In a Dark Place

Received the late call from Kanser & Tom that we were to go over to the Dark Side again and do our long run around Manly, Shelley Beach and North Head early doors. Called over to  Kanser's at 6am and can you believe he even runs late when you pick him up these days - Nightmare.
Good to see Tucks as well as the Two Macca's ( Craig McCreedie, and Macca McClarnon) there with Tom waiting for us as we set off on already a very warm morning. Felt pretty ordinary straight away and  that was the story of the day as basically i laboured all the way around despite the pace only being easy. Managed to get to the 9k mark outside Manly Hospital where we encountered the first real climb of the day and was reduced to a walk as the boys powered on. I soldiered on and caught the boys in North Head on the return leg as we then hit down to the spectacular sights that the beaches has to offer. It was getting to the stage where just getting to each drink station was an effort as the temps got even higher for the morning.
Detoured straight back to Tom's once off the beach and got back to Chez Highnams with just under 20ks done for the morning in 90 minutes averaging 4.45 pace. A quick dip in the pool was the order of the day whilst i awaited the boys to return and when Toms' eldest son 'Billy the Barista' supplied me the best coffee on the Northern Beaches i was starting to get back to normality.

The boys then returned after completing 30ks for the morning and what i witnessed next took some believing, I didn't think it was possible to see anyone worse in the water then Tom BUT Andrew Tuckey take a bow. Whilst he may be HuRTS #1 runner, its a safe bet to say swimming isn't high up on his achievements, as he tipped young Maggie out of her Floatie Ring before he ventured in.
Another TOP notch breaky was then served up by Kirst of Bacon & Eggs as Kanser drunk the place dry on the tea (even putting the kettle on himself these days, and complaining that the H.P sauce wasn't from Aldi)
Thanks very much to the Highnams again for the hosting - much appreciated.

Tough day at the office for me as mentioned, and i can honestly say i can't remember struggling like this before in previous years. Every K today seemed like about 10 in truth but i think i just need to get out there and do the hard yards and hope it eventually turns itself around - It could be a long slog.
I normally refer to going over the Bridge as going to the Dark Side, but in and around the beaches today was a delight and i think the only 'Dark Place' at the moment is within my own mind, Still onwards and upwards as they say
Will take a rest day tomorrow and with temps predicted to hit 37 early in the week it may mean i do my own session early morning on the Tuesday.

HuRTS #1 Tucks showing his swimming skills in Tom's pool.

...and the Chairman - showing he can match him



Cheers