Blackmores Half Marathon 82.48

Saturday.

After a night at the footy watching the Swans and a good few beers with the Chairman Tommy H, Enda and Cement Hanley on the Friday I was more than happy to head to Cloey for a dip in the open water after work on Saturday. Caught up with Taffy James, Crabby Van Beek (Sonya) and although Pommy Birchy came along we couldn’t coax him into his mankini claiming it was still a little too cold.

 A bit choppy and we just did some ‘In and outs’ thought it was about 200m each way but looking at the times I suspect it was more like 150. Taffy is only back in the water a few weeks but is looking strong ahead of the upcoming tri season and Sonya’s swimming has come on in leaps and bounds since last summer. Her Swimming may be good but the same can’t be said about her navigation – hence the crab nickname received throughout the morning,

About 1500m for the morning followed by coffee and breakfast with the others after.

Sunday.

Rolled up for my 4^th Half Marathon of the year that is part of Blackmore’s Running Festival, With Melbourne only 3 weeks away I was keen for a solid hit out although went into the run on heavy legs and with a big week behind me so wasn’t really sure what to expect.  Met the regulars on the start line that included, Barts, Fats, Macca, Heyden, Quentin, Renaud, Birchy and Sonya before the tough uphill start to begin. Tagged on to Renaud for the first couple of ks over the bridge but knew he would run sub 80 so it wasn’t long before he then went ahead. Went through the first 5ks a bit too quick in 18.42 (3.44 pace), Enjoyed the Domain area that we are so familiar with but wasn’t really that comfortable at any stage and never got to run with anyone or form a pack that meant I was running solo for much of the time. Got a good look at the front runners as I headed over the expressway over Darling Harbour and it looked like Quentin and Barts were having a good battle up front with Macca toughing it out in his usual manner just sitting behind Fats. If the Domain was enjoyable then the back streets of Darling Harbour were soul destroying and when that hill came just before 17ks it nearly reduced to me a walk (not to mention bring me to tears) – Relieved then to get back on the freeway and then head for home via Hickson Road. Pretty much held the pace throughout without never been able to kick it down at any stage, although I thought I was starting to fade over the last 2ks or so that doesn’t’ bode well for Melbourne.

My 5k splits were.

5k 18.42 (3.44)

10k 19.43 (3.57)

15k 19.41 (3.56)

20k 19.47 (3.57)

1.2k 4.49 (3.46)

Finish time of 82.47 average 3.53s

Overall view – Solid race and think that’s about right time wise, Thought I was on for an 81 but the last 1k or so seemed to get away from me. Loads of work to do over the next few weeks if I’m to go the whole 42k in Melbourne? Starting tomorrow with the HuRTS team.

Some good runs once more from the team, notably from Birchy who is tuning up for Melb perfectly, Sonya puts another PB to her name storming home in 88.27, Fats was impressive but the Timmy Run of the Day goes to Barts who took advantage of Tom (sick) and Tucks (resting) no shows to be first home just edging out Quentin with a time of 71.25 for 13^th overall and proved that he is on the comeback trail after a recent bout of illness.

Evening was spent post race in the ‘Golden Sheaf Hotel’ Double Bay, Smaller crowd then normal but it didn’t stop those in attendance from having a cracker of a night. Good to  see Barts join us after his run – although I didn’t miss the opportunity to tell him that ‘Tucks would have smashed him had he run’ Taffy, Sonya, Birchy, CT, Greta, Jeet and the Taffy all joined in the fun and as usual it didn’t take long for the banter to fire up (most of it trash from Taffy to be honest).

A few bets were put on the table and those that I can remember were.

Jeet – giving me + 3 minutes in Melbourne

Birchy – giving me + 90 seconds in Melbourne

Sonya – I have to give here 10 minutes in Melbourne (she’s even rorting me these days it seems)

Oh and come duathlon season a 3 way bet – head to head to head with Tom, and Enda on the run, bike, run race at Parramatta.

Timmy's Run of the Day - John Bartlett celebrates after his 71.25 run. C.T not happy although i think this was about as close as he was to get all day.

Whos' girlie legs and lovely socks do these belong to? and NO its NOT Laura ?

And despite over 50’000 at the footy Enda won the ‘Where’s Wally’ competition when he spotted this guy in the crowd. Enda also decided to take his tea towel to use as a scarf for the evening as well.

cheers