800s in the HuRTS Hurtbox as the Heat comes.

Wednesday. Caught up with Crossy Lad for the first time in the New Year and hit the pool on a stunning day, Crossy must have been reading up over the break as he has all these new sets to try and seemed super keen. Me on the other hand was dreading it as I have let my swim go downhill over the festive season.

A small warm up and then it was 500m straight and then 20 x 50m with the first 10 strokes as strong as you could to see how far you got down the pool. I was rolling every 60 seconds but even then I wasn’t doing it easy and had to battle my way through.

A quick cool down and jumped out with 1700m done.

 

Thursday. Like Tuesday it was due to be a scorcher again only about 10 degrees hotter, But unlike Tuesday I didn’t have the luxury to get out early for a run due to work.

Was back down at PAP though which was a perfect start to the day, and after a very long warm up of 700 metres I was then told the set for the day was going to be 1 x 400m & 4 x 100m that I thought was OK until he added x3 after it. Was almost defeated before I started but it wasn’t as bad as it sounded as the 400s were done very easy and we were rolling for the 100s every 1.50

With a couple of hundred cool down I was more than happy to hit the coffee house with 3.3ks done

 

Jumped in the car to head to Rushcutters and nearly turned straight back around when I saw 40 degrees showing. Rocks up and finds the Oval in tip top shape once again and after marking out the course for the 8 x 800s for the day I couldn’t believe to find 15 of the HuRTS Hardcore ready to roll despite the heat, 3 Englishman (Tom ,Crossy and yours truly), Kiwi (Mike Leichwark), Frenchman (Dom), Sweden’s finest export in Erika and a few token Skippy’s were set to go.

With the big 5 way ahead,(Tom, S.O.C, Crossy, Small Tom and 'Mr Personality' Darren ) I found I was pretty well tucked in with M.Leichwark but even coming in with a 2.45 I was spent. A bit of chat after the first rep but went very quiet after that with very little conversation in the recovery as we all seemed to be in the ‘Hurt box’

Managed to get the next 2 done without losing much but the 4^th was a killer, harboured plans to pull the pin at this stage but then went to plan ‘B’ which was to go to 400m reps and try to run strong for a single lap with the front guys. Didn’t really go to plan on the 5^th as I was still in recovery mode as we were rolling every 4 minutes but for the 6^th,7^th and 8^th I tagged onto Tommy H and Scotty that worked perfect.  Even managed to kick the final rep down with a strong 70 second lap.

Times. 2.44, 2.44, 2.46, 2.50, 79, 73, 73, 70

 

Everyone and I mean everyone looked wrecked at the end (even Erika Ekland) and it was a monster effort from all those that run that will surely go down in the HuRTS ‘Best Of’ book. Kudos to everyone that run.

 

Friday rest day

 

 

Big weekend ahead, will head down to Laura's hometown this Sunday to do the Long run in the Shire, looking forward to that, before that the big game in the Premiership as on at the ‘Brit’ with Arsenal the latest to hopefully cop a beating (must remember to phone Master Sweeney on Sunday) , The Arse never like coming to Stoke as we normally beat them up and this week won’t be any different only we'll do it in style this season.

 Get on the Potters in a tight one

Stoke 2 v Arsenal 1

Best bet of the week (and i told Toon Tommy last night) is to get on his Newcastle boys to beat high flying West Ham. Both shite but i think the North East boys will get the 3 points.

 

A few photos from last Thursday evening and Friday morning from when I got the opportunity to catch up with the Liverpool Legends, got a few tips from old mate Bruce Grobbalaar on how to bet for the season ahead and all the old heads were great craic to chat with.

Liverpool's #1 in the 80s - Great keeper and some character Bruce Grobalaar

True Liverpool boy Jamie Carragher only recently retired with over 700 games for the great club.

3 Plastic Paddy's - Legend John Aldridge with Jason McAteer

Tried to educate the boys on footy, but it was no use, Still, a good night out with Enda, Kanser, Ronan and Tom. With Jeet also out but on photo duty for this one

Cheers

 

 

There's a Starman Waiting in the Sky.

Busy morning and with temps due to hit mid 30s with killer humidity the smart money was to get our early doors and so the ‘Magnificent 7’ of Birchy, Sonya, Corky, Laura, Jeet, Gleeso and I were set to go at 6.30am.

A few sessions to choose from but we decided to go with the 2 x 20 minute efforts (3 min rec) and after a 2k warm up (did we really need it?) we were off.

Led out with Jeet tucked on my shoulder through the first and second k before Jeet had a spell from the front, pace was pretty honest but as early as the 10 minute mark I was sweating pretty heavy and knew it was going to be a bloody tough old set.  A little climb around the 15 minute mark nearly saw me in the bin but held on for the whole 20 minutes getting back past the cafe for 5.2ks all up averaging 3.54s

Turned around and retraced my steps for the second half only this time Jeet was the one leading out, I made a break on the downhill at 5 minutes but it didn’t take him long to cover that and from that point I was chasing all the way.

Once again I was struggling with about 8 minutes to go but figured everyone was going to be in the same position due to the conditions and with about 1k to go I sensed Jeet was slowly coming back to me.  It helped having him in front at this point and somehow lifted and was only about 5-10 metres behind him once the 20 minutes ticked over as we both got back to our original starting position.

Held 3.55s for the return leg, that saw 10.4ks done in total.

Good runs from everyone to be honest on a killer of a morning and just glad to get it out the way as I know I wouldn’t have fancied the lunchtime set.

Enjoyed a ‘PowerAde with Gleeso post run that almost went down as well as my Sunday arvo beers.

 

Wasn’t finished yet though as hit into town to run with a client and ‘girl in form’ Victoria – where we knocked out a warm up followed by 6 x 5 minute efforts and she wasn’t messing around either running at a healthy 4.30 pace for each one ..... Think I was the one struggling.

Another 8ks done for a solid morning of 20k for the day before retiring in the city for a coffee, things are looking up as Tommy H joined us and even shouted, Got me thinking what’s he after ? I wonder if he wants to join our SOTB team ?

 

Well the big news overnight came with the sad passing of one of my music hero’s David Bowie, Tragic and we’ve lost one of the finest. Absolute genius the man was and how he used to reinvent himself was pure magic. Grew up listening to him. Loved his old stuff as much as I loved his 80s music. Favourite songs? Too many to mention although I do have a soft spot for ‘Sorrow (1973) and China Girl some 10 years later.

RIP . David Bowie

In fact it was a double sad day for ALL music fans the world over as many were in mourning as Justin Bieber tragically has been confirmed alive and well.

 

Rest day tomorrow although with this heat I’ll be heading back to the pool to catch up with Crossy lad to get the swimming back up to speed.

 

Cheers

 

Save & Hug a Tree Centennial Long Run - 20ks

The Sunday crowds keep coming to join the SOTB team although no sign of C.T, Laura or the ‘Sweaty Sock’ (Craig) and even NEW resident SOTB girl ‘Eastside Elle’ decided to go easy and stay north this morning only for her training partners to leave without her that meant she had to run solo for the next two hours – very poor form I say but it’s what you expect from that part of town I suppose with that ‘Me, Myself and I’ attitude .

Bloody humid morning that saw the team sweat bucket loads (Leech taking the award for most fluid lost) and that was just even in the easier 6k loop, Tried to keep everyone together holding a cruisy 4.45 per/k pace

The start of the 10k loop was where the pace picked up and its where the faster guys just can’t help themselves and take off, Had to cut short our usual 10k loop by about 600m due to the tree cutting that sealed off the path and it was here I thought Birchy was going to chain himself to the trees in protest. Back into the park and once we hit Woollahra Hill the pace upped once more as I returned to the cafe in 42 minutes for the 9.4k section averaging 4.28s

With one flat lap to do I wasn’t keen on doing the usual 4 min/k section today but started off with the guys who before long were running sub 4s anyway, Soon dropped off by around 2ks but was happy to be holding a steady 4.13s. Added a little on by coming through the middle of the park to get another 5k done to round it up to over 20 for the morning.

For the 3^rd straight week another 20ks done in 90 minutes – average 4.30

Will start picking the ks up from here and will aim to do that extra flat loop to get it up to 24 each week for the rest of January.

 

Enjoyed a post run coffee with Corky, Birchy, Leech and Jeet and later Jerome & Neil P as the ‘Prefect’ Jeet played around on my phone uploading Whatsapp, Donkey Kong, Pacman, and God knows what else?

 

Quiet afternoon planned, no drinks as not feeling the best, but will get set for a busy week ahead.

 

Cheers

Rushcutters Pyramid

Cones all set up for the pyramid 400,800,1k,1k,800,400 metre set when just as the boys rock up the 'Fat Controller 'groundsman tells me in no uncertain way to 'collect my cones and bugger off'
So over to a makeshift #2 oval for the day and with a  good turnout as the sun came out we were off, Some fast lads out with D.Tongue, Scotty and Hoey battling it from the front as I sat in with Mike Leichwark and Brucie Lambo,  Was blowing pretty hard by the time half way came around and the section back up the start line on each rep was tough having to contend with the wind and slight uphill.
The 1k reps were consistent and was able to kick it down to finish the last 400m strong.
Distances were all running long today as we didn't get time to get the course measured right.
82 (3.14 pace),
2.43 (3.13 pace)
3.22
3.21
2.42 (3.13 pace)
76 (3.04)

Good evening then spent watching some of the old Liverpool F.C boys in an exhibition game,  Quality was what I was expecting to be honest although some of the old boys look like they still have the touch including Riise, Dietmar Hamann, Garcia and of course Stevie G. Lots of fun especially late in the night with the likes of Kanser, Tom, Enda and Ronan all in full voice as the TRASH talk went into the early hours as the beers flowed.
Forced rest day today and couldn't even make my swim .

Have a good weekend
Train Well and stay safe
Cheers

3,2,1 minute efforts x 4 (60 seconds break) with Eastside Elle.

The ‘Big Wet’ continued in Sydney town but it didn’t stop the HuRTS Holiday morning hardcore crew from getting out first up for a Fartlek session around Centennial Park, Joined by Ant Donnelly, Birchy, Laura and ‘Eastside Elle’ (once again) we were lucky with a break in the weather as we cruised an easy couple of ks warm up.

Session was 3,2,1 minute efforts x 4 with a 60 second break between each rep – turning before the start of the 3^rd rep and trying to get back to the starting post that was the cafe.  Went out strong but needed to as Laura wasn’t far behind during the first set. Then noticed on the 2^nd that although I may have been slightly quicker she was holding the recoveries at a faster pace. Felt the pace drop during the 3^rd 3 minute effort and really had to dig in as Laura was then starting to lead out.

Once the 3^rd was done then you know you are home and with Birch, Ant and Elle in sight it helped to keep us honest as once again Laura pushed the pace to ensure we both got home. I managed a 12 second negative split but the others were closer to 30 seconds that was pleasing to see.

Despite the hectic Xmas and New Year season I feel as if I’ve managed to come out the other end in not too bad a shape, my speed work is OK but will need to work on the longer stuff over the next few months. Laura is already looking stronger and that’s just in a few weeks and here’s hoping for a injury free year for her. Birchy even after 30 days continuous beer drinking is moving well and ‘Our very own Eastside Elle’ has come on leaps and bounds since moving from the Dark Side.

Just shy of 9ks for the set in 36 minutes averaging 4.03s and after a cool down lap with L.J made it over 15ks for the morning.

 

Cheers

 

The Year in Review 2015

Well another year down and even if I didn’t get the results I was after I was still pretty happy with how the 12 months unfolded.

January. Started the year off in better shape than previous ones and was happy with a Park Run in a decent time over 5ks and a 65 minute BRAT triathlon for the first of many 2^nd placing that would be the norm for the 12 months.

February. Saw the first Striders 10k of the series out at Homebush and although wasn’t nothing to write home about I thought a 37.24 wasn’t a bad way to begin and would set a good platform for the year? (how wrong I was to be)

March, Begun to get busier and I upped the ante with my swimming with a 16.51 time trial with the HuRTS team. Mate Paulie Hanley was leaving for a stint in Dubai and had a farewell BRAT triathlon that saw me come in 2^nd to PLOD in 66 minutes. The 2^nd Striders race was out at Manly on an easier course but sadly I wasn’t able to go any faster despite getting a decent 4 weeks training in since the Feb race, Raced without a watch to try to help but only registered 37.34 for the mornings work.

April, I returned to Kurnell for the Sprint Triathlon series and this was better as I got 2^nd in age group but more importantly took Crossy Lad for a friendly $20 when he agreed to give me a 3 minute start and lost out by the closest margin of 1 second. Also headed down the nation’s capital for the Canberra Half and run solid enough to stop the clock with an even 84 minutes – cleaning up in the betting stakes with Birch and Taffy, but disappointed when Kanser came past about the 12k mark and I was unable to do anything about it.

Meanwhile the Striders was getting worse as I post a very disappointing 38.29

May. Is always a busy month on the calendar, got back in the 37s with a 37.29 at Striders. But the BIG one comes in the shape of the Churchill/ Sands Cup at SMH Half Marathon. The English boys led by the Chairman’s brilliant 3^rd place overall regain the cup from those pesky Irish boys whose captain jumped ship early and didn’t even front up and the English celebrated in fine style, to the extent that the ‘Churchill Cup went missing and we were forced to get ‘Detective Bowman (Lisa) on the case for its safe return to headquarters at the Allen’s offices.

One of the highlights of the year also came in May although it didn’t involve any race, but the 24 hour ‘Outrun Cancer’ event that saw all the HuRTS team offer support in Martin Place. Brilliant effort from all as we covered a treadmill and stationary bike for 24 hours. Special mention goes out to the lads that did the ‘Graveyard shift – 2am in the morning, the likes of Bichy, Jono and ‘The Gangster’ Jason Ibrahim.

June, If May was the busy month then June was the quietest as I took myself away for a well earned break to Thailand and Vietnam for pretty much the whole month, Came back refreshed but very out of shape and knew I had to get my head down for some serious training ahead.

July. Started my City to Surf campaign that meant plenty of training on the hills of Sydney twice a week (Sunday and Wednesdays) and tested myself on the Worlds Hardest Park run at St Peters. Kept old mate Renaud in sight all the way as he beat me by only 4 seconds as some confidence started to return. Also did the Harbour 10k on a windy winters day in yet another 37 minute time.

August, Probably my best month of the year as the training continued with another St Peters hit out before my favourite run on the calendar – City to Surf. Love this race and after a couple of ordinary years I was able to post a decent time with a 51.22 and take a few of the HuRTS boys down in the process. Helped big time by running with ‘Mr Jingle Jangle’ Renaud all the way.  The HuRTS team have a good record in the ‘City Mile Dash’ race and I enlisted the help of Crossy Lad, ‘Special Q (Quentin) and The Stallion Durante as we romped away to keep the good name going with an easy win and I even run a 5.01 that I was happy with.

September. Had a good year injury free wise but September was the month that stopped me in my tracks as I pulled a glute muscle (no idea how), bloody painful for about 4 weeks that resulted in me making the start line for the Half Marathon for the Blackmore’s event but failed to even get across the starting mat. I did however manage to get back for the BRAT triathlon towards the end of the month to get my customary 2^nd placing and then even going one better for the ‘Golden Duck swim handicap to win in 16.51

October, Was the start of the A.B.C Biathlon series that would see me do a sharp 4k run and 300m every week on a tough course around the Domain, Averaged out doing about 19.30 every week with my fastest a 19.08 for the season. Headed out for my yearly visit to Penrith for the triathlon and was swimming well but had a panic attack in the water that was disappointing as I held the bike and run legs to a decent time.

November. The last busy month of the year and another major disappointment with a season worse of 39.34 to end the Striders series, didn’t get any better with the HuRTS beer mile that was a complete disaster. Even though I wasn’t feeling 100% I not only got cleaned up by Tommy H but girls Corky O’Connor and Sonya. To complete a miserable hat trick for the month I battled (and just survived) the ‘Wedding Cake Island Ocean swim at Coogee.

On a more positive note we honoured Price Ho and Erika Ekland who took out the big Performer of the Year Awards at the popular HuRTS presentation evening at the Tilbury Hotel.

December. With the parties and beers in full flow December is always a tough month. Did my final BRAT race of the season in 68.21 on a stinker of a hot day (only good enough for 5^th), and ventured over to the ‘Dark Side’ for the Curl Curl Park Run that resulted in a 4^th spot coming home in 18 minutes.  Nice way to end the year when the last Golden Duck was done at the ABC as I stormed home to hold out Crossy Lad and The Champ for my 2^nd victory of 2015.

 

Year Highs

1.       City to Surf – I love this race and happy with a 51.22

2.       Out Run Cancer – The camaraderie shown by the whole HuRTS group that make it such a  special club.

3.       My Kurnell races, both of them solid and to take Crossy’s $20 made it even sweeter.

4. England regain the Churchill Cup at SMH Half

 

 

 

Year Lows.

1.       Not being able to break 37 minutes over 10k

2.       Losing to Tommy H in the Beer Mile

3.       Letting Kanser go past me so easy at Canberra – I really do need to toughen up.

 

Tomorrow I will look into my Crystal Ball and look ahead with some big predictions for the year ahead.

 

Cheers.

 

 

First Long Run of the Year - 20ks

New Year but the North Shore Mass exodus continues as yet another NOTB boy in Todd Neal joins our talented and friendly crew for the Sunday long run, Girls back out with Laura continuing her comeback, Elle feeling revitalised since she come south, and Jac who unfortunately was feeling the effects of perhaps one too many Xmas social functions.

Pace was pretty good this morning after my New Years email about it being too fast to start as a decent group of around 18 made our way through the waiting members at the nearby cricket ground for the first 6k loop. Back to the cafe working around 4.40 pace as we picked up the late arrivals for the morning. Pace quickened slightly as I enjoyed conversation with Laura and the Prince (Ho) and the big news was to come from C.T that he has started a NEW blog (Told Hoey that his will now struggle to get in the Top 5) Took in the Woollahra hill again within the 10k loop and was happy to come in holding 4.36s .

With 16k done I was then looking for help from either Hoey, The Leech or Razor Wareham to help run a flat loop at 4 min/ks but The Leech and Ho weren’t interested and Razor was too busy popping in and out of the trees for me to get his attention so I was forced to go solo to finish the morning. Happy therefore to complete the lap in a time of 14.40 at 3.59 average.

20ks all up in a time of 90.10

Enjoyed a coffee and a chat post run with The Leech, Jeet and Laura as we were left wondering who may be the next NOTB member to fly the nest and join us next Sunday ??

 

Afternoon beers will be consumed down at the SCG where I’ll take in a little cricket, although the Windies boys have big problems and don’t’ offer much so it could just be a few hours spent in the members bar for the arvo.

 

Rest day tomorrow although do need to get my swimming back in order after a 10 day break, Will get back out on Tuesday for another speed run set.

 

Only the 3^rd day in the New Year but I’ve already been getting requests for certain photos of HuRTS members, Can’t honestly believe there are still people that haven’t seen it but as I aim to please ...... here we go again J

Guess Who?

 

Cheers