A.B.C 1k Time Trial - 17.19

Down to the A.B.C Pool to finish the week for the monthly 1k time trial. Normally work it on Pete Walker’s handicap and although Pete is one the nicest and straightest guys within the team his knowledge on working the handicap system leaves a lot to be desired.  For example how one guy can win 5 out the past 7-8 handicaps and his time only changes by about 8 seconds is beyond me?

So I worked on a NEW ‘Timmy’ system to make it fairer all round – Again for example last month I swum 18.32 , I knew I had improved over the past 4 weeks so brought myself in for an estimated time of 18.00….. Fairs fair, I say  J

Good showing as well on as glorious day as temps hit 30 degrees, brought out J.C , Pete, Taffy, Kenny, Renee, Liam , Kirk, Sammy J and a few others, worked hard for the first 300m then Kirk came past and from there I worked harder in trying to stay on his feet.

Did so until the 800m when I thought I was going better then he was but wasn’t confident enough to actually go past him, so decided to swim under the lane rope and switch lane.

Somehow managed to bring it home over the final 200 better than I thought was possible to stop to the clock in my fastest time for months in 17.19

The usual banter took place with many a fine swim done, with PBs from J.C, Kenny and the Leech I believe, Will post all the times once Pete sends them on to me.

*** And Yes for the record, I did win the Golden Duck for my performance that saw me swim 73 seconds faster than 4 weeks ago – Hope Enda doesn’t get to hear about it

Big weekend with the Striders 10k in the morning, Few bets riding, with the following

Tom Highnam  +3.30

Enda Stankard +2.20

Paul Hanley      - 75 seconds

Also, fair play to Sonya Van Beek who will be paying her debt and running in fancy dress of my choice, can’t see her being too happy about what I have planned for her but she’s a good sport and I hope she takes it well ?

Stoke play high flying West Ham at the home of footy

Timmy’s Tip – Stoke 2 v West Ham 1

Coach for the Day , J.C who had the fastest swim with a 14.20 and me after taking out the October T/T

And then the 'Leech' trys to claim the winner - typical Irish.

Happy Halloween for today - come across this photo which i thought was very funny.

Have a good weekend
Train well and stay safe
Cheers

Enda Patrick Oliver (E.P.O) Stankard

Never before in the history of HuRTS or the blogs has so much been written about one man, But when that man is one Enda Patrick Oliver Stankard (E.P.O. Stankard to his mates)  then it appears as if there are no boundaries.  In a year that started so promising for the Irish #4 it has sadly all gone downhill since his Gold Coast Marathon way back in July.

HuRTS presentation is in 4 weeks and he has campaigned  to everyone that he should be nominated for the Performance of the Year and also ‘Sprit of the Year’  when the annual awards are handed out, but in truth the only trophy heading back to Bondi will be the ‘Serge’ Under Achiever Cup if the squad vote in the fairest order?

So with his running career in ruins and after a failed attempt at Triathlon Enda has found a new venture for 2015  - and was last seen in deep conversation with a HuRTS member (who wishes to remain anonymous) , who in turn has sent this to the TRASH ……………………Has this guy NO SHAME ?

A desperate cry for attention…?

In a bizarre twist of events not unusual when you consider the culprit, Enda today announced that he was going to focus on the World Duathlon championships in Adelaide next year.

When quizzed how he was going to do this given that you needed to earn a spot on a national team, he simply replied “anyone can get on an Irish team – I got an email this morning asking me and I reckon I’ll take a spot”.

Where is this man’s sense of pride…of hard earned respect and achievement at working towards a goal…has he simply given up on making it in one discipline and now feels it might be easier in two…sad times indeed

He will need to dust off his bike he advised today..

Farm Cove 5k T/T - 17.42

Tuesday.

With the BIG J.P Morgan race only two weeks ago I called on the option of ‘an alternative ‘ session for the team that included the ‘Farm Cove 5k T/T’. So was very surprised when I rocked up into town to be greeted by over 50 members who then all bar about 7 of us decided to take the easy option to cruise and chat for 2 x 20 minutes tempo?

Still not be deterred good mate ‘The Italian Stallion’ Durante joined me along with Hamish, Bruce Lambert, Adrian and a couple of others who I still don’t know.

Marked out the course turning at 1.25k meaning it was out and back twice.

Kicked off and worked well with Durante, Bruce, Adrian, Hamish and I all bunching  for the first k going through in 3.25 , held on the turn and repeated on the 2^nd k, just felt the other 4 pull away as my pace dropped heading out on the 2^nd lap, then went past Adrian around the 3.5k mark but wasn’t happy as my own pace dropped dramatically even allowing for a bit of crowd disruption out to a 3.43.

Lifted once I got the hairpin turn (3.75ks) and was happy enough as I crossed it out in 17.42 overall. (ave 3.32s)

Splits as I had them, 3.25, 3.25, 3.34, 3.43, 3.33

Pretty solid hit out, disappointed with the 4^th k mind you , and it now looks like the dream of taking Durante at J.P is well and truly over as the’ Pie Eaters’ form (and class) has already come back as he knocked out an impressive 17.19

Times

Hamish 17.09

Bruce    17.12

Durante 17.19

Timmy    17.42

Adrian    18.30

A.N. Other

A.N.Other 2   ?????

A good cool down at the end , back up to the Stone Gates and was shattered come the end of the day as I has also cycled in the morning for 50ks meeting Paulie Hanley and Baby Face Evan around the park for a few laps.

Wednesday.

Easy ks first up and then met up with Paulie Hanley for a flat lap where we chewed the fat and continued the banter for Saturdays race where I have agreed to give him a 75 second head start at the Striders Lane Cove 10k. He’s a tough bugger and he won’t be making it easy for me but I’m just hoping his lack of running ( especially 10k races) may stop him getting close to me.

Met up with friend Sharonne once Hanley had departed and knocked out another 10ks making it a healthy 20ks for the day, and all done by 9am having coffee and banana bread.

The 3.30 against the ‘Chairman’ on the other hand will be far more difficult even with the 3.30 start ?? And as for Enda???......... well what can you say? Poor bloke is claiming a cold once again (19^th of the year) and is now reneging on the 2.25 start bet we had …… typical.

Saw him yesterday and he didn’t look to good mind you.

Enda doing it tough after another bout of Flu.

Sight of the Day,

Haven’t seen much of the Taffy Lad , James Matthews of late and was therefore surprised when he rocked up (late again) to the session yesterday in his new running apparel. He’s not known for his fashion sense ( well he is welsh) but it was 30 odd degrees out. What was the Spaceman thinking ??

Cheers

To Phaff or Not to Phaff?

Sunday drinks turned into a massive evening going to watch the impressive Lisa Caruso perform a little gig – brilliant and if you get the chance you should check her out. Think she is even doing a small gig in Erko in a couple of weeks so I may venture back for more. http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/420058/premiere-lisa-carusos-stunning-new-single-will.htm

Anyway feeling a little ropey and with the Chairman Phaffing around all morning and even yesterday after I text him a thousand times I didn’t make the planned 400s that he had penciled in. So it was a quick trip down the pool once more for a dip and to continue with the swimming.

Only a small team today with Coach Walker, Toddie, Crossy, the return of Mermaid Emma (and 4 month old Max) and Liam whilst Angus was doing his time trial today instead of the planned Friday. More 4s, 3s, 2s and 100s and I think there is a marked improvement (not much) but I am now able to sit with Crossy on some of the reps and even help out by leading the odd one or two.

Probably close on to 2ks including the warm up – and dare I say it …….. It felt slightly easier today.

Now I best go and check out if Toms stopped phaffing around and see if he decided to go and do his 400 session.

Will be back out tomorrow with the boys, think there are 2 options with 2 x 20 minutes or a 5k time trial to choose from?

Cheers

Sunday Run with the League of Nations.

Another stunning morning for the long Sunday run that pretty much brought the ‘Who’s Who and the League of Nations out to run with us as the popularity of the East Side gang continues.

English gents – John Meagler (makes Tucks mileage look Micky Mouse and 8.40 Iron Man time) , Lindop, Birchy.

Jock – Craig Wiseman returning but spent more time taking photos and checking in at the airport.

Irish – Stankard telling all about his latest cold and now why he should be nominated for ‘HuRTS Spirit Award’

Italian – Durante, back on deck and you can tell there is a big race coming up.

Aussie – C.T (fresh from his 60k yesterday) and Superflake (not so fresh from his Melb Marathon)

Kiwi – Sonya, continues to improve and impress to finish the year strong.

Abdul Ali – One of the Shire boys and will be looking to take Tom and Barts down very soon.

Aussie – Dave Clarke in an attempt to halt his slide down the rankings that has seen him nominated for Underachiever, joins the team.

Pro guy – Todd Israel (?)

Normal 6k flat loop done in 27 minutes and then we repeated last Sunday’s effort taking in the Coastal path around Coogee, Gordon’s Bay, Cloey, and then Bronte. Clarkey, Abdul Ali and Enda weren’t hanging around mind you and soon split the group powering ahead pretty much by the time we even left the park, a quick regroup at Coogee for a water stop ( and a thousand photos and airport check in from the ‘Sweaty’) and we were off once again.

Tough section around Cloey with the steps and also with the extra people out for ‘Sculptures by the Sea’ and then it’s the even tougher section coming back up Bronte Road. Tried to hold form and run strong and had Enda for company on this section before the downhill past Queens Park then returning into the park for the final 2ks.

61 minutes for the Coastal section and 20ks done for the morning averaging 4.33s  - happy with that again although I was getting tired towards the end as the heat was starting to rise.

Great morning and delighted I actually got out and run as I was undecided last night as I sat having a few beers.

Even better to see the Italian Stallion Durante return to the team after a 4 year break – not sure why but he’s certainly out to smash me at J.P and is getting serious ? 

There was a little standoff between both Durante & Pommy Birch at the start as the ‘Battle of Harry’s’ cafe will take place on presentation night. Durante still holds the Hot Dog record x 5 but Birchy has good form ( you should have seen him demolish the Bacon & Egg Burger last week) and it could go either way?

Back out tomorrow – Think the Chairman has some 400s lined up for us ? although Sunday drinks come first, just hope I don’t go overboard this arvo J

Enda still trying to explain to C.T as to why he should be nominated not only for HuRTS POTY but now wants the 'Spirit Award' to go with it ???

It was getting hot out there and thought it was time for my English Monthly Shower, Sonya, Birchy, Clarkey and C.T nearby.

And Dave Clarke who run with us this morning was suprised when he had not seen the photo of Young Enda in his short trousers , and demanded i post up.

Photos care of Craig Wiseman - thanks mate

Cheers

Back at the A.B.C for more Swimming.

Stunning day to head into town for a swim to finish off the week, Big crowd as well with Coach Walker, Brendan, Taffy, Crossy, Bi champ Angus, MrAce with all his toys a couple of other new guys,  and the return of the original Hardman from Kona J.C

Set was 1 x 500, 4 x 200, 1 x 300 and 3 x 100.

Already felt tired before the start and basically I just sat on either Taffy or Brendan’s feet for the duration, until the last 100m then I pushed up and sat on Crossy lad to come home in 1.34

Good week done with training and happy with the way I have recovered.

Talking to Tom last night and have already locked in next week’s Striders 10k at Lane Cove but he also mentioned that I should also give the 5k T/T ago that they have penciled in for Wednesday, so I may have a look at that.

Big weekend in the footy once more, Stoke have a tough one – away to Southampton who smashed 8 past Sunderland last Saturday , who in turn beat us by 3 the previous week. So with that logic I’m going to take the draw.

Timmy’s Tip; Southampton  2 vs. Stoke 2

Have a good weekend

Train well and stay safe

Cheers

Batttle at the A.B.C Bi

It was time for the small talk, banter and sledging to stop and just get out and ‘Do It’ that saw a good team head down for the first HuRTS Biathlon of the year at the A.B.C Pool.

Toed the line alongside Sonya, Sharonne, Sammy J, Paulie Hannell, ‘Georgie the Greek’ Angus, Taffy James and main rival Tommy H who I’ve constantly baited about his swimming prowess.

Frenetic start and was delighted to see Tommy H boxed in that meant the run gap wouldn’t blow out completely, I then got boxed myself  on the first tight left turn and with only a narrow path struggled to get past G.G (Georgie Greek)until after coming back past the starting line at 1k.

The hill coming up to the expressway killed me again and was happy to reach the turnaround in 7.01. That joy was short lived as I then saw Taffy only a few seconds behind and Sammy J, Sonya and Paul far too close for comfort closing in.

Worked hard to try to reduce the gap with Angus who was about 20 metres ahead but couldn’t although did catch two of the frontrunners as we hit back to the steps where the timekeeper shouted out 13.53.

Took my time coming down the stairs and waited….and waited…. And Waited? Not sure why – wasn’t sure if it was to bring the heart rate down or just the thought of 300m scared the bejesus out of me. Finally jumped in (by which time the two I’d just overtaken were already in the pool) and made my way down the pool for the first 50m. Saw Taffy not too far behind and knew I’d be doing well to hold him off for another 100m and so it was as he came past with 100m to go.

Managed to hold his feet for the final 50 and when I saw one swimmer just ahead flapping away  my hopes raised as I thought I may be Tom?  Touched out in 19.35 a few seconds behind the Taffy Lad, My hopes were shattered then when I looked deck side and there is the Chairman grinning like a ‘Cheshire Cat’ basking in his glory already sending the news out via face book that he’d scored another winning $20 from me.

Some great times from the team and Angus Boyd took the honour of first HuRT home and Sonya not only took out first HuRT Female but first lady home overall.

Sammy J run well and will be looking to take me at the next one and Paulie Hannell was already lining up at the pub to get a bet with me come December.

Times were

Angus     18.23

Tom         19.00

Taffy        19.30

Timmy     19.35

Georgie P 19.53

Sammy J   20.xx

Sonya       21.32

Paulie H     22.40

Sharonne    23.57

Ronnie Biggs  D.N.S

Enda                  D.N.S

Paul Hanley    D.N.S

Next race planned will be the rematch on Thursday 11^th December , hoping a few of the other guys may step up to the plate and race.  Amazing how many strong runners we have in the squad BUT very few will be brave enough to put it to the test that also includes a mere 300m swim. That’s where despite my constant badgering Tom gains massive respect and never shy’s way from a challenge.

Over to the Tilbury after for a few bevies, cracking night as the beers flowed and banter was in full swing in a packed pub that included Jessica Mauboy all glamed up after doing a corporate gig for the ‘Sony Foundation’.

Was just about to call it a night ( and be sensible) when I get a call from Pommy Paul Birch , who was nearby and wanted a drink. Fast forward 3 hours and it was a stagger to the taxi and another tough first up class to start a Friday morning  J

Some photos from last night – don’t need to put the losing bet photo up as Tommy H already has it posted on his blog .

Winners are Grinners – first lady home Sonya and Tom (with girlie t shirt) after taking the win over me

Tommy H, Taffy James, Sammy J, Georgie the Greek and I before drinks.

Enda was refused entry last night at the A.B.C Pool – when his latest cold broke out

...and then the real reason WHY Enda didn't drop in for a beer with the team last night?
told you he was upset about NOT getting nominated for HuRTS POTY :)

cheers