5k Time Trial - Centennial Park

Early entry on the blog today as I managed to get out first thing with Vlad before he flies out for his Paris Marathon attempt on Sunday. Beautiful morning once again with cooler conditions making it perfect for my 5k time trial that I wanted to do.

Been feeling better lately and certainly training harder so was keen to see if there was any improvement from a fortnight ago when I last did the session. As I’ve mentioned before, the first 2ks are easier so went out harder to try to get a little time in the bank. Felt OK in doing so but as always struggled around the Fox Gates and then again around the 4k mark. Lifted once again for the final 600 and was happy to see the cafe and finish line at the 5k mark.

Worked out that I was in fact faster today by 18 seconds so certainly heading in the right direction, Still miles behind Enda Stankard but hopefully I reckon I am JUST inside the magic 4 minutes he has agreed to when it comes to the bet we have over the 10ks this weekend.

Not sure I’ll do the HuRTS Thursday session this week as I may just go easy with Striders 10k coming up on the Saturday.

Well a few congratulations and best wishes are in order that I forgot to mention, Firstly well done to HuRTS # 1 Andrew Tuckey who took out another win on the weekend, This time taking out the 8k Mountain Walkathon, not sure where it was and who he was up against and it appears the great man will travel anywhere these days in a quest to claim any victory?

Also congratulations to former HuRT the Right Honourable Richie High who took out the 5k Park Run at Curl Curl on Saturday with an impressive 17.15 (?) Looks like the old boy is starting to hit a bit of form.

Best wishes to ‘Action Man ‘ Mr. Bonds himself Terence Bell who celebrates his birthday today – not sure what plans he has, maybe jumping out a plane, running with Eskimos or running 150k by lunchtime if I know that guy……..the mans a machine. Happy 21^st T.B

And finally. Congratulations to the Chairman Tommy H in selling his chez mansion. BUT what I bet you didn’t know (and not even sure I should be telling but…)  I told you the exciting news regards the ‘Kane’s with the arrival of Grace Lily on the weekend, Well looks like the Kane’s have a cause for a double celebration as they have just brought a NEW bigger house to accommodate the family. YES, you guessed it, Dave Kane has shipped up and moved to the dark side and brought the Chairman’s house. Not sure what kind of deal was brokered (if any) , great news all around but I’m not to happy to be honest as it looks like my Sunday breaky may have to be shelved as I wont be going over there every week. Better send Enda on a crash course for cooking as I can see myself dropping around there more frequently from now on.

Will be back out in the morning for an easy trot around the park, might try to catch up with any of the Hardmen that run on Wednesday’s?

Cheers

Rt Hon The Holy One - Richie High takes the stage after his Curl Curl run on Saturday.

And how he celebrated after with his partner.


Cheers

Medium Monday Run and Swim

Due to the lack of ks yesterday I had to back up today on what is normally a recovery day. To complement only 10k on the Sunday I thought I’d do the 2 x 6k Woollahra Hill loops within Centennial Park and pick the pace up if I could.

Felt pretty good early on and soon settled into a nice pace and rhythm working around 4.23s per/k, even if the pace did drop around the 700m hill area. Happy to complete the lap in 26.17 (4.23 per/k) before going on and trying to get faster on the 2^nd. The first 2k is pretty flat so easy to maintain a good even pace, worked harder to hold coming around the Fox Studio gates area and knew then I had to keep it together for one final climb up the hill

Once at the top I brought it home strongly to stop the clock in 24.50 (ave 4.08 per/k) with the final 6k splits as, 4.00, 4.06, 4.09, 4.07, 4.34, 3.52 (not hard to see where the hill was)

51.08 All up for the 12ks

Also did 6k @ 7 min/ks as well with clients beforehand to make it 18 for the day.

Lunchtime despite feeling tired I ventured into town for the Monday swim , and apart from the first 500m rep I was never at the races, Good crew out today with even Champagne Charlie, Super Kev & Brendan returning to the pool after a few weeks break. No sign of Elan though so it was left to Coach Pete Walker to lead the team out with the impressive Emma not far behind.

Did 8.20 for the first 500, but stood at the end of the pool whilst the rest of the boys went about the next 200. I thought I was Razor Wareham at one point just ducking in and doing the odd set here and there with no real structure. More then  pretty happy to finish off with a few 100m reps before sitting on deck side sampling another Sydney day.

If the running was solid, the swimming was bloody shocking.

Pretty tired now and need to back up tomorrow with a tough session around the park first up in the morning.

Cheers

Drinks with Quiff Man, Carpet Tie and a Taffy

With very little sleep I made my way to the park this morning to find a good team ready to go for the earlier 6.30am start that included the likes of Barts, Tommy H, Fats, C.T , Pommy Paul, and Young Elle. Bloody pace was on from the start with C.T mainly responsible knowing his little 6k loop would get us back to the cafe for when the 7am crew started.

Even over 6ks the group splintered with the ever improving Pommy Paul and Elle feeling the pace a little as I was hanging on for dear life, at the cafe it was good to see another healthy team that saw Sweaty Sock, Renee, Jeet, T.B  and Lady Laura and a few others ready to join in.

Another 4k flat loop for me before I then had to detour due to work commitments and leave the guys to it, a quick fire 10ks done in under 44 mins. Despite the pace I actually felt pretty good out there this morning and wished I could have knocked out another 14ks or so.

Jumped on the bike then and did an easy 60ks taking in all of the Eastern Beaches along the way – stunning morning all round.

Had a cracker of an evening on Friday night, helping Stevie T AKA The Wildman, Norman Cook celebrate his birthday, Nice little turnout with Tommy H, Slim Sammy Agnew and Michael ‘The Italian Stallion’ Durante all joining for a couple of coldies. Well if I thought Slim Sammy Aggers haircuts are bad, then you should have seen what the Stallion appeared with. He has a bloody big Quiff that stands up about a foot; I thought a hurricane had blown through the city at one stage. It wasn’t long after that the Taffy Lad made an appearance as well and you had to have ‘thick skin’ as the night wore on with the Trash and Sledging hitting NEW heights (thank goodness the Warrior wasn’t there). Tommy H got a serve also when he rocked up with his ‘Carpet tie wrapped around his neck and was soon getting told the ‘Do & Don’ts of Blogging by two local punters.

Had decided early that I was implementing an 8pm curfew as I had a busy Saturday – unfortunately I was still out at midnight before the stagger to the nearby train station. That resulted in me jumping a train only to take a catnap missing my stop meaning I was forced to get a taxi home after all – Nightmare

Top night apart from that and you can always guarantee as much when the deadly duo (Thurston & Durante) get together.

Best news of the weekend (No, Slim Sammy settle down, its not Palace’s win) but we welcome into the world Grace Lily to proud parents Dave & Olivia Kane, Great news and congratulations to the family.

Another busy week ahead training with the Striders 10k next Saturday at Lane Cove that I am keen to do to test where exactly the fitness is up to?

A few photos from Friday evening

Some of HuRTS finest runners on record - Timmy, Durante, Tommy H and Stevie Thurston
* think it may have been getting late, Tom was struggling to stay awake it seems.

Tom with 'THAT Capet Tie and Quiff Boy Durante.

A closer look at the Italian Stallion Durante's Quiff new cut.

We couldn't find the Taffy Lad when the group photos were being done, But he wasn't keen to miss out and decided to take a 'Selfie' in between drinks - Oh Taffy Lad, what were you thinking?


Cheers

March 1k Time Trial at the A.B.C Pool

Somewhat smaller turnout for the monthly time trial at the pool today with the rain no doubt keeping those fair weather trainers away? No sign of past winner Elan, MrAce, Mikey, Brendan, Charlie, the Leech or even Lady Laura either.

Liam was making his HuRTS debut today and was first away after the clock started; I was next after been given a measly 18 seconds start on The Champ despite doing next to no swimming over the past month or so. With that it wasn’t long before The Champ caught me around the 200m mark – and I was forced to work very hard to even stay on his feet. I battled away for the next 500m or so before I felt Champs pace just ease up slightly and all of a sudden it felt easier and slower. I knew I wasn’t strong enough to go around him (and if I was he would have picked the pace up) so I sat in until the 900m mark before decided to ‘Box Clever’ and switch lanes and kicking it down over the final stages. Nearly killed myself in the process but was happy enough to touch out with a time of 17.19 for the day and take The Champs scalp for the first time on handicap. Unfortunately it still wasn’t enough to take the much sought after Golden Duck Cup, that honour went to Christian Ellis (AKA Cialis) who just beat a much improved Marc P

Pretty happy with that time overall but to be honest I must thank The Champ for doing the work and pulling me through it J

Fastest time of the Day goes to Tim (no , don’t be getting it excited, it wasn’t me - but a NEW guy that even smashed coach Walker and looks pretty useful.

Kudo’s and respect goes out to Liam who managed to get through his very first 1k swim in a time of 22.20 – Not bad for someone who couldn’t even swim 50m a couple of months back. And I’ll give him another month (two max) before he is beating Mr. Stankard.

Official Times were

Tim (New guy) 14.08

Pete Walker    14.15

Todd                15.08

Tetra Emma      15.37

Angus              15.47

Cialis                16.16 (PB) and Golden Duck Winner

Marc P              16.16

The Champ        17.06

Timmy               17.19

Liam                  22.20

Will be back out on Sunday for the long run 25ks plus I’m hoping for.

Well its here again, another weekend and it’s a big one yet again, Out for a few pints with Stevie ‘the Wildman’ T (aka Norman Cook) with Tom, The Italian Stallion and no doubt as few others.

Will be back on the airwaves discussing all things footy tomorrow, and talking about Stokes impressive win over Villa last week. Looks like it will continue this week with Hull the latest to venture to the Potteries.

Timmy’s Tip

Stoke 2 vs. Hull 0

In the Mediocre Cup sorry to say I can’t find any joy for all the other teams, and I think I may have a SPECIAL bet for you to follow? Back the other 4 teams (Newcastle, C.Palace, Villa and Cardiff) NOT to score a goal between them. Wonder what Paddy Power will give me for that one?

Christian Ellis (Cialis) with his March Golden Duck , it all proved too much for Marc P in the background who was still trying to come to terms with his 2nd place.

After Stoke smashed the Villa last week , Enda Stankard has taken to supporting a NEW team and will run every long run for the remainder of the season in the above - Good on you mate.

Have a great weekend
Train Safe
Cheers

PS, Not sure what tablets Enda is taking whilst he goes to China but it seems to be adding inches to his chest?

3 x 2k Reps with the Spray Tan Man

Numbers were down today with all the heavy rain around and only the tough were out for the 3 x 2k Hickson Road set that was on the cards. With NO Mikey who was nursing an Achilles issue I was left to take command of the session – bloody tough gig, with hardly anyone listening, and when I did manage to get the easy instructions out to Barts, it was Tommy H who decided to arrive late meaning I had to repeat myself yet again.

Barts, Tom, Fats and Enda (who was running even later then Tom) led the first group and I then found myself solo running in group 2 with no Mikey, Dom around I was finding it tough. Was running around 3.27 pace for the first 2k rep and came in well under the 7 minutes but then found it about 50m short. Taffy James seemed to appear from nowhere for the 2^nd rep and helped me along as I came in on the 7 minutes and this time got 2ks on the dot (I must have had a case of the wobbles somewhere).

Was never getting anywhere near the 2 minute recovery and when Fats called time up for the 3^rd rep after dropping back a group it was just a case of getting it done. Lost it around the 800m mark and pretty much just saw the remaining 1200 out at 3.36 pace for 7.12 finish time.

Tough day all round but happy to get another one under my belt. Had a good 4k warm down at the end running with Tom when we both noticed that Warrior Charlie was very chocolate like? Not sure what Spray tanning company he is using these days but they may want to tone the colour down a few shades (either that or we’ll all have to take to wearing sunnies at the next session)

12ks all up including the 2ks warm up to get to the passenger terminal starting point.

Good to see Laura and Damo cruising around before the session as well after a few weeks on the sidelines with Achilles problems – let’s hope they are back to full form quickly.

Enda was almost crying today demanding that I wont be getting 4 minutes start at the next Striders race, ………..Well too right I wont be, after seeing him killing it today running with the big boys, I’ll be looking at getting 5 J

Time trial time tomorrow and for another month I’ve done bugger all in the pool so it will be a battle, and will be just looking at holding out ‘The Champ’ who will be GIVING ME the start. If I can swim 18 minutes then I’ll be happy.

Cheers

Warrior Charlie Daziell making the headlines for the 2nd time in a week, This time after maybe going overboard with his spray tan job before leaving the office to join the 3 x 2k sessions at Hickson Road.

HuRTS Buffalo Boys.

Easy 10ks all up today and bumped into Ireland’s # 3 himself Enda Stankard who was running solo. Even Terence Bell heard enough sh!te from him last week NOT to return for more torture today. Had a good old chat as we just did the Woollahra Hill 6k loop before he went out onto work.

Average pace was around 4.37s – nothing to exciting to report, although there never is when Enda is around J

Mentioned yesterday about the strange scenes around Newtown /Erko area mid-morning. Well on closer look it seems as if the TWO HuRTS top corporate boys have been doing some secret training and seemed to have lost there way. Old Charlie’ Warrior’ Dalziell and Greg Cassis despite not been seen at a HuRTS session for a long time somehow found time to venture into the Inner West and ‘The Trash’ has the photo to prove it.

Also laid another bet this morning – Its Official Enda has once more agreed to give me a 4 minute start at the next 10k race, He sounds confident knowing that he will run 34.xx and predicts that I wont run sub 39 (he could be right to be honest). So another $20 it is (still wondering when his last two payments are coming mind – from when Tommy H smashed him and England gave the Irish a touch up?)

HuRTS session tomorrow

Warrior Charlie and Greg CassisNewtown.

Cheers

Getting Stronger & Faster

Tuesday.
I used my first session with clients first up as a means of a warm up for 7ks before seeing ‘The Destroyer’ (Vlad) around the park. A further couple of ks with him then It was straight into the 1k reps. A great morning for running with cooler temps and no wind around made for quicker times and I wasn’t to be disappointed, Only did 4 today but it was probably the fastest I’ve gone for a good 6 months or so, Best thing was that I kept them all very consistent with only a second separating all 4.
A couple of ks cool down for 15k all up  - Happy with that and I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel as I (slowly) get stronger and faster……….Frankie Dearn better watch out at the next Striders in April is all I will say.

Will try to get out and knock some ks out in the morning before returning for the usual Thursday HuRTS set.

Well after living in the Inner West for 15 years I thought I’d seen pretty much everything in King Street Newtown from Gays, Goths, Weirdo’s, Druggies, but this one took the cake this morning. I thought I’d had a beer too many when I saw not one but TWO Water Buffaloes walking down the street – And best part of it was nobody seemed to worry about it J Classic.
Finished the morning coffee and banana bread and still left baffled I followed up and this is what has been reported;
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/water-buffalo-on-the-loose-in-newtown-20140325-35f4t.html


Cheers