Sunday. Up and out early again and over to the 'Dark Side' and for once it wasn't for social drinks but Curl Curl was to play host to the end of season ocean swim.
Face dropped a mile upon arriving and looking out from the surf club on the conditions with incoming waves reported at 1.8 metres that I knew I'd struggle in. Gun goes off and true to form its a battle from the start, nearly killed me even getting to the first buoy and I swear the arm was nearly up for the surf boat for collection at one point. Sadly it never seemed to get any easier and when I got around the 3rd buoy and saw I had only completed 575m I nearly cried. I knew no records were going to get broken so I just got through it best I could and it was only after coming around the 9th and final buoy did I ever feel comfortable.
Got to the final 100m and was nearing the point to stand up and felt I was actually going backwards - crazy. In the end I decided to stand and wade out before eventually running the final 50 metres of the beach to stop the clock in 41.23
Absolutely spent at the end of it and without doubt the hardest ocean swim that I've put myself through. Finally recovered for the pleasant walk back to surf club where the sausage sizzle and 6 beers went down a treat as I sat overlooking the crashing waves still rolling in.
Gave the Chairman Tommy H a bell to see if he was around for Manly arvo beers, but after he snubbed me I returned to the safety of the East to continue the Sunday social.
Monday. Lined up Crossy Lad for a PAP swim and after the rigours of yesterday it was great to be back in the calmer waters of the pool. That said I had to endure Crossy crying about his sore shoulders and the fact he only got a 4th place in some 'D Grade' Oatley 5k run on the weekend (beaten by 3 teenagers as well).
Decent set completed that included 400, 200, 100 and 50 metre efforts to cover the 2ks
Nice surprise into the set to be joined by Pete Walker for a few efforts as well.
Will be back out tomorrow for some 1k efforts with the team
Cheers
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Stairs and 5k Tempo T/T with Taffy Boyo in 18.43
Busy morning with work and finally found some time to knock out 20 x stair repeats at Waverley Oval before heading to the park for a very easy 6ks as a means of a warm up, I then caught up with good lad Taffy Jimmy Mathews for a 5k time trial /tempo.
Controlled the pace for the first 1k going through in 3.41 and was looking to hold that for the remaining 4ks, The 3rd K is always tough coming around the Fox Gates area and then the start of the 4th is another rise. Felt the pace dropping slightly but was still holding a steady average of 3.45 throughout and happy to get back to the cafe with 5ks under my belt in 18.43 (ave 3.45)
Splits. 3.41, 3.43, 3.42, 3.49, 3.51
Taffy run well, despite his high mileage he's currently doing for Comrades he was able to run sub 4 min/k in just breaking the 20 minute marker.
A further flat lap easy as a cool down before Birchy joined us for the next hour over coffee and plenty of trash talk.
All up about 15ks plus 20x Stair repeats.
Current footy season is closing in and the big game from the Brit tonight is Stoke vs West Ham, a bit of a nothing game to be honest with both teams just paying out for mid table mediocrity.
Take the Potters to turn the Scrap Dealers over - 2-0
Have a good weekend
Train well and stay safe
Cheers
Controlled the pace for the first 1k going through in 3.41 and was looking to hold that for the remaining 4ks, The 3rd K is always tough coming around the Fox Gates area and then the start of the 4th is another rise. Felt the pace dropping slightly but was still holding a steady average of 3.45 throughout and happy to get back to the cafe with 5ks under my belt in 18.43 (ave 3.45)
Splits. 3.41, 3.43, 3.42, 3.49, 3.51
Taffy run well, despite his high mileage he's currently doing for Comrades he was able to run sub 4 min/k in just breaking the 20 minute marker.
A further flat lap easy as a cool down before Birchy joined us for the next hour over coffee and plenty of trash talk.
All up about 15ks plus 20x Stair repeats.
Current footy season is closing in and the big game from the Brit tonight is Stoke vs West Ham, a bit of a nothing game to be honest with both teams just paying out for mid table mediocrity.
Take the Potters to turn the Scrap Dealers over - 2-0
Have a good weekend
Train well and stay safe
Cheers
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Monna Fartlek
Coldest morning of the year and wasn't keen on the Thursday swim but battled away to do the usual 3ks in total that saw me working hard for 400m efforts and then cruising 300m easy.
Still wrecked by the time I jumped out to enjoy my mornings coffee and Turkish bread.
Lunchtime into the city but was running late that saw me miss the HuRTS session, lucky enough to have old mate Enda out though who kindly joined me for a repeat session of what we missed that was Monna Fartlek. Decided to do from the Passenger Terminal and around the Wharfs retracing our steps at the half way marker.
Don't mind this session as its over very fast (20 mins) and I'm able to hold pace for the shorter reps of 90/60/30 seconds.
5.25ks done in the 20 minutes that worked out averaging close to 3.50s
A good cool down back around the Quay and Opera House and happy to be able to fit a session in on what was a busy day.
Cheers
Still wrecked by the time I jumped out to enjoy my mornings coffee and Turkish bread.
Lunchtime into the city but was running late that saw me miss the HuRTS session, lucky enough to have old mate Enda out though who kindly joined me for a repeat session of what we missed that was Monna Fartlek. Decided to do from the Passenger Terminal and around the Wharfs retracing our steps at the half way marker.
Don't mind this session as its over very fast (20 mins) and I'm able to hold pace for the shorter reps of 90/60/30 seconds.
5.25ks done in the 20 minutes that worked out averaging close to 3.50s
A good cool down back around the Quay and Opera House and happy to be able to fit a session in on what was a busy day.
Cheers
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Anzac Day 2k Reps Centennial Park
Tuesday. Rounded up a nice little team on Anzac Day morning that included The Branagan Brothers, Birchy, Rich Large, and Enda for some 2ks reps.
Got a decent little route where the first 500m is a slight climb before a relatively flat 1k then you get the downhill back for the best part of 500 metres. I was in touch with the lads up the hill on the first rep before the Irish lads gradually drifted away and was working hard before coming over the line in 7.08 (3.34 pace)
Second lap and the boys picked up the pace and I was struggling on the hill. Just tried to keep it ticking and hope the 2nd K would be quicker. Pace did drop though and was 6 seconds slower coming in on 7.14
For the 3rd rep it was just a case of getting through it and somehow managed to find a kick down over the last 250m that kept the time respectable coming back in with a 7.11
7.08, 7.14, 7.11
Again certainly not the quickest but at least I didn't chuck the towel in at any stage although it felt as if I was running at 3.20 pace at times.
Decent cool down with the boys before then going on for another 6ks with a client for work.
Memorable afternoon spent with Pommy Paul Birch to honour the Anzac's down at the Royal Oak cleaning up on the old 2Up game before supping a thousand beers with the winnings.
Top day.
Wednesday. After a busy morning working all with a dodgy head I wasn't keen to head into the city for a run but I promised the Chairman Tommy H I would front up to continue with our Centennial Park midweek run that we have been knocking out. Cruisy pace especially the first half as we hit the hills and stairs on the way but actually felt better as the run went on.
Another enjoyable run and happy to report 15ks done in 72 minutes averaging 4.50 pace
Big day tomorrow, will knock out my 3k swim first up and then attempt to do some speedwork at lunch, although its set to be the coldest day of the year so far so I've already given up any hope that Crossy Lad will join me for that.
Cheers
Got a decent little route where the first 500m is a slight climb before a relatively flat 1k then you get the downhill back for the best part of 500 metres. I was in touch with the lads up the hill on the first rep before the Irish lads gradually drifted away and was working hard before coming over the line in 7.08 (3.34 pace)
Second lap and the boys picked up the pace and I was struggling on the hill. Just tried to keep it ticking and hope the 2nd K would be quicker. Pace did drop though and was 6 seconds slower coming in on 7.14
For the 3rd rep it was just a case of getting through it and somehow managed to find a kick down over the last 250m that kept the time respectable coming back in with a 7.11
7.08, 7.14, 7.11
Again certainly not the quickest but at least I didn't chuck the towel in at any stage although it felt as if I was running at 3.20 pace at times.
Decent cool down with the boys before then going on for another 6ks with a client for work.
Memorable afternoon spent with Pommy Paul Birch to honour the Anzac's down at the Royal Oak cleaning up on the old 2Up game before supping a thousand beers with the winnings.
Top day.
Wednesday. After a busy morning working all with a dodgy head I wasn't keen to head into the city for a run but I promised the Chairman Tommy H I would front up to continue with our Centennial Park midweek run that we have been knocking out. Cruisy pace especially the first half as we hit the hills and stairs on the way but actually felt better as the run went on.
Another enjoyable run and happy to report 15ks done in 72 minutes averaging 4.50 pace
Big day tomorrow, will knock out my 3k swim first up and then attempt to do some speedwork at lunch, although its set to be the coldest day of the year so far so I've already given up any hope that Crossy Lad will join me for that.
Cheers
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Deek 5k Rushcutters Oval
Cycled into the city for the 3rd straight day and met the boys at the Art Gallery for the 2k warm up over to Rushcutters Oval. Good banter along the way with Enda and the Branagon Brothers (Kev & Marco) mainly centred about the upcoming British Lions tour and the selected party.
Deek 5ks was on the cards, basically 8 x 400m with a 200m float after each. Sat in with Enda and Richie Large for the first in a respectable 76 second lap but even on the recovery the fitter lads were able to hold a stronger pace then my 48 secs.
Felt the pace drop as early as the 2nd and come the 3rd I had grave doubts I'd even get through it. Had Super Kev come past on the 4th and then Adrian Mc on the 5th who I latched onto only for him to pull out come the 6th effort. Then had the misfortune of getting lapped by frontrunner's Scotty O and Special Q but found I was somehow holding my pace.
Couldn't stop the watch soon enough as the 5k ticked over and happy enough to see 17.37 recorded for the day.
Reps. 76, 48, 82, 48, 83, 52, 85, 50, 85, 54, 84, 51, 85, 55, 84, 20
Then enjoyed the return trip to the city with King of the Sledge - J.C and Enda as talk turned to the abolishing of the controversial 457 visa that hopefully may keep some of these Irish lads coming into the country and stop the constant rorting that goes with it.
3 days running on the trot, happy with that and will take a rest day tomorrow now.
With coach away it made the decision of either a 3k swim battle solo OR a nice brekkie with my team a no brainer so only managed a token 800m effort to start the day at PAP
Cheers
Deek 5ks was on the cards, basically 8 x 400m with a 200m float after each. Sat in with Enda and Richie Large for the first in a respectable 76 second lap but even on the recovery the fitter lads were able to hold a stronger pace then my 48 secs.
Felt the pace drop as early as the 2nd and come the 3rd I had grave doubts I'd even get through it. Had Super Kev come past on the 4th and then Adrian Mc on the 5th who I latched onto only for him to pull out come the 6th effort. Then had the misfortune of getting lapped by frontrunner's Scotty O and Special Q but found I was somehow holding my pace.
Couldn't stop the watch soon enough as the 5k ticked over and happy enough to see 17.37 recorded for the day.
Reps. 76, 48, 82, 48, 83, 52, 85, 50, 85, 54, 84, 51, 85, 55, 84, 20
Then enjoyed the return trip to the city with King of the Sledge - J.C and Enda as talk turned to the abolishing of the controversial 457 visa that hopefully may keep some of these Irish lads coming into the country and stop the constant rorting that goes with it.
3 days running on the trot, happy with that and will take a rest day tomorrow now.
With coach away it made the decision of either a 3k swim battle solo OR a nice brekkie with my team a no brainer so only managed a token 800m effort to start the day at PAP
Cheers
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
HuRTS Post Easter Fartlek & Tempo
Tuesday. Cycled into the city and after a big 5 day long weekend that started with drinks last Thursday I wasn't looking forward to my first run back.
Very small crew out and it was left to 'The Mouth' (Brendan F) to give the order to the troops for the day. Basically 2 min ON/ 60 seconds OFF x 7 followed by a 20 minute tempo back home. Found I sat in with 'Mouth and Enda who appeared soon after starting with the overall pace averaging 3.51s on the way out.
Decided I'd only do 5 of the 7 and it worked well as Crossy Lad was on my tail as we ventured through the busy Quay area. Cruised for 5 minutes after that (1k) before turning and attempting to tempo it home.
Always tougher return and it was here that Crossy proved his worth (for once) holding the pace all the way carrying me along. Thought I'd gone for all money coming off the Domain up the hill to the road but hung in and managed to hold a steady 3.57s all the way back to the Stone Gates.
9ks done and only averaged just under 4 mi/ks that certainly didn't set the house on fire but I was definitely feeling it.
Really do need to start getting the consistency back with my running.
Wednesday. Arranged a midweek swim with Crossy Lad at PAP and even though he stuffed around his times I didn't want to miss out so headed in on my bike for a quick fire 2ks.
Once again, I seemed to battle my way through it and even when I wanted to either sit a rep out or do 10 instead of 12 reps Crossy wouldn't have a bar of it.
From there it was a cycle into the City and another mix up/time change meant I didn't get what is now becoming the regular Tommy H Centennial Park Trot in. Not to be undone I took the easy option and cruised around the Domain and Barangaroo and back via the Quay for 11ks in 53.50
Cheers
Very small crew out and it was left to 'The Mouth' (Brendan F) to give the order to the troops for the day. Basically 2 min ON/ 60 seconds OFF x 7 followed by a 20 minute tempo back home. Found I sat in with 'Mouth and Enda who appeared soon after starting with the overall pace averaging 3.51s on the way out.
Decided I'd only do 5 of the 7 and it worked well as Crossy Lad was on my tail as we ventured through the busy Quay area. Cruised for 5 minutes after that (1k) before turning and attempting to tempo it home.
Always tougher return and it was here that Crossy proved his worth (for once) holding the pace all the way carrying me along. Thought I'd gone for all money coming off the Domain up the hill to the road but hung in and managed to hold a steady 3.57s all the way back to the Stone Gates.
9ks done and only averaged just under 4 mi/ks that certainly didn't set the house on fire but I was definitely feeling it.
Really do need to start getting the consistency back with my running.
Wednesday. Arranged a midweek swim with Crossy Lad at PAP and even though he stuffed around his times I didn't want to miss out so headed in on my bike for a quick fire 2ks.
Once again, I seemed to battle my way through it and even when I wanted to either sit a rep out or do 10 instead of 12 reps Crossy wouldn't have a bar of it.
From there it was a cycle into the City and another mix up/time change meant I didn't get what is now becoming the regular Tommy H Centennial Park Trot in. Not to be undone I took the easy option and cruised around the Domain and Barangaroo and back via the Quay for 11ks in 53.50
Cheers
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Broken Miles, White fences and swimming week
Tuesday, Cycled into town for a catch up with HuRTS good guy 'Mr Weetbix Kid' aka Renaud, with his injury I've not seen much of him these days and he's always good value when we do catch up. Although he was to spend most of the time trying to get me to lead a HuRTS tour to the Ukraine through some lady named Svetlana for some reason?
Over to the Passenger Terminal after for the HuRTS 1600m broken Mile reps (1k On,300m OFF,300 ON) Smaller team out with only Scotty O, Special Q and Crossy Lad leading from the front. I felt tired even before the start but surprised myself that I was able to hold sub 3.30s on the 1k for all 4 reps. Run the reps alongside Stevie P, Kev Branagan and Dicky Large for the first 3 and just when I thought I was struggling Enda appears from out the bushes and helps me out on the final rep.
Times for the 4 were.
5.42 (ave 3.34)
5.34 (ave 3.29)
5.45 (ave 3.36)
5.42 (ave 3.34)
Perhaps the longest warm down in history with Enda as we headed back around the O.H into the Domain back up to the Stone Gates.
Wednesday. Met up with Crossy Lad for a return to the pool after a forced break with a head cold last week. Didn't want anything hard but with Crossy he doesn't know anything different. Sets of 200s and 100s was the go and even struggling I was able to hold 3.17-3.18s for each (Crossy 3.09 - 3.10)
Managed to fit in 1900m before I had to make a hasty retreat into the city.
Basically a repeat of the week before with the Chairman Tommy H. Headed out to Rushcutters then up Ocean St into the park. Decided on a faster tempo flat loop that saw the pace kick down to close on 3.53s before retracing our steps back.
Was absolutely rooted, but it was an enjoyable run with 'H' and I returned back to my bike with 14.7k done averaging a decent 4.39s
Thursday. No swimming last week and today I was wishing I was anywhere else but the pool. everything was sore and had no interest in what lay ahead.
Luckily I was spared more pain then I had to with an easier set that just had me getting the head down and tapping it out.
Loved the company BUT hated every one of the 60 laps covered
3ks all done and the coffee never tasted better once I was back in Erko.
Big weekend coming up for Easter, few drinks tonight, and heading out to see English band Madness once again on Saturday. Super night, and a guaranteed fun night ahead. Just for Tommy H as I know he loves this and can't get it out of his head and will be singing all Easter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwIe_sjKeAY
In the footy , Stoke have gone off the boil the past 4 weeks BUT will get back to winning ways on Saturday when they give Hull a thumping.
Timmy Tip - Stoke 3 v Hull 0
Have a great Easter.
Train well and stay safe
Cheers
Over to the Passenger Terminal after for the HuRTS 1600m broken Mile reps (1k On,300m OFF,300 ON) Smaller team out with only Scotty O, Special Q and Crossy Lad leading from the front. I felt tired even before the start but surprised myself that I was able to hold sub 3.30s on the 1k for all 4 reps. Run the reps alongside Stevie P, Kev Branagan and Dicky Large for the first 3 and just when I thought I was struggling Enda appears from out the bushes and helps me out on the final rep.
Times for the 4 were.
5.42 (ave 3.34)
5.34 (ave 3.29)
5.45 (ave 3.36)
5.42 (ave 3.34)
Perhaps the longest warm down in history with Enda as we headed back around the O.H into the Domain back up to the Stone Gates.
Wednesday. Met up with Crossy Lad for a return to the pool after a forced break with a head cold last week. Didn't want anything hard but with Crossy he doesn't know anything different. Sets of 200s and 100s was the go and even struggling I was able to hold 3.17-3.18s for each (Crossy 3.09 - 3.10)
Managed to fit in 1900m before I had to make a hasty retreat into the city.
Basically a repeat of the week before with the Chairman Tommy H. Headed out to Rushcutters then up Ocean St into the park. Decided on a faster tempo flat loop that saw the pace kick down to close on 3.53s before retracing our steps back.
Was absolutely rooted, but it was an enjoyable run with 'H' and I returned back to my bike with 14.7k done averaging a decent 4.39s
Thursday. No swimming last week and today I was wishing I was anywhere else but the pool. everything was sore and had no interest in what lay ahead.
Luckily I was spared more pain then I had to with an easier set that just had me getting the head down and tapping it out.
Loved the company BUT hated every one of the 60 laps covered
3ks all done and the coffee never tasted better once I was back in Erko.
Big weekend coming up for Easter, few drinks tonight, and heading out to see English band Madness once again on Saturday. Super night, and a guaranteed fun night ahead. Just for Tommy H as I know he loves this and can't get it out of his head and will be singing all Easter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwIe_sjKeAY
In the footy , Stoke have gone off the boil the past 4 weeks BUT will get back to winning ways on Saturday when they give Hull a thumping.
Timmy Tip - Stoke 3 v Hull 0
Have a great Easter.
Train well and stay safe
Cheers
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