Sunday Long Run with Colour (and Sickness)

 A late Saturday night, and after a few beers watching the ‘Wobblies’ get smashed (yet again) with Lovely Lisa (L.L), Taffy, Olivia & Sam followed by the radio gig then finally watching a bit of English footy it was up early to meet the guys for the long Sunday run in Centennial Park.

Rolled up at 6.30am to see a decent size team with Pommy Paul, Dr Skins (or is it Ant?), Eloise,, C,T,  Sweaty Sock (Craig), Renaud, Damo, Hi-Ho (Michael Ho) returning from Perth with a 2.35 Marathon to his name and prodigal son Enda Stankard fresh from his latest China trip.

Had to wait around 5 minutes whilst Enda dished his supply of drugs out to Pommy Paul, I’m not educated enough to know what exactly it was but it left Birchy full of smiles.

A 6k loop first up and the pace was on from the start at sub 4.30 pace, before we went out to do the normal 10k outside loop, And couldn’t believe the pace picked up further, and about 7ks into it I looked and saw we were travelling at 4.26s and I was towards the back of the pack and getting dropped. Bid Enda a farewell at this point – he was carrying on all morning about this so called cold he has, Must have told everyone about 1500 times to be honest and its little more than a head cold. Still, pleased to report he managed to get back for the start for the ‘5k Colour Run’ that was about to begin and he managed a creditable 10^th spot overall (just beating good mate Renaud)

I had an impromptu toilet break at 15ks and really struggled to get going after that , I don’t really like the inner fence of the outer park we do with too many uneven spots and plenty of tree roots around and it was here the gang really did drop me big time. Managed to get myself back running solo to the cafe then decided to do another flat lap of the park although the park was packed at this time with about 20’000 other colourful people floating around.

 2hrs;05;16 all up for 27.6ks average pace 4.33s – certainly didn’t finish off as strong as I would have liked but I was very tired and with a big week behind me and with only 4.5 hours sleep I’ll take that.

Bit concerned today with the way the group was splitting up, with many going at a faster pace then what many can handle, especially when we are doing 30ks plus.  For some sub 4.30s are easy but for many others it’s not and I hope we don’t get breakaway groups within the Sunday long runs (that’s not what they are about)

Will take a rest day tomorrow, although Mikey has promised me he will take me on one of these bike sessions that he is doing indoors so I might sound him out about that as a means of a recovery?

Congrats to my mate Taffy James who took out YET another win on Saturday, yet again he travels far and wide to win these races that nobody has ever heard of …. But still, you can only beat what’s in front of you, and on that score I’m surprised Enda wasn’t lining up as well.

Just out for a few beers with Taffy and Pommy Paulie Birch now so I’ll get the full story – I have managed to score a winning photo of the main man giving out his winning speech.

Reporter. “So James, just how far will you go out of town to win these little bush tucker races”

Taffy “ Wherever it takes,”

Reporter “ 5 ? 6 ? hours “

Taffy “24 – think my name is already on the shortlist for HuRTS performer of the year after this”

Reporter “ Well done, and where did you learn to run trails like that?”

Taffy “ I’ve run many a paddock on my day – chasing my girlfriend daisy and now it’s all paying off”

Back out on Tuesday with the HuRTs boys.

"Just like to thank the HuRTS boys for NOT following me the 9 hours to the bush in order that i can get the win and also to the girl in 2nd spot who decided not to kick for home and took pity on me"
Well done Taffy Lad, now on the shortlist for 'Performer of the Year' for sure :)


Cheers

HuRTS 3 x 2k Reps (2 mins Rec)

Seems like a long time since I’ve done this session that was the 3 x 2k reps and boy had I forgot how tough they were. Rocked up early to have a chat with Erika Ekland who told me all about the North Side Sunday runs with Macca and the boys and that I should join them (think she only invited me because I’m slow and she may then have someone to run with)

It’s been a shocker of a week weather wise in Sydney all week when I’ve gone into town but we’ve been lucky when decent breaks has occurred and today was the same. Got promoted into the second group today alongside Macca, Skippy Heyden, Mullo’s Mullaney, Angus and a few others who I still don’t know(?). As is always the case felt good early and was moving OK just tucked in behind the two faster boys Macca  & Skippy and stopped the watch in 6.55. Thought it was perhaps a tad fast but with a  new burst of confidence showing I figured I might give it a go today and see how long I could ‘hang in’ for?

The lads got the break on me after about 500m on the second but was still holding time meaning they must have put the foot down, as I still rolled around back to the passenger terminal start/finish area in 6.56

The third rep was always going to be the test and found it a battle hanging on to Angus (who is running well) under the bridge at 500m , he got the gap on me at the kilometre marker and with the head wind coming up Hickson Road I wasn’t ever able to reduce it back with him perhaps 25m ahead. Crossed in 7.06 (3.33 pace) with it then taking me a further 2 minutes to get sufficient recovery into me before I was able to communicate with anyone.

Disappointed with not been able to dip under the 7.00 minutes on the final rep, although my first two reps show signs that some form is coming back so I shouldn’t get too downcast and I’m certainly feeling better throughout sessions than I have for some time now.

Good recovery back to the start line and then back up to the Art Gallery for 11ks all in. Had a good chat with the Chairman who has wagered a bet with me for Striders North Head –Reckons he can put more than 4.20 into me covering the handicap. Always close bets between us and I’m thinking if Tommy H can run 33.15, it then means I’ve got to get home in 37.35…… Let’s See ?

That one will be too close to call although I’m more than confident I can cover the 4 minutes our Mad Irishman Enda has given me for the same race, as we mentioned he’s in China at the moment and coming out with every excuse in the book. Even Tom told him to shut up and Man Up this morning and have some respect for himself (I’m sure it will only fall on death ears)

Rest day tomorrow, will have a trot on Saturday and then must see where Erika Elkand wants to start her Sunday run for the weekend?

Cheers

Midweek Rare Run with the Boys.

Wednesday.

Went back into town for a rare midweek run with the boys today, only a small crew but some of the big guns and top hierarchy, Clarkey, Chairman Tommy H, Mikey and Russell ‘Chopstick’ were out and  made the nice social run out to Centennial Park (of all places).

Good chat and banter along the way with poor Barts often the talk of the town and  how Tucks has cracked the poor guy, and that he’s not been seen since City to Surf? Same thing was said about Enda, but more on that fellow later.

Had a good conversation with Clarkey about his triathlon days, Knew he was pretty strong especially on the bike and we’ve all seen what he’s capable of running, but then starts to tell me he has completed Olympic Tri distances in a time of 1hr:47 in the past…. Smoking, that would win most tri’s within Australia I reckon, certainly got some talent that lad.

Legs certainly felt a little heavier after yesterday’s tough session and was grateful the pace was kept a little slower then I think the guys would normally do. I stuffed up with my watch stopping it at lights and forgetting to switch back on at times, although Mikey told me getting back to the base of the Domain that we had done 15ks in 4. 40 pace.

Again, more ks in the bag and now need to back up tomorrow for another session with the boys 3 x 2ks reps down around Hickson Road.

Well if poor Barts has gone undercover, Our Irishman Enda has headed overseas to China to get yet another stash of dodgy drugs to halt his decline and latest flu symptoms.  It seems to me to basically be a boys ‘ Jolly’ as he is living it up over there, although the latest photo sent in to me was slightly disturbing? He said the latest drugs are pretty good and he has NO side effects although I’m not so sure. Check it out.

Enda on his recent China visit.

Didn’t see the Hardmen out this morning around the park, although I did come across a few surprise faces for a Wednesday morning, Saw Pommy Paul Birchy running around, not sure who he was with – couldn’t make out if it was Doctor Skins or his NEW hairdresser mate Rupert?

Also saw HuRTS newly crowned lady, the ever impressive Renee flying around, Jeez, you can tell she’s hit the top now as she didn’t even give me a ‘hello’ …Snubbed, J

And finally saw C.T with a NEW running buddy……………… a DOG ? what’s that about ?

Cheers

HuRTS Twenty 20

No the HuRTS boys haven’t taken to the shorter version of cricket, today’s session was 2 x 20 minute efforts with a 3 minute recovery at half way, Shocker of a day in Sydney town and the heavens opened as I was driving into the session – luckily it stayed dry for the 40 minutes whilst we were working hard.

Good crowd out again, and after a brief chat we were off. The front runners were soon away and it was good to see Chairman Tommy H have a purpose in his step today doing some work and tuck in with Quentin & C.T, I was feeling good and soon settled into the pace I had told Mike I was looking to do and that was 3.48, although I was running solo pretty much for the whole 20 minutes. Took the break just passing Watermark/ Pier One at 5.35ks (ave 3.48s),

Upon starting the return I could see Angus Boyd and the Taffy Lad under the bridge so put the extra effort in to try to close the gap around the passenger terminal that also saw us catch Pete Walker and The Champ. Had issues in getting past The Taffy Lad, wasn’t sure at first if he was messing around zig zagging but realized it was just his extra 12 kilos around his girth that he is carrying so gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Tucked in with Pete coming around the O.H and with 10 minutes to go realized I needed to keep it strong at Farm Cove with the dreaded hills over the final stages, went past a few more of the guys but going up the hill near the A.B.C Pool nearly killed me. Mikey who was taking it easy today saw I was struggling at this point and lifted his game to help me out once back on the road, felt I was going backwards on the final little climb just before the expressway but was happy to see no one except the Chairman and Quentin actually come past at any stage.  I lifted for one last kick coming past the art gallery before getting back to the stone gates with Skippy Heyden close by  in 19.54

5.35ks out in 3.48s, back in 3.46s for 10.7ks in total, Happy with that and that works out at a sub 38 minute 10k  which I’ve even battled to do within races over the past 5 months.

In the past I wouldn’t be seen once the words ‘Tempo’ were mentioned for the HuRTS  sessions so even happier that I am now doing them and getting back to the finish line within the designated time frame, getting stronger with each session. At this rate I might even have a chance of getting some cash back from that Stankard bloke who is giving me the customary 4 minutes at the next Striders 10k?

Will be out for an easy 12ks in the morning – might see if the BRAT Hardmen and the likes of ‘Cement’ Hanley, and Shire’s #3 Damo Bray are around the park.

Sunday at the Golden Sheaf to help celebrate Pommy Paul Birch's birthday, seen with J-Fen, Sam & Olivia and Social Queen Sonia, Birchy looking good for 40 years of age...........thanks mainly to his new hairdo, His Hairdresser Rupert was at the bar when this photo was taken.

Cheers

Sutherland Half Marathon - 87.06

Friday had decided to get the ‘Southern Cross’ tattoo done and head down to the ‘Shire’ on Saturday to have a hit out at the 10k race within the National Park put on by the Sutherland run Club that Crossy has mentioned to the team earlier in the week, Didn’t then anticipate a call then from good guy and Mr. ‘Grecian’ himself Ronan Chalky to ask if I can give him a lift and run the Half Marathon instead.

Knew I needed a good hit out and with the Wet & Wild weather heading our way for Sunday I thought I may as well get a solid 21ks done in an off road race. Caught up with HuRTs guy Crossy and Comm. girls 5000m runner Eloise Wellings before the run for a brief chat  and then the funniest part of the day came as we were all lined up ready to go and they decided to hold a random ‘Raffle Draw’ that took forever and a day, 125 redraw tickets were pulled out the hat (for a size 5 chicken and half dozen Pork sausages) before it was claimed and we were off. Unbelievable

The first 3 ks is excellent as most of it is on the road before we head onto the trail, Settled nicely and was pretty comfortable for the first 5ks sitting in 5^th spot with a guy close behind, Had Shire girls Belinda Martin and Eloise came by at the 8k mark so run with them for a 1k or so (before getting dropped) but was happy enough to get to 10k around the 40 minute marker. 

Turned at the 12k for the final 9 back home and was still travelling well. But just at the 15k mark I could feel the pace dropping slightly – took advantage of the drinks station with 6ks to go and popped a High 5 to hopefully see me home whilst having a good battle with a guy for 7^th place.  Now, this is where it starts to get ugly, hadn’t really got to 17ks when my stomach was about to literally explode ….. oh dear, Had to reduce the pace and 7^th spot was long gone and then had the 8^th guy come and go past as well. 18ks was ticked over and with a guy behind I stopped to let him past not knowing if I needed to pay the bush a visit or pray I could get another 12 minutes done without leaving anything behind.

Managed to get to the finish line with a respectable 87.06 on the clock( ave 4.08s) and was happy enough with that, I thought going into the run if I could hold a steady 4-4.05 min/ks that would be good, and with the tougher terrain I’ll take that, Not to mention the 90 seconds I reckon I lost out on around the dreaded 17-18ks

My 5k splits were.

5k 19.30 (3.54)

10 20.45 (4.08)

15 20.50 (4.09)

20 21.46 (4.21)

Congratulations to HuRTS boy Andy Cross (Crossy) who took out the race in a time of 76.18, as well as Ronan who run on strong. Looking at the times I reckon the times were about 4 mins down on what you would run a road Half in??

***The HuRTS ‘Shire’ Heads Damo, Laura, Crossy, and Muzza will be pleased to hear that I didn’t destroy any wildlife or plants whilst I was on the run and left the trail in pristine condition as I found it despite my near emergency that every runner dreads J

A good solid weeks training backing up from City to Surf and happy to do my 3^rd Half Marathon in 5 months (Canberra, Gold Coast & Sutherland) and now 21ks doesn’t feel as if I’m doing 100 as like it was a few months ago.

Legs are a little tired today from the run, so will enjoy my Sunday arvo beers with Pommy Paul ‘Birchy’ Birch to help celebrate his 40^th Birthday

Winner of the Sutherland Half - HuRTS lad Crossy.

With All Round Good Guys - Crossy and Ronan at the end of a tough Off Road 21ks

Some 'Shire Chick' wanting a photo with HuRTS elite, NO clue who it was - i'll ask Laura if she has any idea? She tells me she can run a mean 5000m?

Rest Day tomorrow, will be back on Tuesday

Footy has started, although after reading the results i think we'll kick off the season next week

Cheers

Rushcutters Pyramid

Down to Rushcutters today for the tough Pyramid session and whilst all the big guns were back including, Quentin, Tucks, Crossy, Clarkey, Tom and ‘RedFoo’ Dean Degan, there were no sign of either Stankard or Bartlett who both still have a case of the sniffles. With Mikey even taking a well earned rest day after his tough Sunday session……………. On support duties.

Tough session I find this one that sees 1,2,3,4,3,2,1, laps done with half the amount of recovery time.  Worked with the fast group today and sat just behind Crossy for the first half (he must have been taking it easy) before the Chairman Tommy H who had previously been taking it even easier running with the girls joined me on the second triple, double and single laps. Felt pretty strong for the first half once more although I’m always happier once the 4 timer is out the way, and with Tom helping me out I was even happier to be able to kick it down on the back half of each rep.

All reps were kept well under 3.30 pace (apart from the first)

Times and pace were:

1.       89  @ 3.31 pace

2.       2.58 @ 3.25

3.       4.29 @ 3.22

4.       5.59 @ 3.23

        3.    4.23 @3.15

        2.    2.54 @ 3.13

        1.    79     @ 2.53

So, with each session I’m starting to feel stronger and with it comes a little more confidence (I hope) – Rest day again tomorrow and will try to get out for the Sunday long run this week.

Best of luck to Tucks who heads O/S on Sunday in preparation of his big Ultra Run/Walk that he is doing, not 100% sure where he’s even going but I’m tipping he’ll come back with a placing to his name, He did say he was just looking at reducing his sleep time for this race that currently stands at 45 minutes mid race J

Cheers

HuRTS 4 x 10 minute efforts.

Even allowing for a cold day in Sydney town and post City to Surf there was a big crowd for the HuRTS 4 x 10 minute session at lunch (although I reckon we had about 50% never finishing the session). Good to see the likes of Quentin, C.T , Crossy, Tom, Tucks. Fats all backing up and Mikey was back out testing the ‘Hammy’ once more. No sign of Enda or Barts though and I fear that could be the end of them for the immediate future with their heads totally mixed up in the aftermath from Sunday.

Despite a big crowd I think everyone was taking the same cautious approach today, as apart from Crossy and Quentin we all seemed to be running and chatting together for the first rep just sitting under 4 min/ks. The return is always harder back up the hills but was happy to get back with 5 seconds to spare.  Amazingly the legs were feeling OK and on the 3^rd rep pushed the pace a little more, and on completion had Tom and Tucks standing beside me, told them then they had to get me back home in under 10 minutes to help me out. Straight away the pace picked up even more around the flats as we tried to ‘bank time’ seemed to struggle up near the A.B.C Pool but was still ticking along OK, that last little climb before the freeway nearly got the better of me but in the process we picked up Pete Walker that also helped and with a few encouraging words from the boys I was happy to get back to the Stone Gates in 9.51

Pace and distance for the 4 were:

3.52 min/ks  2.6k

3.47 min/ks  back in 9.55

3.47 min/ks 2.65k

3.43 min/ks back in 9.51

I’ll take that one and felt pretty good throughout and strangely enough without getting ahead of myself can feel a little confidence coming back. Still. I may take tomorrow off and rest up before rejoining the team on Thursday.

With winning team captain 'Muzza' and some of his 'Yule' team.

NEW Star Renee, after walking out the E.Y tent stealing the C.E.Os birthday cake

The First Sign, The Chairmans eyes are starting to go, alongside Taffy Lad and Claude Van Dam.

Skippy Heyden giving Enda a few tips on how to run a good City to Surf.

Cheers