Happy St Georges Day - with 3 x 2ks Reps.

After 72 hours of the ‘Super Storm’ that wrecked havoc on Sydney it was back into town at the meeting point beside the  Passenger Terminal for the 3 x 2k session. With a  big crowd on Tuesday with the storm it was NO surprise then to see another big showing with clear blue skies above.

Again a bit light on at the pointy end with former #1 Tucks leading the way with Fats and the inform Irish gang (Macca, Leech and Enda) not far behind. I however had a nice group to work with alongside Angus, Todd and back for more ‘Villa boy’ Richie M.

As normal felt good on the first rep and worked well coming in on 6.43 on the clock – it was short mind you by about 50 metres we reckon as everyone for some reason runs on the road and cuts the corner coming under the bridge by the ‘Watermark Hotel’ ?

Held the 2^nd rep similar although the front the guys must have picked it up some as I finished a good few seconds down on them, and it was then just a battle to try to hold it for the final rep after that.

Again the front guys must have put the foot down and as early as 500m I was dropping out the back, then had the misfortune of a lace malfunction at the turnaround point that forced a quick stop.  Struggle really to get going after that and just managed to sneak in a second under the 7 minutes to finish it off.

Times and heart rate

1.       6.43  Average H/r 165. Max 174

2.       6.46                           166, Max 177

3.       6.59                           152, Max 169

Not a long session but bloody tough all the same, happy enough although still not finishing as strong as what I would like (might help if I slow the first rep down, I know) A good long cool down with Enda and ‘The Leech’ to finish with as the Leech was begging me to go for drinks with him to celebrate ‘St Georges Day’ , Swear he’s an English Wannabe.

So just over 3 weeks remain before the SMH Half and more importantly the running of the Churchill Cup, The Irish boys are looking strong, with the Leech the pick of the bunch at the moment, We all know what Macca’s capable of doing, Enda’s  running well (despite his constant drivel ), and Kanser is returning to form, Super Kev is Mr. Reliable, throw in ‘the Burke Guy (from the North Shore) and the ‘Ace Card in the Irish pack Robbie Neill is back and you can see why they hold the Cup and will go into the race as favorites for a 2^nd year running.

Tomorrow is the monthly Swim 1k T/T at A.B.C Pool ,  I’ve not done much swimming lately so will be interesting to see how it unfolds, a lot as always will depend on what Handicapper Walker has worked out.

HuRTs team rest easy, after the BIG storm in recent days I can confirm our leader Tommy H is safe. After a few hairy moments when the water levels came pretty close to his house he was able to swim to his car and make the 15m although he did need the help of the local SES guys who were in the neighborhood .

Scary moment for Tom Highman during the Sydney Storm.

English 'Wannabe ' The Leech; enjoys St Georges Day.

It's ON again.... The Churchill /Sands Cup, run at the SMH Half.

The Irish boys prepare once more - Kane, Reville and Stankard

Cheers

Torrential Tuesday Tempo.

It was only 5 days ago at the last HuRTS session that I was complaining about the 32 degree heat, well today was the total opposite with a max of 14 degrees, heavy rain over the past 48 hours, and driving winds that pretty much brought Sydney to a standstill. Still, It didn’t deter the HuRT masses for another Tuesday Tempo session.

I rocked up early and thought we’d be lucky to get 10 showing and when I spotted Tucks with about two minutes to go all wasn’t looking good, then all of a sudden people started to appear from everywhere (Razor Wareham style).

After doing our bit for ‘Green Peace’ where we all huddled and hugged  the tree before starting,  an executive decision was made to only do 4 reps instead of the scheduled  5  of 3,2 1 minute efforts (36 minutes total).

Good showing as I say with over 35 in attendance although NO sign of Tommy H, Barts, Macca, Pete Walker, Taffy James or Erica (mmmm spot the link?) I set off pretty strong running alongside Todd, Angus and Skippy Heyden and made the Opera Gates in just over 10 minutes that brought a remark about  the pace from Angus, Rounding the back of the Opera House then coming back to the Quay I almost went backwards as  the wind was right in my face and I was forced to work hard heading past the Passenger Terminal before turning at 18 minutes just short of the Hyatt Hotel.

Picked the pace up straight away as I knew the hills would be even tougher in the conditions and then was never so pleased to see Enda by the Opera House who then helped me out for the final 12 minutes or so. Held well coming  back past the A.B.C Pool and somehow didn’t lose anytime on the way back to hit the Stone Gates just on the 36 minute mark.

9.35ks in total averaging 3.53 per/k, solid session in such trying conditions. Even had the heart rate working on the watch.

Average 162, Max h/r 179

A good cool down with Good guy Richard M ( who tells me he’s a big reader of the blog), and delighted for him as his team Aston Villa reached the FA Cup final on Sunday. And  he’s a REAL Aston Villa supporter unlike some Plastic ones who parade around within the squad. Skippy Heyden also warmed down with us although he prefers the less exciting blogs on the menu.

It was only late last year I was giving accolades out to the HuRTS girls on the improvements made and how they were flying, Unfortunately it seems many have either fallen off the wagon or just gone SOFT ? NO sign of them today, Laura? Sonii? Lisa? Renee? Erika? Corky?

Cheers

Kurnell Sprint Triathlon - 65.27

Down to ‘The Shire’ for the final race in the Kurnell Sprint Triathlon of the season and after a good race there last time I was keen for a repeat performance.

Good conditions for the morning and after a long wait before my wave start the swim leg was under way. Felt good for a change and strong throughout the 750m and was delighted to stand out the water in 11mins 30 seconds, a quick run up the long transition and had a shocker trying to get the wetsuit off that then saw the hard work go to waste as I seemed to take an eternity in T1

Out on the bike and the first 3ks is tough as you head out to the point uphill, after that you get a nice return and then get pretty much a flat section for the remainder. Rode pretty well although hard to tell as you are constantly passing people from earlier waves but still come home in around 33 minutes bike time.

The 5k is a cross between off road and path with rolling hills all chucked in for 3 laps, The legs were still Ok at this point and was happy just to hold a steady 3.43 per/k pace throughout. Came across the line in 65.27 with a run time of 18.21  - pretty happy with that and about 15 seconds faster overall then the last race.

Managed to snag 2^nd spot in the age group as well behind Mike Maroney (no shame in that seeing he nearly wins the damn thing outright)

Seem to enjoy these tri’s and maybe they are the way to go, My swimming is getting stronger, the bike leg is steady and in the world of triathlon my running is as good as many racing and I think I may bite the bullet and finally do a Half Ironman later in the year?

Overall results from yesterday.

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/Home/Results

My two race results from Kurnell

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/Home/IndividualResult?clientId=1&raceId=1207&eventId=1&athleteId=477332

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/Home/IndividualResult?clientId=1&raceId=1272&eventId=1&athleteId=6216

Great to see a few of the HuRT team racing that included MrAce and Lisa Bowman – both went well with Lisa running  a 20 minute 5k OFF the bike, I reckon there has been some secret training done somewhere.

The Timmy ‘Performance of the Day’ though goes to ‘MC Hammer’ Crossy Lad – Andy Cross, first in his age group and finished 6^th overall in a time of 61.59  Brilliant effort, as good as it was though it still wasn’t enough to take the cash in our ‘little wager’. Fair guy Crossy agreed to give me a 3min30 handicap start that he failed to cover by a mere 2 seconds J

Hard to believe he gave me 10 minutes in the last race.

Respect to him and he now joins Tommy H, Birchy, Laura, and Jeet in the HuRTS’ Table of Fair Play league’.  Maybe the Irish boys should follow their lead to see how you make a FAIR bet for future races.

A good 3k warm down and was lucky to run beside a rather large guy who I was talking to before the swim start, Turns out this guy was Gus Worland from the radio and TV fame (Aussie goes Bolly,Barmy, & Calypso,  Marathon Man etc…) Good bloke who has lost about 30 kilos (still about 115) in his quest to get fit. Then met his coach who I also know from years gone Brad Pamp.

Top morning before returning to the comforts of the Inner West and out for those well earned Sunday arvo beers.

Rest day Monday

Crossy 'Gold' Lindop 'Silver' in the age group for the Sprint.

Performance of the Day and 6th Overall but it still wasn't enough to avoid losing $20 to me.

With my NEW mate for the day - Gussy Worland who i helped to a 40 minute PB :)

Cheers

Saturday Stroll with Sonya.

Ended up taking Friday as a rest day and with the change of weather missed the Friday swim, I did however keep my Acupuncture booking and felt great once I’d been needled.

Once all finished work on Saturday I caught up with Sonii Van Beek for a couple of easy laps in a busy Centennial Park. Pace was only around 5 min/ks but more than happy with that seeing I’m racing in the morning. Just under 40 minutes for the day.

I did see Dave ‘Kanser’ Kane hovering around the café area in his NEW ‘Wiggle’s like ‘Purple Pullover’ with the words ‘Justice Crew’ plastered all over it ……… not sure what that’s all about?

Busy weekend yet again, especially with the Kurnell Tri in the morning – looking forward to it and if I can get anywhere near the time I did last race then I’ll be a happy bunny. Managed to get a whopping 10 minutes start from ‘Good Guy’ Crossy Lad for the last one. I think he’s wised up this time around  and all he’s agreed to this time is a more competitive 3.30 start for me, Think it will be close.

On the betting side, I nearly forgot in all the excitement of drinks last Sunday night the following has been locked in

$20 Dave Kane – State 10k, + 35 seconds my way.

$20 Paul Birch – SMH Half -  -3.30 agreed to give to him

$20 Tommy H – State 10k -  +4min.45secs  my way

$20 Tommy H – State 10k -  He’s backed Laura James to beat me off scratch

$20 Crossy Lad  - Kurnell Tri - + 3.30 my way

Enda Stankard – Still BANNED

*** Still to confirm $20 Taffy James for the State 10k , I’ve tabled a 40 second start for him, and he’s now in consideration mode.

Premier footy continues tonight and with only about 5 games to go, Stoke entertain Southampton at the home of footy, The St’s have been the surprise team of the season and this game really is a ‘flip flop’ match …. With both teams already thinking about the summer holidays with nothing to play for.

I’d normally take the Potters to win these but I’ll sit on the fence with this one.

Timmy’s tip Stoke 1 v Southampton 1

Have a great weekend

Train well , stay safe

Cheers

1k Reps in the Sweltering Heat.

Smack bang in the middle of autumn but arrived at Rushcutters Oval to another 30 degree plus day for the HuRTS 6 x 1k reps, I did an easy 7ks this morning with work and with heavy legs it was a session I wasn’t looking forward to even though its normally one of my favorites.  After a busy weekend of racing it was a smaller team today with only Quentin ahead of me for the first rep (with C.T taking it easy) as I came in on 3.21

Rolling every 5 minutes the legs were shot as early as the 2^nd rep and knew then I’d be doing well to get all 6 done holding anywhere near that pace. 2^nd and 3^rd reps were slower again and at that point I knew it was of no benefit in trying just to push through it for the sake of it – and with the Kurnell Sprint Triathlon coming up on Sunday I made the call to ‘pull up stumps’ after the 4^th rep.

Times were, 3.21, 3.24, 3.29, 3.33

Despite only 4 reps I’ve been pretty happy with how I’ve backed up this week with the TWO sessions and will now try to freshen up before Sundays race. I have a swim planned with the lads tomorrow as well as some Acupuncture so hopefully I can hit the line running and repeat the previous Tri I did at Kurnell in February.

No sign of the Chairman again, or Barts, or even Tuckey…… Mmmmmm getting worried about them especially after I saw ‘Muscles’ Jono backing up from his tough race at the weekend – knocking his 400s over in 62s, could this be the ‘New Kid on the Block’?

Cheers

Lonesome Tuesday Tempo.

Tuesday.

Didn’t feel like it but knew it had to be done,  rocked up to the Tuesday Tempo set with the team that saw 2 x 20 minutes efforts on the program.

Big showing and legs felt heavy from the off today,  ‘Chairman’ Tommy H was playing silly buggers and sprinted off like a man possessed doing his own regime it appeared, whilst a nice little group formed behind that included the likes of Macca, Fats, Kanser, Todd and one or two others.

I was pretty much by myself with only Matt Keeley just ahead, Held the pace OK for the first 10-15 minutes and also had to contend with the crowds and school kids around the Quay area, Managed to past the Bridge and pull up past ‘Watermark’ Hotel within the 20 minutes averaging a steady 3.49 per/k pace.

Knew the return leg is always tougher and with Sunday’s run still in the legs I was expecting the worse, Worked hard around the Passenger Terminal and caught Hardman J.C coming out of the Quay – he tagged on and came with me around the O.H but was struggling coming back into the gardens with a little over 10 mins to run. The hills got me by the A.B.C but was starting to reel some of the team in that kept me honest going past the girls Sonya, Renee and Laura.

Must have held it OK as non of the faster boys come past me on the return leg and I held pace coming back only 4 seconds over on 20.04 (3.50 average). Happy with that seeing I was like ‘Billy No Mates’ for much of the time running solo.

Wrecked at the end but delighted to get through one of the tougher sessions going around managing to hold a 3.49-3.50 for the 40 minutes.

Not sure what all the fuss is about with these tempos? …… I might even be back for more next week.

Wednesday

Easy 10ks in and around the park, No sign of Sonii or any of the Hardmen so was pleased just to cruise around at my own steady pace.

Canberra Half Marathon 84.00 mins - 41st

Saturday morning and headed south for the annual  running of the Half marathon as part of the Canberra Running Festival. Had the privilege to go with Jeet, Pommy Paul Birch and Corky O’Conner, although how we even managed to get out of the Eastern Suburbs was an achievement with Birchy giving directions – what a shocker he is and I’m amazed he can find his way to work on a daily bases.

Woke to a perfect morning on the Sunday to clear skies, not a hint of wind even if it was chilly to start and was looking forward to the 21ks ahead, A 2.5k warm up with the gang before meeting the rest of the HuRTS team on the start line.  Had to listen to Pat Carroll’s drivel for 10 minutes before the off and then was keen not to go out too fast. A first kilometre of 3.51 was about right as I settled early with Jeet slightly ahead, the first 5ks is very scenic as you run around Old Parliament House, clocked a 5k in 18.52 and was just sitting off the improved Johnny ‘B Grade’ Binfield.

Had a bit of a shock at the 7k mark then when Old Kanser himself comes by, didn’t go with him as I thought he’s try to push the pace and I was happy to run my own race so early into it. A tougher section around the 10k mark sees you head out of town over the bridge and I was pretty much running solo from this point on.

Worked hard between the 10-15k mark of the race but its good as you get to see the front runners doubling back and also see the chance to keep an eye out for others behind, Another rise back upon to the bridge at 18ks nearly broke me but I did reduce the distance over Kanser at this point as his big sagging shoulders could be seen from about 400m behind.  Thought I was on for a 83 finish time but that final 500m is just a drag and when I turned with 200m to go I knew I was in for a sprint finish just to break 84 minutes.

Crossed the line in 83.59 by my watch but was officially given 84 dead for the day, Happy enough with that all things considered and its pretty much where I’m at with my training. The one thing I find with the Half is that there is no hiding and if you are short on the training it will find you out.

My 5k splits that I got were.

5k     18.52

10k  19.45

15k   20.05

20k   19.59

21.2   5.15

Some good times from the team – Kanser on is his way back was impressive, ‘B Grade Binfield looked strong , and Jeet was the run of the day, started off sensibly and just seemed to get stronger as the race went on.

Half Marathon

5th David Tonge    1.16.37

10th John Nesher   1.18:43

19th Jeet Aich     1.20.35

21st John Binfield 1.21:23

34th Dave Kane     1.23:08

41st T. Lindop     1.24:00

43rd Justin Bromley 1.24:58

65th James Matthews 1.26:38

77th Paul Birch    1.28:18

92nd Christian Ellis 1.29:40

109 Sharonne Antonir 1.30:34

Ended the morning with a nice breakfast with the team before returning home and then heading out in the evening for the post race drinks and run down on the day’s events included settling all debts. Worked out pretty even in the end and I seemed to be receiving in one hand and then paying out in the other. Quality night with Kanser, Taffy, Pommy Paul, Jeet and Sonii, and good to see Kanser joining us for a change on a night out ( I forgot how much booze he puts away when he has his drinking hat on)

Lost bets were to Kanser and Jeet both $20 but collected over Taffy and Birchy.

Just on that Kanser has been put on the BANNED list, blatant rort of the system (he wanted a 2 minute start then beats me by 53 seconds?? WTF) and Jeet has been given notice, I told him I would run 84 and we worked on him running a 81-82 ….. he then goes and runs a 80 , C’mon ….

Top weekend in all but I can’t help in thinking that the HuRTS boys and girls missed an opportunity to take GOLD , a bit light on at the top end and I’m sure either Barts or Tom would have taken out the men’s race and an even half fit Laura or perhaps Renee would have won the girls with the winning time only around the 86 minute mark?

Moments of the Weekend

Run of the Day – Jeet 80.35 PBs

Sight of the Day – Seeing Skippy Heyden parading around in his ‘Dear Mothers’ tights at the end – Shocker

Comment of the weekend, Jeet to Birchy as they stood on the bed ‘Have you ever had a pillow fight’ ?

Hiroshima ‘Blow up’ of the Weekend -  AND no it wasn’t even out on the course, But Birchy had a major ‘lost it’ moment in the Pasta restaurant the night before when his meal took over 90 minutes to be served, only then to be given the wrong one. All order was restored when he was given a FREE Gelato on the way out (that we all seemed to get in on as well)

Some photos from the weekend

Cruising around Old Parliament House for the first 5ks

Looking good - for the first 100m at least.

Birchy and Corky O Connor.

Christian (Cialis) and John 'B Grade' Binfield.

$20 - easy come , with Taffy

and Birchy

then rorted, handing it back to Jeet.

Kanser now on the BANNED list.

Post race drinks with Birchy. Jeet, Kanser and the Taffy Lad.

Cheers