Double up day today as i run early and did 7 x Paddington Hill reps at a pretty easy pace just focusing on good form and not worrying about the pace so much in an effort to build some lost strength in the legs. Had planned then to knock out a 40k time trial on the bike around the park similar to what i did this time last year to see how the times compared leading into the Phuket race - Unfortunately due to some small J.P Morgan race on tonight, there were diversions all around and you couldn't get past the cafe (at 6am this morning can you believe?). Still knocked out a fairly easy 50ks for the morning including a couple of fast laps, even sat in on one with Kiwi Champion girl Anna Cleaver who is back from the States and was flying around.
Not done as much on the bike as i would have liked but still feeling OK and with some solid times in the past 3 races over the past month or so I'm hopeful that i will be able to hold a steady pace over 55ks come race time.
As mentioned tonight is the big Corporate Challenge that is the J.P Morgan 5.6ks that many of the boys thrash out. Been some very good races over the years and this is a top priority for a couple of the regulars. Tom, Tucks and even Enda always seem to run this race really well, whilst for others the speed and hill factor doesn't suit, and even some Italians have struggled to get over the finish line in years gone by:)
Haven't really seen much of the boys over the past few weeks enough to assess the form - but in true Trash fashion i will give out a couple of my Head to Heads that will certainly develop over the evening.
Battle of the #1s Tom vs Tucks. Both very rarely run bad races with Tom perhaps having the better of Tucks this year (that's why he is number 1 after all ), probably due to Tucks doing these silly 100k walks that has seen him lose that zip of pace. Still.... what is it they say about Class?, with that I'm tipping Tucks to get one over the Chairman. (probably by 8 seconds)
Bartles vs J-Fen, Another heavyweight battle both Mr Consistent although Mr B hasn't really shown me that he can convert his excellent training into races. J-Fen seems to be getting stronger but needs to put it on the line a little more to mix it with the top boys.
Timmy's Tip - J-Fen to shade it
Richie High vs B'Grade Binfield. Not seen much of these two although i do know Richie loves this race and despite not being in top form will still be out for a sub 19, not sure it'll be enough against the B'Grade Man but anything can happen with this lad.
Tip - B'Grade in 18.41
PLOD vs Enda - Another battle of the Country Men, POD in career best form coming of the back of a 35.07 off the bike recently will be out to be Top Irish Dog, against Enda 'I haven't slept or trained for 7 weeks' Stankard, One of Enda's favorite races of the year and very rarely run over 18.45 for this one - don't know if that will be enough here though? and expect a little argie bargie in the last 400 metres should they be neck and neck coming onto the infield.
Tip - Don't know why but , Enda ( and wait for the excuses if he doesn't)
Mikey Conway vs Richie Palmer.- Richie being one tough cookie wont be letting Mikey get away here and will be looking to continue his dominance since he was 12 years of age in Scots, Mikey though is the HuRTS man in form and you know he's serious when he PAYS HIS OWN ENTRY INTO THIS RACE after the UBS budget didn't submit an entry for him. Will be running angry because of such and after not running the race for the past 5 years this could just be his year?
Timmy's Tip - Mikey by about 4 seconds and come home in 19.01 (Don't let me down Mikey)
HuRTS Girls.- With #1 Laura still on her way back from injury this opens the door for the others, Young Anna has been flying in what i have seen (even beating me a few months back at Homebush) and will go well if she is running? The Mermaid is always there or thereabouts but without her strong swim leg may find it tougher, Action girl Sonya will still be fresh after the New York Marathon was cancelled and may surprise many, whilst L.L will be on for yet another P.B at some stage of the night ........... seeing how many Wines she can get through before venturing up to Oxford Street.
I'll be out and about around the course with my trusty camera, so be sure to smile as you go by ( and expect a little abuse in return) . Think even Kanser could be my sidekick for the evening as rumor is he is NOT running either.
Run well everyone , full report ( and Excuses from Enda) will be up tomorrow
Good Luck
cheers
Could be slower times for the race this year Timmy with the current pea souper of 19 degrees and 70% humidity. Should be good for some abuse though. I'll be out on the course at some point just not sure where yet as I'm running from work.
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