Sunday Long Run 30ks with North Side Royalty

After another late Saturday night I woke all inspired after seeing good mate Andrew Tuckey ‘Tucks’ World Class performance in getting 6^th place in the Ultra Trail Mont-Blanc – Geez, words fail me that bloke is unbelievable (but more on him later)

Down to the park for the 6.30 start and what a nice pleasant crew it was too with Corky O’Conner fresh from her 8 month honeymoon, Elle, Birchy, Enda, Cement Hanley, Fats, New Dad Renaud, Sultry Sonya, and representing the North Side – Erika Ekland, who had simply had enough boredom from the ‘Silvertails and come joined the Eastern Socialites.

After much hugging (no not to Erika) but to Renaud on his new family arrival we were off for the first 6k loop, lots of banter early as we settled to a steady pace, My message must have got through after last week as we were slower than normal returning to the café in 28.14 (4.42 pace)

The pace picked up on the first 10k loop with Erika showing us locals that she wasn’t here just to make small talk and  led pretty much from the front working at 4.30 pace (45mins for the 10k loop)

We decided once back at the café that we would then leave the park on such a cracker of a morning and head out to the beaches, It was to prove too much for Enda who wanted to stay in the park and along with Elle & Corky just did one white fence loop (3.6ks) I did hear later in the morning that he would actually get dropped by Elle despite her being 6 months pregnant and was forced to walk the last 2ks (oh how the mighty have fallen)

Really enjoyed the trip over to Coogee and around to Cloey and Bronte beach, although Erika and Fats were certainly keeping it more than honest whilst I was happy to hang back a little and keep Sonya company.

A quick drink and regroup at Bronte before the long slog back up the tough Bronte Road Hill, We picked the pace up at this point with Fats showing just why he’s a mountain goat , and Cement and Erika hanging on to me all the way up.  A bit of a reprieve coming back down the Darley Road for a couple of ks as the pace remained before we re-entered the park for a final 2k kick down. Was starting to feel the effects of the morning but surprised myself when I was able to go and pretty much stay with Fats and finish together as the GPS clicked over 30ks for the morning.

30.2ks for the morning in 2hr19 average pace 4.36 per/k

Very happy with that, not just that I knocked out my longest run in a long time but I was able to work the hill some 6k from home and finish off a lot stronger than I have in any previous Sunday run.

A great morning for running today and the 4 major talking points throughout the morning were.

1.       Renaud becoming a NEW Dad. – lots of baby talk

2.       Erika comes to the East and says’ how much better it really is

3.       Stoke’s World Dominance, in the footy Stoke won, darts- The Power won  and now Lindop is even finding a little form.

4.       Enda still carrying on about his head cold.

Famous quotes from the Day

Erika, “ Hey Timmy, this is such a lovely run, and great company……I’m not really used to this on the North Side”

Fats  after talking about the great man Tucks  “ Yes Timmy’ I’ve done Mount Keppler, even smashed Tucks in that one “

Birchy “ Ohhhhhhh I’m  so excited Timmy, got another appointment with Rupert this week”

Renaud “ It was great in that delivery room, those drugs are sensational”

Enda (as he chucks his toys out of the pram) ….Timmy, why is everyone talking about Renaud and Erika, doesn’t anyone care about my cold?, it’s not fair”

So as we awoke to the news that Andrew Tuckey had finished 6^th in the big ultra run – I struggle to find the superlatives anymore, the man is simply a machine. It’s no secret of my love for the guy and what he achieves (sure Tommy H thinks I’m having an affair with him ) and surely it will without doubt put him back on Top of the HuRTS ladder where he rightfully belongs. I may as well submit my  HuRTS ‘Performer of the Year’ Award now.

If Tucks is regarded as the #1 runner then as a bloke he is ranked even more impressively  – a more humble guy you won’t meet, never one to shout the odds or spruik his achievements and more than anything will always find time to see how you are travelling and is never far away when the social nights come calling.

Tucks ……… the whole of the HuRTS squad  salute you mate.

He normally does a race report on is major races, if he does make sure you take a read……….One thing I can guarantee, It will be all CLASS

Will take a break tomorrow and be ready for another big week come Tuesday with the team

Oh Yes, what a Sunday, Stokes win over Man City, Darts, Sun is back out after all the recent rain, Erika joins us, and Enda gets dropped by a pregnant lady…….. Life’s Good , now where are those Sunday arvo beers? J

Sunday Long Run - done, 30k plus with Birchy, Fats and Erika Ekland.

Eastern Beaches girl Erika, with a smile on her face after running with the East boys.

Another World Champion from Stoke Phil 'The Power' Taylor, doing what he does best ...Winning.

Its amazing who you see at the darts these days, saw Fred Flinstone, The Queen, the Gingerbread Man, and even Barack made an apperance.

And wondered where Charlie "the Warrior' Dalziel was lately, Didn't realize he was into his darts. Seen here having a good night. Although he was running a little late that meant he had to come straight from work.

Cheers