HuRTS 45 min Tempo

A rare Tuesday session with the HuRTS guys today and even more impressive was the fact I went in as it was one of the dreaded 45 minute tempo sessions that I detest so much.

Good crowd out and impressed again to see a showing from C.T. Elle, Jeet, Taffy, Skippy and Fats after the weekends efforts.  Had a word with #1 Tucks who agreed to run (easy pace for him) with me, just sat on 4 min/ks on the way out alongside Heyden and Taffy James having to avoid the busy crowds around the Quay area. Managing to reach 5.6ks just outside the theatre company on the half way mark. Tucks then said the goal besides getting back in under time was to hold off Barts, We immediately picked the pace up working just a tad over 3.45s as we reeled in the girls Elle and Laura, My pace dropped off soon after as the hills come into play and Tucks wasn’t taking any chances and just took off leaving me to see out the final 10 minutes or so solo.

Seemed to struggle a bit but was happy enough to get back in 21.39 (44.09 overall) with a return leg averaging 3.50s

11.2ks all up.

Overall felt pretty good especially seeing that I raced on Sunday

I need not have worried about Barts in the end as he didn’t come home till 45.20 – some 20 seconds OVER time …………and he tells me he’s # 1?

Will have a trot around the park in the morning before returning for the 800s at Rushcutters on Thursday

As few more photos from Sunday – but this time of the people that help make it all possible with all the support……..the Family.

The Mac Donhnaill's Ronan & Niamh with the kids

The Fattorini's Tony & Amanda (also a good runner) with the kids.

I'll let you guess who this family belongs to ?

Cheers

Canberra Half Marathon 85.10

The Nations Capital was the home for the weekend as I along with some of the HuRTS team headed down for the Half, Marathon and 50k event that took place.

A spectacular day greeted the runners as blue skies and cooler temps made for great running conditions. Caught up with Enda, Ronan, Fats, Jeet, Pommy Paul and C.T for the usual best wishes and trash talk that has become the norm before races these days.

A lot more relaxed start to this race saw us basically just walk up to the front before the guns goes off and away we were, I felt bloody awful for the first 5ks and wondered how the hell I was even going to get it done. My mood /confidence wasn’t helped then when Greta Truscott came up to me and flew by around the 6.5k mark – Still, it was just what was needed as it sparked me to life and give me the kick up the @r$e that I needed. Just tucked in behind Greta for about 3 ks as we hit the 10k mark in 39.23 (faster then my Lane Cove time last week)

I could feel G.T just fading off a little at this point and I concentrated on just holding the 4 min/k I was on, Had a good look at C.T , Enda and Fats who had turned for home and were all looking good at the 18k mark. I turned at the 17ks but pretty soon after I could feel the pace drop and it felt like I was carrying a piano on my back from about 18ks onwards, I was even having visions of Greta coming past at anytime and was getting ready for a possible last 500m showdown.

Managed to get to the 20k mark with a second 10k split in 40.20 (losing a minute) and was happy to see the finish line soon after – Although it was one of those horrible finishes where you can see the line but have to run past it before heading back on yourself that seems to take forever.

Happy to cross the line in 85.10 – pretty much running on average 4 min /ks for the 21. Still loads of improvement needed but at least heading in the right direction.

Some pretty solid runs from the team with C.T first home in 75.14, with Enda and Fats both also getting in the top 10. The Timmy Run of the day though goes to Jeet who run a very good 82.05 and left me for dead within the first 4ks of the run, also special mention to Elle who stormed around 87.04 to win her age group.

We (HuRTS) missed out on the team event after Tony Fattorini decided to run for the Striders team and prevented what would have been certain victory for us.

Times were:

C.T          75.14

Enda       76.24

Fats        76.52

Allo Rene 80.45

Jeet         82.05

Timmy     85.10

Greta       85.52

Elle         87.04

Pom Paul 89.49

Full list here,  http://fairfax.tiktok.biz/list/canberramarathon/2014/21km/

Caught up with the lads post race and good to see Tucks for a chat and I introduced Superflake (who was there for the 50ks) to Taffy James and Skippy Heyden.

A quick fire lunch and beers followed before the drive home and it was pretty much straight back out for a night on the town to watch the London Marathon and the Liverpool Man City match that was to follow.

Massive turnout as well and great to see everyone out that included, Slim Sammy, Barts, new dad Stevie T, Kanser, Mikey, Taffy, and Miss Social queens Lisa Bowman & Sonya getting into it all. Trash talk hit new levels once more and once the marathon was finished it was time for Enda Stankard to stand before the first HuRTS Kangaroo Court on crimes committed to poor C.T. It appears that Enda claimed victory over Chris after been given a massive 4 minute handicap this despite C.T only having foot surgery two months back and our Irish Shark in career best form……….Shameful’

Verdict – GUILTY

Talk soon turned to the S.M.H Half then, with the Churchill /Sands Cup up for grabs again, and in true style the Irish are trying all shenanigans to rort the system. The big revelation though of the night was that one time #1 Irish runner Dave ‘Kanser ‘ Kane may NOT be Irish at all?............Yep, Kane is a Dane, it appears Kanser is Danish and will be running in his Viking hat from here on in and would prefer to be known now as ‘Hager’

All teams will be finalized over the next couple of weeks, but it wouldn’t surprise me to find a few ‘ring in’s ‘from the Irish team.

From here it was on to the Orient to watch the Liverpool match, unfortunately the door was about as far as Kane the Dane was going as he was deemed ‘Too Drunk’ by the powers that be and marched up the street.

Tommy H, Fats, Taffy James and I ventured up to ‘Jackson’ and with our more accustomed Pints in hand were there to cheer the ‘Reds’ home to victory 3-2 in a pulsating match.

My time of 85.10 probably wasn’t the greatest but it was enough claim my winning dinner over Enda who agreed to a 10 minute buffer my way – think I won with a minute up my sleeve, pretty good bet to be honest as Enda didn’t run as strong as he should and I perhaps was a minute or two up – Talk about running for my supper.

Few photos from Canberra and the night out

Start, and from the left, Robbie, C.T, Enda,Timmy and Fats.

Fats wondering where it all went WRONG after being beaten by Enda, He will need to lift his game if he is to make the English team for the S.M.H and we don't wont a repeat performance thank you.

Andy 'Skippy' Heyden at the end of his 50ks, Anyone prancing around like that at the end of a run wasn't working hard enough. He probably had a sleep at the 35k mark - that's the normal it seems?

Enda Stankard's Heart being led away for examination after failing to fire up once more despite being in career best from.

C.T settling his bets with Enda after getting shafted in giving him a 4 minute handicap start, C.T great runner you are but you have a lot to learn mate when it comes to betting with this lad.

....and finally, Sadly it wasn't all good news. After Taffy James got arrested on the Saturday evening. He was getting a little homesick and was spotted roaming around the City Centre at midnight catching up with one of his old flames.
He may have some explaining to do before the HuRTS committee this week.

Will be back at the Tuesday HurTS session 45 minute tempo this week

Cheers

Forced Taper Week

Busy week so was really forced to use it more of a taper although that may be not such a bad thing after last week.

Besides heading into town on the Monday, I only really got to run on the Tuesday where I did some Fartlek work around Centennial Park. Nothing too hard and did a series of 60 second efforts over a given 20 minute period. A good 4k warm up and 4 down gave me around 12ks for the day.

Friday, Cycled to the A.B. C Pool to meet the guys for the regular swim to end the week and who should I find as I arrive early? Non other then Militant Mikey getting some extra ‘one on one’ sessions with #1 Swimmer Elan. It seems as if Elan is becoming like ‘Santa’s Little Helper’ these days with first The Champ, then Cialis both attending then coming away with ‘The Golden Duck’ weeks later?

With this in mind I joined the two boys and did a series of 200s before coach Walker, Brendan, Pony Boy, Liam, Cialis and the Champ rocked up to begin our session.

Set was 1 x 500, 5 x 100, & 5 x 200s

Group broke pretty much straight away for the 500s as I was doing everything I could just to hang on to ‘The Champ’ to come home in 8.29, The 100s were easier before we all took turns on the front for the 200s with times anywhere between 3.09 to 3.15

Over 2ks done for the day – pretty tough but felt a little stronger within the water for a change.

Saw one of the HuRTs top brass Greg at the pool as well (could hardly miss him as he stood there for about 35 minutes) stood there that long he has sunburn, and certainly got good use of Skippy Heydens bench at the end of the lane for the day.

Heading down to Canberra tomorrow to run the Half on Sunday, Not really up for it to be honest but it will be good to get another race under the belt and you can’t beat race conditions to get the fitness levels back up.  A few of the boys are heading down I believe, Taffy, Enda, Pommy Paul , Jeet, Skippy Heyden,  C.T are just a few I know. Enda Stankard must be supremely confident on this one, He has been badgering me all week (I kid you not) and was looking for a bet with what started as a 4 minute handicap start. Well as the week has progressed it drifted by a minute per day and by this morning we settled on a 10 minute buffer in my favour. I think that is fair enough even though I realize I am getting shafted as I expect Enda to run 75 minutes and I’ll honestly be happy to break 88 the way I am performing.

Bet is- Loser pays for Dinner at a local restaurant.

My Tips are

C.T          73.42

Enda       75.18

Jeet        84.51

Timmy     88.10

Pommy Paul 89.18

Heyden        3.24:15 (50ks)

HuRTS drinks are on then on Sunday evening as we head into the city to watch the London Marathon, A big turnout is expected for this one and should be a good old night as we cheer on ‘Mo’ making his debut over 42ks

Big weekend on the footy coming up – never mind the Liverpool vs. Man City clash, the big one comes at ‘The Brit’ as Stoke entertain those Big Fat Geordie Nutters’ from Newcastle.  Stoke slipped up last week away to Chelsea but are certs to get back to winning ways this week against a lackluster Toon Team.

Timmy’s Tip Stoke 3 vs. Newcastle 0

                   Liverpool 2 vs. Man City 1

Militant Mikey taking in some extra swim sessions with #1 Swimmer Elan, Is that a 'Halo' on the surface of the water or just his Bald Head?
Mikey's looking all happy thinking I'm taking a snapshot of him - Little does he realise the main attraction of the photo is not even in the water.

Have a great weekend
Train Safe
Cheers

PS, If there is a GOD.........he'll make me come home within 9.59 of Enda's finish time come Sunday.

Striders Lane Cove

Well it’s been a couple of days since the debacle of the Striders 10k at Lane Cove and I still am NONE the wiser why I run so poorly? Had a good weeks training, conditions were OK, and I hadn’t even been on the turps since the previous Friday with the boys.

Picked up Pommy Paul on the way over and did a warm up with him and Tommy H, good to see old mate Rich High out there as well as a couple more of the HuRTS guys in Ben, Justin, Quentin & Dickie High (all from the Dark Side of town), as well as Taffy James who was the man in form on the back of his 6ft Track run 3 weeks back.

The gun goes off and I am conscious of not going out too hard and happy enough with a 3.43 first k, slightly slower on the 2^nd and  wasn’t even that concerned when the Taffy came past on the first climb up Scribble’s at the 2.5k mark. Settled as I ticked off the next couple of ks but as soon as the big climb started at around 4.2ks into the race I was in trouble – just about made it to the ‘Gamekeepers Hut’ before the 5k mark before I was reduced to a walk….Oh dear, started up again as I saw the frontrunners already coming in the opposite direction heading for home. Even stopped again at the drinks stop just before the home turn

It was a battle just to run 4 min/ks at this point and I kept thinking that Pommy Paul would be flying past anytime as I seemed to get overtaken by plenty at this stage of the race. By the 9k point in the race and as the clock was about to tick over 36 minutes I knew I had to put the foot down to break the ‘magic’ 40 minute barrier.

Obviously I hadn’t worked too hard in the race as I probably felt the best I had all morning at this point and finished with a time of 39.32 for a last kilometer of 3.37

So, not the run I was after. As i’d had a good few weeks training and I thought I was capable of running 37.45? Still, back to the drawing board and just need to keep getting out there.

Drowned my sorrows on the Saturday evening with a few jars out with the Taffy Lad, a few too many to be honest as I was in all sorts of strife yesterday (didn’t’ even get out for Sunday drinks).

I think everyone’s times were down a little overall with Tom the best placed in 4^th, and most others between the 36-38 minute mark, Solid hit out for Pommy Paul who broke 41 a week out from his Canberra Half.

Official Results are here; http://www.sydneystriders.org.au/striders/content/10k/14/TK14R03OR.html

Had a good coffee post race …….At all places the local Cemetery can you believe? Taffy, Pommy Paul and I were greeted by granny who looked like she had been dug up and possibly dished up the worst coffee to go with it. The tap water I swear she had got from the flower bowl. Still it gave us a chuckle or two.

Big news is that Taffy Lad has gone all ‘One Direction; on us, he thinks he is a rock star with his new FLASH motor, got out at the cemetery with his tinted glasses and wearing a beanie (despite it being over 30 degrees) what’s all that about?

Monday. Ventured into town and run with the guys, good showing with Mikey returning from injury, Enda back after his week of eating Dogs B@lls, and even Warrior Charlie was out having a chat (and giving me a serve), No sign of Tommy H though and gave the Endalike excuse that it was too cold and raining for his reason not to run.

All up over 14.5k in 63 minutes average pace 4.29s

Felt good and great conditions to be out to start the week

North Shore Boys Benny (38.31) Dickie Green (37.51) and Justin Bromley (37.18)

Tommy H after a rare victory over Quentin - and he wasn't slow to tell us that is is # 1 .....Well on the North side anyway.

Old HuRTS favorite Richie High with the Welsh Wizard Taffy James.

Pommy Paul looking pleased with his mornings efforts ...... Not running but demolishing about 9 Hot X Buns post race.

Taffy James going all One Direction ' Harry Styles' on us with his new motor.

Will be back out in the morning with hopefully some speed work around Centennial Park

cheers

Lane Cove Striders 39.31 - Fxxking Rubbish

Shocking and think i will hold over till later until i settle before i give a race report.

Well done to Neil on is 2nd, Tom getting the better of Quentin and a good hit out for Pommy Paul a week out from his Canberra Half

HuRTS Two for One Session at Rushcutters

Woke to a blanket of fog around Centennial Park first up as I was out on the bike for a cruisy 40ks with a client to start the day.

Beautiful day emerged after and it was down to Rushcutters Oval for the regular Thursday session. No sign of Mikey again who is still in the ‘Broken Wing Club’ with a dodgy Achilles, so Tommy H took command, and decided we were to do – 8 x 400s (rolling every 2 minutes) then the added bonus of a 3k Tempo run.

Any fear of the planned easy session I was after went out the window with this one as I knew just 8 of the 400s was going to be hard enough. Good turn out with frontrunner's Tom, Clarkey, Darien and A.N.Other leading from the front, And unlike last weeks session I had good company in the 2^nd group running alongside Todd, Angus, Taffy J.W and a few others.

Felt pretty good from the off today and knocked out a 71 to begin, and held the next 7 to all 72s just working a second or two behind Todd and Angus and switching places a few times with Taffy lad, with J.W pushing me all the way throughout.

The 3k tempo was next up (6 ¾ laps of Rushcutters) and was just looking at trying to hold 3.45 pace on this part of the session, Taffy went out hard but I was determined to run as much to pace as I could, saw loads drop out at various points – Even the much improved Pommy Paul blemished his recent good record when he cut short that brought a sneer to English Captain Tom’s face. 

I was running on heavy legs but held it together and crossed in 10.34 (average pace 3.42) although it was 130 metres short.

Bloody tough session, but a great one and I hope it becomes a regular on the HuRTS calendar.

A good weeks training overall – running everyday, lets just hope I haven’t overdone it before Saturdays Striders race at Lane Cove?

For the record today’s times were: 71, 72, 72, 72, 72, 72, 72, 72. The 3k Tempo rep 10.34 (ave 3.42)\

Friday, no swimming today, took a rest day and in fact spent time on the treatment table, bit tight in the back and legs so ventured up for a course of Acupuncture. Feel fine now so all systems go for tomorrow.

Big weekend coming up. As mentioned racing in the morning, bit of work after, radio gig talking all things footy in the evening, backing up Sunday with a longish run then the favorite part of the weekend …..Sunday Arvo Beers, doesn’t get much better J

Tough game for Stoke this week away to Chelski, although we are the form team at the moment so don’t be surprised if we come away with a point. Can’t see it to be honest and the Timmy’s Tip this week is to back the blues.

Chelsea 2 vs. Stoke 0

At the other end of the table the big clash is between Taffy and Slim Sammy with Cardiff going up against the Palace Eagle Boys to see who can stay in the premiership (still think BOTH could go though) It’s a game both sides can’t afford to lose so I’m sitting on the fence with this game

Cardiff 1 vs. Crystal Palace 1

Have a good weekend

Train Safe

Cheers

Wednesday Run Surf Run Session

With no sign of any of the Hardmen running around the park this morning except T.B (and there was no way I was going to put my overweight belly against his shirtless rig) I cycled into town to meet the Chairman for a midweek run to the seaside.

Some of the boys have been doing the run to Bondi having a surf then running back to the City over the past few weeks. So after alerting via S.M.S the Bondi Rescue Boys on Surf Watch Tommy and I headed out on a cracker of a day. Nice easy pace to be honest around the 4.50per/k mark taking 40 odd minutes to reach the beach before diving in to the refreshing water. Caught a few waves before retracing our steps back into town, Struggled a little on the way back especially coming out of Double Bay on the hill into Edgecliff, but I think the Chairman took pity on me and was happy to run at my pace today to finish the 17.5k together in a time of 1hr: 24 average pace of 4.50s

Met the Taffy Lad at the end who was also out for a trot around the Domain and good to hear I wasn’t the only one struggling on Saturday morning after a night out on the town on Friday.

Shattered now and the ride home was a tough one that seemed to take an eternity.

Not sure what the HuRTS set is tomorrow, might give it a miss if it’s a tough one.

Read Enda’s been posting on the blog accusing me of ‘cooking the books’??? Is he for real? the reason he has given me 4 minutes in the first place is because of my LACK OF FORM, and not to mention the fact that he is training with world Ironman champion Chris’ Macca’ McCormack whilst in Hong Kong. The mans a fool!

Tommy H got to Bondi in fine form - Unfortunately his swimming skills haven't improved much. The Bondi Rescue Boys were busy and can be seen on Channel 10 on April 17 on Tom's rescue for the day.

Cheers