younger Generation" with his fresh legs just proved one hurdle to much for me as i covered the last k in 3.26.
Great Honest tough session for the morning in conditions more suited to back home, and Enda can again show face to his legion of Irish fans and even post about it, He was telling me his Internet/computer were NOT working the past 4 days..............well i bet he gets it back online today, and i suspect a full report will be not to far away. I am actually surprised he didn't stop in at a Internet cafe on the way home he was that happy with the outcome :)

Old Coyote Stankard tried everything in the book to get one over Young Timmy at training this morning :)


Cheers

Wednesday Medium/Long Run - With the Hardmen.

With no class this morning it gave me the opportunity to run with Sydney's 'Hardmen' that go around on Wednesday mornings in the park, Only problem was there were NO hardmen there with J.C, POD, and Enda staying away, although Eoin and Clyde joined at various points, as did Enda's good mate 'Potatoe Picker Paul... although i couldn't understand a word he said( think he needs to bring an interpreter next run ). Clyde came running out the bushes all patched up after his recent fall from his bike complaining how much skin he lost on his backside - We told him he had plenty to lose and perhaps he should fall on his stomach the next time around.
Decided early to do 18ks for the morning and do the 3 x 6k loops the gang do, the pace is kept pretty honest in these sessions with a few peoples ego's getting in the way of there ability for the first couple of ks, Completed the first lap in 25.22 at 4.15 pace, and then picked it up on the 2nd loop again for a 24.14 (ave 4.04s). The 3rd lap was a bit slower as i took time out to chat with Clyde and tried to coheres him into a bet at the next BRAT tri, but he wasn't biting and decided against such a wager? Did the 3rd lap in 25.51  averaging 4.21per k
Overall 1hr 15 mins for the 18ks  for 4.14 average, probably the longest run I've managed over the past 2 months i would say.
Returned home to watch the footy and Ireland in action.... boy are they bad, if that's the best they have to offer then they will get murdered in Poland at the European Championships next year, I might even pull the boots back out and try to get my game for them.

Tomorrow is the tough brick session back in the park with Enda, lets hope he improves on his Monday effort.This is a picture taken of him as he crossed the finishing line at the end of the 40k time trial the other day.  :)

Cheers

Call a Psychiatrist...

Rolled up today in what seemed like the first time in ages for the 4 x 10 minute HuRT session, big crowd there with a glorious Sydney day on show, although no sign of Tom, Tucks, Charlie or Kanser ( don't tell me he's injured again?)
Good group at the front end and i sat in just behind J-Fen, Richie H, 'B Grade' and Heydon on the first rep running with TB and 'The Gangster' Jason (who seemed to talk the whole way about Sundays race). Short of the stone gates by about 180m, covering 2.8ks averaging 3.36 per/k and already felt heavy legged. Its always a quicker return, and got back in 9.28 working at 3.26 pace.
The dreaded 3rd rep is the killer one for me - I think its a mental thing to be honest as every 3rd rep i do whether its with  HuRTS, J- Fen or even by myself i ALWAYS struggle. Maybe i need to go see someone about it and book myself for a spell on the psychiatrists couch for a solution ??
On the 3rd rep i managed to get around to Mrs Macs Chair (4 mins) when i couldn't even manage to get up the hill that then reduced me to a walk :( as everyone flew past, not without a few comments and abuse. Even Mermaid Em hurled abuse.........whats going on there ??? :)
Got going again and covered 2.4ks at 4.10 pace , continued to walk further in the recovery up to meet Laura and her little entourage. somehow found enough from somewhere to make it back home in a little over 9 mins at 3.37 pace but it wasn't pretty.
Found today very tough, not sure it was the heat (hope not), just heavy legs from Sundays race, or even that maybe all the bike is killing any sharpness i had.
Interesting talking to J - Fen as well who made a good point, it may be we are lacking a bit of enthusiasm at this time of the year with all the racing done for 2011?
Talking of which, the planned Biathlon on the HuRTS presentation night has been postponed as there is not one scheduled on that date - So it looks like all the Head to Heads are now complete for the year.
Next year there will be some NEW names added, and some dropped from the list :)

Interesting to see Enda make an appearance today - Appearance was about the only word to describe his effort. He does have problems with the count, getting up to the 10s, 12s and 14s but today he couldn't even get past TWO........... what a fall from grace this bloke has had :)  He was last seen getting the 380 bus back to Bondi on the phone to his coach and mentor 'Hardman J.C' asking where did it all go wrong ?

Cheers

40k T/T Bike and Lunchtime Swim

Sitting back having a few well earned beers in Newtown last night reflecting on the tough day, I all of a sudden get a text at 8.42pm from our Irish friend Enda saying the following ' Lindop, 40k time trial in the park in the morning meet at 6.30am, i know you have raced today feeling tired and perhaps had about 9 beers, but i need to redeem myself after you put me to the sword last week. I've been in training camp with Ireland's number 1..POD, and HuRTS Hardman JC and i am ready to overcome last weeks lowdown' (Long text i know but that's Enda for you:) ). So with that i had another 5 scoops before getting my Chicken Tikka on the way home and thought well here we go :)
Rolled up and basically it was the same set as last week, 40ks that consisted of 6 x nearly 7k loops working by yourself. Last weeks effort was 1.06:48 and despite been in good form on the bike wasn't sure how I'd go after racing yesterday.
Started off very strong, and was surprised when i completed the 1st lap in a quick 10.45, and even more so to see the 2nd only a second slower. No sign of Enda at this stage and i' thought he'd already gone to order the coffees at the local takeaway. The 3rd and 4th were much harder as the legs were starting to get heavy, but somehow was managing to keep each lap under the magic 11 minute mark.
Completed the set in over 90 seconds quicker then last week with a 1.05:06 with the laps as follows;
10.45, 10.46, 10.52, 10.55, 10.54, 10.50
Delighted with that, and it looks like all the work done on the bike has paid off in time for the BIG ONE in a fortnights time.
Enda came through some 6 mins later (i think) in 1.11:?? - And a broken man he looked, Don't know what his coach POD will make of that one.He did state last week that he had hit 'rock bottom' but he was actaully 3 mins quicker then he did today??????  I knew he was struggling when i noticed a little old lady in one of those motorised disability cars pass by him on the 3rd lap.
Take a look :)

This little old lady recorded a faster 3rd lap then Enda?

Enda going about the pace he was finishing his T/T this morning.


He was that broken i had to take him up to 'Crave' for a his coffee and breakfast where he pleaded and begged me to race in Thailand in the Half Ironman that he is doing - he even offered to pay for my entry. I kindly refused his offer as i will be resting and sampling the delights on offer to worry about minor issues like racing Enda at this time of the year :)

Lunchtime saw a massive turnout at the Boy Charlton Pool for the HuRTS Hasseloff Swim squad led by team leader Mermaid Emma, T.B, High, Walker, Christian, Enda, and Sonya. I think everyone came in anticipation after hearing word that Kanser was going to attend in his Phoenix Celtic Trunks, but he sadly let the fans down - AGAIN. With Terrance and Sonya making there 1st start of the year it was again a tough old session. Did all up 2.3ks for the day trying to stay on either Enda's or Christian's feet for the whole set. Was buggered at the finish and couldn't get out the water quick enough.

tomorrow it is back for the 4 x 10 minutes effort - haven't done a session now for a while so i know a tough  set is on the cards , especially that dreaded 3rd rep :)

Cheers

Nepean Triathlon - 1.45:23

Early start today with the alarm set for a 4.30am call for the trip out West to 'The Riff' for the Nepean Triathlon, Not saying its rough out there but even the Rottweilers go around in pairs out in this neck of the woods.
Rock up in the car park and who is next to me - none other then Peter Walker with family in tow, told him that's about as close as i would get to him all day.(and so it proved), Notice went up that it would again be a NON WETSUIT swim, Geez these wetsuits are being made redundant these days with the waters getting warmer. C.T again broke down in tears especially as it was made harder in the fact we were in freshwater.
As i never got my entry in on time it meant i was racing under a friends name in the over 35 age group that saw me start with C.T, 'Gangster'Ibrahim, and Christian E from the HuRTS group.
Swim Leg, Went OK and pretty much non eventful, not the best waters to swim in and like i say the freshwater with no wetsuit makes it slower. Stood up out the water in 19 minutes, and thought that was about right, 19 minutes in the water to me seems like being locked in a room with Kanser listening to his injuries for about 4 hours i can tell you .
It's a fairly long run to the bike and i just tried to bring the heart rate back down before it was out for the 30ks. Been feeling really strong on the bike of late so decided early i was going to push the pace a little and sure enough i went past the 'Gangster' early, and was lucky enough not to see him again.
Off the bike in 49.20 after messing around again in transition before getting out for the final leg of the day the 10k two lap run. Couldn't believe how good i felt for the first two ks, and thought if i could hold 3.40 pace that would give me a competitive time. Caught Christian at the 4ks mark and put an effort in so he wouldn't hang on to me - Sorry mate, but no more Mr Nice guy :)
Held the pace OK and managed a 36.17 run for the day with k splits recorded at;
3.32, 3.41, 3.36, 3.40, 3.42, 3.39, 3.41, 3.39, 3.38, 3.36
Finished the day with a time of 1.45:23 - delighted with that and gives me a bit of confidence leading to Thailand in a fortnights time. Swim was average (when isn't it ? ) , bike was good (even beat Peter Walker's time) , and my run was very steady, especially after the 30ks on the bike. Held out to beat C.T again despite him running a very quick 33mins on the run  :)
Chris had turned down the offer of a bet even though i was happy to go off scratch today :)
Other HuRTS boys were.
Pete Walker   1.41:48
Timmy            1.45:23
Gangster Ib     1.46:17
Christian          1.46:49
Chris T            1.48:21

All results can be checked here - http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/RaceTecResults/Results.aspx?CId=1&RId=604&EId=1
*** Young Timmy was Danny Moore for the day by the way ****

Will return to the water tomorrow lunchtime for the HuRTS swim team, rumour around the traps is Kanser might even join us (to make Enda look good )

cheers

Taper Time in the Water

Done nothing since Wednesday's J.P Morgan run, like to think of it more a taper for this Sundays race then the fact I've been buggered :)
So it was off down to the clear waters of Clovelly this morning for a refreshing dip in the ocean, just did 3 ins and out to the buoy and back. Beautiful morning down there and was just the thing i needed before i try the 1k effort out at Nepean tomorrow.
Nor really sure what to expect tomorrow, its a 1k swim/30 bike/10k run - Will be out to keep the record intact over C.T although it very much is a runners race and with 500m shorter in the swim and 10k on the bike it will be much closer then it was up in Noosa recently.
Will aim to keep HuRTS boy Jason Ibrahim in sights, he's smashing me at the moment in the run but hopefully my bike will see me get a bit of a buffer on him although not sure how he swims ?
Saw C.T down at the beach chilling out reading his newspaper - had no chance of getting him in the water, although he did cough up $20 care of the Tom Highnam bet from last week to me - Thanks very much Tom that will be going to the Thai holiday fund in a few weeks :)

Need a big couple of weeks now, so will be at every HuRTS session i can between now and when i go away as well as the swim set on Mondays, then  the brick sets on the bike with Enda just to keep my confidence up :)

Posting a couple more pics from Wednesday evening - this will be the last of them ( i do have many more that i will send out via email in the week, but are not deemed appropriate for the blog - sorry)

Group pic, notice Enda not in - he had long gone home and was drinking his Milo at this stage of the evening.

Olivia, Richie, J- Fen, Sonya, and L.L - still early into the evening.

The HuRTS girls, Olivia, Sonya. Mermaid Em, Lisa, and 1st girl home Laura. BTW - what have they in common?.......They all chicked Warrior Charlie D :)

Have a great weekend

Cheers

J.P Morgan - Pain in the Park for 19.39

After a pretty relaxed day sitting on the deck at Icebergs after a swim it was down to Centennial Park with the bigwigs from the mighty Corporate World for the J.P Morgan 5.6k race.
Literally a cast of thousands down there and had a warm up with Richie High and Enda before making our way over to the start line. The area was a buzz, with some nervous energy and high fives all around, although Old Kanser was in no mood for pleasantries and kept us at arms length with his 'Don't talk to me - I'm here for business' head on :)
Gun soon sends us on the way for the tough first ks, although nobody seems to think so with everyone flying out the traps (none quicker then Kane who went through in about 2.58 pace?), Sat in with Richie H and J-Fen but even by the 1.7k just before the turn at Woollarha Gates i knew i was struggling. Richie opened up down the hill and that was it, worse was to follow when Enda then came past, and to compound the pain another Irish Head Eoin went by.
By the showground gates i nearly gave it all away, i felt i was going backwards and it was a struggle just to make the line. Crossed in 19.39 nearly 40 seconds that i would have loved to do, but knew it was never on the way i have been (or lack of ) training.
Some pretty good solid times last night, nobody really stood out though with J- Fen again running another consistent race. It was left to the HuRTS girls to show the boys how its done with Laura taking out the ladies race and the Mermaid Em running a great 22 mins to show that she is not just a fish in the water,
Kanser got his much needed and first victory over me for the year, Congrats to him with his 19.11, But it comes with his latest injury saga - He cut a very sorry site as he was leaving and i pity poor Richie Palmer who left with him as he no doubt got the full version of the injury :)

With the night still young it was into the ANZ tent care of Richie H and a great evening was set up, all the Singapore crew were in attendance , even with the Lovely Lisa putting in an appearance despite not running (not one to miss a party this girl ). Rich H and Enda continued on there holiday romance and were seen locking lips throughout the night - it was embarrassing. Talking of Enda, He's decided to draw something under his nose, he says it got to do with Movember or something like that, Looks ridiculous to be honest and Sonya even remarked to him to go over and let the cat lick it off at one stage.
Left the park about 10ish, when the drinks had run out and headed to the Centennial Hotel where the party was just firing up, think the Comm Bank girls were telling the DJ what to play at one stage there. We lost Enda about this time as his 3 schooner allocation was up and he slipped away before the team made it down to the Light Brigade and the pool players came to the fore on the Green Baize with Richie H finding a new partner in Olivia in Toms absence ( think she's better then Tom BTW)
..........At this point of the evening things started to get a bit blurry for me, but i do remember seeing Richie making his way up Oxford Street and into the night to meet his mates in the Taxi club :)
A big thanks to Richie for the invite into the ANZ tent and the hospitality for the evening, Like i say good old night had despite the ordinary run - Even if it did mean i forgot to set the alarm and missed my first class of the day at work...........oh Dear :)

With Pride of the HuRTS group - Laura celebrates her ladies win

The Irish boys take a rare win over me, Although team G.B still claim a win with CharlieLow' and my time beating the boys on combined  times.

It's sickening, don't know what the wife's make of it all ?

Enda with his 'Merv Hughes Mo'.......Look more like hes drawn a marker under his nose.

Old Kanser cuts a long sorry walk home with his stockings on after his latest injury woes.

cheers

Icebergs Swim and Prepare for J.P Race

Started the day meeting Enda and over to Bondi and the Icebergs for the swim session, Enda called a 3k set but there was never a chance of me going that far. Think he has been in cahoots with Kaner trying to kill me off before tonight's J.P Morgan run .
Again Armed with Wetsuit it was two relatively slowish 500m warm ups then 5 x 200 reps going on 3.45 and i managed to survive 4 x 100 coming in on 1.45.
Much to Enda's disgust i swam in the suit for all bar the 100s, and he took the physiological advantage by getting rid of his and still kept up with me ????
Times went, 8.40, 8.26 (for the 500s)
3.07, 3.12, 3.14, 3.14, 3.13, (for the 200s)  and then
1.45, 1.42, 1.44, 1.45 for the remaining 100s
Had a endure a tough 3 hours that followed sitting on the deck drinking coffee talking trash , and listening to Enda whining on how he'll even get through the 5.6ks tonight...........Still it could of been worse, it could have Kanser :)
My spies tell me Ribena may not be 100% fit now, and with Tommy H away, the door is open (surely Kane can't win it can he ???? ), Maybe C.T can shred his bridesmaid mantle? But thinking the name Crasti... could be the first to break the tape if i was laying odds.
A full round up of events will be posted tomorrow of everyone times and shenanigans for the evening.

How we spent the morning relaxing leading up to J.P Morgan - Bondi Icebergs :)

... and More ks on the Bike

With another really busy morning with work i cycled into the park this morning from home and did my classes from the bike. One guy i have though is a triathlete in the making so i had to do a 20k t/t with him ....and man is he fast, ( he goes quicker then Enda did yesterday) i was struggling to keep up with him after working hard yesterday.
All up another 65ks banked on top of the 60+ from Monday with Enda
Will just go for a swim in the morning now down to the Icebergs before the J.P Morgan 5.6k race, or the Battle of Britain as it is being billed by Kanser since his superb effort on Sunday. I think him and Enda are out to smash us for this one and to be honest i think they will do, i just don't seem to have the zip i had 2 months back:(
Anyway all the Corporate big guns will be out in force and i don't know who is the favorite at the top end of list but more importantly the 'PRIDE OF HuRTS' is at stake. No surprises to see Ribena Head Charlie top of the betting, with Tucks not far behind, Further down the field Old Kanser has firmed big time and is odds on to take out Young Timmy.
The list as i see it ( those i know anyway)
Charlie    17.59     odds 4/7
Tucks      18.04             2/1
J-Fenton  18.16             6/1
Rich High 18.43             8/1
Enda        18.45             12/1 , covering the 5.6ks without a sneeze 100/1
Kanser     18.47             15/1
Lindop      19.21            40/1
Eoin          19.30            33/1
 PeteWalker 19.38         50/1
Rich Palmer  19.57        80/1
Tom H to return to Aust with the lady shown yesterday .........2/1
Rest of the field - Write your own ticket, and just get the beers ready :)

Head to Head
Kanser/Lindop   Kanser 2/5, Lindop 3/1
High/Stankard     High 6/4, Enda 5/2
Lindop/Walker     Even money bet both ways

See you all down there, look forward to the post race drinks and banter (or excuses from certain quarters)

BTW. Today is Enda's Birthday everyone - so be sure to go up to him and congratulate him on his 40th when you see him - but be careful he's still a bit fragile after yesterday :)
Cheers

40k T/T Bike and Lunchtime Swim

Struggled to get up early today after the normal Sunday drinks but it was over to the park to meet Enda for a 40k time trial session he had planned that consisted of 6 loops of nearly 7k that included going up Woolahra hill each time around. Never done this session before so wasn't sure what to expect or times to do.
Started off strong and tried to do the set riding solo, Enda kept cycling past only to drop again for about the first 3 laps. Despite working hard and feeling ordinary i took a leaf out of a fellow Irishman's book ( and number 1 triathlete..POD) and decided to 'Put the Hammer Down', and managed to get the break on Echinacea Enda.
The last 2 laps were tough especially going up the hills, but i somehow kept each lap pretty consistent with the times. Did the 40ks in 1.06:48  with each lap as follows;
11.22, 11.10, 10.56, 11.05, 11.07, 11.06
Enda coming in some 2 mins behind and proving that his 59 minute run yesterday was too much to have to back up today.
He looked a broken man at the end of it so i took him up for breaky, and it was here it all got to much for our 'One time Irish Boy Band Singer' as he sank into his Bircher Muesli and finally broke down..... 'Timmy what a year I've had, Been released from my job, getting shooed out of town in Stoke whilst on the bike tour, you beating me at Gold Coast and even Chrissy Truscott beating me in a tri, and now you smash me in the bike, i just want the year to be over"
Oh my God, i felt so bad...........especially when i started to eat his Muesli :)
Starting to feel good on the bike now and looking forward to the Thailand race on the 26th of this month, lets just hope it's not TO HOT.
Finally managed to secure a spot at Nepean as well for this weekend tri race that i will use as a final hit out before the big one.

Lunchtime saw me go into the ABC Pool to meet P.Walker, Mermaid Emma, and a welcome return for Richie Palmer, all were flying and i was never really in it today - think i only managed about half the set in truth, did about 1.8ks in total
The Lane 3 bench sitter was taking his normal spot up as well . Andy Heydon was there, this guys unreal, must spend 45 minutes on the bench and about 4 swimming ? Personally i think that this used to be his regular position when he used to play footy back home.

All focus on the JP now, and i will be giving my tips and thoughts on proceedings in tomorrows run down - although the major news is our fearful leader and 3rd overall last year Tommy H is OUT, apparently he has flown the nest and gone over to either Singapore or H.K to see his sweetheart (hope 'er indoors Kirst doesn't read my blog :) )............. for those not in the know and please keep this quiet. Here is a photo of such lady.

Cheers

The Comeback King.

Out early for a 45ks round trip cycle on the bike this morning to Homebush and back, but today is not the day to be discussing my mere tame training regime. As there was something far more important to unfold throughout the morning on the comeback track.
Forget Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Torville & Dean or even Ian Thorpe there was only one man that could keep Enda's 59 minute run today from being front page news on Blogsville, and that is the return of HuRTS favorite son.............Drum roll please, ... David Kane, your time has come....
Yes after a record 26 months on the sidelines and injuries yet to be invented, Kanser was back mixing it with the big Boys.
On a beautiful Sydney morning with blue skies and no wind it looked perfect conditions to run although the boys were whining about it being to hot? Caught up with Tucks, High, Kanser, J- Fen, Stevie 'StickMan' T, Enda, and HuRTS girl Laura at the start for some pre race photo's, before the starter set the masses off.
Positioned myself at the 3k mark to see everyone through, and everyone seemed OK at that point, then it was off to the 7.5 mark and not much had changed positionally except Richie High was in the 'Hurt Box' and going backwards. The surprise was when Kanser came through soon after J- Fen and i missed him ( i was chatting the the lovely police officer on duty) - Quickly jumped back on the bike to the 9k mark and it was as if someone had turned the lights out as most seem to be doing it tough.
Saw the boys finish, and it appears everyone times were down by an estimated 45 seconds?? .........But not our Kanser who stormed to break the tape in 34.45 sending  the 100'000 crowd ballistic as they broke into song;
♫♪♫ Kanser is back, Kanser is back....Hello, Hello, Kanser is back ♫  ♫♪♫... And so it went on :)

The others.
Tucks 34.09 - Thought he would have gone quicker without having to carry Tom around in his pocket for 10ks but his tri training at Port Mac must have proved to much for him?
J-Fen 34.12 - never seems to run a bad race, and tried to be Tom for the day sitting in Tucks pocket?
Kanser 34.44 - what more can be said?
Rich High 35.22 - first time I've ever seen him struggle, and SO nearly got chicked for the day :)
Laura 38.28 - Good effort after having the Enda cold all week.
Flakey  41.29 - Despite getting close to Stevie T in training will now loss his preferred start and be back in with the masses I'm afraid ?
Enda 59.05 - oh dear, tried to tell me he was pacing his Mrs, but she ended up with 54.37 ?? Work that out?

So we move on to Wednesdays' Big JP Morgan race, and it's all set up for the 'BATTLE OF BRITAIN, with the in form Kanser, taking on a broken Young Timmy. Most of the smart money is on Kanser and surely after today's evidence i should be getting a 30 second start in the handicap betting?

Took a few snaps as well today, there are many more i will send out in due time.

The HuRTS elite team Tucks and Stevie T.

...and the NOT so elite, The Irish duo Kanser and Enda - men in black :)

The 'Special Ones. with own name tag, Richie, Laura and J- Fen, and A.N.Other who wanted a photo???

Tucks in action.........But where's Tommy H ?

J-Fen moments after crossing the line

Perfect conditions for the boys, even getting a spray at the end, only thing missing was a 'bouncy castle'?

Top Tri guy, with another dude who won a big race 3 times ????????? They all want a photo with young Timmy :)


Cheers

Striders Lane Cove - 35.45

With a tough week under the belt after Noosa, and even harder week with social drinks last Sunday and then Melbourne Cup Day it was out to the home of the Striders Lane Cove for the 10th and final race in the series. Good turnout from the HuRTS boys with Tommy H, 'B Grade' Binfield, Heydon, Macca McClarnon, Walker, and C.T in attendance and the chance for the first time for the season to try to beat the 'TIGER' (Gary Howard). Usual trash talk at the start and warmed up with Tom and Hayden before the starters gun set us off on our way.
Settled in early behind Thiengy and 'The Tiger' going through the first k in about 3.25 (?) but already felt it was harder then it should have been. but managed to get the break on Tiger after coming down the hill at about 3ks. Tried to Stay on 'Vietnam Vuong's (Thien) tale but seemed to labour up the big hill on half way, but again somehow managed to close the gap coming down.
Had some real ups and down throughout the 10ks today and never felt comfortable in truth, but still crossed the line in a respectable 35.45 for the morning and a possible 8th or 9th overall, holding out Skippy Hayden , MaccaMcClarnon and the Tiger some 40 odd seconds behind?
Today's k splits were (or close to) :
3.24, 3.33, 3.41, 3.35, 3.44, 3.33, 3.31, 3.33, 3.39, 3.19
Best part of the morning was relieving Chairman Tom of another $20 - after he showed a lack of confidence (not to mention support) for Young Timmy thinking that i wouldn't run a sub 36 :)
Well done to Tom though on getting 3rd beating C.T and winning a few $$$ in the process and i think B'Grade got 5th as well despite never running the course prior to today.
All eyes turn to Homebush now and the BIG return of Kanser.......... The man is flying and if he doesn't go low 34s it will be a huge disappointment to his fans and the kids ? good luck to Tucks, J- Fen, Richie High who are all going around in the morning, lets hope its not to hot?


Went down to Bondi at lunch for a swim and met up with Enda and Krone, In treacherous conditions that saw resident HuRTS Hardman JC left sitting on the beach building sandcastles it was left to the UK boys to show some steel and tame the big waves and wash on show. It was that big i thought i saw Kelly Slater at one point:)
good old swim down to the Icebergs and back, feel pretty tired now mind you  - but hopefully a few drinks will soon get us going again :)

Have a good weekend ,
Cheers