HuRTS 8 x 800m Rushcutters Oval.

Down to Rushcutters but with an alternative World Cup Cricket match taking place  on the oval I was forced to mark out a second course on the adjoining oval over the far side of the park  for the HuRTS 8 x 800s.

As usual the Oval always brings out a big team and today despite the 30 degree heat it was no different, although no sign of the Chairman (running with School girls) or Enda(tucked up with his Chinese mates in some dodgy Karaoke bar), but good to see Laura, Corky O’Conner and Renee back for the ladies. Bit light on at the front end today and for the first rep I found myself not far behind ‘Mini’ Tom, with Bruce and Skippy Heyden right beside me. Got a bit excited coming in on 2.40

Barts was a late starter and joined us on the 2^nd that saw the pace quicken but was keen to keep it constant throughout as I pretty much tucked in behind Skippy for the next 4 to 5 reps. Saw my pace drop on the 6^th and had those quitting thoughts run through my head but dug deep to at least get the session done.

Had to battle on the 7^th and was happy to make the starting line for the 8^th and final rep of the day.

Rep times were 2.40, 2.44, 2.43, 2.44, 2.45, 2.48, 2.49, 2.48

Spoke to Barts at the end and he reckons that times we possibly about 6-8 seconds slower than the normal oval as the grass was a lot longer (swear I nearly saw Tarzan in there at one stage),measuring long, the uphill section coming back, and not to mention the 30 degree heat. Although the biggest distraction I had was at the 150m mark where we had someone soaking up the rays that we seemed to be getting nearer on each lap.

Times may not seem that fast but I was pretty happy with the session on the whole. Seeing that the first group  were also rolling every 4 minutes and I was only getting roughly a 1.15 break on most reps instead of the usual 1.30

Nice to see Kanser back at some stage of the session , but in true Kanser style he seemed to be running late and joined in around the half way mark.

Shattered at the end and will enjoy the rest day tomorrow, although in saying that  - It’s the HuRTS monthly 1k swim ‘Golden Duck’ time trial so it looks like another trip into town.

Cheers