Welcome Back....... to Hills

With news filtering through from the 'Arthur Allens' boardroom that chairman Tom had withdrawn from tonight's Biathlon challenge against me, (despite me allowing him to change the original date) i was left with the option of returning to the HuRTs session at lunch. Another new one on the calendar that sees us head down to the Rocks and do 10 x 550 mtr hill reps - Up Argyle Street, then a sharp turn that sees us  finish up at Observatory Hill.
So into the city it was on the bike with Mikey allowing me to park it at his work, Good crowd in attendance with a return for Slim Sam (used to be Big Sam), and nice to see Mermaid Em back as was a welcome to party girl herself Aine. No sign of the 'A team' Tucks, J-Fen, or the Chairman Tom though, with J.Bartles forced to work solo from the front.
Set off on the first with a big group just behind and hit the top in 2.12, came down pretty quick and was 2.13 for the 2nd rep. Started to get interesting then when i heard cries of 'Wait, wait, wait,... from Mikey demanding we start together ?????????
Times blew slightly on the next few in the middle stages with Sam and Mike a couple of seconds ahead, only for me to fly back down.................. Thought Mikey was going to have an Epileptic at one stage when he again made the call, A few eyebrows were raised, and i even made the comment that would he require me to also wait for him in the next Striders at the top of the hill  :)
With the prospect of overhead showers, it was about this stage in the session that Slim Sam decided he wanted to rob an old pensioner of his trusty umbrella who was passing by and nearly caused a 'Bit of 'Biff',.... Sam was last seen being bashed over the head with the sought after umbrella.
Started to feel the pinch on 8,9 and 10 and it was a few kind (or was that abuse)  from J.Worsick that got me through it. Didn't lose to much overall and was happy to get through such a tough session.
11ks all up in 47.40 average for the session was 4.20per/k
Times for each rep were,
2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.20, 2.19, 2.18, 2.18, 2.18, 2.14

Tough cycle home after, and now pretty glad Tom has conceded in tonight's race (word was that he couldn't do the 300m swim before it went dark). He knows the rules about not racing or withdrawing (he should do -  he made them up ) so it looks like a walkover for young Timmy:)

I see a new blog has hit the stands, Old Johnny 'B Grade ' Binfield has replaced Enda in the Premiership, Should be interesting and sure to bring the crowds back with his action filled pages. If nothing else it sure will prove a cure for those who are having problems 'sleeping at night' :)  Also see that he is now been coached by 'Tiger'Howard himself......... Very nice.
 Bookies have already opened the book and starting to take odds on what week he will be on the 'sidelines' in the 'Broken Wing Club' injured :)

Might try to get to the pool tomorrow and join the boys as i need to get some practise in before next weeks final Biathlon for the season, Walker, Angus Christian, Todd, and even a confident Mikey Conway are confirmed starters, and Kanser is also playing with the idea.

Cheers

PS. Can someone please confirm that was Kanser out there labouring today as well,  didn't get chance to talk because in true Irish style they can't seem to count to 10 :) Mikey seems to think he pulled up lame at 7, when the Mermaid went past him ?