'A Game' at the A.B.C

Another humid day to start the working week for the Monday HuRT swim squad, Brendan introduced a NEW member Emma to the group and boy is she FAST (what is it with the name Emma and good swimmers?), good to see Julia return as well although not sure of the flippers and snorkel she dons whilst swimming J

Set was 2 x 300, 4 x 200 and 6 x 100s

I was complaining about the pace being TOO SLOW on Friday and in particular singled out The Leech and Taffy James, well today it was anything but, with both bringing there ‘A Game’ and really turned the heat up on us. So much so that poor Brendan, QLDer Dave, The Champ Cialis and I were unable to stay with them and in turn meant that we actually had 3 groups splintered throughout the lane.

Knew it was all on during the first 300 when I went through 100m in 1.27 (What?) hung in there but with a  heart rate hitting 385 I knew it was impossible to do the remaining 1700m at that kind of pace. Pretty much just shared the leading duties after that with the much improved Cialis and was happy enough with the following times.

4.45, 4.57, 3.14, 3.13, 3.16, 3.23, 1.33, 1.35, 1.32, 1.33, 1.35, 1.35

So tired at the end I was barely able to get out the pool

Walking around the Domain at the end I see a fast Johnny Bartles (Barts) out doing his secret training – Gave him some abuse as he went by and told him he was wasting his time as the TRUE #1 Tucks is back and will be putting him in his place once the Striders races come around J

Huge Congrats to POD on the weekend who absolutely smashed his way around the 70.3 N.Z Ironman course with a blistering 4.08:36 to finish 25^th overall and winning his age group ( not to mention 1^st Irishman ), Even run a 82 minute half after cycling 90ks

Also well done to my old training mate Richie Palmer who also had a cracker with a 4.26:17 – don’t know how he keeps doing it, brilliant effort

Not so well done was old Champagne Charlie who unfortunately didn’t finish due to stacking his bike, The aim is normally to go AROUND the bollards, but Charlie decided in order to save 2 seconds to go OVER it, resulting in ……….Race Over and one busted shoulder L.

Just when he was starting to get some good form back as well – wishing him a speedy recovery. Looks like he’s due a stint at the Angry Boy School of Bike Riding in the coming weeks

Special mention also to Pete Walker and The Champ who were in the Nations Capital on the weekend for the Olympic Triathlon, Pete taking out the age group win with a 2hr.10 and The Champ 8^th …………Well done boys

Big week coming up on training with a couple of tough sessions on the horizon – first up is the 4 x 2ks tomorrow

Cheers