The Greatest Show on Earth

Out with the squad today but with no MC we stuck to the Barangaroo route. TB, The Kilted Scot, Dom, Emma and others in attendance. Very easy going until the turnaround point when TB announced he was going to pick the pace up. Dom, some French chap and I went with him averaging just under 4mins per km all the way back. It felt better at that pace - I would have stopped at 11km otherwise.

15.75km all up averaging 4:16's? 105km for the week - first time over 100km since mid-June.

Fame at last for the HuRT Squad in Australia's running bible. Even Matt at work pointed it out.

HuRTS Hills

Over to Observatory Hill today for 10 reps up the 580m hill. Hadn't had my morning doughnut so was feeling a bit weak, not helped by not having done a tough session like this in ages. Tucks, Fats (who disappeared around a corner after rep 4 and turned into Barts), J-Fen, Macca, Dicky's G and H, MC, Dom and sole female Em were all there plus more. We were also graced with the mighty presence of Robdog, pretending as ever he lacked fitness.

Fats, Tucks, Dom and Robdog powere ahead for the first 3 reps with me, J-Fen and Dicky H a short distance behind. Did these in about 2:10. Gradually felt more comfortable with the pace getting closer to the front guys and led the last couple out.

Tough session. First time my legs have felt wobbly in training in ages.

1 week to go!!!

Big Skies

Have a lunch with NAB today so was up and out by 6.30am for the route to Shelley Beach and back. Stunning morning and plenty to enjoy along Manly Beach. 14km in 58:47 (4:11's) with 30:14 on the way out and 28:33 on the return.

Post 1500

Today was the HuRTS 2 x 20mins session off a 3 min break. Usual good Tuesday crowd with Barts, a resurgent Tucks, Fats (everyone seems to end with an "s" these days), Dicky H and TB running well upfront. On the way out Bart's and Tucks were ahead but I made an effort around he Park Hyatt to bridge the gap. 5.88km in the 20mins (3:24's). I gave myself 50m start on Tucks and Barts on the way back knowing I'd pushed it on the way out. Judged it just right (despite the boys overtaking me early on) to finish in 19:58 (3:25's).

People are hitting some good form. I reckon Fats will go very well in the Mt Solitary run and TB has a good shot of breaking Kansers PB in the C2S. Meanwhile, MC goes from strength to strength despite inventing sessions on the hoof.

Post script: Alaoui got busted for drugs overnight, as I'd suggested might happen on 13th July. So long as they ping Cakir too, I'm predicting my original choice of Aregawi will take Gold.

Ninky Nonk

After a coconut cocktail, 5 glasses of red, 1 glass of dessert wine, a beer chaser and bed at 1.30am, I was pretty concerned about the 6:10am start with Tucks, Bartles, Dicky G, Dicky B and Jason. Felt strangely OK though. Bartles said he could smell the booze coming off me in the first 5km.

Plenty of chat and the kms passed by in a blur. Tried to up the pace in the final 10km but I had nothing to give. We had a few 3:45's so probably covered it in about 39mins. All up 36.4km in 2:32 (4:10's). Then straight back to bed.

Igglepiggle

Got out in the late afternoon with only 30mins spare so did my old Manly 7.5km route. Wanted to go quite hard but not chasing a PB. Just concentrated on holding my form the whole way. Was surprised at the time at half way and finished in 26:46. 3:34's which sounds slow for 7.5km but its a nuggety little course. Anything under 27 I'm very happy with so looks like I might finally be shaking the marathon jet lag.

Now heading out for a boozy late night dinner party before meeting Tucks, Barts, Dicky Green and Richard Banks at 6:10am for 37km. Christ.

The Tombliboos

Go Cav! What a finish, he destroyed them. Great to see him back to form.

Today was just a very easy 13.5km over to Cremorne Point with MC, Mr Ace, Ray, Rob, Indrajeet and Georgie Moore. 65mins or so.

Makka Pakka

Out to Rushcutters for the thrill ride that is 10 x 400m off a rolling 2 mins. They'd fenced off a bit of the oval for ground maintenance but had conveniently marked out a running track so Timmy improvised and created a 400m route largely involving the outside lane of the newly marked out track. MC insisted it was 2s too long, I reckoned 1s max. The Garmins said 430m but they always measure long when going in circles.

Small but select crew with Bartles, Tucks and Darien up front, Timmy just behind (to be fair to him, he runs this session very well), MC following with Pete W, TB (taking it easy), Louis and others and Aparna the only girl but looking good for my JPMorgan team.

I was worried about my sore hammies so wanted to take it easyish. I started to feel more confident about them after 5 so picked up the pace. This tactic seemed to coincide with the way J-Fen runs the session so we ended up pretty much running them all together.

Reps went:

74, 74, 74, 74, 73, 73, 72, 72, 69, 67

Really enjoyed it.

I've ditched the no coffee, no beer diet. Bloody stupid idea, I was getting depressed on it.

The Wottingers

12.3km run in 55:20 up and around Centennial. Hammies very sore but the Tiger got into them this arvo.

The Pontipines

45mins tempo today and a good crowd on another beautiful Winter's day. I say Winter, but checking out the forecast in London it's 3C warmer here and there's not a cloud in the sky.

I set off with Bartles, Timmy, Tucks and Enda and, feeling good, pushed on a bit running with Bartles. We ran really consistently until the turn, picked it up a bit and then at 8km my legs just slowed down. They'd been feeling pretty dead the whole way but my breathing was fine so thought they'd come good later on. But between 8 and 9km I ran a 3:42 so decided there was no point flogging a dead horse and decided to stop at 10km and jog home the short way.

Plainly still got the marathon in my legs, but it'll come good at some stage. Very consistent times today until the 8th km:

3:30, 3:31, 3:32, 3:30, 3:30, 3:29, 3:34, 3:26, 3:42, 3:30.

35:18 for 10km.

Tucks was taking it easy after some monster bush run on Sunday. Barts finished well and Fats is showing some real form but man of the moment is Dom who is hitting form beautifully for C2S. He's got some real pace and now seems to be backing it up with some stamina.

Female Field (this will be patchy):

Shot Put: Adams
Javelin: Spotakova
Hammer: NFI
Discus: NFI
High Jump: Lowe
Long Jump: Proctor
Triple Jump: Savigne
Pole Vault: Maurer
Heptathlon: Chernova

A bet was laid

Got home on Friday just in time to run to the bathroom and shout at the toilet 5 times in a row. Spent the next 24 hours either in bed feeling sorry for myself or being miserable to the rest of the family. I'm not pleasant to be around when under the weather. Needless to say I missed the Short Course XC but the boys did the job in my absence.

Felt better today so ventured out with the usual Monday crowd. I was feeling pretty average though after a couple of km and was planning on cutting short at 11km but by this time Rozza had joined us and was telling some interesting stories so I stayed on for the full 16km. He still claims not to be interested in running C2S despite donning the trainers again so I put $100 on the table and told him it was his if he could beat my man Bartles.

Rozza smiled and shook his head but I reckon he's considering it. Meanwhile, Barts emailed this arvo planning a monster run on Sunday to put some steel in his legs.

Oh, and I'm going dry for the rest of July and have cut out coffee. Had 4 cups of peppermint tea today. Life is dull.

Mens Field Events:

Shot Put: Reese Hoffa
Discus: NFI
Hammer: NFI
Javelin: Vesely
Pole Vault: Otto
High Jump: Robbie Grabarz
Long Jump: Mitchell Watt
Triple Jump: Christian Taylor
Decathlon: Ashton Eaton

I think I missed the Mens Steeple the other day. I'll go with my man Kemboi, the dancing wannabe murderer.

Shock! Scandal!

OMG!

Caught up with Mr Ace, TB, Gerry and John Bowe for the usual route and bumped into Mermaid Em around Farm Cove. Now, Em was on J-Fen, Indrajeet and Angus's winning trivia team on Tuesday night but in two shock revelations she divulged that:

(a) there "had been a bit of Googling going on", and when she saw the shock on my face she added; "but everyone was at it, right?"; and

(b) Em had recently been to a Macquarie Bank quiz night where; "most of the questions were the same ones Dave asked".

So Kanser's a lazy arse and half our squad are cheats!

I could barely carry on running. Managed to trot out 15km in 65:50 though on a beautiful day.

Tomorrow is the Short Course XC champs and with Tucks, Tongey, Robbie Neill, Fats, Kevin Robertson and Richie R running it should be very competitive. Will just have to see how the legs hold up. It'll be my 5th consecutive weekend of racing. If you count my 20km hilly tempo (which was as hard as a race) it's 7 weeks in a row, which has to be a record.

Women's Gold Medallists (Track):

100m: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
200m: Allyson Felix
400m: Amantle Montsho
800m: Fantu Magiso
1500m: Mariem Alaoui (before she's busted)
5000m: Vivian Cheruiyot
10000m: Tirunesh Dibaba
110m H: Sally Pearson
400m H: Melaine Walker
Steeple: Milcah Chemos
Marathon: Mary Keitany

New Hickson Road

We had roadwork going on along Hickson Road so MC made the long overdue decision to switch the session to Barangaroo. You always pick up the wind along Barangaroo but it wasn't too bad today, slightly behind on the odd reps and against on the evens. We decided to measure a 1.2km on the Garmins (slightly longer than the traditional route) and funnily enough we all reached the same spot. I was in the front on the first but then Richie H told me to calm down and remember I'd run a marathon only 11 days ago. So I eased a bit but not too much, feeling pretty comfortable. Rep times were:

3:44
3:50
3:52
3:51
3:46

All between 3:05 - 3:10 per km. I reckon it's about 6-7 seconds slower than the usual Hickson Road route (on the way out). J-Fen, Julien and Aparna's boyfriend were upfront going well (Julien monstering us on the final rep) with Dom also running really well.

Not feeling great this arvo but I've been abusing my body with beer and the Tour de France. Stayed up to watch all of last night's stage. As Sammy said this morning, it finally looks as though cycling could be clean, when the sprint finish is won by someone looking as though they are cycling through treacle.

Finally, been thinking about the Olympics a lot (I travel 3 weeks today) and have decided on my Gold Medallists (Mens track today):

100m: Blake
200m: Bolt
400m: Santos
800m: Rudisha
1500m: Kiprop
5000m: Gebremeskel
10000m: Farah
110m H: Liu Xiang
400m H: Greene
Marathon: Kipsang

HuRTS 3 min reps

First HuRT session in a while for me but the crowds haven't diminished. Everyone who is anyone was there. I pushed the session a bit, particularly the 7th rep but after that my quads felt smashed so cut short at 10 reps. Will have to start some proper training again soon as I'm turning into a lazy arse.

Then in the evening it was off to the Benny St fundraiser. Had a great night and drank far too much beer among many friends. Kanser set the toughest trivia night I've ever attended, with a heavy emphasis on All things Irish. J-Fen, Indrajeet, Angus and co were quickest on the iPhones so took out the first prize. Durante won a running technique session from Keith - behind the Tiger probably the person who least requires it. I won jack-sh*t. Thank God Kanser didn't push harder in making me sing I Feel Fine.

Getting back into it

Charlie's birthday party this morning so just an easy 12.5km with Billy on his bike this afternoon - to Shelley but back the short way via the playpark. Averaged 4:18's but to be honest the legs are still feeling a bit dead and was happy to cut short.

Couple of photos from Charlie's party this morning...

State Road Relays

First up was the kids, Billy running very well but Bec struggling a bit. I think she's going through a growth phase. They both then ran with Charlie on the 2km fun run and he ran all the way and was stoked.

For the relays, it was a case of the HuRT Squad old guard forming the 35+ team with Tucks leading off, followed by Fats, Dicky H then me. We also had an Open team of Andrew Wilson (fresh from 4th in the Striders 10km earlier in the morning), Dicky P, young kid Taiki and supposedly EJ, but he was a no-show so I made Tucks run twice (but didn't tell him until after the first leg).

We though ASICS Wests would be our main rivals but hadn't counted on Sutherland entering a strong team including Kevin Robertson, Nick Bennett and Greg Graves. Fortunately the boys ran really well (Fats in particular) and handed over to me with a 10s lead on Wests and 15s on Sutherland. I just went out hard and tried to hold on. Felt fine on first lap but felt the marathon in the legs up the hill on the second. But we won! See pic.

Special mention for Amandas cakes. They were sensational. When we were lining up for our medals Fats told me he was contemplating a third. I thought he was talking about kids until he corrected me and said he was talking about cakes.

Some fine results in the Suncorp 10km this morning. In particular Andy and J-Fen scoring good PBs. Tucks and I were talking only yesterday about how 10km PBs are to be savoured as they don't happen often.

Gold Coast Marathon - 16th in 2:34:00

Rocked up on a beautiful morning having walked from Main Beach. Said a few hellos to JB, Macca and TB before listening to some chap murder the National Anthem. I don't bother with a warm up before the marathon, figuring that 42.2km is enough for the day.

We were off and I was feeling great. The Garmin was all over the place but I think I went through the first km in 3:26. I wasn't too fussed though as it felt fine and I thought it would be a few seconds in the bank. Settled into a group of 3 ladies and a couple of blokes so it was a decent crowd. And it stayed this way for quite a while. We were regularly ticking off 3:35's and if they drifted to a 3:38 I'd push the pace again. Gradually though the group was whittling down. At the turnaround at 16km I could see JB about 30s back but running alone, with Macca and Tongey about 10s behind him. I was surprised about Tongey but was expecting him to come through in the second half, remembering what he did at the SMH Half.

We caught a guy from the ADF at 17km and by that stage it was me, ADF chap and Ogi the second placed lady. This was the best bit of the race. I was leading the group but getting loads of shouts from the runners going in the opposite direction which really lifts your spirits. By 20km ADF chap had dropped so it was down to me and Ogi. I was working harder to keep the kms at 3:35s but told myself just to get to 30km where the real work would begin. I picked up what i thought was my Thomas the Tank Engine drinks bottle at 20km only to discover it was a Buzz Lightyear one with Dave Kane written on the side! Had a bit of a chuckle to myself but then was a bit pissed off as he didn't tape a gel to it.

Coming back into Main Beach suddenly 3 chaps come back to us paying for the early pace. Its not nice but very satisfying to start picking people off in the latter stages of the race. Here I really started to work hard, determined to keep the pace consistent at least until 35km. It paid off as the results show I had the 7th fastest split between 30 and 35km. The splits went as follows:

5km: 17:45
10km: 18:04
15km: 18:02
20km: 18:01
Half: 1:15:56
25km: 18:13
30km: 18:09
35km: 18:27
40km: 19:04

Ogi was still with me and at 35km as I started to fade a bit she started to lead for the first time in the race. I just held on to her telling myself every extra km she could drag me through would be a bonus. Coming back over the little hill over the bridge at 37.5km was the doing of me though. I was now knackered. Saw Gary an JB by the road at 38km and I was struggling, the next 2km were just trying not to fall apart and went on for ages. I was still doing 3:48's though so thought I might still sneak under 2:34. Before 40km I did some maths and thought I'd need to go through in 2:25:30 to have a shot. I went through in 2:25:50 so thought it was out of reach so just tried to get home. Every time I tried to pick up the pace my hammies would seize up so it was a balancing exercise at this point. Hit the crowds coming towards the finish and immediately my spirits lifted - it's a fantastic feeling. Turned the final corner to see 2:33:45 on the clock. I thought "I can do this!", I just need to sprint. Tried to sprint but my hammies seized, so I tamely crossed the line in 2:34:00, only temporarily rueing it.

I was chuffed to bits. Ogi said something in Japanese and we hugged having shared 2.5 hours of pain. Had a good chat with Mark Tucker then watched Macca and TB cross the line. News coming in wasn't good on Kanser or JB. They're both fit though and will regroup to run a good one soon.

Then got a bit emotional like I do after long races. Pulled myself together and had a few lively beers with Macca, Glen and Bartles before heading off to Moo Moos with the rest of the squad. Don't remember much after that but I've for a cracking hangover.

Almost there

8.5km jog around the beaches, 5km with the kids. Almost there. In one piece for now. News from Macca is that a bandaged up bloke will haul his ass to the start line despite not having run in 11 days and running on a wing and a prayer. Would have expected nothing less form him.

HuRTS Gate to Gates

Trotted down and dawdled around at the back of the reps with Ray. Put in a few 100m strides to stretch the legs. Ran the last rep at target marathon pace which was less comfortable than I was hoping for. Hey ho.

All post excellent massage in the morning courtesy of JSM's no.1.

Daniel Batman

Easy 4.7km with the kids this morning and then 11.3km with MC, Mr Ace, French Jules, Jonathan and others at lunch.

4 days to go. Just want to be on the startline now, everything else feels like going through the motions.

RIP Batman.

More easy running

Just an easy 10km at lunch on my work 10km route, untimed.

Fucking annoyed with Athletics NSW not counting our Men's Over35 team result from the XC at the weekend. This was their response:


"Hi Tom,

Thank you for your enquiry and congratulations on a great run on Saturday.

The rules for cross country and team competitions in the winter running
events are on the web:
https://assets.imgstg.com/assets/console/document/documents/Winter%20Running
%20Rules%20120424.pdf

The process for calculating team results at the adidas Winter Series
competitions, including the NSW XC Championships, allows an athlete to run
up (for juniors) or down (for masters) an age group. The simple requirement
is that if an athlete is not going to be entered in his/her "natural"
age-gender, then the team manager must complete a form to modify the
"natural" age-gender and submit this prior to the race. These forms were
available at check-in on the day, and also available on the website prior to
the day of competition.

https://assets.imgstg.com/assets/console/document/documents/Agegender.pdf

By looking at the Age Group results for the final event at 3:00pm, we can
see that you (Tom) were in the 35-39 age group; Nigel Wickham and EJ Davie
were in the 40-44 age group; Paul Bruning was in the 45-49 age group. Teams
are in 10-year categories i.e. 35-44 and 45-54.

If Sydney Striders were to have a team, Paul Bruning could have been
submitted as a change of age-gender and entered into a 35-44 team. This did
not happen.

I recall a discussion with EJ before the 3pm race where I explained that if
all the athletes were competing in their "natural" age group, then no
paperwork was required by the team management. EJ expressed his opinion
that everyone in his proposed team was within the natural age group for
competition.

We have tried hard to make the process clear, and I spent some time on
Saturday explaining to many clubs how to enter their teams. I hope that
this helps to explain the situation and I look forward to seeing you at
other events this winter.

Regards,
Janet."

Monday squad

Easy 16km with the Monday squad in I don't know what. Frickin freezing. Weather like this on Sunday would be ideal.

NSW XC Champs - 13th in 43:42

Spent the early part of the afternoon cheering on Bec and Billy in the under 12's (getting a team bronze in the process which they were thrilled with) then Maggie and Charlie were up in the 1km fun run. Finally got around to the Men's Open race and, after thinking it may be a low quality race, saw Jeff Hunt, Nipper, Russ Chin and a load of other names front up.


I set off at a pace I thought was relatively easy but was surprised to be running with Robin Whiteley and, when we went through 1km in 3:08, realised that it must have been the excitement of running after 4 days rest. Sure enough on the first hill Robin pulled ahead and Chadi came past, followed by Jack Colreavy.


From then on I was pretty much running solo but aware that Richie Roberts was closing in. I felt comfortable on the flats and downhills but was losing time on the ups. Spoke to Richie who said he got within a couple of yards of me in the monster hill on the final lap but that I was pulling ahead on the downhills. Only scare was my shoelace (the one with my timing chip) coming undone in the final 1.5km. No time to stop to tie it but the tag was about to fall off on the final corner. Luckily limped over the line. Felt OK at the end as it wasn't a mad scramble to the line so hopefully no harm done before next week.


Only problem is stomach cramps since the race. I'm hoping it's due to running on no food all day other than a couple of doughnuts from the Berry Famous Donut van.


Nice to stand on the podium for 3rd place in the Over 35's with the kids cheering on. Unfortunately with Chadi and Robin in the same age group anything better than bronze was highly unlikely.

Here is the coolest video of the course which shows you a bit of what it's like, but not enough detail on the bugger of a hill at the back end...

I'm being tested...

3 kids off school today sick. I'm put to but a Sars mask.

Easy 10.3km at lunch with MC, Springer, Mr Ace, Rob, BW and Emma. Now off to Gerringong for a weekend as close to Nowra as anyone dares go.

10 more days

10.3km plod along the beaches in 55:30, first half with Bec.

Last long 'un

4.62 km with the kids (24:30 for Bec, Billy up ahead) then a run to work with Dicky G via Queenscliff (taking the route via the playpark). 18.7km in 80:00.

HuRTS 45min Fartlek

No MC today so I mumbled some vague instructions then took off, intending to take it easy. Bartles and J-Fen pushed ahead while I ran with Tucks and Fats. Tucks and I started working harder around Farm Cove to bridge the 20m gap which we managed by the Stone Gates, with Tongey having jumped out from the bushes to join us.

Stayed like this until the Opera House on the way back. At times I felt good and pushed the pace, other times I just stuck in the group. I was starting to feel a bit tired at the O House though so deliberately eased off trying to chase a marauding Tongey, which would have been fruitless in any case. Bartles and I ran together from here to finish in 44:52. Average pace 3:30.

Seeded!

Today was a run with the Hurt Squad Monday crowd which I haven't done in weeks. Nice and easy 16km in approx 70mins. Beautiful day.

Got a new app on my iPad for Blogger. It's supposed to let me do funky things but I can't make head nor tail of it.

A : We start from here..

Off the rails

Had a few too many beers in celebration on Friday (hence the fruity language in the last post) so Saturday was a write off feeling as though I was coming down with a fever. Went to Ben's 40th on Sat night and pretty much knew I needed the sleep and wouldn't race mini-mos early Sunday morning. Had plenty of rest, went to watch the kids (Billy recovering well after a stack on the start line) and slept watching the US Open golf in the arvo.

Headed out at 4.30pm with Bec and Charlie for the usual 14km route, feeling tired to start with but better as the run went on. 61mins for 14.2km. To be honest, I've been feeling pretty flat all week after the big weekend and a tough Tuesday run. But I've done very little since. Need to hold things together and manage the next 13 days carefully. Laying off the booze will be a good start. But Kirst did buy a nice bottle of Pinot for this evening...

Well done to Kanser on his 33:50 this morning. It's been a while since he's been sub34 so all looking good.

City Mile Dash

4th in 4:37. Pushed Julian the Frenchman inch by inch but he had my by a puny chest.

Fuck I was nervous for this race. JB was standing by me on the startline and remarked on how his heart rate was going manic. I was exactly the same. We all set off and Bartles was the one pushing the pace. At 300m my legs were starting to feel tired and 10 people were in front of me and I was thinking what the fuck. I then found a gap on the left hand side and pushed the pace to suddenly find myself in 4th with Bartles (leading) 5m in front and Tucks and JB on my shoulder. At the dodgy hairpin I put some effort in and concentrated on catching the Bart. Tucks dropped off, Julian came on my shoulder and we caught Bartles with 300m to go. From then it was shoulder to shoulder with Julian taking line honours and a place on the podium with some saucy ladies from Cancer Australia. I had to make do with a Carlton Draught on the sidelines and $500 per person for retaining the team trophy.

Not bad for 4:37 mins effort. Having said that, the 4:37 effort made half of us barf and the other half taste blood for the rest of the afternoon.

Where was the Tiger!! That was the question of the day. He should have taken 3rd spot.

Deserter

Ran out of the office at lunch clutching my phone to try and fit in 10km amongst work. Wandered into the squad doing Gate to Gates and did a few with them then jogged a bit more with TB and Young Timmy to make up 10km.

Managed to cajole the lads into a group photo following the session. Got back to the office to a fair copping of email abuse from Big Sam and Young Timmy regarding yesterday's post. I think Sam wants me hung, drawn and quartered.

Top massage in the arvo to set me up for the Mile tomorrow. I'll be channelling my inner Bannister. Or is it Landy?

More Aussie than Pom

Managed to squeeze an hour run in at 8pm this evening before going back to work. Just ran up to Bondi Junction and circumnavigated Queens Park and Centennial running very easy.

Was thinking about the TdF when running and who are the favourites. Concluded that I'd rather see Grumpy Cadel win ahead of Weedy Wiggins, which must mean I'm now more Aussie than English.

Fast run home

Missed the lunchtime session with work calls (very busy at mo) and knew I'd have to do a hard run home instead. So it made for a miserable afternoon as I hate the hard run home. Not helped by a cold front moving through in mid-afternoon bringing back the persistent rain.

Anyway, the session was set. My run home is the run I do more often than any other. If I get under an hour it counts as something more than just a shuffle. Under 58mins is a fair effort. Under 56mins requires a bit of work. I've been under 50mins three times previously. April 2008 was the first when I ran 48:51, July 2008 (just before I set my City to Surf PB of 46:34) was the second when I ran 48:45 then in January 2009 (just before I took 8 months off injured) I somehow managed to run 46:21. Still not sure how I did this, especially when I compared the spits today. I must have been flying.

Worked hard the whole way today but felt heavy legged on the hills compared to Saturday when I bounced up them (i had to grab the handrail at the top of Spit Hill). 13:25 at the bottom of Ben Boyd (13:00 when I set my PB) - I gave up chasing the time at that point. 25:40 at the Toyota Garage and 48:51 all up. So equal third fastest and a fair go.

Wet Wet Wet

Holy cow. 36 hours hours of constant heavy rain and Sydney can't cope. Tried to run to Shelley Beach and back but the Quirk Road cut through was a no-go as it was a lake, so skirted along Roseberry Ave to Campbell Pde but that too was a one foot deep lake. So ended up running up to Seaforth and just gaining height. Massive torrents along what are usually babbling brooks. Took it very easy running with Billy on his bike and covered 11.5km.

Back on the trails

Just Dicky and I again today with Sam a no-show. I think Dicky wanted to punish me for yesterday so took me on every hilly and rocky trail he could find, even random ones that didn't seem to go anywhere. We did a big whole loop of Manly dam then headed down to Spit Bridge to run the Spit to Manly. Dicky stopped at his place in Fairlight but I continued on into Manly, along to North Steyne and back home via Pacific Parade.

27km all up in 2:15:25 (5:02's). Doesn't even count as a run in the Easy Tiger rule book but felt like it. Not used to the trails and suffering the after effects of yesterday so I'm dead tired.

Finally, looks like Dibaba handled Defar (who has been neck and neck with last year's no.1 Cheruiyot) with ease last night. An afternoon on the sofa watching the athletics could be on the cards. For all the doubters, that is why Sally Pearson won the IAAF female athlete of the year last year. Cheruiyot's main opposition was missing.

Hilly tempo

Caught up with Dicky Green on another beautiful day. Absolutely perfect running conditions - clear as a bell, completely still and cool. We decided on the hilly 20km up to Seaforth, through Balgowlah Heights, around Tania Park and back the same way finishing with a loop of Manly Golf Course. Long drag up to Seaforth, a few steep hills in Seaforth and plenty of false flats in Balgowlah Heights but equally you get the benefit of running back down them on the return. I did a few hills twice circling back to pick up Dicky.

Full of running today and all up 20km in 1:11:26 (3:34's). Bit of a confidence booster.

Another perfect day

Ran to work. That's 13km every day since Sunday. Beautiful day today and it was a pleasure, especially feeling much better the further from Sunday I run.

55:30 today. 118km for the week.

Sydney weather

Too busy at work to get out for any of the HuRTS sessions so squeezed in a 10km tempo around the foreshore. 34:54 with the kms going 3:26, 3:28, 3:32, 3:28, 3:38, 3:27, 3:25, 3:27, 3:31, 3:28.

Beautiful Sydney winters day and felt great running controlled until the final 2km up the hills where I had to work hard. Said hello to Fast Charlie, tried to high five Bartles and slapped Lisa's bum.

Hexham weather

Too busy at work to squeeze in 22km this morning so just ran straight to work in 58:09. Planned to run home to make up the kms but in the end I couldn't be arsed.

Oooh, 2 new bets with the Tiger:

1. $50 on him not going sub 34:10 at Gold Coast.
2. $50 on Mo beating Lagat in the 5000m at the Olympics. Wasn't discussed but I'm declaring now that if Lagat fails to qualify for the US team I win.

HuRTS 45min tempo

The cold front held off until 2.30pm thank god so we managed our session in sunshine and relative warmth.

Bartles went straight to the front and disappeared out of sight running very quickly. I ran with Macca and a resurgent Clyde still going pretty well as we hit the Stone Gates in 10:11 but my legs were like lead weights and I couldn't have turned them over any quicker. This was shortly proved when my cap blew off approaching circular quay. I spent 10s chasing it to pick it up and, try as I might, I couldn't bridge the gap back to Macca and Clyde. Turned just before the second speed bumps and ran back with M&C, me doing most of the work. Kept on trying to drop them but to no avail. Clyde played a Get Out of Jail Free card by claiming he was going to stop at Mrs Macs Chair but then just continuing on. Eventually pulled ahead up the hills to finish in 44:22, big negative split and 10:00 for the final gate to gates. 3:32 average pace for the 12.5km.

Clyde finished shortly after. Macca (who has never met Clyde) looked dazed and confused, wondering who the 80kg bloke was who had just dropped him on the hills! Bartles came in on 45:00 running very well. Good to see Tucks back out and MC (running 12km at a pace quicker than his North Head 10km) impressing all the ladies with his injured hand.

I need a rest soon. Constantly tired when running at the mo.

Easy recovery

Just an easy run home in 58:53. Stared at a lunar eclipse running down Parriwi Road.

Final long one?

Out at 5.45am this week with Big Sam, JB and Macca for what could be the final long run prior to GCM. Legs felt very heavy this morning after yesterday and, to be honest, it was just a question of putting one foot in front of the other for the first few km desperately waiting for Narrabeen where I could take the first gel. Felt a bit better after that. Pretty damp around the lake and we had no plans to pick the pace up over the final 10km but of course we did out of instinct - the first 5 of them being just over 4:00 per km and the last 5 just under. Good chat all the way though even when picking the pace up with the boys all running well after tough races yesterday. All up 36.8km in 2:38:33 (4:18's).

Came back to see some great results from Eugene in the Prefontaine Classic. Mo winning the 5000m in 12:56 and beating Bekele and all the Kenyans in the process. Collis ran a great PB of 13:10 with Mottram well back. My favourite female athlete, Tirunesh Dibaba, also won the 10,000m by a whisker - no doubt relying on her kick. Can't wait to see the races.

Bad news was that I got an email from Dad yesterday claiming that he was checking his old running diaries and discovered he ran a 10km in South Shields in 1988 (aged 46) in 32:04. All sounds very dodgy to me but I guess I have to trust him, given he's my Dad.

Big Saturday

First up an early rise for the North Head Striders 10km. I'd had a few beers at Friday night work drinks and wasn't the best at 5.45am. Felt fine when I got there though doing a warm up with MC, Mr Ace, et al. I was pacing Rob C and we had a few others along for the ride too, including Liz Miller and John Bowe. Had fun shouting at the front guys and there was the usual battle between Bartles, Scotty, Bleasel and Tongey. The aim was to get through 10km in 38 mins and we set a course for that. We seemed well up in the first 5km going through each km in about 3:41/3:42 but I noticed the Garmin was increasingly beeping shorter of the official km mark each time. It was muggy today and the second 5km slowed but still on pace overall according to the Garmin. Unfortunately, the Garmin measured the course at 10.2km and Rob missed his target running 38:35. I think Action may need to get his measuring wheel out as everyone came back with the same measurement. Still, it was a nice start to the day.

Then on to Miranda after watching Billy's team sneak a 2-2 draw against Brookvale in a thriller. The kids were on at 12noon in light rain. It then got heavier and heavier. By 3pm the course was well churned up and runners were slipping over on every tight corner. I ran 3rd leg of the 4x4km relay for the Open team. Went off a bit too fast chasing down the two runners in front of me and paid for it on the hills on the second loop. Ended up with 13:39 which was OK but nothing special. Great news though was that a strong final leg from Tongey brought us back to 3rd place overall! This is the best result the Striders have ever achieved. We'd have won the Over 35's if we'd entered that team (we're all over 35 - our average age is a scary 44) but our official Over 35's team (consisting of Timmy, Nick B, Andrew Wilson and CT running a second leg) was 3rd too.

Some other sporadic results were:

Chadi: 13:20
Tongey: 13:23
CT: 13:29
Nick Cope: 13:34
Richie Roberts: 13:40
Chamkaur: 13:44
Keith: 13:49
Sean Williams: 14:12
Tiger: 14:42
Timmy: 15:27
Laura: 15:34 (Oh Laura, why couldn't you find 8 more seconds and make my year!)

Love these events. Great atmosphere and a smattering of world class athletes too. Harry Summers (a 28:13 10km runner) ran 12:22 looking very easy but fastest time of the day was James Nipperess (an 8:35 3000m Steeplechaser) who ran 12:13. I guess the course and distance aligned with his pet event.

Finally, many thanks to Laura's mum for her fantastic scones with jam and cream. A perfect post race recovery. Unfortunately Timmy had drunk all the tea before I arrived.

Friday amble

Easy run in to work in 57:53. I reckon part of the reason I'm feeling better in the mornings is my improved nutrition. Last might was a Crust Supreme pizza (less the olives and half of the final slice) followed by a large heaped bowl of rhubarb crumble and ice cream, swilled down with two Coopers Pale Ale. Tiger, do I win?

Ran up Parriwi Road where this cyclist overtakes me and slows down to start studying my running form. Thought it was a bit weird until I realised it was Mark Green from The Body Mechanic! Good chat with him for a few minutes before he rode on.

111km for week. Solid off only 6 days. One more big one before I start to wind down.

HuRTS Hickson Road

The old session. I was in the front group with CT, J-Fen, Big Sam (running very well), Andy, Enda and a few others with MC taking it easy in the second group in prep for North Head and his big showdown with Timmy.

Felt good again today following a massage with Amanda this morning. We all nearly died on the first rep narrowly avoiding a car and I couldn't tell where the official end spot is with roadworks going on so the time was off. Settled into it after that with CT pushing me all the way and making a break on the final one.

Times were:

3:48 (off)
3:31
3:39 (still slightly dodge)
3:31
3:36 (about right)

Jog back for 11km all up.

Wednesday MLR

3.4km tempo with the kids (Billy, who is getting stronger every run, 15:46, Bec, 17:03) around the Golf Course from home. Then ran to work via Queenscliff lagoon. Felt pretty good today although some of those hills are pretty tough.

All up 22km in 1:39:46 (4:32's).

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

Big crowd today with lots of the speedsters upfront. Fast Charlie, J-Fen, Macca, Fats, Young Timmy, the mystery fast chap who no-one knows the name of, Truscott, Bartles, Ray, MC, Big Sam, Mr Ace plus a host of GCM participants like Sonya, Emma, Indrajeet and Laura. Birthday boy Tucks was sipping wine in the leagues club, JB was flying solo and Kanser was having another rest day but otherwise pretty much everyone in attendance.

I felt OK in the ,owning but after a couple of reps my legs felt like lead. Still settled into a pace of 3:20's or thereabouts with everyone trailing in CT's wake. Macca and I briefly trailed in Fats' wake until he gave us a taste of one of Amanda's vegetarian curries and his recent home brew. I picked up the pace over the final 5 reps running 3:10's or quicker. Legs felt just generally fatigued at this stage but warmed up. Cadence was good.

Pretty tired this arvo. In fact, I feel permanently knackered at the moment. But that's marathon training.

No Geb

Just an easy run home at the end of the day in 59:29. Need a massage on my poor hip flexors.

Bec won the 800m in her School Athletics Carnival today. Thing is she came home disappointed because I told her this morning she should try to get under 3 mins. She ran 3:04. When I told her I was proud of her and would put it on my Blog she cheered up no end. So here you go. This Blog is spreading happiness.

Go Geb!

With news of Macca and my infamous long run reaching far and wide, I was up at 6am this morning to meet Macca along with JB, Bartles, Craig Mac and his Irish mate Tom Buckley Thank God Enda and POD didn't know about this chap as he'd have shown 80% of the Irish team a clean pair of heels if he'd run last weekend.

Very cold to start but soon warmed a bit and it was a pretty uneventful easy paced 25km chatting until the end of Narrabeen Lake when we started to speed up. From then it was a 37:45 final 10km, pushing it a bit through Dee Why to finish in 2:32:59 for the 36.8km (4:09's). Felt great this morning after yesterday's rest day. All the boys looking strong with Bartles in particular very impressive given this was 11km further than his longest run all year.

Spent most of the final 10km considering the palindrome that is The Voice contestant Rachael Leahcar. Tried to think of other music palindromes but could only come up with Abba. I was pretty tired mind and the brain slows down when the legs speed up.

Run home

Buggered at work. Found myself at home at 3.45pm so ran back to work in 58:24. Bit average feeling.

Now out with the boys for the Striders dinner. Could be a big night...

Somehow managed to cobble together 90km for the week.

HuRTS 400m reps

The smallest and most select group today of Bartles, Young Timmy, Pete W (telling me that he's decided that the way to beat Timmy is to train like Timmy) and myself.

First rain of May and pretty cold but Rushcutters was as pristine as ever. Straight into it and for every rep Timmy and Bartles would go out hard with me chasing them with Pete. For most reps I'd nudge ahead of Bartles by the end other than a couple which he held on for and the last when both he and Timmy were burglars. I had a go at Timmy about this and he got very upset. I've never seen him lost for words before.

Reps were very consistent but noticeably down on the last time we did this. No doubt SMH Half still in our legs. Amazing how many people I've heard from who are still suffering the after-effects of it.

69, 69, 68, 69, 68, 68, 68, 69, 68, 69

I like the 400's. Not while doing them of course, but you recover fairly quickly and feel virtuous.

Workout Wednesday

Watched Billy coming 17th in Zone XC this morning. He was in 10th at halfway but obviously has his Dad's stamina.

Then ran to work easily in 58:24 feeling as though I'm finally recovering from the weekend. Beaut of a day. But stuffed at work.

HuRTS 4 x 10mins

Going through the motions today with Bartles, others including Timmy, Big Sam, Tongey, Fast Charlie and J-Fen hitting the front. Good crowd and plenty of chat.

Hip flexor marginally better but left calf feels like a leather sack full of ball-bearings.

Monday recovery

11.7 in 56:xx very easy recovery with MC, JB, Ray, Indrajeet, King James and others.

Hip flexor so sore couldn't even get my leg onto the clutch in the car in the morning without physically lifting it.

SMH Half - 13th in 72:38

Where was Ireland? Looks like the English thoroughly put them to the sword this morning. The Churchill/Sands trophy will stand proudly for a year alongside the huge monolith that is the City Mile Dash trophy.

Drove Ben, Dicky, Big Sam and Charlie Girl in this morning after waking at the ungodly hour of 4.45am for the 2nd time in 3 days. A few run throughs then stood on the start line with loads of familiar faces around It's what I love about this race, tends to bring out all the good runners ready to give it a go.

Felt great at the start heading the second group as the group of about 15 leaders quickly gapped us. Ran through 2km in 6:29 with alongside Bleasel, Geoff Arnold and JB with CT about 20m in front. Bleasel then puts in a burst which I wasn't willing to go with so continued on with JB and another tall chap until Pyrmont. As we went over the flyover I worked the hill and felt as though I was making good ground. Then all though Pyrmont from 7km until squashed car roundabout at 14km I felt fantastic - relished all the crowd support and it just felt easy. Caught Bleasel and CT and tried to push on but without gapping them. Went through 10km in 33:37 thinking a sub72 was in the bag. Then from nowhere at 14km Tongey and Nick Bellemore overtake me and I try to stick with them going up the big hill all the way to the corkscrew. This hurt quite a bit but meant I'd gapped Bleasel and CT. Held on to Tongey and Nick until Macquarie St by which time we'd caught a tiring Vlad but my legs just failed me going up Macquarie St. I was then by myself just holding on. Felt OK going downhill to Mrs Macs Chair but it was a question of just putting my head down and working to get back up.

Rounded the final corner but with no sprint to get under last year's time. Ended up with exactly the same time.

Pretty pleased with the run. Would have been nice to hold on to Tongey and Nick but they were just too strong. Still plenty of time until GCM to work on that and taper properly.

JB finished in 73:38, Fats another minute behind but still in front of Ireland's first counter with Macca running 74:38. Nice PB for him but sure there's still more to come. Bartles beat them both with a high 73 just behind JB. J-Fen was next looking slightly disappointed with a low 75. Kanser's shoes didn't agree with his Central Governor and got him a low 76. Best of all was Timmy pipping Enda by 4 seconds despite Enda bludging off him the whole way. Dicky rounded out the Poms with a low 79 beating the final Irishman (Eoin) by a few seconds. Big Sam surprised me in particular by showing up despite being sick all week (I was about to drive off this morning before Ben spotted him jogging down Griffiths St!) and pulled himself around just over 80mins. He reckons the Tiger was just in front so looks like I'll be taking another $50 off poor Gary.

May even make some beers this arvo if the Sheaf lets 18month yr olds in. Just to see Enda and POD. Wonder if they'll buy my kids their drinks too?

Fitting it in

With Kirst gone, I had to do a fair bit of kid juggling to fit in an easy 7km jog today. It involved one pushing the pram while another did their weekend run nearby (before switching roles) while two were at a party and while I ran between the lot of them. Not sure how I feel about tomorrow. Still got some remnants of this gastro cold thing but it could amount to nothing. I'll just give it a shot and see how it goes.

Great run by Tucks today in TNF100 to finish 3rd in his first attempt at the distance. As usual, it looks like he paced it perfectly.

Monster day

Had about 2 bottles of red last night at Bambini Trust and crawled in at 11pm. Then up at 4.30am for a 6am flight to Melbourne. Did my talk, got a flight back and squeezed in a 56min run across Anzac Bridge and back via Sydney Uni. Head still pounding and knackered but at least feeling as though I've shaken the virus.

100km for week.

HuRTS 8 x 800m

Got some good work on my hip flexors this morning then out to a small crowd of Timmy, Louis, Dom and new chap James Everett at lunch with Tucks jogging by to say hello.

Planned on doing one easy, one hard etc off 2 mins rest. Timmy and Dom really pushed the first hard 800m with me wondering why I wasn't out clear. Turns out they were just running very quick.

I ran them in:

2:48, 2:19, 2:49, 2:19, 2:51, 2:20, 2:51, 2:17.

Once I'd resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't going to be an easy session it felt better.

Still not 100%, feeling a bit shivery now but 3 days to recover. But first, off for some fine wine at Bambini Trust now...

HuRTS 45min tempo

Not sure I'm 100% yet. Turned up to HuRTS with a vest and a long sleeve top on as I was freezing. Everyone else, in singlets, thought i was nuts.

Started off with J-Fen, Fats, Macca and new recruit Tongey (as if HuRTS wasn't competitive enough). Around CQ Tongey suddenly put his foot down leaving J-Fen, Fats and myself to run together until about 50m short of the second speed bumps on Hickson Rd (6.25km). I was really heavy legged on the way out. Felt slightly better on the way back and pushed the hills finishing in 44:41, final gate to gate in 10:17. Averaged 3:34's. J-Fen was strong today finishing with me.

Got stomach cramps after. Will take the rest of the week easy to freshen the legs for Sunday, although I'll probably do some grass reps on Thursday. GCM remains the priority.

Brass Monkeys

Very easy run home untimed as I forgot my watch. Felt very tired though. Yesterday has scarred me.

Other exciting news of the day is that I have a new office at work. And I now share. So no more intimate phone calls or days spent surfing the net. Arse.

Put to the sword

Put to the sword by Macca this morning. In fact, he stuck it in, twisted it and laughed maniacally the whole time. Started out feeling pretty good considering it was just 12 hours since doing the 14km tempo last might. Another beautiful morning although much cooler than recently.

Started to feel a bit heavier legged than usual around the 20km mark just past the Academy of Sport. Another gel at 25km and I thought I'd be ok. The tempo increased to sub 4min kms as usual but instead of leading the way I was just holding on to Macca. Through Dee Why we were going faster than usual (sub4 up the big hill) which I used as an excuse for being 5m behind Macca. The elastic finally snapped at 33km when I dropped to a 4:06 unable to do anything about it. Struggled home over the final 3km with Macca powering on looking super strong.

Pretty disappointed as I hate falling apart on runs. I was working harder trying to stick to Macca over the final 10km than I was at any point on the 14km tempo yesterday.

All up 36.86km in 2:37:10 (4:15's).

Manly tempo

Usual Manly route starting at dusk. It was pitch black by the time I turned at Shelley so had to tiptoe over the rough ground. Felt great on the way out and, with 25:12 at Shelley Beach, thought I'd beat my PB from March 24th easily. Then I drifted coming back along Manly beach thinking it was all too easy. Switched back on and worked hard over the final 4km but only managed 50:26 for the 14.1km (3:34's).

Great news for Gregson overnight running an A qualifier of 3:33 over 1500m but still only finishing 11th! Happy to see Allyson Felix take out the dodgy VCB over 100m. But best of all Hooker seems to have overcome his mental demons in clearing 5.72m.

Tis a pleasure

Beaut of a run solo on the Wednesday route but straight back from Fox Studios. Untimed but felt bouncy.

Hammies very tight though.

30km for the week.

Back!

Very frustrated to have missed Sunday's State 10km, especially with the guys I'd hope to run with posting such fast times. Still, all very easy saying what could have been. Got the chills on Saturday night and was feeling fluey Sunday morning so I pulled the plug. Whole family was sick by Sunday evening and I spent Monday in bed recovering. Doing anything was exhausting. Finally felt better today so headed down to the 4 x 2km.

Ran behind J-Fen with Daniel M and Timmy just behind for the first 2 reps. Felt comfortable until the end of the second rep when my legs felt dead and arms started to ache so ran the next 2 reps with MC.

Times were 6:29, 6:34, 7:05 and 7:08. Just pleased to be back on track and feeling OK.

Right groin and hip flexor a bit tight. Achilles slightly stiff from NOT running!

Hate the taper

2 kids with a gastro bug and Kirst feeling fluey. Trying to stay clear of them but got a sore throat and feel a bit achey. Pretty sure it's psychosomatic though. Always get like this when I get psyched up for a race. Ran a slow 6km to Campbell Parade and back with Charlie and Maggie on their bikes. Took about three hours or felt like it.

Easy Friday

Very easy 12.5km to Cremorne Point and back in 64mins. Ran with MC, Mr Ace, King James, The Kilted Scot and Marty. MC told us about how he ran 11.1s for 100m in Year 11 winning the State title. A few eyebrows were raised but I believed him. I laid a bet with MC for Sunday's race (my only one, which is rare). He bet that Young Timmy wouldn't run sub36. I chastised him for his lack of faith and then gamely took the $20 bet. So leave the pub now Timmy and get some sleep.Just found this. Depressing, as it looks like Billy wants to be a lawyer.

113km for the week - even tapering. Due to the weekend.

Papiss Cisse!

Holey smoke! If you missed them, take a look at this. Very easy trot today with J-Fen, Bartles, Big Sam, Young Timmy, Laura and Laura's mate Elle McPherson. At least that's what Timmy was thinking. It was all very strange. You normally can't shut Timmy up, a constant verbal stream usually ensues unless he has to start working hard (i.e. sub 4:40's). But faced with Laura's mate, he goes all Koothrappali on us! Anyway, we jogged over to Rushcutters on a beautiful Autumn day (it really is the best time of year, but don't start talking weather with Big Sam - he exhausted 5 different runners with his chat on the weather yesterday) and just did laps with a few strides thrown in. All up 10km. More good news this afternoon - Bec won her school cross country! She goes to a nerdy school now though so it's not quite the same as the sporting superstars from Manly West. Still, great stuff for her and well deserved.

Wednesday SLR

Big Wednesday crowd including MC, Big Sam, JB, Mr Ace, Spike, Marty and a load of others. I only did one loop so just 15km and untimed.

Ran in my new Mizuno Wave Musha 5's which, despite their shite name, felt great. We'll see how the achilles reacts.

Second!

After Christmas I was talking to the elder kids about representing their school and both said they wanted to get through in cross country. We started training on 1 Jan and have been out 3 days a week every week since then. Billy has only missed 4 sessions and Bec just the 1. Today Billy had his school xc and finished 2nd, 3m behind the winner. It's a great result and revenge will be had at District. Bec goes on Thursday.

Today was 2 x 20mins with the HuRT Squad off 3mins break. Legs felt really heavy to start with and I was struggling running 3:30's trying to hold on to Fats and Tucks. Scotty and Bartles were well ahead. Things improved after 3km and I bridged the gap Tucks had formed to finish with him, about 12s behind the front two.

Felt much better on the return but Bartles, Scotty and a marauding Macca had caught us by Circular Quay. We then ran with them although Scotty soon dropped off and Macca was only doing 3km reps. I pushed the hills back home to get back in 19:41 (averaging 3:21's) including 9:50 for the final gate to gate - very quick. Tucks and Bartles were right behind. John will go very well on Sunday - I'm predicting 32:40.

Great to catch up with Big Sam and good to see MC and Young Timmy back out again. The English are starting their fight back in true Bulldog spirit!

Easy Monday

Out at lunch with MC, Laura, Kanser, Dicky H, Indrajeet, the Kilted Scot and a host of others for the usual Monday route. Very easy pace but I still cut short conscious of much the weekend took out of me.

Highlight was seeing Oscar Pistorius at 10km.

14km in 1:05:25 (4:40's).

Good to see my old nemesis Lara Tamsett running a B qualifier of 32:01 in Stanford today. Not many other good performances from the Aussies.

Long Sunday

Out with Macca at 6am on a beautiful morning for a variation on the Narrabeen route. Felt much better than expected. The kms rolled by chatting to Paul and we lifted the pace in the final 10km sharing the duties.

All up 36.86km in 2:36:04 (4:14's) with the final 10km sub40.

Novice 10km Cross Country

First up was watching the kids in the 2km (after watching Tucks against the youngsters in the 4km). They went off quicker than our race and then waited patiently for Bec and Billy to emerge from the woods for the final 150m. Had no idea which of them would come out on top given how close they are in training. It turned out to be Billy finishing really well in 39th place (he's got another 2 years in this Under 12's age group) with Bec coming shortly after in 61st. Great run by them both and they were high as kites - bodes well for School XC next week.

I did a warm up of 3km running the course with Richie P, Eoin, Fats, Sam Green, the Twins and Ray. The ground was in perfect condition - nice and bouncy with only 1 mud patch although it was pretty warm at 23C. Quick catch up with Keith B, Kanser, Nick B and Flakey (Striders had a great showing) and we were off.

The usual fast start tussling for position with a bunch of youngsters gapping Keith and I early. I basically worked with Keith for the first 5km taking turns to reel in a few of the kids in front. After catching Mitch Dean at 4km I worked out we were in 4th, 5th and 6th places. Nick Bellemore then came past and started to push the pace a bit so I went with him with Keith seeming to drop off. It stayed like this until the final small loop (8km) when I made an effort to break free. At this stage Sean Williams shouts from the side that we're fighting for 3rd place. Was a bit confused as I could see we were 4th but it turns out that the 3rd place runner was some triathlete called Chris McCormack who pulled out shortly before the end (obviously doesn't have much endurance). Kept on trying to push the pace but could see another shadow had joined Mitch and I. That shadow came past at 9km and it was Tim Cochrane. I was still feeling pretty good with something in the tank so just followed Tim before emerging from the woods and starting to sprint. About 100m later, I realised I'd gone far too early and could hear Tim and Mitch catching up again. Then I hear the 5 kids screaming at me to sprint, so I go again and just give it everything until the finish line. Really chuffed to get 3rd in 33:01. Keith, Tongey and Fats finished shortly after to guarantee Striders the team win so a great day all round.

Team winners.

Friday recovery

12.3km solo in 58:08 (4:44's). Feeling knackered with very tight calves. Not expecting too much tomorrow.

100km for the week.

HuRTS 10x400m

Surprisingly big crowd for the trip over to Rushcutters with Richie P making a rare appearance. I measured out 410m on the Garmin (knowing it always measures long on an oval) and, despite having heavy legs, threw myself into it. I led most of the first 5 reps with Darian occasionally blasting one out. In the second 5, Scotty, Bartles, Darian, Jason, Richie and Spike each took turns. Tucks was a burglar on the last. Rep times went:

66, 68, 67, 67, 67, 66, 66, 66, 66, 65

Very pleased with that. Suspect it's still a bit short given the times but a great session nonetheless.

Took the elder 2 kids and Maggie on a 10km bike ride up to Seaforth and back yesterday (similar route to my morning run). Very impressed with Mags at 4.5yrs old climbing out of her saddle and managing all the hills. I videoed her on one of them. You can't quite get an impression of the gradient until you look at the elder 2 kids struggling in front. Mags Riding

Read this on The Guardian which made me laugh... Story of the Day

Quality Wednesday MLR

Stayed local with Dicky and decided on 20km with 5km on and 5km off. Needed to get the legs going to start so we did the first 3km easy and the final 2km easy. Chose a hilly route up to Seaforth and then to Tania Park and back. Kms went:

4:17, 4:16, 4:20, 3:57 (all uphill), 3:38, 3:42, 3:47, 3:27, 4:20, 4:13, 4:13, 4:08, 4:28, 3:34, 3:32, 3:32, 3:42, 3:32, 4:24, 4:08.

Dicky is good at keeping the easy sections honest when I tend to bludge. All up 20km In 1:19:17 (3:57's).

Plenty of hills as the inconsistent splits show and legs feeling it now. Beautiful cool and crisp morning though. Nice run.

HuRTS 45mins tempo

It's a game of two halves. MC still absent so I corralled the masses into the session. Bartles and Scotty went straight to the front with Macca, Ray and Tucks behind me. I stayed with Scotty and Bartles until Farm Cove where they eased ahead and I eased back with the legs feeling fatigued and me wondering why I'm in a rut. Turned at the second set of speed bumps (6.39km) so I'd made good progress but was about 80m behind the front two. Immediately after turning I lifted the pace and felt much better. Concentrated on reeling in Macca and then Ray who was pushing the pace. Felt good pushing the hills back up to the start (covering the final gate to gate in 10:07) and finishing the 12.78km in 44:55 (3:30 pace). Bartles had closed and was just 8s behind but Scotty had bailed around Farm Cove. Bizarre weather. It was really hot before the start, then cooled during the run and then the heavens opened just after we finished. Can't work out this new Blogger format. Not sure the IT people at work will be happy with me downloading Google Chrome onto my PC, but can't seem to work anything without it. And if they've updated a load of stuff, why isn't there an easy button to allow me to embed videos? And why doesn't it show new paragraphs when downloaded?

Allens Linklaters

My new firm name. Just an easy run home tonight in 57:11 (Toyota Garage in 30:17). A couple of great runs in the London Marathon yesterday. First up Big Sam showed his strength in running 2:46:59. I'd predicted a 2:44 and he was on that pace at halfway (low 1:22) but apparently got the old cramps resurfacing between 30 and 40km so had to ease the pace to keep them at bay. Sounds like it's just a question of sorting out his nutrition. He was able to throw caution to the wind in the final 2km and his pace showed it - increasing by 12s per km for this section. BeerMatt had a great run in doing a 2:30:55. Looks like he went out exactly on his target pace running low 1:14 at half way. A very high quality time although I suspect he's a bit disappointed not going sub 2:30. If I could go through my first half in the time he does his second half I'd be happy.

Sunday meander

Was supposed to be a big weekend of running but hasn't quite turned out that way. Couldn't get out yesterday as I spent too long checking out the camper trailers at the Rosehill Gardens camping and RV supershow.

Today was a very easy 30km in 2:20 with Dickyboy and Tim Peel. The quickest my heart rate got was running into a huge golden orb spider in the 2nd km and squealing like a girl. Saw Pete W and had a chat towards the end but that was about it. Feeling very guilty now.

Good luck to Big Sam and beermatt at 4pm this arvo. I'll be tracking their progress online.

Run in

Big meeting at lunch with a vote to shock the legal world so I ran in. Was knackered and managed a new PW of 62:34. Was sweating heavily and panting up the hills. Not helped by having to carry a heavy rucksack. In fact, it slowed me down so much that got me thinking how much Kenenisa Bekele would have to carry on his back before I could beat him over 10km. I settled on 27kg.

108km for the week.

HuRTS Hickson Road

Rocked up late and, with only two other stragglers there, we realised everyone must have started already. So set off solo. Reached the end just as everyone was starting their second rep so I gave myself 30 seconds rest then chased them. Caught the tail-enders but then ony had about 1:20 until the third rep started, this time running with the front guys. Strangely the 4th rep was the hardest - probably because the body wasn't used to a full 2min recover. Started lethargically and had to work hard to get into it. Then felt full of running on the final rep.

Times went:

3:42
3:45
3:34
3:36
3:34

Always the toughest of sessions as it's a real lungbuster. J-Fen was running very well. Others upfront were Scotty, Daniel M, Darian (who I gapped - get it?!), Spike and Smolly (for one rep). But talk of the HuRTS is the growth of the elite women numbers. Lucy Starrat looked like a class act joining in today in her return from injury and had a chat with Adele from NAB afterwards who is looking to run sub40 for 10km. Along with Laura, Anna and Kristen Sukkar, we have the makings of a pretty elite squad.

Wednesday MLR

Usual route. Just me, the Kilted Scot, JW and the pissing rain. The boys only did one loop of the park so I was left to run solo in the second half. Came back looking and feeling as though I'd jumped into the harbour. 1:27:16. Slow, but we ran the wide route around Centennial on the concrete path the whole way.

Getting interested in the Sydney10 and while running solo was wondering what time I'd be happy with. Tried to work out my best 10kms and it goes like this:

1. North Head Sep 2011: 32:24
2. State 10km May 2008: 32:37
3. State 10km June 2011: 32:41
4. North Head June 2008: 33:00
5. Gold Coast July 2007: 33:01
6. North Head Sep 2007: 33:08
7. Lane Cove Nov 2007: 33:16
8. Lane Cove April 2008: 33:17
9. Gold Coast July 2010: 33:21
10. North Head March 2009: 33:23

Given both State 10km races I've done have been sub33 that's got to be the aim.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

The cold wet weather has hit Sydney and scared off the fair-weather runners today, with only a hardcore of about 20 showing up. As it was the hardcore, the attrition rate for this tough session was much lower than usual, but the usual culprits still cut short. Our Irish friends chief amongst them.

At the front it was Scotty, J-Fen, Ray, Cut Short Kanser, recent recruit Daniel Mellish, Tucks (taking it easy with Mt Solitary on this weekend) and myself. I felt pretty good today. Don't want to kill these sessions yet but gradually upped the pace to cover the gate to gates in the 3 mins (3:18's) feeling OK. Everyone pushed the last one where I did the gate to gate in 2:43 (2:59 pace). Solid session and another in the bag. Just looking for consistency at the moment.

Great to see Dicky High back out again cruising around Farm Cove before picking up Bartles (that sounds wrong, but he does have form). The latter has a calf issue so is taking it easy.

Went straight out for a massage afterwards with Amanda at JSM and the good news is that my calves are pretty good but my glutes were tight. Probably explains why the achilles has been so good recently.

Monday home

Caught up with Dickyboy again for the run home. Once again, it was less than comfortable as he seemed intent on running a PB while I struggled to hold on and listen to his conversation. 29:00 at the Toyota Garage and 54:22 all up.

The SMH Half has just got more interesting with the development of the England v Ireland showdown (unlimited counters, first 5 home on overall time). Some underhand tactics on the part of Kanser in trying to claim that Robbie Neal is a HuRT Squad member despite having only ever turned up at a couple of sessions 4 years ago. To be fair to him, Robbie did text me a couple of weeks ago asking about the Thursday session and, without him, we could have all 5 Englishmen home before the first Irishman crawls over the line. So I thought it was OK. Lieutenant Timmy was less accommodating. Obviously an Englishman of the old school, looking to dominate his opposition. I think Timmy should be concentrating on getting in the top 5. With Jonny B, Andy H, Big Sam, Dickyboy and Fats in the mix, it won't be easy.

Back home

7.5km leg stretcher around Manly following drive home and mammoth unpack.

Yagon no more

29km to end of Yagon Beach and back. Picture perfect day and the tide was out so ran on hard sand. All good. Only issue was negotiating the monster hangover. 2:10:20.

Easy peasy

10km to Yagon and back. Bloody sick of that route. Only once more.. 45mins today.

Maggsy at Sunset at Seal Rocks.

102km for the week.

Thursday tempo

Same as Tuesday. 35:27 today though, really working hard on the hills. Perfect conditions. Camping is good again. Forgot to mention that Mrs H bumped into Mrs Tucks in Forster Mall yesterday. Small world.

Mid week mumbling

15km in 64:10 (4:16's) feeling fine. I reckon this running thing is a piece of piss if you just sit on your ass for the rest of the day.

It's rained pretty solidly for the past 48hours and the temps have dropped to about 15C so I'm pretty much over it. Almost came home early but the forecast is better. The good news is I discovered some showers at the posh end of the campsite that actually serve up hot water. So I took my first in a week.

Times at Lane Cove looked there for the taking and was surprised not to see Jonny B up there until I read his blog. Tough news as he looked as though he was flying in training (perhaps I should start listening to the Tiger and not just placing bets with him). His injury sounds similar to mine at Sydney Half.

Tempo time

Did a short warm up along No.1 Beach then 10km tempo to Yagon and back. Tough with the constant rolling hills and blustery conditions. No snakes or dingoes today though, I think they prefer it sunny. 35:48 for the 10km followed by a warm down for 13km all up.

Settling in

I could get used to this camping malarkey. Sit around all day then start drinking at 4pm, in bed by 9pm.

Yesterday was 29km to the end of Yagon beach and back - 5km of fire trail then 19km of soft sand followed by 5km trail. Struggled to run 5min kms on the soft sand - when I got back on the trail again I was running 4:10's for the same effort. Glutes got a great work out though. 2:17 or thereabouts.

Today was 10km in the twilight on the trail to Yagon and back. Convinced I could hear dingoes tracking me in the words so ran most of it quite quick carrying a large stick.

Snakes alive

Almost stood on one. He snarled at me. Looked bloody dangerous too, short but fat and with big fangs. On my way back some goons were poking a stick at it.

56mins. Felt crap to start with but ace at the end.

Toppity

Beautiful morning - cool, clear and still and just enough time to squeeze a quick run in before setting off to Seal Rocks. Did the Manly 7.5km route. Stomach still a bit dodgy but felt a bit of energy returned today. Pushed the Manly mile hard to add just a bit of quality. Did that in 5:08 feeling lightheaded at the end. Finished in 30:45.

92km for the week.

What the feck

Tried to run to work as a tempo. Stomach started feeling dodgy again at 2km. Could barely run 4:10's without feeling massively lethargic so pulled the pin and caught a taxi. Claudia is sick and I think I must have some low level bug. Holiday tomorrow so plenty of chance to recuperate.

Kipchoge and Dibaba

Two of my favourite distance runners.

Kipchoge (Eliud) because he has stood the test of time. He rose to fame in the greatest showdown in any Olympic 5000m final where Bekele was facing El Guerrouj. Kipchoge was barely mentioned amid the fanfare of the duel between the 1500m and 10,000m Gold medallists, despite being the reigning World Champion at the distance at the time (aged 18!). He came very close to upsetting them both. Unlike a lot of Kenyans though, whose star shines brightly but briefly, he's withstood the test of time and went on to win silver in the World Champs in 2007 and silver again at the Beijing Olympics.

Dibaba at her best is just a class above all the opposition, has a devastating kick and a great ass.

Both are coming back into form and ran the Carlsbad 5000m at the weekend, Kipchoge coming third and Dibaba winning. Looks like they are timing their run into the Olympics well again.

Today was the usual Wednesday route with Big Sam, JW, Marty, Mr Ace and another new chap. Felt knackered to start with, really struggled up Ocean Street, felt marginally better around Centennial but had the gut issue again. Pleased to crawl back home. It was pretty warm out there and others felt similar. I know I'm tired though as the stride length was very short with increased cadence. I was taking 2 strides for every one of Big Sam's bounds. All up about 1:24 so it wasn't too slow.

HuRTS 45min tempo

Big crowd which I had to corral again with MC still absent but a bith thinner upfront. I'd planned on not pushing early on and J-Fen had the same idea so we ran together. Tucks ran with us wondering why noone was pushing the pace before he drifted off around Circular Quay. We were doing about 3:40-3:42's going out and I don't think I could have gone any faster. Breathing was fine but the legs were just dead. Then when we turned at 22.5mins (6.1km) I kicked into action a bit and J-Fen and I ran back together at a better pace finishing in 44:29. I almost pulled the pin at CQ on the return with a dodgy gut. Safe to say there was no risk of me not holding my core while running up the hills at the end.

All up 12.2km at an average of 3:38's. Very warm again today but I'm generally just tired. The holidays can't come soon enough.

Good to see Timmy and Enda back and the Fairlight crew going strong.

Shock! Company to run home with!

Caught up with Dickyboy to run home with someone for the first time in 9 years of running back to the Northern Beaches. Added about 20s at the start of the run meeting Dicky at Customs House and then set off on the usual route. The pace picked up all the way, probably going a bit quicker than I should have - 30:40 at the Toyota Garage and 56:25 all up. Felt pretty good though. Won't kill myself tomorrow trying to freshen up a bit.

There's truth in the old sayings

I've been rolling through the 32km Sunday runs quite easily recently. But they say that 32km is only the half way mark in a marathon and anything over 32km is a struggle. That was proved this morning. Caught up with Sam at 6am and we did the 36km Narrabeen circuit, without gels again (taking a leaf out of Fats' book).

The first 20km felt great - a beautiful cool morning, chatting away. Sam pushed on a bit after the water stop at Narrabeen SLSC as usual but still felt fine until Cromer golf course. From then the pace got consciously quicker trying to run Sub4 min kms. Felt OK until Dee Why but then the Griffin Street hill punished me a bit and I just tried to drag myself home from there. By now it was 8am (9am in real money due to the clocks going back) and pretty warm in the high 20's. All up 35.8km in 2:31:24 (4:13's).

Sam's looking good for the London Marathon. Every time I'd thought I'd finally broken him he'd pop up in front again pushing the pace. I'm predicting a 2:44.

Finally, congrats to the Tiger last night in running 1:59:08 (still not quite good enough to save himself from owing me $200) and Macca running a great PB of 33:31 in the 10,000m knocking 30 odd seconds off his old mark.

Monstered

Haven't felt this weary in 2 years. Legs just dead today. Crawled around 13.1km with Timmy, Tucks, Kanser and new chap Joel in an hour, wishing at every moment that the run was over. Yesterday really took it out of me. Good news though is that the body feels better than ever, no aches or pains to speak of.

124km for the week including 3 big sessions so canny pleased with that like. Would be 138km if I counted junk miles with the kids.

The Mongrel

First up, took Bec and Billy out this morning for their usual Thursday speed session. I told them it was "hot laps" (3 x 500m) but secretly intended to add a 4th after they thought they had finished. Well, they weren't too pleased. Both started crying. Billy downright refused to do anymore. I said, fine, you needn't do it if you want to be a quitter. I wasn't favourite (or exemplary) Dad at this point, but what the hell. Billy then proceeds to tear off in a fit of rage and does the 500m in 1:59, a new record. So there is some mongrel in him!

Having done 4km with the kids and quiet at work I did the Rushcutters pyramid session intending to take it easy but with Jason I and new foppish haired chap Darien pushing the pace (with me unable to resist) I ran 89, 2:54, 4:24, 5:50, 4:16, 2:42 and 81 for the laps (averaging around 3:08's).

Then turned up in my running kit for the third time in the day unannounced to the final biathlon in the Thursday nighttime series with the sole intention of beating Young Timmy. This is understandable given the amount of crap he gives out on my swimming. Well, suffice to say Timmy was beaten by a breastroker. See pic attached. Many enjoyable beers followed. I felt crap on the run but did 12:59 for the 4km then did my standard 6mins breastroke for the 300m for a 19:26 PB.

Wednesday MLR

Usual route with Mr Ace, King James, JW and Big Sam. Felt very weary in the legs to start with, suffering the after effects of yesterday. Nice easy pace though and body had adjusted by the end. 18.5km in 1:27:17 (4:42's).

Laid another bet with the Tiger this morning after massage. He's keen on a head to head so I foolishly agreed to give him a 7 minute headstart at SMH Half. This was after he persuaded me that he'd struggle to run sub 80mins. But with a PB in the 75's, I think I've been duped.