A.B.C Biathlon Race #9 - 19.05 for 3rd Overall.

AM. Normal 3k swim to start the day, Nothing too difficult today, just trying to hold a certain pace throughout and breaking the sets down. The 8 x 50s were tough towards the end though rolling every 55 seconds.

 

PM. 9^th race in the 10 race series for the biathlon at the A.B.C Pool brought perhaps the best conditions for the year, and no sign of Mike Leichwark but he was replaced by PRO Dave Matthews and good to see HuRTS Adrian McGarva show as too Julia Degan for the ladies.

My main rival for 4^th absolutely smashed me last week in the run leg so I was keen to stay closer this time around as I know even with a 15 deficit I can swim him down. The first 1k is tough and I find I’m sitting off the front pack of 4 by about 15 metres whilst Adrian Mc is happy to sit with me, Notice we close the gap slightly for the 2^nd as I hit the turnaround point in 7 minutes dead (fastest of the year) and for once I feel as if I’m not dying. I say it every week – BUT this week I thought I could actually bring it home stronger and with Adrian pushing all the way I wasn’t keen to let it slip seeing I was moving OK.

Around the 3ks marker I could sense a small break between us and on the final hairpin at Mrs Macs I notice I had a healthy 30-40 metres on Mr McGarva, pushed hard for the final 200 and was mighty happy to get part one down in a seasons best 13.47

Down the steps and try my best to get the heart rate down without losing too much time and find I’m only about 4-5 seconds from ‘The Rival’. Happy then to go past him within the first lap of the swim and from there was just focused on holding a steady time knowing if I could do my usual 5 minute/300m I’d post a solid time. 250 down and couldn’t see nobody ahead and with 4^th and 5^th about 20 metres back the pressure was off but I still worked it all the way to the wall before touching out in 19.05 (Previous best for the season was 19.29) for 3^rd overall. Swim leg was completed around 4.55

Delighted with that too be honest, and with only one race to go, the question is can I dip under that magic 19 minute mark? Well with good conditions and with perhaps a little help from some faster runners around my level who knows ?

 

Headed over to the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel after to find ‘The Chairman (and his NOW famous Tea towel shirt) still out from his luncheon alongside Pommy Paul Birch, good few beers with the boys over a game of pool as the banter started to fly around.

The two boys in good form........... unfortunately the same can’t be said for their pool playing as they were getting a spanking from some Welsh Plonker who seemed to irritate the $h!te out of Tommy H.

 

Cheers

 

Back on the Bike as the Heat comes for Summer

First day of Summer and boy didn’t it bring the heat with it nearly 34 degrees by the time I got in to meet the lunchtime team.

 Managed to get out on the bike at the crack of dawn for a change and knocked out a steady 30ks averaging 28.5ks per/hr before taking time out for work then was fortunate to see old mates Ronan and Kanser cycling around so joined in with them for a few more. By the time I got back home I had just a tick under 50ks all done by 8.30am

The heat had fired up big time a few hours later but it didn’t stop a big team for the 45 minute Progressive Tempo the was on the program, A few of the lads deemed it too hot and ran easy over to ‘Redleaf’ for a dip. I had decided in the heat to just try to run 40 minute at a constant 4 min/ks throughout that meant I was running at the front with Barts, Tongey, McGarva and Brummie Rich Mullaney to start with.

Ran pretty much solo through the busy Quay and Passenger terminal area, and took my break on the 20 minute mark. Knew the return wouldn’t be as easy but reeled a few in around the O.H and around Farm Cove as I was working closer to 3.55 pace – Buggered by the pool and was forced to walk that hill but wasn’t alone as Gleeso was doing the same just ahead, Got going again knowing I only had about 5 minutes to run but that final hill just before the Expressway reduced me to a near standstill. That was until I got a blast from none other than Barts of all people who was very positive and asked me to run the final 500m with him. Despite feeling like rat sh!te I actually lifted and went stride for stride with the Big Man all the way back to the Stone Gates

Not exactly the fastest but happy enough to record 10ks in 39.29  averaging around 3.56s – even if I did take the break at half way it was more than an honest type of effort in that heat.

I didn’t actually see too many of the boys back at the Gates when the 45 minutes ticked over – in fact I didn’t see even half the numbers return that started ?

 

Rest day tomorrow

Cheers

Ocean Swim - Wedding Cake Island, 41.29

Original plan was to do my first Half Ironman out at Western Sydney but with NO work done on the bike that idea was canned and I decided to do my first ‘Wedding Cake Island’ Swim over at Coogee. The thing that puts me off these type of events is the adverse conditions it can throw up and without being a strong swimmer I just pray for nice flat calm conditions.

So you can imagine my horror at 7.36am when the text comes through that we won’t be swimming around the Island due to high waves and unsafe swimming conditions.  Almost went back to bed there and then but somehow lined up on the start line all the same

Good support from Taffy Lad and Birchy for the morning and looking out I would have been happy to stay on dry land and head to the nearest coffee house.

Got the call for my wave start and we were off, let the masses go and stayed far left as we headed out, ......Jesus, even just breaking the waves nearly killed me and after about 10 minutes I looked up and thought I was getting no closer to the buoys.  Had a stop and the lady on the surfboard asked if I was OK? Confirmed YES but was happy to hold on to the board for a minute for a chat and do my best to bring the heart rate back down.

Thanks Annabel, nice to chat but on I must go as I headed to the furthest turnaround point at 800, A little easier on the turn and finally after about 20 minutes I feel as if I am swimming more controlled. Manage to find a decent pair of feet to sit on for the next 600m or so and was mighty happy to take the final left turn around the chequered buoy to get back to the beach,

You normally see people sprinting up the beach for the final 50m or so ...... Well. I certainly wasn’t one of them and it looked like I’d gone about 5 rounds with Mike Tyson as I stopped the watch in 41.29 coming over the line.

Man, I know one thing and that’s I’m NO Ocean swimmer – despite being in good from as my PB from Friday suggests it did little to help me in the big sea.

The swim leg was about 400m short – I got 2.1ks on my GPS , but I wasn’t complaining.

 

Prior to the swim I did manage to get to Centennial first up to knock out a few ks with the guys, Only really had an hour so did an easy 11ks all up at 4.49 pace mostly with Birchy and The Sweaty (Craig) nice to see Laura back with us after an extended break and holidays, not that I got chance to talk to her much as she was way ahead J

 

Nice BBQ post race then the usual Sunday arvo beers back in the Beer Gardens of Newtown.

 

Cheers

HuRTS 'Beer Mile' - Rushcutters Oval,

City to Surf, S.M.H Half, State 10k and JP Morgan now you can add the ‘Beer Mile’ to the elite Top 5 races that is a must do on the HuRTS calendar list going forward.

Massive turnout for the 2^nd running of the race and with the its now top billing the big guns were out to take the title with Low, Herington, Macca, McGarva all fronting but the wildcard was a certain Nick Haines who is relatively new to the group and the bookies weren’t going to be taking any chances.

Marked out the 400m course and with beers all set up it was soon revealed that we were a case down on numbers, A quick double count and I  realised I’d left in the other side of the fence upon arrival. Went to get it and much to my horror some ‘Tealeaf’ had done a runner with it – outrageous behaviour.

A quick race over the road to fix up and after sorting two groups out we were off. Into the faster group 1 for me  but even before the start I wasn’t feeling that good and thought I could be in trouble.  NOW.... although I was never a chance to win the event I honestly thought the first beer would get slammed down no problems, how wrong could I be? Got about 2/3^rds down and was struggling as Nick Haines and Charlie were gone.

Still found myself sitting in about 5^th as I come in for beer 2 – Absolute shocker here, as I was barely sipping and only just managed to finish it. Confidence was destroyed then when the Chairman and Birchy flew past on the second lap and by the time I was coming in for beer 3 I had doubts I was going to keep it down. Spent an eternity in transition as the crowd got great entertainment and despite huge support from my boy “The Stallion’ Durante I offered nowt. The big floodlight at the bottom of the oval was looking favourite for me to deliver near 800mls of VB on it at one point but somehow it was saved as I come in for the final time. Barely had time to open the contents and I looked over to see newby Nick Haines storming over the line in a PB of 6.58 .....Holy Shite, and then Champagne putting in a final surge to tip out Macca for the silver medal.  It wasn’t pretty but one by one the others started to come home and  I just had about enough energy to ‘High 5’ the Chairman as he stopped the clock in mid 7s as I had done everything bar pull up a deck chair.

Ambled my way around the final 400m with head bowed in shame as I crossed the line in something over 10 minutes (10.38 to be honest I think it was)

The second race was about to start and this was part of the evening I enjoyed as the ‘Westpac Boys’ Durante, and the girls were all involved. The surprise in this group was Darren Jordan who looked pretty impressive I must say, Sonii  and Corky were having a right old dingdong as Durante was starting to fade during the later stages. Sonii first out for the final time but the Irish lass found something over the final 200m and took out the female race, almost reeling in Paulie Hannell at the same time.

 

Saw a few ‘Chunders’ throughout but I think everyone had a ball, a good chat after over some ‘Corona’s that I had also picked up before we headed to O’Malley’s’ for more social and get the full run down. Had a great chat with everyone especially Billy Batt and Dave Casey, and then couldn’t believe it when I looked across to see  the Westpac Boys and girls were slamming down ‘Cocktails’

The official handover of all losing bets took place as the line was half way down the ‘Golden Mile’  as the punters left poor Timmy cashless once more.

As always a quality night with the guys and Skippy Heyden took the ‘Most P!$$ed guy of the night , that said I’m not sure many of us can remember leaving or getting the cab home.

 

Only downer of the night was the NO SHOWS from certain people who had promised me and let me down – again, the invitations may not be as forthcoming for future events.

 

A few photos from the night.

 

Group photo of the runners and supporters that made it a great night.

 

Corky O'Connor in full flow as she takes out the Female title

Now I know where Macca and Renaud get the haircuts they have.

This hurt me more the race itself..... handing a 'Shandy' drinker $20 over after he beat me - sad day.

Two decent Irishman (and one from Galway of all places) - Dave Casey and Billy Batt. Great banter with the two over a few pints.

And the girls still had time for Cocktails - 2nd Sonii and 3rd place Erika Ekland.

Hamish(left) still had time for a cocktail even though he was forced to do a 5th lap thanks to him bringing the contents back up on beer 2 & 3, seen here with Batman aka Steve Perry.

.... and one that the 'Stallion' Durante would prefer wasn't published - nice work mate.

Cheers

 

November 'Golden Duck' 1k T/T - 16.33

Big crew and plenty of excitement for the November 1k handicap swim with Hoey making a debut, The ‘Two Brendan’s’ looking confident, Gleeso parading around in his fancy swimwear, and Kroney taking it one step further by wearing a ‘speedsuit’

 

Hoey was first away with Gleeso not far behind, my first aim for the day was to try to reel the Champ in who I was forced to concede 25 seconds to, after about 400m there was still no sight of him as I was swimming solo, changed lanes and jumped on someone’s feet who it turned out wasn’t even with us and proceeded to stop at around the 600m mark.  Saw Kroney at the 700 metres stage of the race so changed back lanes and tagged on him for a short time as he was flying and I basically had to finish the last 4 laps by myself.

Touched out in a PB of 16.33 that I was delighted with but it still was only good enough for 3^rd as Kroney took out the Duck and a much improved Champagne wasn’t far behind.

Congrats to Kroney on the win, he really has improved over the past two months knocking nearly two minutes from his September T/T – Wonder how much that ‘Speedsuit’ helps though? And to think  I got bagged and given a 60 second penalty the last time I wore my ‘Floaty Pants’

The lads are getting faster with loads of PBs for the day, which bodes well for those heading into the triathlon season.

 

 

Kroney with his prized 'Golden Duck'

He may have a case to answer at the tribunal though with the Speedsuit.

The full story on the above and a whole lot more to come ..... Oh Dear.

Cheers

A.B.C Biathlon 4th - 19.49

Thursday AM. With temps predicted for near 40 degrees it was already over 28 at 6am in the morning as I headed to PAP for the regular Thursday morning swim. Despite what was ahead it’s a great way to begin the day and after a short warm up we were into the 3ks set.  A mixture of repeats 400, 300, 200 and 100s with ‘Paddles, buoys and then ‘free’ style

Tough set – and didn’t feel as strong as previous weeks but it’s another 3ks in the bank all the same.

 

PM. Was dreading the biathlon all day with the high temps, luckily it had cooled down enough by 6.30pm, unfortunately it brought the high winds instead that made it even tougher. The out section up the hill is hard enough without the conditions and I really struggled to get to the turnaround at the Stone Gates in 7.21 this week. A bit easier coming home that was until the final pathway beside the water for the final 300m when you were up against the headwinds once more coming into T1 at the pool.

Time called 14.21 coming in 5^th place and was happy to come down the stairs slowly in order to bring the heart rate down. Even then I was still in the pool before 4^th place as I worked my way down for the first 50m. Had a glance up and couldn’t see anyone to chase down and with heavy arms I was just happy to get through the 300 metres ahead.  Had a lane rope malfunction with 50m to go as it drifted all over the place that caused mayhem and I was forced to stop for a few seconds (telling Matty it cost me at least 30 seconds though J )

Didn’t overtake no one and wasn’t caught as I stopped the clock in 19.49 – swim time 5.05

Time was down from previous but it was all in the run leg that didn’t surprise me, the lad I normally have the battle with went out like a shot and I was never near him (think he run sub 14) and certainly wasn’t close enough to swim him down this week so the victory was his as he reversed the form from last race.

Only two more races in the series that I will be keen to see out.

 

Tomorrow is the ‘Double Header’ – first up the 1k Swim time trial and then in the evening, the much awaited  HuRTS Beer Mile’ , loads of TRASH talk for this one ...... now’s the time to ‘Walk the Walk’

My top 3 for the race will be Charlie, Renaud and Adrian McGarva – with Macca not far outside the top 3.

First Lady – Corky O’Connor.

 

Cheers

HuRTS 6 x 5 minute Efforts (90 sec rec)

Hot day and big turnout for the 8 x 5 minute HuRTS session but not sign of the Top 3 (Hoey, Barts or ‘Special Q)? But C.T was there to make sure some of the faster guys at least had something to chase.

Knew I’d struggle today with the recent lack of running not helped by a big weekend and despite going out easier on the first rep I had already accepted that 6 was the ‘magic’ number to get to.

Had a decent team around me for the first rep with the likes of Angus, Steve Perry, both Lambo’s and made sure I was standing beside the ‘Happy Hammer (James Gosnell) on 5 minutes in order to give him a blast about his beloved West Ham who got hammered 4-0 on the weekend

Return I always find easier and got back with a good 10 seconds to spare,  The 3^rd and 4^th reps were pretty much identical but was certainly working far harder.

The start of the 5^th was OK but lost it after about 90 seconds so decided to run the rest out with the ‘Sweaty (Craig) and #1 Mrs Kenny (Renee) at 4 min/ks. Picked it up a little on the final return and tried to help out ‘Babe’ Ruth on the early stages with one final effort for the last 90 seconds or so.

I think most had the same idea as me with the 6 reps as it was carnage once done with bodies everywhere, and even poor Frenchman Jerome was miffed as he was  trying to get the gang started of only a 60 second recovery instead of the listed 90.

 

Struggled although the pace for the first 4 wasn’t as bad as I was perhaps feeling.

Pace per/ks 3.40, 3.34, 3.39, 3.36, 3.59, 3.48

A good warm down with the likes of C.T, Macca, J-Fen as talk turned to the upcoming ‘Beer Mile’ on Friday.

 

Nice to see Muzza, Rich Mullaney  &  ‘Tea Towel Tony’ Fats back with us, Geez, he really has lost it lately – even I was ahead of him for the first rep.

 

 

Another happy punter – this time Gleeso paying his debts thanks to our little wager at the recent Lane Cove 10k.

Nice one Gleeso, next up the Husky Long Course Triathlon in Feb, where he’s rorted me –  I’ve to give him 8 minute handicap start, despite the fact he’ll murder me on the bike leg and there is nothing in it on the swim.

 

 

Cheers