Last Day of Winter Swim

Planned for a rest day but got the call from Crossy Lad to join him for a swim, think the poor lad got his days mixed up and come out of his winters hibernation a day early so felt obliged to join him for a dip at PAP – Bless him.

A couple of hundred solo then 500m easy with him before Angus joined us a for a quick fire 5 x 100m. That was it for Angus mind as he had to report back to work to take the lunch orders for News Limited  soon after.

Basically another 1k made up of drills that I seemed to struggle with and with over 2ks completed I was happy to hit the changing rooms.

 

Will be back out tomorrow down at Rushcutters for the 6 x 1k reps

 

Cheers

 

 

HuRTS 2 x 20 Minute efforts (3 mins rec)

2 x 20 minutes was the go today as I rolled into the city to another big team out that included hotshots Barts and ‘Special Q’. Good to see Fats back as well and you can tell winter is nearly over as Crossy Lad made a rare appearance (and actually finished a session for once at the same time).

Went out at reasonable pace and before long formed a small pack alongside Angus, Leachy Boy Eoin, Hipster Mitch and two other guru’s who I didn’t know. Felt OK tipping along at 3.46 pace although the Quay & Passenger Terminal was once again very busy that can sometimes get frustrating.

Got to the last corner before the squashed car within the 20 minutes covering 5.3ks (3.46 pace) and after the regulation 3 minute recovery we were set for the tougher return leg.

Immediately went out stronger leading the gang out as I knew the inevitable fade would come over the latter stages, Got checked coming into the Quay for the first time that saw Leech gap me heading out onto the road section and was already working pretty hard just about hanging on. On to the Opera House forecourt and got checked for the 2^nd time by the biggest woman in Sydney (and No it wasn’t even Taffy’s Mrs ) that broke me.

Got back on as the 3 boys (Leech, Angus, Mitch) came from the back of the O.H and knew that the final 10 minutes or so was just a case of staying strong. Soon went past Sammy J who’s day was done, walking, and soon after tried to lift Renee who was running strong. Around MMC and still with the lads as we started to reel the slower guys in coming past the A.B.C Pool that I seem to get a little inspiration from. Angus & Mitch pull away at this time as I hang onto Leech, and then feel a dig from Crossy Lad who had decided to put some effort in and fly past me with about 90 seconds to go.

Tough finish and got back about 8 seconds over time with the Leech back bang on the 40 minutes.

3.46 average pace out and 3.47s for the return.

Feeling as if I’m getting stronger and happy enough to be able to work with the boys as I’m normally miles behind on these sort of sessions.

 

Milestone Day – Congrats to mate Tommy H who celebrates 10 years of blogging today, bloody great effort especially when many predicted it wouldn’t last 10 days. He just needs to get his readership numbers up to 10 now within the next 10 years.  Let’s hope he continues with his Times like journal , or else the Italian Stallion Durante will be lost in locating mine.

 

Rest Day tomorrow.

Cheers

 

 

Monday Easy with the Bra Girls (and Boys)

Missed the weekends long runs so made it into town for the Monday run with the guys to kick start a new week. Was surprised with a big turnout that included Brothers Branagan, Sweaty, Charlie D, Brucie, Erika, Eastside Elle and a rare appearance from the Chairman Tommy H.

Pace was nice and easy as I settled chatting away to Super Kev, before it slowed even more coming around the Opera House thanks to the parading of the home coming Olympians (not to mention the dancing Brazilian girls).  Got chatting away to Eastside Elle after that who was complaining that she had to run with those NOTB boys on the weekend and was left out in the middle of nowhere when they dropped her – disgraceful performance from the lads I say, but doesn’t surprise.  

Coming around the wharfs and Tommy H joined us and it wasn’t long before he was talking up his chances of taking out the HuRTS P.O.T.Y award this time around thanks to his Gold Coast 10k. Must have listed about 30 reasons as to why his effort was worthy of some recognition (fell on deaf ears to me to be honest but he may get an extra vote care of Craig Wiseman?)

The big group seemed to dwindle with only Tom, Craig and Eastside coming back into the Domain as Elle was still giving us all a detailed rundown of her running without her usual Sports Bra that the Mad Scotsman resonated with for some reason?

Made it back to the Art Gallery with only Tom for company as the clock clicked on 74 minutes covering 16ks averaging 4.39s

Nice run, and the time seemed to pass very quickly. May have even got my first wager for the upcoming Melbourne Half where Tommy H has offered me a generous 12 minutes handicap start ? (think he must be still feeling guilty after the recent C2S)

 

Back out tomorrow for the HuRTS 2 x 20 minute efforts – somehow I don’t think it will be easy as today

Cheers

 

Thursday Swim.

Hit PAP for the now regular Thursday morning swim. Felt pretty good throughout mixing it all up with sets of 4 and 300s always followed by loads of faster 50m efforts

I say I felt good, little wonder as I took the easy option today and was in the trusty wetsuit – it’s almost cheating as I reckon it takes at least 6 seconds per /100m off the normal time.

3.3ks done.

 

Cheers

Midweek Easy

Got out early and dodged the heavy rain and just worked with the clients for an easy 8ks for the morning. Legs felt pretty tired from yesterday and happy to keep it at 5 min per/k pace for 40 minutes

Cheers

 

14 x 3 minute efforts (60 seconds recovery)

Best session on the cards and it soon came around again that is the 14 x 3 minute working off a 60 second recovery. Big team and the aim for the day was (1) to run ALL 14, &  (2) at a more controlled pace between 3.40 and 3.45 pace.

Obviously the first rep felt so easy as I covered over 800m working at 3.42 per/k pace, with the return slightly faster due to the tailwind.

Basically that was how the set panned out as I was getting to the same spot on each rep thereafter. Numbers thinned out around rep #10 as always and it was here that I thought I’d try to pick it up and to see what was left in the tank.  A touch faster on the 11^th and 12^th, and perhaps for the first time ever I got to 12 still feeling strong with the heart rate under control.

Last rep time and decided to kick it down from the start and see what I could hold and finish with and couldn’t believe the watch had me moving at 3.15 pace that I was stoked with.

Pace for the 14 went, 3.42, 3.37, 3.42, 3.40, 3.42, 3.40, 3.43, 3.38, 3.43, 3.38, 3.40, 3.36, 3.36, 3.15

 

12ks in total then did 2k cool down with Jeet and Hoey to end.

 

About 40 odd started the set, and only a handful finished and kudos to Renee, Champ and Hoey who were amongst those to see it out.

Cheers

 

Sunday Long 26ks with the Colour Run.

After a relatively easy week I was keen to keep the Sunday long runs ticking over as I feel they are the key to me running and racing well. A big turnout although no sign of ‘The Sweaty Pair’ (Wiseman & Pearson), C.T or Jeet as the feud  between him and Birchy continues.

Pace was honest even for the first 6k warm up loop and by the time we arrived back at the cafe to collect the 7am starters we were already averaging just over 4.30s.

Sat in with Enda for the first 10k loop talking all overnight footy as the pace quickened up even more to return with a 44.41 lap (4.29 average)although was still feeling pretty good that I was pleased with.  Out for loop #2 but as I looked over my shoulder we seemed to have lost ¾ of the team with only Hoey, Trigger (Krone), Birchy and the girls Eastside Elle and Laura still in for the duration. Think most of were feeling it with about 5ks to go although it was little wonder as the pace was perhaps the quickest I’ve mustered over that distance for some time as it was hitting down to 4.20 pace to finish with.

26ks all up in 1hr:55 minutes averaging 4.26 for the morning.

6k in 27.21 ave 4.33

10k loop 44.41 ave 4.29

10k loop 43.25 ave 4.21

 

Retreaded to the nearby cafe once done but it was bedlam with about 20’000 teenagers and kids getting ready for the ‘Colour Run’ that was in the park, Sat around for about 40 minutes waiting for coffee before giving up and heading to Double Bay for a quality Bacon & Egg Burger that even Prince Ho would have approved off and one that the NOTB boys can only dream of getting.

 

Great morning out and happy to get a strong 26k done, Run of the morning though went to Eastside Elle who is in great form and continued her City to Surf run backing up with 34ks and looking good for Melbourne in October.

 

Cheers

It was a long wait for morning coffee post run this morning , seen here with Flakey( who was getting a little hot under the collar with all the girls in tutu's) Trigger, Laura, Eastside Elle, Shannon and Birchy.

Double Header 400s & Tempo

Wednesday. Took Monday and Tuesday off recovering, and then got back out easy on Wednesday for about 13ks all up running with clients spread over two classes. I say easy the 2^nd of the classes was anything but as I took one half of the ‘Love Doctor’s’ Victoria for a set of 800s on Rushcutters Oval and she’s in pretty good nick knocking 6 out all between 3.11 – 3.19

 

Thursday. Early start with the 3k swim and struggled yet again to get through it, My arms are cactus once I’m done and I really do have to get back to adding Monday and Friday into the program if I want to see some progress.

Headed over to Rushcutters at lunch for the double header of a session and numbers were down obviously after Sundays big run. No ‘A Graders out, and many were actually asking if there were any ‘B Graders’ with only Jerome, and Enda although nice to see Muzza back as too Erika Ekland.

7 x 400s and a 3k Tempo was the go and even feeling tired I was ticking along OK as I sat in just behind Jerome for each of the 7 and keeping it consistent once again.

Times. 71, 70, 70, 71, 71, 71, 70

A short break before the tempo ,and was going to go easier but found I completed the first of the 3 laps just on 3.30 pace,  pace dropped slightly on the 2^nd down to 3.34s and I was starting to tighten up and instead of pushing too hard I pulled the pin after 2ks as the clock ticked on 7.05 (3.31 & 3.34)

Love these double sets, even if I didn’t complete and happy with how I’ve pulled up from the weekend, Really want to keep up the training now till Sydney Half in September, with the view of finishing the year with a return to Melbourne for the full in October.

 

Back with another long run on Sunday, will be keen to do 25ks

 

On the footy front, the English Premier kicked off again last week, really looking forward to this season with many of the big guns all looking to improve on last season. Hate to say it but I’m tipping Man Utd to take it out , I’m a big fan of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and can see him being top scorer for the season, and with other good signings Pogba,Mkhitaryan and Bailly they will take some stopping. Other fancies are Liverpool for a top 4 position with Hull, Burnley and Sammy Aggers will hate me but I think either Tin Pot Palace or West Brom might be the 3^rd team to go down.

Our HuRTS Mediocre Cup has come to an abrupt end as we don’t have Toon, Villa, this season so it was basically a walk over with Stoke only having to finish higher than the ‘Eagles’

Stoke to finish 7^th for season 2016/17

 

Cheers

City to Surf 52.07

Well I say it every year and this year was no different, the annual City to Surf is my favourite race day on the calendar and I went into this year’s run in good form and confidence high after a solid block of 8 weeks training. Just a slight bit of apprehension though with the marathon in my legs from only two weeks back kept me a little grounded mind.

I think one of the highlights of the run is the warm up and getting the chance to mingle with everyone around the start area, Saw pretty much the whole team at one point or other before toeing the start line standing beside latest man in form Scotty O’Connor.

It’s a fast start and I’m keen not to get too excited especially as I hate that first test up to Edgecliff at the 2.5k mark of the race, then it’s the fast section as you head into Double Bay and the ‘Golden Sheaf’ where for the first time in about 25 years I don’t hear ‘Mustang Sally’ blasting out from the pub rooftop that has me thinking that I must be behind time. Start to settle and feel as if I’m moving OK as I can see Jeet just ahead before the 5k mark that tells me he’s either struggling or I’m up on time. Hit the 5k mark at O’Sullivan Street in about 18.20 that was slightly down and had a shock as I went past birthday boy Jerome who it seemed was done for the day and confirmed this race as one of the toughest going and takes no prisoners. Tried hard to bring the heart rate down before ‘Heartbreak Hill and seemed to get up over the top without too much damage done and then got a nice surprise as Jerome was back on and offering up encouragement to me as we then seemed to drag each other for the next couple of Ks as we turned right at Watsons Bay and into Military Rd. The worst section of the race for me is always at the 9.5k  and its torture in just getting to that 10k sign, A quick check of the watch sees a 5k split of 19.43 (slower than my goal of 19) as overall time hits 38 mins and I know I’d have to boot it home from there to better my time of 12 months ago.

Even at 10ks the long 600m drag is slow and torturous for me as instead of the pace coming down it goes in the opposite direction and I’m relieved to see the water that means I can kick it down all the way home. I have Mark Ashworth shouting out behind me to keep it going and I see Jeet & Jerome  just ahead as I somehow find something in the legs as I must be travelling around 3.20 pace for once.  Surf Club at 13k comes and know the last one is tough but then get the shock of my life when I see Ireland’s finest Enda staggering around looking like he’s just consumed 12 schooners in the nearby Surf Club, Surely can’t be a repeat of last year’s epic? I then try to find something extra and go past strong as I know he will fight tooth and nail not to let me get one over him. A new turnaround at Curlewis St sees a slightly faster ending and turning into the car park only leaves you about 200m to go and I try to sprint finish to get close to that sub 52 time.  Sadly I was 7 seconds over as I stopped the clock in 52.07, a solid enough effort but I didn’t quiet have it over the later hills at the 9.5k stage and lost 30 seconds between there and the 11k.

Like the start of the race the finishing area is special as you see all the team all within the space of about 5 minutes as the success stories start to unfold. As usual many a fine run although across the board most people’s times were slightly down ? The good came in the shape of Eastside Elle, Bruce, Angus, Jac, Gleeso, Roberts and Champ, The Bad came from Jerome who I  was predicting big things for and the horrible came from Mr Stankard again who once again failed to deliver in the ‘World’s Toughest’ Race coming home on all fours for the 2^nd year in succession.

The Timmy Run of the Day’ though (and I’m getting sick of saying it) goes to good mate ‘Geordie Boy’ Tommy H – does this lad ever run a bad race? Brilliant effort in being first home to record a time of 45.28  to continue his dominance over ‘Me, Myself and I’ man Barts.

 

Some of my splits from Sunday

0 - 5k      18.20

5 – 10k  19.43

10 -14k  14.09 (3.33 pace)

 

Once all recovered I then had to help Enda stagger back to his house as he kindly hosted brekkie but with regular cook Super Kev absent I was the chosen one to keep the regulars happy all the while Enda was sat with feet up  on the couch enjoying watching Mo take out the 10’000m. A decent crowd enjoyed a top brekkie and many thanks for the ‘Angel’ Angela and Enda for once again keeping the gang all fed and watered.

The day is not complete without the ‘Allen’s marquee tent with the host Tommy H opening the doors once again, Quality afternoon over the course of the next 5 hours or so as the banter was in full flow.  It’s here that winning and losing bets are settled and first up Sammy J joined the Lindop party handing over his $20 after he failed to cover the 2 minutes, Jeet next up did likewise, and Birch didn’t escape either. On the down side ‘Shark’ Highnam’s reputation as a fair punter took a massive dive south when the 5 minute handicap ( I was never going to win) meant I was handing over. So bad I think Tommy  was embarrassed about it ( I know I was for him).

Over to the Bondi Hotel to end the day for the final few hours and ‘The Chairman’s fine day was almost over before he got in as he got the ‘tap on the shoulder’ even before his taxi had arrived this year.

Again. Prefect day but boy was I to suffer on the Monday.

 

A couple of rest days now but then back into it as I feel I have some decent form to head to the Sydney Run Festival and run a solid Half come September?

 

A few pics from the weekend

Cheers

 PS, If anyone sees that Wrexham Taffy Craig tell him he owes me $40 after his failure to get within the 5.15 handicap time J

 

Early doors, alongside Jeet and Bruce.

Run of the Day - Tommy H leads a team into the tunnel.

Another one done and dusted.

Finish line with Skippy, Jerome, Macca, Nicky Roberts, Yido Darren Jordan and Craig.

Breakfast time at the Stankards - top food.

With 'Leech' Eoin and Jerome.

Big Improver - Nicky Roberts. Man's in fine form.

With my team captain - Barts who let his team down.

You can take the girl out of the Shire.. but...

Time to pay up - thanks Sammy J.

While Jeet looks less happy

Rorted. Say NO more.

With two of the best around - even if they do try to shaft the little Stoke battler.

With the team enjoying the day at the Allen's tent.

Its a day for everyone as Macca and I catch up with 'Cat Girl and friend,

Cheers

 

 

Tapering - Mixing it Up with some 800s

Wednesday.

Easy 15ks, pretty comfortable.

 

Thursday,

A.M – Have been very slack once again on the swimming front over the past 4 weeks, although hardly surprising as I’ve been more focused on the C2S as well as interstate  for 6 days to the Red Centre. Still nice to get back in the drink this morning to turn the arms over and I basically struggled through the best part of 60 minutes as I knocked out 2.8ks in total.

Very tired at the end and my arms have been killing me since.

PM. -  With C2S on Sunday I wasn’t expecting a big turnout for the 8 x 800s at Rushcutters but even without any ‘A Graders’ in attendance we still had a good team out that included  Jerome, Mikey L, Laura, Renee, Sammy J and Leech (although for the amount he did he could have brought his deckchair).

Decided before the start just to do 5 x 800s and even that was modified with a fast 400m then a 400m float. Went out hard on the first rep with Jerome and Mikey behind as I came through the first lap in 71 seconds, had the masses come around me at different stages as the 2^nd lap was done much slower in 1.34

Rolling every 4 minutes I was then delighted to hold the remaining 4 reps all at 71s as I tucked in with Jerome on the 5^th as he started to open up for his final 800.

Times for the Day;

1.       71 & 1.34

2.       71 & 1.38

3.       71 & 1.36

4.       71 & 1.35

5.       71 & 1.37

 

That finally wraps up ALL training for Sunday, will rest up for the next two days (except run with client easy in the morning), Been very happy overall the past 6-8 weeks and looking forward to Sunday. Still got a few reservations though with the recent Outback Marathon still in the legs but we’ll see how it goes.

 

Not got as many bets on this year as many are either wanting silly bets or simply not ballsy enough to back themselves? Even some of the usual members have not come to the party, still, there lose. Fair play to both Sammy J and client Welsh Craig who have both wagered and will be interesting to see the outcome.

My Trifecta for first home is 1^st Barts, 2^nd Tom and 3^rd Quentin

My run of the day prediction – Keep an eye out for Jerome who if he fires up will post a quick time.

One thing I can guarantee though – It will be a magic day and look forward to seeing everyone out and about during the afternoon and hearing all the stories over a beer or two.

 

Cheers

 

 

 

Progressive 30 minute Tempo.

After Sundays disaster of a run I was keen to get back out and give it one final solid hit out before the weekend. Decent team despite a few breakaway groups forming as many try to find the right balance for City to Surf. On program as progressive tempo for 45 minutes but I’d already decided that 30 mins was the maximum before the start and was delighted when Jerome, Brendan Fehon and a few others followed my lead.  Pretty cruisy first 10 minutes sitting just under 4.05 running with Angus, Jerome, Dom, Brendan, Mikey L, and Muzza, before the change of pace that saw us run through the once again busy Quay and Terminal area at 3.55 per/k.

Turned dead on 5ks under the bridge and started to work harder for the final section but within the first 2 mins both Bren and the Frenchman had got that gap on me. Happy to see the ever improving Sammy Johnson as I headed from the Quay and was delighted he tagged on to me that then pretty much kept us both honest around the back of the O.H and coming back into the Domain. I was feeling OK and was happy to be holding pace as I felt him just fall off with 2 minutes remaining with me managing to stick in 3.35 per/k to end the 30 minutes.

Just under 8ks done averaging 3.50s all up. Felt pretty good and nice to get the final hit out done.

That’s mostly it now, will get out tomorrow and then a real easy one for Thursday before the ‘fun and games’ begin for the big day.

 

Loads of banter and talk today about the HuRTS team comp we hold, Draw was made yesterday and if I was a betting man then I’d be sticking my $1 on Scott O’Connor’s team, with even the 6^th runner capable of running under 52.

I’ve got Me, Myself and I (Barts) as my captain........... what more can one say?

Will give my rundown and predictions later in the week on how I see the race unfolding.

 

Team draw;

 

Hoey's  No Hopes	Shirts off for the ladies	CT and the underdogs	Mileage Machines	Me, myself and I	Old but gold	Scotty's Hotties
Hoey	Quentin Reeve	Chris Truscott	Nick Roberts	John Bartlett	Tom Highnam	Scott O'Connor
Mike Lichtwark	Tommy Lee	Enda Stankard	Andy Heyden	Toby	Jerome	Tony Fattorini
Steve Perry	Lachlan	Jeet	Eoin Reville	John Nesher	Bruce Lambert	Anthony Muzza
Chris Strom	Smolly	Anto Yule	Adrian McGarva	Tim Lindop	Macca	Darren Jordan
John Burke	Angus Boyd	Richard Green	Dominik Dumaine	Geoff Cooper	Brendan Fehon	Kev Branagan
Brendan Krone	Pete Walker	Sam Johnson	Birchy	Mark Ashworth	Craig Bell	Laura James
Greta Truscott	Craig Wiseman	Elle	Champ	John Clothier	Pete Truscott	Anthony Biggs
Taffy Craig McL	Renee Simon	Sonya	Charlie Dalziell	Bart Vonhoff	Sam Towill	Bill Batt
Jacqueline O'Connor	Erika Jordan	Michael Yacoub	Paul Hannell

 

Cheers