In the Drink with V.B and Taffy James.

Back down to the pool (yet again) this time to catch up with regular Thursday partner Taffy Lad James and we were privileged to have the ‘Sultry’ Sonya Van Beek join us as well on a stunner of a spring morning.

No fear of an easy session when Taffy gives you the call and when he called 3 x 100s, 2 x 200s repeated THREE times progressing getting quicker with less breaks then I knew I was in for a tough 40 minutes or so.

Jimmy took of on the first 100 at a million miles an hour and I thought there were no way I could keep that up and told him so in no uncertain terms – He slowed slightly but was still working sub 1.40s with Sonya hanging on for dear life behind me. Managed to get through the first TWO sets in one piece as I saw a hint that Jimmy was struggling and in the ‘Hurt Box’ I agreed to help out and do the first 200 on the final set if he could then bring us home on the last. Happy with my 3.13 effort with him just having enough left in the tank with a final 3.18 finish. Good to see Sonya (V.B)  complete the set as well even if she did just fall off us slightly as we picked the pace up on the 2^nd and 3^rd reps.

Great session with 2.4ks done for the day, still find the swimming tough but at least I seem to be moving through the pool OK these days as my times indicate.

Back tomorrow for the monthly 1k Time Trial where we fight to see who takes out the ‘Golden Duck’ Trophy, still rorted on the handicap but once more will just have to give it all I have J

Berlin Boys Latest:

As mentioned the journey to get to Berlin hasn’t been without its ups and downs for the touring boys. Today we look at the 2 boys who will be at the pointy end of the race – John Bartles and Chris Truscott.

Bartles. Been the HuRTS #1 all year and has had a perfect run up to the big day, His training has been spot on, never missed any sessions and has done his regular long runs like clockwork. Warmed up with a win two weeks back in the Striders 10k at North Head and is keen to keep his number 1 place in Berlin. No Tommy H to keep him company though over the 42ks but will be keeping a close eye on C.T who will be ahead for most of the race.

Timmy’s Tip – 2.30:12

C.T – Yet another who just never stops training and been in good form leading in. Never one to die wondering and puts it all on the line in every race. Love the way he races and will be sure to go out hard and try to hang on. He’s done Berlin a few times before so knows the course; can he hold the fast finishing Barts off and hold bragging rights???? Also one of the favorites once we head to Munich as well at the Oktoberfest.

Timmy’s Tip – 2.29.54 and in turn be HuRTS number 1 on tour.

I have decided to have a quick trip home back to Stoke for a few days after Munich, Already got some tickets to see the boys in action and also get up to Anfield to see Liverpool take on Slim Sammy Agnews Crystal Palace boys. Remarkable really as my final game I saw before coming to Oz in 89 was that very same match with Liverpool winning 9 – 0, Lets hope for Sam’s sake that is not repeated J

Well another weekend is upon us, and Stoke take on Master Sweeney’s Arsenal, It doesn’t come any tougher although we said that last week and got a draw against Man City so fingers crossed,

Timmy’s Tip Arsenal 2 v Stoke 0

Got another gig on the radio once more tomorrow night for two hours discussing all the footy in the premiership, Good fun as we give our EXPERT views on the matches, and I might even give a little banter to our Palace, Toon and Villa supporters? Organized to catch up with Stoke Legend and one of England’s most gifted midfielders of all time Alan Hudson when I’m back in Stoke for a chat – looking forward to that and will be played on the radio when I get back. Still can’t believe that a player of his caliber only wins ONE England cap and the likes of Geoff Thomas and Carlton Palmer (18 caps) win more yet wouldn’t lace his boots.

Cheers

First stop Berlin , Munich then home - already got the sign out, lets hope i don't get lost :)