Homebush Striders 10km - 5th in 33:31

So, up early doors and out in the Landcruiser to pick up the Manly running crew.  First up, Ben and Grumpy Justin, then Dicky and Macca.  Grumpy Justin first complained about the radio, declaring that he couldn't abide talkback radio (despite the fact we were listening to Nova).  Then he complained about the heated seats (I find they warm my hammies nicely).  Plainly he wasn't eagerly anticipating the race ahead.

Lined up after a 4.5km warm up with the boys and realised the front 5 was likely to be exactly the same as last month, with Wildman, Neil P, Uncle Dave and Alex Rogers all toeing the line.  The gun was about to go, Timmy positioned himself right in front of me so I manhandled him out of the way and we were off.

Now, when camping with Toby Cogley last week, he was extolling the virtues of taking caffeine tablets before a race so today I gave it a go.  I took 2 No Doz half an hour before the race.  Alex and Steve stormed off with Neil chasing and Dave and I chasing him.  At 1km Dave starts to close so I go with him.  We hit the hill and I'm catching everyone, feeling magic.  At the top of the hill I decide to give Steve a scare by taking the lead so he responds in anger.  At this point, the caffeine wears off, Neil, Dave and Alex come past and I start panting.  They pull ahead, I try to regroup, and from here on i'm running solo.

It must have a pretty quick first 2km.  No idea what I went through 5km in but I'd guess 16:20 as I slowed down A LOT on the second lap with no one to chase.  Every corner I'd have a sneaky look behind to see if Lewis and Hoey were catching but fortunately the gap was fine.  Regrouped a bit towards the end, particularly after seeing Timmy enter the horse track when I was coming out and thinking I had a chance at the 3:55 head start bet.  Was pretty happy with the 33:31, only 2 seconds shy of my course PB.  I hate this course and never run well on it.  It always picks up any humidity (and there was plenty this morning).  But less pleased about going from 2 to 5 in the finishing positions compared to last month.  But to be fair, I've had an average couple of weeks training in that time and the other boys are getting better and better (Neil ran a PB today which is sensational on that course and in those conditions - watch out Chicago).

Timmy held on for a 3:45 gap - another close one in our history of fair bets.  Stevie and Enda - take note.  Stevie ran a great 32:18 holding on to the win from a fast finishing Dave.  Will be great to see what he can do with some more training.  Other notable runs from Dicky in 35:59 and a slow starting Hoey in a low 34.  He hasn't run many 10kms and will learn the need to attack from the start.

Another 4.5km warmdown before coffee and muffins in Manly with Ben, Macca and Slightly Less Grumpy Justin.  He still wouldn't allow WSFM or KIIS, and I didn't dare twiddle the seat warmer knob, but at least he was slightly more conversant (albeit frightening the family away from our table with his fruity language).

The Northern Beaches crew:

Dicky, honorary beaches man Stevie, Yours Truly, Ben, The Grumpy One and Macca.

In form man Neil, flanked by a couple of pretenders:

Friday ramble

Up early doors again (3 days running, you can tell I've been off booze all week) for 10km around Manly on another beautiful morning.  Enjoyed it.

100km for the week.  Showdown with Wildman at Homebush tomorrow.  He's giving me a 30s headstart.  He should be giving me 60s based on my post illness form.  But I'll front up and try to gain a bit of respect by limiting the gap from a total blowout.  More interesting is how I'll fare against Hoey, Enda and anyone else who cares to show.

Passmore Reserve Fast/Floats

Well, I think the last time I did this session was 6 years ago.  There's a reason for that.

No word from Macca and Justin was a no-show (although I rumbled him on Manly Beach on my warmdown!) so just Erika and me this morning.  Did a 3km warm-up, quick chat about who's going to win The Batchelor, then straight into it. It's 13 laps of a 650-660m circuit, 1 float then 1 fast, etc.  Laps went:

2:23, 2:08, 2:31, 2:02, 2:30, 2:02, 2:32, 2:02, 2:29, 2:00, 2:30, 2:00, 2:27.

Interesting how they stabilise after the first 2 reps (float being too quick and fast being too slow).  All up 29:42.  4km warmdown for 16km.

Interesting to compare it to 2008: http://pommytom.blogspot.com.au/2008/07/campbell-parade-intervals.html?m=0

Back then I was quite a bit quicker overall (29:03) but the fast laps in general were a bit slower but the floats were quite a bit quicker.  Christ, I trained hard back then. No wonder my times were so consistent. But also little wonder that I got a chronic achilles problem.  Check out who I outsprinted in the State Road Relays on August 3rd 2008!

Wednesday MLR

Usual 17km route with Justin, Dicky, Q and Erikakaka.  Legs stiff and heavy after yesterday's session but got into it after 8 or 9km.  Thankfully temperatures much cooler today.  Lots of talk about the marathon.  Erika finally getting some confidence [and I am]* predicting some big wins over Timmy, Ben and Jeet.

*Erika demanded I print this correction.  She said nothing of the sort.  It was just Quentin, Dicky, Justin and me who made this prediction.  Slack typing on my part.  I apologise for any confusion caused.  She, of course, still claims only to be aiming for a Sub3

HuRTS 8 x 5mins

It was stinking hot again.  My shoulders were still sunburnt from the weekend so had to wear a sleeved top.  My only clean one was black.  So in black shorts, socks, t-shirt and hat I ventured out into the 30C heat.  Managed to hold on to Quentin, Hoey and Crossy for the first 3 reps (all about 3:20 pace).  Then started to feel it on the 4th.  On the 5th and 6th I was a wreck and down to 3:32 pace.  I was in no mans land.  Hell, even Enda was in front.  Took my top off for the final 2 and, bingo, felt fine running with Q and Muz.  

Jumped into the harbour to cool down after which was magic.  Got a bit scared about sharks though.

Affected by the heat in the afternoon.  Thank God it's supposed to cool down tonight. 

15km all up.

Speaking of sharks, Wildman - despite criticising me for training crap over the past 2 weeks and brimming with confidence himself - refuses to give me more than 30s on Saturday morning.  Honestly, it gets to a point when the only fair bet you can get is from Timmy!   But fortunately one of the lawyers at work has agreed to a 5minute head start at JPMorgan for a 6 pack of Coopers Pale Ale so should get some redress.  I don't think he'll manage 4 min kms.

Seal Rocks recap

Saturday was an easy 14km at Seal Rocks.

Sunday was zilch.  Drank too much red wine around the campfire on Saturday but in truth I don't remember anything after someone passed me a floppy looking cigarette.

So today I got out early for a lap of Centennial before meeting MC, Clarkey and JW for a run to Red Leaf pool, a quick dip and a run back.  Would have been fine but for the fact it was 30C.  Struggled big time in the heat and felt pretty drained for the rest of the arvo.  But 27km in the bag.

Self flaggelation

Was supposed to meet Macca and Justin for some 10min reps this morning but once again I had a drinks reception last night and at 5.30am my body was telling me 2 more hours sleep was much more sensible.

So headed out at lunchtime for the same Centennial route as yesterday, but decided to run it quickly as punishment for my morning laziness.  19:51 at Oxford Street/Centennial. It's a punishing first 5km of hills and steps.  A couple of sub 3:30's around Centennial finishing in 46:09.  Measured it at 12.28km (I thought it was closer to 13km?) so 3:45's average.

What are all these accurate times and distances I hear you all cry?  He is normally naked of the wrist.  Well I'm heading to Seal Rocks now and need to measure my long run so managed to fix my Suunto last night.

My Suunto, looking a bit like Paul Ince circa 1997:

Thursday amble

Summer clerk calibrations over lunch so popped out at 4pm for a loop of Centennial.  Bit more bounce there today.  Plenty of snot.  That's about it.

Short MLR

Wednesday run with Dicky, Erika, Justin, Ben and Quentin.  Cut short down Darley Road (so about 15km) as I wasn't feeling great.  Legs feel tired now.  Amazing how a few days rest makes them soft.

Beaut of a morning though.

The Fighter

They might as well have been playing Rocky's Theme as I emerged from Deutsche Bank Place today for the HuRTS Fartlek session.  But they breed them tough in the North East of England and I wasn't going to let a minor bit of flu and a grade 2 lung infection bring me down.  

Plodded over with the legs about to give way from under me and met the huge squad waiting.  Fortunately everyone was taking it easy today post the Half on Sunday so found a good group of Smolly, Jeet, Erikakaka, Timmy and others to run  with, with 'Lil Jimmy Matthews appearing at half way after nicking a motorbike having forged some keys this morning.

I'd like to say it was fun but it wasn't.  But coughed up some rubbish so hopefully took a step on the road to recovery and back to HuRTS #1, the people's favourite.

What went wrong

Friday did 11km catching up with the squad while at my partners conference in Sydney. 

104km for the week.

But I was starting to come down with a sore throat.  Felt rotten by the evening.  Saturday was a write-off.  Took some of Kirsten's heavy duty pain killers which worked a treat.  Sunday felt sorry for myself checking out everyone's times at the Sydney Running Festival.  Good to see Barts back on top and Neil running a PB.  CT and Timmy should be ashamed of themselves. 

So not sure where to go from here.  A promising season has been wiped apart by a foiled trip to Melbourne Marathon and sickness for the big Half.  Will have to use the ever reliable JPMorgan CC to motivate me again.

Wednesday MLR

Usual North Head route with Dicky, Quentin and Justin, but didn't add the Golf Course loop so only 17km.  It didn't rain!  In fact, it was a beautiful sunrise running along Manly Beach.

Dicky led us out so it was quick (close to 4min kms around North Head).  Quentin was puffing a bit on the hills so plainly has been on fat farm back home in the US of A.

HuRTS 2 x 20mins

Bit stressed at work.  Knackered from the weekend.  Found a gap to run out the office today but felt lethargic and unmotivated from the get go.  

Muz cruised ahead.  Took me almost 2km to even overtake Timmy.  Then ran with Michael Ho (looking very smooth), Macca, Andy and Ray reaching about 5.5km (original start of Hickson Rd reps). 3:38 average pace I think.  Felt a bit better on the return just holding on to Hoey (which he will now be called) all the way back in 19:10 (3:29's).  Hoey gave Charlie a pat on the back at the Art Gallery as we passed him. So I did the same.  This seemed to make Charlie sprint so plainly he didn't like it.  Finished with someone dry-retching as they reached the gates.  So Tommy's performance of the day goes to him.

3km warmdown for 15km all up.

Moody Monday

15km very easy with a large group including Tucks, Enda, MC etc.

Choppidy chop

15km in the arvo.  The Adios Boosts feel more comfortable by the day but still a choppidy stride without my orthotics.  Up around North Head for 15km all up.  Then entertained Macca, Charlie and next door neighbour Jason and wives for a dinner.  Are too much sugar.  Am now buzzing...

This morning we did the Retro Cycle Ride around Manly:

Catch up

Thursday

Timmy combo of 20mins continuous hills plus 5km tempo.  Seem to go alright on the continuous hills, albeit make up most of my time on the downs rather than the ups.  Crossy and Barts were a bit behind, but Crossy was closing in from halfway onwards.

Then on to the tempo.  Legs tired to start with as usual (and as the session intends) but got into a rythmn and finished with Barts in 16:04 (10s quicker than last month).

5km cool down for 15km all up.  Tough session.

Friday

Birthday drinks on Thursday night.  Everyone kept buying me rounds.  So on Friday I was hungover.  Nowt.

Saturday

31km.  First 10km easyish with Macca, Ben, Justin, Craig and Barts.  Then Erika joined us for 20km at her marathon pace (4:15's).  Ended up doing 4:10's I think and she was chatting the whole way.  I can only grunt when I do 20km at marathon pace.  She will smash 3hours in Melbourne and will go sub 2:55 I think.

Had to run in the Adios Boost with no orthotics as I left my usual trainers at work.  Short choppy stride with high cadence as a result.  It's tough on the calves but actually feel less fatigued overall.

Birthday run

Out at 5.45am and 21km done and dusted by 7.16am.  Perfect start to the day.  With Justin, Dicky and Erikakaka.

Stevie was complaining yesterday that he's not on the Head to Heads.  I said you need to beat me to qualify (hence Enda's absence) but in anticipation of his imminent return to form, and the fact I can look good for a while, he gets added.

HuRTS Hour Tempo

So Barts is upping the ante.  He sends around an email (and sensibly has it ok'd by CEO Mikey) to have some people buy into an hour tempo instead of 45mins.  Well, when I say some people, I mean me and Barts as we were the only ones who finished it.

Another good turnout, especially at the top end, with Wildman, CT, Muz, Fats, Crossy and Clarkey all there.  Even Enda showed up, but not sure what he did.  Pace felt solid enough on the way out.  CT had a 'comfort stop' around Barangaroo which had the rest of us running circles for 5 mins and Crossy and Muz had had enough to head back.  So Wildman, CT, Barts and I headed back together.  Somewhere along the line Stevie called it a day and then CT decided not to do the extra 3km loop around MMC, recovering still from his. 50 exploits.

To be honest Barts was pushing the pace for a lot of today and looked very strong. Plainly he was bludging at North Head on Saturday.  I pushed ahead a little after turning at Mrs Macs Chair but was rooted at the end.  All up 60:25.  Last lap of MMC about 10:13 so kept the pace solid.  Legs haven't felt this depleted after a session in a long time.

Told the boys I can't do Melbourne Marathon because of a conference I have to go to in Phuket.  Barts then announced he's only running the Half.  We're going to have to reassess the Highnam/Truscott/Bartlett Super Series.  CT seems to think he's still in the lead.  I told him I wanted an independent auditor appointed.

Fog on the Tyne:

Wassup

Sunday - 3km very slow.  Too hungover and it was Fathers Day.

Monday - 11km slow.  Missed start of run due a call.  Think I'm losing my mojo.

North Head Striders - 2nd in 32:47

So it was raining again.  And a bit windy.  Altogether pretty miserable.  The sort of day Michaels Durante and Conway would turn up for a race and immediately drive home again.  But it didn't prevent a big HuRTs turnout for what is traditionally the fastest Striders 10km of the year (ignoring State Champs). 

Fats, Andy, Barts, Clarkey, Timmy, Muz, Jamie, Justin, Angus, Ben, Jeet, Jono, 'Lil Jimmy - all there.  Girls were lighter on the ground with only Sonya showing from the squad.  Interest for the day was going to be seeing how Thurston would fare.  Standing in the toilet queues out pops Dave Criniti so Barts shouts out (having told me I should be going for the win) "Oh well, silver Tommy!".  Other guys up front were going to be Neil and Alex Rogers.  I didn't count on the latter being in such good form.

Gun goes and immediately Alex shoots off.  Neil, Dave, Wildman and myself follow.  By the roundabout we've caught Alex but he pushes on a bit.  Pace is very fast.  No idea as I'm not wearing a watch but I can tell I'm working hard.  At this stage I'm just wanting people to drop off to work out who I'm really racing, but Alex, Neil and Steve are still in the group.  Towards the far end of the course I'm struggling a bit and dropping a couple of yards off telling myself I've got to hold on.  Meanwhile Alex is taking in the views from North Head looking very comfortable.

Coming back up the hill I catch them again and gain a bit of confidence, knowing they're struggling a bit on the hills.  Stevie starts to drop a bit here - thank God.  At 3km I'd have put my money on him for the win.  At the turnaround at 5km it's Alex, Neil and myself clear with about 30m on Steve and Dave Criniti - argh, Dave!  If anyone is going to come home strong it's him!  But we're all still working hard.  See Clarkey and Muz going the other way, Muz is going well.  Then get a huge shout from Barts.  Fair play to him, never fails to give 100% in his support!  Then Fats and Andy then head down and time to work again.  Feel Neil dropping off here but Alex is relentlessly pushing on.  Near the far end of the course (7km) the elastic breaks and he pulls ahead.  Now I can hear Neil breathing down my neck.  Try to regroup and really work the hill at 8km.  From there just hold on and try to keep the form ok.  

Very pleased with the time.  Only my second time under 33 in a Striders race.  Stevie held on well to beat off Muz who had a very good run.  Great run by Sonya to take 3rd female.  But news of the day was hearing Timmy's time.  When we have a bet it's normally close.  Originally we said 4:20.  Then Timmy agreed on 4 mins, only to renege and finally agree on 4:10.  But it was 4:24.  He'll be disappointed not to have got under 37mins, especially with Jeet running 36:47.  So 4:10 was fair.  

Nice morning topped off with coffee and and omelette with the crew down in Manly.  

Friday plod

10km from work very, very easy.

Race tomorrow should be interesting with Wildman purportedly joining in.  He could run anything between 31 and 35 minutes.  Timmy has rorted me again.  Despite agreeing to a 4 minute buffer (and even putting it on his own blog yesterday), he's now reneging on the deal and said it should be 4 mins 20s.  I've caved in and reluctantly agreed to 4 mins 10s, just to stop him moaning on.

121km for the week.

Melbourne

From Sebel in Docklands ran to Southbank then up to the Tan, 2 laps of the Tan and back.  Ran anti-clockwise which appeared to be bucking the trend.  16km.  Second lap of tan was 16:13 which is 4:15 pace which sounds right.  Despite a big night last night I felt great today.

Melbourne.  Very runnable city.

Got sent a photo of Newcastle by one of my schoolmates today.  Brings a tear to my eye:

Wednesday MLR

18km early doors up around North Head with Macca, Justin, Erika and Ben.  Nice and easy but my legs were tired after yesterday's session.

We stopped for water (just the once) at Shelley Beach and Erika remarked "those Eastside boys seem to stop for water every couple of kms!  And they run so much slower."

Second World War broke out 75 years ago today.  And it was my Grandpa's birthday.

HuRtS 14 x 3mins

Held back to start, reps 9-13 were quicker at about 3:10 pace then eased up again.  Back around MMC for 17 odd km all up.  Was that Kanser I saw out there?

Monday recovery

Easy 15km (actually, not as easy as it should have been) with MC, TKS, Clarkey, Enda, JW, Elle, Renee, Ray et al.  Plenty of talk of Tucks' exploits and plenty of Stankard High Intensity Training talk from the man himself.

Spring has sprung!  23C today and sunny!  But it's due to rain tomorrow.  Can't wait to hit sunny Melbourne on Wed.  Not many people say that.

Sunday recovery

Very easy 10km.  Tired but not too sore.

Stayed up last night getting FB updates on Tucks' exploits at UTMB.  A sensational performance to finish 6th.  That bloke just doesn't know when to stop.  Seeing him at 17th after the first checkpoint I knew he was on form something big.

Bec's Grand Final.  This looks quite professional:

Fast Finish #2

Another rainy day.  Might as well live in Manchester.

Another great turnout, with Macca, Andy, Clarkey, Neil P, Barts, Ben, Quentin, Craig Mc and Justin all fronting up.  Pretty much all sub 2:40 marathoners.  

Pace was steady to start but after the first stop at Collaroy we were running 4:10's.  Not so muddy so we ran the path to the Narrabeen Track and back, making it 33km on the nose from the pool back to the pool.  Took a gel at the turnaround.  At Narrabeen (11km to home) the pace picked up, albeit thwarted every now and then by side road cars.  We had a nasty headwind most of the way home so adopted my usual position tucking in behind Quentin and Clarkey.  By Dee Why the front group seemed to be me, Clarkey, Neil, Macca and Quentin.  Coming through the hills of Dee Why I felt the pace drop (no doubt helped by the fact I was drafting the whole way) so I decided to push the pace to see who had anything left.  Quentin was just behind as ever and we had a bit of a gap at the top of the hill.  From here home we were pushing each other all the way, we the pace getting under 3:30's.  Last 2km in 3:24 and 3:16.  Final 10km was 35:20.  All up 33km in 2:18 odd (4:05 pace).  Clarkey and Neil came in shortly after with Macca right on their tails.  He's hitting some real form.  Then Andy and Justin.  Poor Barts continued the "woe is me" routine, but at least he's getting out and doing it.

With the run to and from home it's 35.5km.

Real confidence booster - felt great today.  Got a boozy conference this week though so will have to try to restrain myself to give North Head a good go next week.

Soggy rat

Ok, I've had enough.  This weather is depressing me.  

10km this morning with few aches and pains for a change.  Doing lots of stretching.

121km for the week.

Good luck to my good mate Tucks in that ridiculous race traversing 3 countries today.  Top 10 fella.

Double day do be doo

AM:  was supposed to do a 17km tempo but was just too fatigued and sore this morning so knew it would do more harm than good.  So did 8km slow instead, bumping into Ryan Cantwell and Clive Cooper en route.  Seems a lot of people train early morning....

PM:  went to HuRTS.  Much kerfuffle over the session finally settling on 5 x 800m (measured by Timmy, so it was closer to 750m) followed by a 3km tempo (measured by no-one, so it was long).  I really struggled on the 750's unable to get my legs going.  Wildman had a whinge that no one was trying hard enough, so I pushed the last 3 and managed to come home in front on 2 of them.  Then slogged out the 3km tempo with Barts and Crossy in 10:20.

Warmdown for 12km all up.

Finally, an MLR

So finally got back to 21km around the wharves.  Ran with the 2 Jonathan's, the 2 Andy's, Russ and Gus.  Plainly not many were planning the full run as they went out at a canter running 4:10's around Walsh Bay.  My poor tired legs from last night were struggling.  Finished well though with Russ and Saffer Jonathan who is running strongly.

Some disappointing news this morning with Erika disclosing that she is heading Eastside to do her Sunday run this week.  However, to her credit, she did disclose that it was because she wanted to take it easier this week and those Eastside boys just don't run as fast and secondly Timmy had been hassling her incessantly so she thought if she made a token effort to head over this once he may leave her alone.  I told her I doubted it.

HuRTS Rosa 5km TT

The shame.

First we have CT pull out having changed the TT to a Tuesday to fit in his schedule. Then, with dark clouds coming over mid-afternoon, the heavens opening and wind picking up, Enda pulls out.  And he was only on timing duties!  I have to admit, when he sent the text I was secretly hoping we might all call it quits.  It was really quite depressing out there.  Even after driving Q, Renee and Jason R to ES Marks, we bought our entry tickets and said we could just take the obligatory photo, make up some times and pretend we ran. 

But run we did.  Watched the Tiger and Sam Strutt do a 2km and some sprints, then watched the Can Too runners crowd the inside 2 lanes just as we were about to start.  But start we did.

Funny old run.  Q took the lead as usual but to be fair I did share the duties more than last month.  Felt more comfortable this month pushing up on Q's shoulder when I felt the pace drop, which probably explains the slower time.  But I was obviously tired enough to completely confuse myself.  With no lap counter or timer (thanks Enda) I was counting the laps up to 10 and the final km.  Started to push the pace with a km to go, but then heard someone shout a lap time of 12:03 about 200m later which confused me.  Started to kick ahead of Q with 600m to go only to hear 13:18 being shouted out when I enter the final lap?  So I start to waiver, Q comes up to my shoulder and I ask him how far we have to go and he says a lap and a half.  Feck.  Here was me winding up my final sprint.  So I lose a bit of wind and just hang on for one more lap.  

End up with 15:46. Bit disappointed with the time (I've gone from 15:28 to 15:37 to 15:46 - 9s slower each month).  But it did feel more comfortable this month so maybe it's just a mojo or training cycle thing.  Q ran 15:44, Neil 16:05 and Renee PBed with a 19:03 but was disappointed not to dip under.  Judging by Q's watch, I think I ran 3:06, 3:10. 3:12, 3:12, 3:06.

So Quentin and I are 6:6 for the season.  At least we're not afraid to race one another.  Can't say the same for some other members of the squad...

Here we are:

Manic Monday

Out with the squad on the usual route but the OH was cut off as was Barangaroo.  We didn't know what to do with ourselves.  Managed 15km all up with MC, Clarkey and Renee finishing the whole lot but numerous others involved earlier on.  Jackie O was back!  'Lil Jimmy regaled us with the detail of his latest win and I had a very "Sydney" conversation with Erika about kids skools.

Speaking of which, today was dress up for Book Week:

And I can't resist adding a photo of Claudia going to her super heroes party yesterday.  Alec/Jamie - do you recognise the head wear?

The Sunday Times

Title is especially for Timmy.

10km to Shelley and back with a loop of Nolans and Passmore in the early evening.  Nice and easy, Japanesey.

Manly Hardcore Posse

Ran down to the ABC Pool shortly after 6am to meet Macca, CT, Clarkey, Quentin, Andy, Ben, Jamie and Erika for our 35k'er, sweeping up Elle en route shortly after Dee Why.  In short, the creme de la creme of the HuRT Squad.  

We gave strict instructions to Macca to keep the pace at 4:30.  It was like trying to tame a wild stallion.  He was champing at the bit to press on the whole way, the poor fella.  After a few about turns just as the we seemed to approach a nice stretch of trails, we started heading back home.  Then in Dee Why Clarkey suddenly puts his foot down and gaps us all by miles.  We picked the pace up over the final 5km to finish averaging 4:17's, but with the final 10km in 40mins.

35km all up.  Lovely run feeling good.

Friday meander

Just planned a very easy 10km today around my set route from work, to ease the legs after a tough week and recover for tomorrow's long run.  By bizarre coincidence I ran into Barts at 2km so ran the rest with him.  Poor fella looked like he'd been pulled back from the brink of death's door.  He'd start a hacking cough whenever we dropped beneath 4:45 pace.  "It's been tough Tom.  I told Sam we had to treat this like it's a war.  But I think we're through the worst".  You get the picture.

Felt much better at the end than I did at the start.

114km for the week.  My biggest in 6 months, including a couple of real quality sessions.

HuRTS 3 x 2km

Or Hardcore HuRTS.  That session was tough.  3 x 2km off a strict 2 min recovery.  Given we ran 6:17, 6:10 and 6:15, that's the equivalent of running 6kms in 22:42 (3:47 pace) but including 4 minutes of standing around doing nothing.

Turned up today feeling pretty tired after what will be my biggest week in at least 3 months.  Looked like a very low turnout with just Timmy and Erikakaka there but I must have been early for once.  Slowly the masses arrived.  Mikey decided to split us up into 4 groups and then managed to insult the 4th group in his own inimitable smile ("You boys just run for 8mins then stop.  Actually, just go for 7 and a half minutes").

With Andy, Macca, Timmy, Jason R, Richard M and others going in the 2nd group, it left just me, Quentin and Clarkey in the front group.  Settled into the same pattern as ever, with Quentin taking the wind (against for 1st and 3rd reps hence the times) while I tucked in and Clarkey just behind.  Clarkey would drop off a bit at about the 1.5km of each rep so plainly we were putting in rock solid efforts.  I was knackered after the 2nd rep and wondered how I'd hang on for the third.  Q shot off fast, we caught him by 1km then it was an ugly slugfest for the final 500m with me on my knees by the end.  But that's what this session's all about.  With only 3 reps you have to give each one your all.  But being 2km you need to find some sort of rhythm or form for the mid kilometre as it's just too far to slug it out the whole way.  Great 5km training I reckon.

Long warmdown with MC, Clarkey and Jono for 14km all up.

Coming together

Usual Wednesday route to Centennial (1lap).  Need to start lengthening my Wedneaday run in the lead up to Melbourne, but not this week as it'll be my biggest week in a long while in any case.

Weather OK.  Small but select group of MC, Timmy, Clarkey, Jason R (back after a long while) and Slapstick who seemed happy to run 10m behind us the whole way.  Easy pace (4:40's), feeling pretty tired but a genuine recovery run.  Starting to feel as though things are coming together.

Some thoughts:

1.  Doing summer clerk interviews atm. Amazingly competitive out there.  Thank God I came through in the boom times.

2.  Haven't heard of Paris Hilton in a while.

3.  Sydney tradesmen must be the most expensive in the world.  I blame excessively stringent immigration.  This is a big country.

4.  Why would anyone go on a cruise ship?

5.  My suits are getting shiny.

6.  If all else in life goes to crap, there will always be Newcastle Utd, the Tour de France and Coopers Pale Ale.  And City to Surf day.

7.  Manly versus Bondi is not a contest.  They are both great places to live.  Particularly Manly.

HuRTS 2 x 20mins

We're worried about Barts.  He's gone AWOL and not answering emails.  The pressure of the Truscott Super Series has finally got to him.

I've been taking Tuesday sessions a bit easier over the past 12 months, mainly because I realised it's too tough on the body to push a session only 2 days after the long run.  But having done the long run on Saturday, I felt really good today so decided to put a bit more effort in.  Even Timmy noticed.

CT, Crossy, Quentin, Muz and, wait for it, WILDMAN! were all there up front.  Macca, Andy, Timmy, MC, Pete W et al all in the next group.  We did an easyish first km on another stinker of a day - at least the rain held off but 'twas windy.  But from then the pace just ramped up and up until we were running 3:15's.  Reached 20mins just shy of the Northern entrance to Barangaroo - where we now finish the Hickson Rd reps - for 5.98km.  Felt OK'ish.  Fast but not excessively uncomfortable.  On the way back Q went quick from the start running 3:10's to 3:15's.  Just me and him by the hills at the end and finished with 12s to spare.  Very quick in the wind, although to be fair, I was tucked in behind the big fella most of the way.

Long warmdown for 7km all up.  Tough session and the legs are feeling it this arvo.

Wet Wet Wet

Frankly, it was a fucking awful day.  Cold, wet and windy.  The hardcore massive was myself, Crossy, Clarkey, Springer, Renee, Erikakaka, Elle, Sam and Ray.  Did the full 15km.  Stopped to watch a seal (sea lion?) frolicking in the water next to the Opera House.  Not many people can say that.

Late Sunday wander

Out at 6ish for an hour up to Curl Curl and down to Shelley.  Very easy pace but the legs were tired after yesterday.  

Spent the last 1.5km running with a 6 pack of Coopers Pale Ale.  Gave me new respect for the Tiger's 56min C2S carrying Dora's head.  I was knackered.

Parkrun and Long Run

Off to Rooty Hill early Sunday am so got out of bed at 5:45am and was running by 6am to fit some kms in before Parkrun, do Parkrun as a tempo then some more kms after.  Did 11km beforehand to Shelley Beach then up over Queenscliff to Freshwater and Curl Curl.  Tempoed the Parkrun running 17:01 (splits of 3:24, 3:21, 3:25, 3:17, 3:33) then did a final 14km at a quicker pace than before.

All up 30km in 2:09:00 (4:17's).

Manly life

Lunch on today so just an hour up to North Head and back this morning.  Gave Quentin a shout along the beach but he was ear-phoned up.  Beaut of a day.

HuRTS Pyramid

Stuck on a call so turned up late for the pyramid session.  Caught the first 3 lapper and latched on to Elle and Greta.  Ran with Andy on the 4 lapper then joined the first group running with Timmy for the final 3 reps.

Felt good today, feeling back to normal after the weekend.  Need to start training properly from tomorrow and cut down on the beer.

11km all up.

HuRTS 4 x 10mins

Just cruised these with a good crowd though.  Ran with Mikey, Timmy, Tucks, Toddy, Angussy et al.  About 3:50's.  Hammy okish but can still feel it.  Getting the cricket ball out again tonight.  Ouch.

Summer clerk cocktail party tonight spent drinking red wine and deflecting brown nosing.  Macquarie Bank Golf day tomorrow at Pymble.  I am the all-new corporate w@nker.  Will try and squeeze a run in around Manly in the am.

Monday natter

Out at lunch for an easy plod with Tucks, MC, Springer, JW, Erikakaka, Superstar Renee, Elle, Crossy, TKS and a host more.  Of course chatted about the race all the way and analysed everything to minute detail.

Loved it.

Cut short for 11km.

City to Surf - 25th in 46:11

I was fairly psyched for this.  After last Saturday's result, my sole aim was to hurt myself.  I basically wanted to be in the mix with Tucks, CT and Barts at some point of the race, if only to be able to contribute to some conversation in the marquee over a beer later on.  So we set off at the usual mad pace and at the William St tunnel I thought I must be ahead given how fast I was travelling, only to see Barts about 20m ahead and CT ahead further!  I was with Quentin and Ollie Lord, but down the hill to Rushcutters relaxed and stretched out and passed a good clump.  Robbie cameast though and looked super smooth as ever.  Caught Barts going down to Double Bay and was pleased to at least be in the mix.  Then CT was coming into sight and caught him over the hill before Pier Restautant.  Decided to stick by my rule to hurt myself so rather than tuck in I started to push the pace through Rose Bay.  We had a good group here and were travelling well but very quickly.  

Then Heratbreak Hill started.  I'd been pushing really hard and basically went lactic very quickly on the hill, watching Quentin and Ollie Lord just drift ahead.  I seemed to drop about 30s a km and seriously considered how I was going to finish this race, but was aware that CT and Barts hadn't come past so must be struggling similarly.  This race is hideous.  You go so fast early on, slow down massively up the hill then try to regroup and hold on as best as you can.  I regrouped going past Kincoppal and started running with Mark Warren, a top quality runner coming back from injury.  I knew that the moment I relaxed the boys would be catching me so every moment was spent trying to push on and hurt further.

Went through 10km in 33:13 and thought that they must have put the marker in the wrong place, but started to get excited about a time.  Then comes the long drag through Vaucluse/North Bondi where there is no one on the side of the road, Quentin is 100m ahead, Mark Warren is 10m ahead and I'm starting to waiver.  Told myself this is the moment to man up, so dig in again to catch Mark.  I'm with him by the downhill and the long sweep to Bondi begins.  Some chap from Box Hill Harriers sweeps past us at 12km and I'm thinking, if he's come past us so quickly, Tucks, Barts and CT are likely to do the same.  So hit Campbell Pde and put a huge effort in up the hill, pumping the arms with one final surge.  Catch another chap here, hit the corner and start sprinting thinking I can't let anyone come past now.  Hear Mikey, LJ and Elle screaming from the sideline for a final lift and cross the line absolutely chuffed.  

Turn to see Tongey, Tucks, CT and Barts all coming through one after the other and thank my lucky stars I didn't have to sprint in with them.   I'd have been desperate and not sure I'd have had the balls to make another effort.  I was absolutely spent.  The hammie just held on, did a jog along the beach with Q and Jamie after and had to cut short as it was too sore.  

Run of the day to Q.  Fantastic result and one none predicted.  Next best result for me was Renee's, running a 55:xx and almost beating Greta and Erika.  She's come on so much recently.  Macca and Fats also ran good PBs.  Crossy also had a great race, building all the way through to run a 47:01.  Also need to mention Sonya who ran a big PB in 57:xx and Lisa who dipped under the hour for the first time.

Then came the chat and the beers.  A great day.  Got a bit emotional when I got home.  I think the kids were a bit bemused.  Here are some photos.

Q and I at the start of Heartbreak Hill.

The boys post race.

7 hours later.  Things starting to get a bit loose.

Impromptu

Headed out mid afternoon down to Rushcutters and did 8 x 200m sprint strides to test the hammy.  Generally ok.  13km all up.

Planned for a nice quiet evening but got home to discover the house full of kids and Kirst's friends.  She then started opening all my best wine as they'd run out of booze so I had to join in.  Not the best prep the night before the night before.  

Looked back over my C2S results when pondering it yesterday.

2001:  61:13

2002:  pulled out

2003:  pulled out

2004:  50:25

2005:  50:11

2006:  48:10

2007:  48:01

2008:  46:34

2009:  Injured

2010:  47:13

2011:  46:56

2012:  London Olympics

2013:  46:42

Never been wholly satisfied with my runs at C2S other than in 2008.  Let's see if we can knock off my longest standing PB.

Comp time

Just 13km nice and easy over the C2S course today to Rose Bay and back.  Me, Tucks, Quentin, Crossy and Big Kev. 

But this morning was the big draw.  Tucks, Muz, Jeet, Enda, Timmy and myself turned up at Chifley Tower (timely so I could order a nice bacon & egg wrap to ease the hangover) to make the draw for the most elaborate team competition for the C2S ever.  8 teams, 5 grades with each team taking a runner from each grade (got it?!).  A few laughs sorting it out (and the team names).  Harder to predict than I thought with a few names not so recognisable from Grade E which will swing it.

Chairmans Selection is the reliable team, with first 5 from me, Jamie, Angus, Birchy, Adam Murray and Caroline Sweeney.  Will certainly keep things interesting after the race.  There'll be some calculator action and mad calls to verify times!

Ice Ice Baby

Wednesday - 14km very easy with Barts, Ellie, Kanser!, JW, Jeet and others.  Testing the hammie, was OK until towards end when it tightened a bit.  Back on the ice pack at work after.  Then out in the evening for our EOFY drinks.  Here's me dominating the pool table:

Easy Sunday

Caught up with Macca, Ben, Jamie, Justin and Quentin for the same run as last week (although I skipped meeting them at the pool so I was about 2km shorter).  Easy pace all the way (4:31 average).  Knee/hammie was very sore from Collaroy onwards. I was hobbling towards the end.  Munching on Voltaren for the first time in a couple of months.  Need to sort it out.  

Just shy of 31km in 2:18.

NSW Short Course XC Champs - 13th in 25:38

Couldn't psyche myself up for the one.  Got there, did a jog warm up with Tucks, said hello to all the usual quality ANSW crowd - Richie Roberts, Robin W, Geoff Arnold, Dean.  Striders had a quality O35's team of CT, Tucks, Fats and myself.  So strong in fact that I think we would have come 2nd in the Opens.

Set off conservatively partly because I was wearing my trainers.  Struggled around the corners for grip so took them gingerly.  Left hammie was a bit sore on the short, sharp hills. CT raced ahead after 500m.  I was about 50m adrift of Robin with Tucks and Fats behind me.  Same on the 2nd lap with Tucks catching.  He overtook me just before the final lap and never looked back - catching and overhauling Robin and CT.  Our gaps remained about the same - I finished 15s adrift of CT and 9 adrift of Robin.  Pretty non-plussed about the result.  Fired me up for next week though.  It was 4s quicker than last year.  As my 5km TT on Thursday was 2s quicker than last year maybe that's about right.

Big week and the hammie is sore.

HuRTS 5000m Time Trial

So over to ES Marks this evening driving Jeet and new recruit Ollie Lord from the City.  There we met JFen, Enda, Angus, Quentin, Andy and Renee getting ready to race, with Paul Hannell, Carla and Timmy on timing and encouragement duties.  Did a few laps warm up, tried a bit of stretching (mainly for the left hammie), did a few run throughs then we're off. 

It was pretty windy down the back straight, and Quentin set off quick.  He was stretching away on the home straight, my guess being that he was trying to gap me before the windy back straight.  So for the first few laps I was digging in to stay in touch.  Carried on like this until 3km.  Went through 1km in 3:03 and 3km in 3:21.  Then on the lap between 3km and 3.4km Quentin seemed to slow and was breathing hard so I thought, here's my chance, let's go.  Went into the lead and tried to push the pace but, of course, being the dogged bugger he is, he just tucked in and held on.  With 2 laps to go Q takes the lead again and starts upping the pace.  With a lap to go, I'm feeling pretty good, don't go too early lest I hit the wind, come around the final bend and then unleash the famous Highnam kick.  Which of course, Quentin matches fairly easily by lifting his pace only slightly.  To be fair, it was neck and neck down the straight but he won by 0.34s according to Paul Hannell's impressive looking 1970's timing machine, complete with biddy printer.  15:37:51 to Q and 15:37:84 to me.

Next home was Ollie (plainly taking it easy or not in form as he ran 45:08 for C2S last year), then Enda in 16:10, disappointed not to be 11s quicker, then Andy in 16:32, then Angus in 17:01 (I'm guessing disappointed not to be 2s quicker!), then JFen on the comeback with 17:18, then Jeet in 17:56 and finally Renee in 19:11.  Great crowd, great night.

Happy with the time as it's been a solid week.  Will take tomorrow off before running ANSW Short Course XC against all the quicks on Saturday.

Wednesday wander

The usual one loop of Centennial with MC, Clarkey, Crossy, TKS, JW, Big Kev and others.  67 something.  Legs tired after yesterday.  Left knee a bit sore.

Timmy Combo HuRTS Session

You can tell C2S is around the corner.  A huge turnout today, perhaps the biggest ever.  Fortunately Mikey had put up two sessions to choose from - the new Timmy combo (20mins of continuous hills pushing both downs and ups followed by a 5km tempo) or the usual 8 x 5mins.  CT, Quentin and Deano were leading the 5min reps while Clarkey, Muz, Crossy, Andy and Tucks joined me for the Timmy combo.  God knows what Enda was doing.  Tapering for a Time Trial.  That bloke has a lot to learn.

"The Hill" was about 150m from the football pitch above the Domain Carpark to the Robbie Burns statue then straight back down.  I started quite conservatively with Clarkey, Muz and Crossy up ahead but Tucks taking it even more easy than me.  And thank God I did.  Looked at my watch at 5mins and thought, far out, I'm only 25% into this and struggling already.  Noticed that I was keeping pace on the ups but starting to catch the lads in front on the downs.  At about halfway I went past Crossy and Muz and then caught Clarkey who was having a few problems with his ITB.  He took a rep out to stretch it then joined me again for the final 5 mins. 

Was a pretty brutal session in its own right, with us all looking pretty apprehensive about the tempo about to follow.  Split into 3 groups, a 4min km group, a 3:45 group and a 3:30 group.  Set off with Muz, Clarkey and Crossy running together - Tucks, Andy, Macca and Phil a bit further back.  It was strange to be running with dead legs but managed to hold it together OK.  Went through km markers in 3:22, 3:15, 3:20, 3:22 then 2:56 for the final 830m (3:32 pace) for 16:15 all up.  Clarkey pulled ahead at 3km and stormed home.  Muz and Crossy dropped off at about 3.5km but then on the hill near the Art Gallery I hear footsteps behind, assume Crossy has recovered well but suddenly see Tucks fly past!  That sly old dog.  Coming into form when it matters.

Long warm down with MC, Andy, Clarkey and Jeet for 15km all up.

Painful Monday

Painful due to the hangover.  Great night at CT's.  I was cutting some fine moves on the dancefloor.  Not sure who came up with the great idea of going to Jackson's on George though. 

Today was the usual Monday route in 68:03 (4:27's).  Big crowd there today including MC, Andy, Clarkey, Jeet, Ray, Charlie and loads more.  Felt very comfortable but my left knee is not right (by definition in fact, hahaha).  Getting pain when running up hill, which doesn't bode well for C2S. 

Fast finish Sunday

Out to the Boy Charlton pool early doors on a stunning Sunday morning to meet Macca, Jamie, Justin, Ben and Lewis Ingram.  Plan was 32-34km with a fast finish.  Macca seemed keen this morning (plainly coming into form after running a 1:16 Sri Chinmoy Half last week) setting a solid pace from the off, certainly quicker than the pace I'd slogged over the 1.3km from my new house to the pool.

Felt pretty good today though and was initially looking forward to the fast finish, but then from 17km onwards my legs started to tighten up a bit and the left glute was again a bit of a problem.  Pace was picking up on the out and back around Narrabeen Lake then from Narrabeen bridge I started to pick it up more just to test the glute.  Seemed ok on the flats and we we're running quickly - 3:35's along here.  Jamie and Justin dropped off first, then Lewis around the Long Reef headland but Macca was as tenacious as ever.  He even went into the lead coming into Dee Why and gave me a bit of a break.  But going up the hill through Dee Why he dropped off a bit so I stopped at the top to stretch my glute then ran with Macca back home with him once again getting back into the low 3:30's.  He's hitting some great form.

Felt good at the end.  Pleased I could hold on well for the first long run in 5 weeks.  All up 33km exactly in 2:15:45 (4:06 average) with the final 10km in 36:46.

Now to undo it all tonight at CT's 40th.

Saturday not Parkrun

Kirst stole my Parkrun slot with a yoga session so just did a steady 10km in the late afternoon in 42:27.

Friday frolics

15.3km in 66 something (4:19 average).  Springer, Israelie Jonathan, Hardcore Michael and quite a few others I didn't know.

Too many beers this evening with Timmy, Enda, Charlie and 'Lil Jimmy.  Parkrun will be tough in the morning.

HuRTS CEO Up in Arms

Well, all hell broke loose on the HuRTS emails this morning.  Chicanery and perfidy galore, with separatists Barts and Pete Triathlon Man both attempting to bring down Mikey's HuRTS empire with their own personal email distribution lists (Barts targeting the elites, Pete targeting the swimmers - and a few ladies it must be added) suggesting a hill session.  Might have been easier just to ask Mike to suggest a hill session given it seems everyone wants to do that with C2S approaching.  But no, and heated emails followed.  Of course, being Chairman, I backed CEO Mikey to the hilt.  You can expect his resignation in a couple of weeks.

Fortunately I had a client lunch today so did a tempo run (first from new house) around North Head and back.  3km of nasty hills in the middle and the legs were wobbly over the final 2km.  My Suunto ran out of battery before the end but I was 41.34 at 11km so probably ended up averaging about 3:43's (it's about 16.4km).  Will do this a couple more times before C2S and need to improve on that dramatically. 

1km warm up and 1km warm down on Nolans before and after.  Loving the new house. 

Recap Wednesday

A much needed massage with the Tiger this morning where he stuck needles in my ass.  I was unconsciously kicking like a mule but seemed to do the trick as I was high stepping back to the office.

One full Centennial loop at lunch with Crossy (looking super fit and giving away his lo-sugar diet secret), JW and Big Kev.  MC and others were taking it a bit easier dropping off early.  16km all up.

A few photos from holiday:

 

Mt Titlis, near Lucerne.  Charlie couldn't stop giggling about its name all day.  You can see we were well dressed for the occasion.

Climbing the mountains above Saas-Fee.  I had Claudia on my shoulders all the way up here and was knackered.

Bagnone, our village in Italy.  Loved it.

Claudia and I getting lost in the streets in Lucca, Italy.  Bit concerned about her actions when I asked her to pose for a photo. 

 

Me and my schoolmate Steve, at 2am in Pizza Pizza, Hexham's favourite (only) late night pizza/kebab joint.

Back blogging

Well, it was a magic 3.5 weeks in Switzerland, Italy and Scotland.  A few token jogs which in now way compensated for the booze intake and dessert eating.  Squeezed into my suit for work this morning pretending I still needed the same hole in my belt as 4 weeks ago. 

Rocked up to HuRTS today to discover Barts LEADING A BREAKAWAY SESSION with the HuRTS elite.  I stayed loyal.

Session was 45min tempo.  Just what I've been lacking.  Quentin took off (he seems to have hit some form) while I ran with Fats and Dean Degan with Macca just behind.  22.5mins was about 100m past the first speed bump and about 20m behind Fats.  Legs were a bit fatigued now.  Only got off the flight from Newcastle 14 hours previously so not too surprising.  Quentin came storming by before the O House with Fats just behind so ran with Fats from there.  Pushed up the hills to get back just under 45mins (44:57).  Long warmdown with Q and Mikey for 18km all up.

Going to see the Tiger tomorrow as my left glute is sore.  Too much carrying Claudia up big mountains.

Been hearing a lot of carry on about Enda's form.  Apparently he's out to beat me at City to Surf.  Well, I'm overweight and under fitness and Enda knows when to take his chances and strike.  It'll be close given how well he's running, but just the motivation I need.

Sophie Highnam

Rocked up at HuRTS today for the pyramid session just to take it easy.  No Mikey, no Timmy so I had to mark out the course on the field adjacent to Rushcutters and made a bit of a hash of it being about 20m short.  Still, we all got on with it.  Ran with Barts, George, Jonathan and Elle in group 2 with BOB, Quentin, Dom, Rich Mullaney, Ben Dec and others in group 1.  Just rolled around today with a longish warmdown.

Big news of the day received this evening when I heard that my niece, Sophie Highnam, has been selected to run for Victoria in the Australian XC Champs in Albany, WA in August having dominated her zone and regional XC meets.  Good on 'ya Soph!!  We've seen her brother Jack's Blog (who is talented enough).  Bring on Soph's!

HuRTS Commonwealth Games Time Trial - 3rd in 15:28

PWell, tonight was one of those bizarre but hugely enjoyable evenings that, 7 days ago, you'd never be able to predict.  It was about then that LJ sent around an email asking if a few of the squad could pace for Eloise Wellings and Emily Brichacek.  They were looking to do a final 5000m hit out before heading for some altitude training in St Moritz and then on to Glasgow where they're both competing in the 5000m in the Commonwealth Games.  It's the sort of opportunity you don't turn down (even all the way down in Sylvania Waters) especially with free Crust Pizza and a singlet thrown into the bargain.

So I picked up Quentin (and Carla), Barts and Muz from work and drove down.  I'd been bricking myself all day and was no less nervous on the trip.  Luckily the wind had died down quite a bit and it was cool.  Did a few laps warmup then bumped into Eloise who had revised down the required pacing through 3000m from 9:09 to 9:12.  So on the start line it was Emily and Eloise, Barts, CT, Muz, Quentin, Crossy, myself and two chaps called Luke and *bad tempered bloke*.  David Tarbottom from Athletics NSW was filming and timing, and then Jock (from Jock Athletic - coaching Eloise) announces Steve Waugh as the starter.  Barts and I look at each other and point to Waugh mouthing "It's Steve Waugh!" while Quentin (an American for those who don't know him) looks on rather nonplussed. 

So we had to run 73/74's.  I put my hand up to run the first 2 laps knowing they're the easiest.  Steve Waugh tells us to go (with little warning it must be said), I stumble, nearly pull a hammie and rush to the front only to find bad tempered bloke flying off way too quick.  Try to slow things down, bad tempered bloke drops back and we go through in 73.  Next lap the same.  Then Quentin comes to the front and does a 72, then slows a bit so I reassume front running duties.  First km 3:05. Second km 3:05.  Third km 3:05.  I'd felt great to 3km but then I start to count the laps to go - 5 now, that's not too bad.  But it's starting to hurt.  Each time we get down the back straight Eloise shouts "faster, faster!" and I swear that if I hadn't had an Olympian shouting at me I'd have been running 2s a lap slower.  At some point here CT comes past and does a lap and a bit in front before I go back again.  Then with 1km to go I'm hurting and must be slowing as Eloise shouts "Tim, move aside" and I'm thinking "who he fuck is Tim and why's she shouting at him" before Truscott yells "TOMMY MOVE OUT".  So I do and the girls go through looking super smooth so I tuck in behind but they start to gap me.  I can see CT's shadow just behind so I know it's now a race between him and me.  Dig in to 600m to go thinking it's only half of Farm Cove to go now.  Then at 400m I give another push and see that CT has dropped off.  At 200m I'm catching the girls again but into the home straight they are racing each other and it's too late to catch.

Chuffed to bits with the time.  An 8s PB and another of Dad's PBs knocked off.  In fact, the last.  I can now retire.  Pleased to beat the boys too, albeit with all of them on the comeback trail.  It's not often we all get to race together like this, especially on the pressure cooker of the track.  Final results were:

Emily Brichacek:  15:26 (PB)

Eloise Wellings:  15:27

Tom Highnam:  15:28 (PB)

Chris Truscott:  15:35

John Bartlett:  15:38

Quentin Reeve:  15:42

Bad Tempered Bloke:  15:47

Andy Cross:  15:51 (PB)

Anthony Murrell:  16:18

So we all do a warmdown and Eloise tells us she's going to St Moritz next week so I tell her I'm going to Switzerland on Friday.  Held back from telling her I'm also going to be in Gateshead where the Aussie training camp is and Scotland as I thought she might think I was stalking her.  Then on to Crust Pizza in Cronulla for free pizza and chat with the boys and LJ.  Eloise gives quite a moving speech thanking all her support crew, her new friend Emily and the pacers.  I noted the use of the plural but picked up on the fact she was only looking at me.  Then her father-in-law gave a speech and I made a mental note not to speak at any of my kids, or their spouses, gatherings.

But a fab night.

The boys

Our official starter

This is going to be scary

Monday - moved house.  Knackered.

Tuesday - HuRTS 4 x 10mins but took it easy running 3:50's with Quentin.   Easy session due to a TT we are pacing for Emily Brichaceck and Eloise Wellings (Commonwealth Games 5000m representatives) down in Sylvania tomorrow.  5000m which they want to do at 3:03 pace (15:15).  Sounds very ambitious to me so Barts, CT, Muz, Crossy, Quentin and myself have all been roped in by LJ to help them do it on the promise of a singlet and some Crust pizza.  My prediction is we'll manage 4 laps then everyone (bar maybe Emily) will drop off and it'll become a race.  Feeling good though so I'll give it a crack.  Just hope these winds drop.

Short Sunday

Caught up with Richard Mullaney this morning then met Macca, Ben, Justin and Banksy.   Headed up towards Narrabeen but I turned at Long Reef, not intending to do a long one.  In truth, I needed to just haul my ass back home at whatever pace I could muster.  VERY tired after yesterday, particularly as I spent the whole day moving house and I've had three 4:30am/5:30am starts.

16.5km in 1:15:00 (4:32's).

Last night in 25 Griffiths St tonight.  Many fond memories of the place.  When I moved in I thought a long run was 16km and couldn't beat 35mins for 10km.

Curl Curl Parkrun - 1st in 16:05

So today I did a Quentin on Quentin.  Caught up with Sammy and the boys on the Manly 5.30pm ferry and dragged myself away from 'Lil Jimmy Matthews and J-Fen in the Wharf Bar after a mountain of Coopers Pale Ale at 10.30pm.  Up at 6am to do 12km with Elle before starting Parkrun.  Good crowd today with Quentin, Jamie, Macca, Pete W, Lewis Ingram (who I met for the first time) and others all rocking up.  Wasn't feeling confident after the big night so plan was just to try and stick to Quentin for as long as possible.  But legs felt pretty good after an easy week and I reckon the 12km warmup actually helped.  First km in about 3:08, then about 3:10, then the slow third km in 3:21.  Felt good up the hill on Harbord Rd and realised Q was going to wind it up from there.  Pace got gradually quicker.  Thought that if I stuck on his shoulder he'd get frustrated at some point.  After the bridge and out of the trees I decided to finally hit the front.  He of course reacted, dogged bastard that he is, so it was an all-out sprint from there.

Really pleased with the time - 16:05 feeling pretty comfortable until the final 500m.  Then finished off with another 9.5km with Elle (and Lewis, Jamie, Macca and Jamie's mate for the first 6km) for 26.5km all up.

Finally, proof for all the doubters of my dancing ability - shown here passed on to the next generation:

Oh the highs, oh the lows...

Up at 4.40am.  Down to the Ivanhoe.  Meet Big Sam and little Jack.  Have coffee.  Have ham and cheese croissant.  Get depressed at Suarez's headed goal.  Temporary excitement followed by groaning at every near England miss.  Jump in the air and hug Sammy when Rooney scores.  Stare into my empty coffee cup when Suarez scores again.  Flounce home.  Put running kit on.  Run to work.  Having been up for 4 hours, actually feel pretty good.  Bump into Macca in Kirribilli.  Bit strange.  Have a chat.  Carry on to work.  56:46.  Last time I'll ever do this route.  Momentarily reminisce.  But in my new house I shall be able to run around Nolan Reserve barefoot in the dew.  Maybe even naked.

Tempo run to work

Had a client lunch on today (guest speakers Phil Liggett and Gabriel Gate, who were awesome) so substituted the speed session with a tempo run to work.  Always hurts like hell as:
(a) it's bloody hilly from Manly to the CBD; and
(b) i'm no good first thing in the morning.
But didn't feel too shabby after an easier week.  23:52 at Spit Junction (where I met a lady at the crossing who said; "did I see you running from Fairlight? You must be very fast" to which I feigned modesty and said something along the lines of "you know, I do what I can".
Got to work in 50:38 and legs were even a bit wobbly running up Bent Street.  It's only 3:53's but felt tough.  How the hell did I ever run 46:43 over that route?  That record is impregnable.

Enjoyable run

Not often I get to say that.

Had a partners meeting at lunch so went out around the Centennial route in the late afternoon sun feeling good and with almost no aches and pains.  12+km in 52mins.

HuRTS 45min Fartlek

Rocked up today for a bit of banter more than anything else, and got plenty of it with Enda and Barts in fine form - Enda thinking he's got the making of the former HuRTS #1 and Barts not yet ready to give any ground to the Irish upstart.

Only 3 of us from Launnie made it there, LJ, Birchy and myself taking it easy nursing sore bodies (and heads).  I ran with Macca, Rich Mullaney, Craig P and Phil Dove.  Wasn't that easy in all honesty - we were averaging 3:40's overall and I was mentally and physically drained.  Got back in 44:30 though so must have upped the pace on the return.

Big group upfront with Tucks finally giving it a go, Enda, Barts, Crossy and Clarkey all leading each other out but Barts showed he's on the comeback by leading them back.

Long warm down for 18km all up.

Launceston 10km - 21st in 32:07

At the start of the year I wanted to concentrate on 10kms.  Hadn't been under 33 since September 2011 and it's a distance I've got a lot of respect for - running a good 10km is bloody hard. So a lot of the year had been planned around Sydney10 and Launceston.  Was feeling in good shape in the past couple of weeks so was pretty nervous and excited heading down to Tassie.  Great crowd down there with Timmy, Birchy, Dr Skins, Robbie, Quentin (and Carla), LJ, Elle, Jackie and Charlie K all making the trip.  Sized up a pasta place for the evening, checked out the arctic monkeys and froze our arses off before tucking in early for a good nights sleep.

Managed a breaky in the morning due to the relatively late start of 10am and even managed to watch England's first half v Italy.  Then we were off to the start, good warm up before I plonk myself on the front cuddling a couple of Kenyans while Timmy is still out stretching in front of the start with Liam Adams and co.  Then we're off.

Steady myself in the huge rush.  It's a slightly downhill start which makes it super quick.  Then I can't quite believe how quickly a front pack forms and how quickly they gap me.  I'm leading the second group and by 1km they already have a 40m gap on me.  And I can see from the lead car that I've just run 3:00 for the km!  Quite a few must have dropped off as by 1.5km I'm aware that there's only 1 chap on my shoulder, huffing and puffing like an old man.  It was like running with Macca!  Keep trying to maintain a quick pace.  It's a beautiful cold morning with no wind so I'm not fussed about this chap sitting on me.  I can sense him coming alongside every now and then which just keeps me honest.  It stays this was until the half way turnaround.  No idea as to time as I'm not wearing a watch as usual but work out after I must have gone through in about 15:48 ish.  At the turn I see a bit of a gap to Robbie (he goes through in 16:00) with further gap to a group headed by Quentin.  Give them both a bit of a shout then put my head down and start working to get back home.  But now it starts to hurt.  Mr Huff and Puff is doing more turns at the front now as we start to pick some blokes that have been spat out of the initial lead group.  I start to repeat my mantra - just hold on for one more km.  Mr Huff and Puff will drag me to a quick time and keep that lead over Robbie.  After what seems an age running through fields, suddenly we're back in Launnie and there's only one km to go.  Mr Huff and Puff gaps me but I put in an effort over the little railway bridge and we're turning into the home straight.  Now it's just head down and sprint and, what do you know, there's a couple of Kenyans coming back to us!  Just fail to catch them on the line.  Give Mr Huff and Puff a hug and tank him for dragging me home.  Ask him what time we did (there's no clock on the line and I'm running watchless as usual) but he doesn't know.  Arghhhhhh!

Quentin now comes in running a great back half to pick up Robbie at 8km.  He's back under 33 with a 32:46.  Then Robbie comes in on 33:01 and it's a bit of a gap to Charlie K on a very good 35:39 - this lad will be quick with a bit of training.  Then LJ comes wheezing over the line on 36:04.  She's had a cold all week but looks disappointed not crack 36 - even though it's a road PB!  Then Dr Skins (we're still trying to work out the nickname) on 36:40 and Timmy then comes in with a slightly disappointing 37:30.  The Birchy running to his Central Governor in 38:40.  Next up is Elle running a great 39:04 (she'll be under 39 very shortly) and then Jackie with a 2 minute PB of 40:39. 

Here we are immediately post race - Quentin, Birchy, me, Timmy, Charlie K, LJ, Skins, Jackie, Robbie and Elle.

 

Timmy spoiling the picture with the glamour couple Quentin and Carla.

So then we had a bit of a jog, bit of a shower, found the only breakfast joint open in Launnie (you're not allowed to call it Launceston apparently) on a Sunday, then the gents retired to the nearest pub whilst the ladies (and Birchy, honourable girl that he is) went to powder their noses.  Quite a while later they showed up whilst we were already half cut.  Here they are below, looking delighted with their results off coach CT's training plan. 

Then we went to the classy James Boags brewery and from there all class went out of the window as we ended up in the Irish pub, called "Irish" as far as I could tell.  I cut some fine moves on the dancefloor but Timmy seemed to be getting all the attention.  I won't post the offending photo.

 

All in all a top weekend.  The punters were happy.  LJ took home $450 from it, superstar that she is these days.  I have a feeling Launnie could become a regular fixture.

Friday plod

Last plod before Launnie with a Good Friday crowd of MC, Tucks, TKS, Adam, Crossy and others.

So here we are in Launceston, 11 of us.  Dinner booked for 6.30pm.  All a bit subdued at the moment lounging around watching World Cup replays and saving energy for the morning.  Getting nervous now.

HuRTS Hickson Road

Continued the easy week by rocking up to the session and cruising around at 3:45's but adding a 100m at 95% during each rep.  Feeling good and getting really pumped for Launnie on Sunday.

I set up the office floor sweepstake today to try and get my fellow Aussie workers a bit more excited about the World Cup.  Well, half the floor didn't even know what it was but you mention a sweepie and they've all got their wallets out and studying the form.  Anything for a bit of a flutter.  So I'm first with my hand in the bucket and who do I get - England.

Wednesday ramble

Just the Centennial route back via Fox Studios, nice and easy but high cadence with LJ, Clarkey, Kev and BK.  

HuRTS 8 x 5mins

Monday off. 

Taking it easy this week so just cruised through the session.  Wasn't quite as easy as I'd planned running with Macca and Renaud but nothing like last Tuesday.  Was finishing just shy of Mrs Mac's Chair.  Long warmdown with Barts after for 16km all up.

Someone took some great photos from SMH Half on behalf of all Striders and sent them around on the distribution list today.  This is with 4km to go:

Stupid Sunday

Out at 6.30am with Macca, Ben, Justin and Erika for a loop up to Narrabeen Bogan Park and back.  Nice easy pace the whole way until Macca decided to see how strong Erika was by running 4:10's back into Manly.  She looked completely unflustered by his test.  All up 28km averaging 4:28's.

Then 13 runners of Manly origin descended on The Steyne and Last Train to Delhi for Curry Night.  All was good.  Then Ben, Paul and I went into The Boatshed.  No one else followed.  They're far too sensible.  At 3am I decided I was in the wrong place.  But the live band was great.

Striders 10km North Head

Had the 40min pacing job today, trying to save myself for Launceston next week.  Turn up on the start line to find Enda looking exuberant and all the star runners missing.  It can't be I'm thinking.  Last Striders 10km he turned up for was in November when he took out the win when all the big guns were again AWOL.   Fats and Quentin were there but Fats had had a cold all week and was doubtful and I'd been drinking litre glasses of Lowenbrau in the Bavarian Bier Cafe last night with Quentin which left me feeling dodgy this morning so Q couldn't have felt much better.

Anyway, fair play to Enda.  He did all the work dragging Q and Tongey around for 8km but Q always buries himself in races and came out with the win over the final 1.5km.

I had a nice time pacing 40mins.  Plenty of people around, including Renee and Elle, to encourage and the group all came through under 40mins with a strong final km.  Coffee and breakfast with Timmy and Bec after for a good morning.

Friday plod

11km plus something with MC, Crossy, Springer, Adam and others.  Tired and sore after a tough week.

92km for week.

HuRTS 400's tempo combo

Over to Rushcutters for 8 x 400m off a rolling 2 mins followed by a 3km tempo.  Felt crap on the way over - tired and unenthusiastic.  Barts, Timmy, Crossy, Rich Mullaney and Andy H made up the first group with MC easing off (again) in group 2 with a big group including LJ, TKS, Renee, Birthday Girl Elle, Big Kev etc.

Crossy was putting in some effort for a change in the 400's and was a few yards ahead for most but I was getting closer in the second half.  Had to really work hard to reel him in though and was running 67's and 68's on the long grass going lactic towards the end (down my arms of all places).

Dreaded the 3km tempo but felt OK once we got going running with Barts. It was wet today and when we turned the tight corner on to the wooden bridge I felt my foot slip out from me and slid into the side railing, only to turn around and see Barts flat on his back.  Looked like the bloody Keystone Cops.  Got going again and finished in 9:55 for 2.99km on the Suunto (Timmy's finally measured the distance correctly). Will download the stats tonight but pretty sure final lap was 3:13 including slowing a lot to cross the bridge of doom.

Long warmdown with Barts for 13km all up.

MLR

15km at a pace slightly quicker than normal with MC, Clarkey, Big Kev and Gareth.  Up to Centennial and back via Woolhara Gates.

HuRTS 45mins Tempo

Big crowd today with all of HuRTS regular favourites on show, i.e. everyone but Enda and Timmy.  We had a big group of 6 of us up front with Crossy, Quentin, Fats, Barts, Muz and me all running together.  I was feeling pretty jaded after yesterday's long run so tucked in behind Fats on the way out with Quentin also doing his share.  Around the OPT I felt the pace drop a bit and was starting to feel a bit more comfortable so did a bit on the front too.  We hit 22.5mins just after the mid entrance to Barangaroo (where the road changes colour), so pretty good.

Made some effort on the way back but was still feeling good.  Then Muz comes past at the Toaster and more effort is needed with the group falling apart.  Muz dragged me around to MMC while I'm thinking how the hell am I going to keep this pace up the hills when suddenly he shouts out; "That's it for me mate, see you Thursday!".  My emotions ran from relief to downright anger - the bastard left me knackered having to climb to the finish!  Finished off ok to run 44:19 all up for 12.7km (3:28's).  Long warmdown with Q, Barts and Andy H for 17km all up.

Long Monday

Achilles just too sore to run on Sunday.  Took plenty of Voltaren and could do the eccentric loading by Sunday night and felt great today.  Did a Centennial loop then joined the squad for the normal Monday route.  All up, 27km exactly in 2:00:00 exactly.  4:15's for first 13km and about 4:40's with the squad.

State XC Relays

Down to deepest, darkest Shire territory for the XC relays in Miranda.  Always love this event.  The different clubs line their tents right by the course (the toughest section), plenty of viewing opportunities to cheer your team mates on and a short, sharp course that has you blowing hard and legs a burning due to the little hills.

CT went off in the first leg and they were sprinting.  Crossy (running for Sutherland) said he went through the first km in 2:56 and he was mid-pack!  CT was well up with Robin W and Nick Cope until the hills on the 2nd lap where they put a bit of time into him.  Still, he handed over after running a quick 12:48.  

I went off quick in my track spikes and caught a couple early and had Big Jim Dawes to track down after he took over from Nick Cope from RBH.  Caught Jim at the end of the first lap but was making no headway into Geoff Arnold of St George who ended up running 3s quicker.  Happy enough to finish in 12:57 after blowing hard on the hills and handing over to Fats leading the O35's.  The achilles was buggered though.  With no heel on those spikes it was always going to be a risk.  

Fats ran a great 13:04 (ahead of Muz 13:07 and Crossy 13:14) - I think the hills suit his strength and with Keith running a good 13:10 we won the O35's pretty easily:

Fats and I, with the Tiger at far left for RBH and Crossy at far right for Sutherland.

But story of the day was the scones.  Much has been said and written.  Suffice to say I finally got some.  And, boy, were they good.  Some more jam next year (maybe the Bonne Maman variety) and it will be perfect.

Finally, for the family, Claudia is desperate to start soccer.  Here she is, shin pads, boots and all, in Maggie's kit for the mighty Brookvale FC:

Freewheeling Friday

Had to do some corporate charidee cycle challenge this morning which involved sitting on a stationery bike for 30mins freewheeling furiously.  I was intending to take it easy until they announced that the person who rode the furthest in the room would get a prize.

So got off the bike 30mins later with the tightest hip flexors known to man.  Then joined LJ, Erikakaka and, subsequently a big crowd including Adam, Andy and Ray for the usual harbourside route.  Andy accompanied me to the very end of 15 odd km and had a great chat about the life of a QPR supporter.  Jeez, dunno how he does it.  Life's tough enough.

Poor old Timmy was upsetting LJ's Mum with his banter today but the lovely lady has still promised to deliver scones, jam and cream to the relays tomorrow.  Let's hope someone saves me my fair share...

Only 80kms this week.

HuRTS 8 x 800m

So I took yesterday off from being too tired on Tuesday and also had a massage - my first in 6 months.  Also did some stretching last night. Woke up this morning feeling like a million dollars.  

Over to Rushcutters to meet a good crowd including Timmy, Tucks, Barts, Andy, Ray, CT, Enda, Crossy, MC, LJ, Renee and plenty of others.  Haven't done this set in a while and it's tough.  1:30 rest in between.  First group was me, CT, Barts, Dom, Timmy and Rich Mullaney.  Went straight to the front feeling great.  Ran about 2:21.  Same on rep 2, rep 3 Adrian joins us and runs in front of me the whole way - 2:19.  I pay on rep 4 running 2:24 and they stayed that way until the last rep which CT made an effort on running 2:19 to my 2:20.

The Garmins said 800m, I've got my doubts but there was some wind on the home straight so it was a rock solid session and confidence booster nonetheless.

Extra jog with Barts and CT to Darling Point and back before heading home for 14km all up.