I was going into the race in good form and was looking forward to perhaps an early 36 minute time but a glute injury sustained on Tuesday left me somewhat apprehensive. Managed to secure the services of ' Man of the Moment' Prince Hoey for pacing duties and with other good mate Richard Mullaney also helping out i was in good hands at least.
Fast start but promised Hoey i wouldn't go past him and just let him control the pace, Nice little group early as Jeet and Renaud also jumped aboard our train. 1, 2, 3ks ticked down and every one was bang on, started to feel the pace coming back up the hill on the 4th and on the easier section back down to the Stone Gates much to my horror Hoey started to put about 15 metres into me. Back up the hill for the start on the 2nd loop and i was nearly a broken man, didn't help much when i saw Erika not far behind running strong with Tommy H acting as her mentor/coach for the morning.
If i was struggling at 6k then poor Tony Fats was in all sorts of strife as i overtook him and was fast closing the gap on the two leading ladies. By 8ks my stride length was shocking as i felt everything tighten up. Could see fellow HuRT boy Todd just ahead and with 400m to go tried to finish it off strong and hopefully get under 37 minutes but it was no use as i crossed the line in an official time of 37.10
Pretty disappointed in the time but its the best i could offer and i should be happy in just getting around with the way the body felt over the past couple of days.
Many thanks for Michael Ho in trying to help me out, and he makes a very good pacer and I'll be sure to be using his services again when I'm 100% fit.
Some good runs again from the others with Barts 2nd overall, Angus run well, Marathon men Jeet, and Renaud were solid, as was Leech, although the other Irish pair Macca and Enda were average at best. The girls were finally back in good form, with Erika and Elle posting excellent times but the Timmy Run of the Day goes to Renee who returned after a short break to post a sub 40 minute time.
Despite running injured, I still did enough to clean up the boys again on the betting stakes.
Tom couldn't cover his 2.30 handicap and I'll happily take his $25
Gleeso, I gave him a healthy 4.30 start and with his 42.xx I'll also be collecting.
Renaud, reluctantly gave me 50 seconds start and only beat me home by about 35
Sammy Agnew, we went off scratch and the best the 'Eagle Boy' could run was 38.xx
Just thankful Enda called OFF the 1.40 bet between us or else I'd be paying out as he beat me by closer 1.50 ..... his lose again (one day he'll back himself, and be richer for it)
Post race breaky with the team and all eyes were on food critic Prince Ho, as we ventured down to 'Bench' for coffee and bacon. Well if that's the best they have to offer over the 'Dark Side' then things are bad. I'll let you read what Hoey has previewed. Its pretty scathing.
http://ohm-run.blogspot.com.au/
Afternoon spent at the races of Randwick, shocking punting, not one bloody winner all day and only collected 1 trifecta between us for the whole card. Company and the drinks made for a fun day all the same.
Evening finally got the invite to the North Shore famous 'Indian' dinner, thanks mainly to Sammy Aggers who made sure i was on the invitation list. Super night as the Rogan Josh was washed down with many a beer. Great to see Sammy A again, and he's missed big time by me not only for his running company but for his footy chit chats we have. A great lover of his footy and in particular his 'Palace' boys although i wont hold that against him.
Tommy H' started to talk trash as his eyes were closing and that was our chance to run for the ferry to get back to the safety of the East.
Long old day, but very enjoyable all the same.
Cheers
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