A.B.C Biathlon 19.31 - 4th Overall

Ventured down to the A.B.C for the Biathlon for the 3rd time in as many weeks for another 20 minutes of torture with a 4k run followed by the 300m swim leg.
A lot smaller crowd this week with only Mikey L and 'Mr Muscles#2' Jordi from the team that I knew.  Frantic start and with a big headwind for the first 400m tuck in behind guys before finding myself in about 10th placing on the first of the climbs. Go past a couple and get a shout out from Jerome who is spectating around the 1k marker and happy with a 3.36 to kick things off. Usual battle till the turnaround in 7.10 then just try to bring it home faster but have to contend with the headwind all the way. Reach the top gates in 14.09 in 7th place with two guys only slightly ahead that I'm comfortable with as I think they will carry me along in the water. Soon found out they were in fact too slow and go around as early as the first 50m, as I then see the 4th place lad about 20m further ahead. Just tried to keep it ticking over but feel as if I'm reducing the gap with each 50m completed. 250m down and now only a couple of metres back so put in the big ones in an effort to overtake, luckily 'speedsuit' man has nothing left to give and with about 20m to go finally go past as I manage to touch the wall in a seasons best (well 3 races) in 19.31 (some 2 seconds quicker than last week)
Run 14.09
T1       .21
Swim 5.01

Great hit out and as I've said many times before, its the best 20 minute session you can do. You are in the hurt box as early as the 2nd minute and you just try to work through it the best you can. Happy with the time as it was quicker than last week without the help of the faster boys and in particular Adrian McGarva who I sat in with 7 days back. Will certainly do more once they return in Feb next year and will get the team back for another race where I'll be keen to get back down to closer 19 minutes and in turn take the Chairman's cash.
Over to the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel post race for a few beers before heading to Randwick to catch up with Paulie Hanley and Enda for a few ales. Good old night, plenty of story telling and banter along the way that once again led to a Friday morning struggle.

Big weekend planned (seems the common theme these days) with Sammy J's 40th Birthday bash tomorrow lunch then a big party to attend during the evening - looks like the Sunday long run could be in grave doubt :)

In the footy the team of the moment Stoke have a bloody tough task ahead in the capital against high flying Arsenal. Not a good record and never won at the Emirates Stadium and I'm afraid I can't tip them this week
Timmy's tip. Arsenal 3 v Stoke 1
  A few pics from last night.

1k down and already hurting.

Pool entry, it may not be the best...

but its better than Mikey L's

Happy enough with a 19.31 finish to end the season.

With the boys Mikey 2nd on the night, Jordi 3rd and myself 4th home.

King of the Biathlon - Mikey collects his trophy.

Followed by a few beers with the Eastside Elites - Mitch, Enda, POD, Paulie Hanley and Superfish Cookie.

And a selfie to end the night with TWO of Irelands top lads, One as hard as nails - Paul Hanley and one soft as butter Enda Stankard.

Missed my swim with Crossy Lad but it looks like he's found a replacement in Laura James to continue his 'selfie' obsession . Spends more time on his camera than swimming that man. Laura tells me she did manage 200m in the hour though.

Have a good weekend
Stay safe and train well
Cheers