NYC and Kangaroo Valley

Just back from a fantastic break in New York then Kangaroo Valley.

New York was great. Was worn out when we arrived from a torrid time at work and the long flight, so decided to recover by going out on a big night in the Big Apple. The stayers were Muz, Ben and Chris (from UBS) after Serg fell asleep in the corner at the first bar. Eventually got in at about 3am but woke up from my sleep on the bathroom toilet at about 5am, so then crawled into bed. Spent the next day trying not to empty the contents of my stomach whilst looking at a few Jackson Pollocks in the MOMA. He's not the best artist to look at while trying to do this. We then had the cocktail reception in the evening where I stuck to mineral water while watching Charlie glug down glass after glass of red wine and thinking my bet that Jeremey would beat him was safe. We (the UBS and Allens teams) had a quick pasta meal before going to bed early hoping to finally catch up on some sleep. The sleep never came. Kept my eyes closed until about 3am while listening to Ash snoring and New York at night but not sleeping. Then turned on the TV for a couple of hours before trying more closed eye stuff. I think I got about 30 minutes before the alarm went off at 7am.

Did my usual pre-race routine and wasn't feeling that bad despite the lack of sleep - at least the hangover had gone and I wasn't drowsy from deep slumber. Did a few sprints and started to feel a bit more confident. The talk before the race was of Stevie T's win in the Striders 10km at Homebush which I picked up on my Blackberry in the morning. He'd been looking in sensational form in training but to convert it into a win over Colin Johnston (the State 10km bronze medallist) in his first competitive race in ages was something. Be sure to say hello to us when you're famous, mate.

The plan from the start had been just to try to stick to Muz and Serg for as long as possible. Got a great start in the middle of the road (you can see from the pictures in the link below) and found myself quite far forward after 500m with slower starters overtaking me. Muz inevitably came past shortly after the first turn so increased the pace slight just to stick to him. Serg came by just before Grand Central Station (shortly before the first mile) and we started to form a group of about 6 of us largely led by Serg. Went through 1 mile in 5:01 which I worked out was 17:33 pace overall but couldn't do the maths when the body was hurting to calculate was 3:06 pace. Most of the next mile was slightly downhill running to 29th St and we just stayed in the same group - Serg, Muz and I at the front. Muz was showing a bit of bravado at the turn by cheering on Charlie and Jeremey running the other way (I was too knackered to manage more than a grunt). After the turn, it's a slight uphill back to Grand Central Station. At this point, I was starting to hurt and hang off the back of the group. Serg was still leading (and looking strong) with a chap from General Electric and Muz was about 3 yards in front of me. Just tried to concentrate at this stage - all the negative thoughts were running through my head but also felt that if I could hold on until the final 600m then I'd have a chance because of more kms in the legs. We came out of Grand Central as a strung out group of 6 and at this point I could see the red cones in the distance where the final turn is. Suddenly felt as though I had a bit of energy so put in a bit of effort to overtake Muz and put some pressure on Serg to see how he'd react. I honestly believe that if he'd put one more effort in at that stage then I'd just have given up but instead I went past and all I heard was him shouting "go with him Muz" or words to that effect. So I knew he was gone but that Muz wasn't, and he's a tenacious bugger. Went round the cones and looked up to see the finish line what seemed miles away (about 600m). Two blokes came past (spirits lifted when I saw Muz wasn't one of them) so I decided just to stick to them and try and let them drag me in to the line. One of them was a pain in the ass as he kept on accelerating past then slowing down and then accelerating again (he got me on the line). Eventually crossed the line with my legs like jelly. Results are below....

http://www.jpmorganchasecc.com/results.php?city_id=18&type=topmale&year=2008

Amazing how much more you remember the shorter the race. I'm sure my 10km write-ups aren't this long. Great night out on Saturday evening capped off watching Manly win the Grand Final in the only Australian pub in Manhattan. Got a bit emotional at this stage so went home to bed.

Arrived home after sleeping for about 24 hours to go on holiday to Kangaroo Valley. Had a brilliant time. Perfect weather, great house, completely relaxing and haven't turned my mobile on in a week. Did 4 runs - three 10kms (38:41, 37:50 and 36:45) and 25km at 4:18 pace yesterday. Heel was a bit sore on the long run but have loaded up on Voltaren and it's better now. Just felt great while running the 10kms which is why they were quick. I'd generally go out in about 4:00 pace and then increase the pace all the way. The 36:45 was a 19:15/17:30 split. Eventually found a 10km out and back route that didn't involve running into herds of cows. The owner of our house told me they were harmless but I'm sure one of them that was staring me down on my first run had no udder.

Attached a few photos taken on 7 mile beach on Saturday.

Big Apple Beckons

Well, I've had to work past midnight every night this week, had about 5 hours sleep each night, I'm still stuck in the office and will be jumping on a 24 hour flight to NYC in about 12 hours. Managed to get out for a 30 minute plod this evening but benefited more from the stretch afterwards than anything else. Sitting in a chair does no good to the muscles.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Lovely day, good crowd, didn't kill myself during the session, good chat about New York, everything running should be about. Reps went as follows:

9:54; 9:38; 9:50; 9:49.

Ran with Serg, Muz and Durante for the first and second (the Judge joining us on the second) and just Serg and Muz on the 3rd and 4th. Stevie T was so far ahead we lost sight of him - we clocked him at the Stone Gates in under 9mins for the first rep. Reps all felt pretty comfortable although I did push the third when feeling good.

Just easy until Saturday now.

Old Manly Sunday

Ran the old route via Burnt Bridge Creek, Queenscliff, North Head and Tania Park (attached). Took it very easy today - partly because I tend to run my Sunday runs too quick and partly because I was knackered after yesterday. Was averaging 4:30s until 20km but then slowed over the technical hilly bit through the bush at the end. Lovely day and nice run. All up it's 27.29km which I did in 2:05:20 (4:36s).

Just been on the Berlin Marathon website trying to see Kanser finish. Saw from 2:19 to 2:43 but no sign of him - coverage over the finish line was pretty sporadic though. Nice run by Gebrsellassie.

Saturday scared of speedwork

So I ran a steadyish quick tempo instead - route above. Started fairly quick at 4:03s then slowed down loads going along Wood St and through Manly Cove and up the hill to North Head. Reached 6km in 26:20. Ran the Striders marked 2km of North Head quickly (3:26 and 3:20) into a headwind and then contined on with the quicker pace - albeit into a headwind all the way along Manly Beach. Aim then was to get back home averaging under 4:00mins per km which I just did - 15.67km in 1:02:25 (3:59s).

Nice run on a beautiful day but worried about ever having the balls to do a speed session by myself again.

Good luck to Kanser in Berlin tomorrow. He's capable of smashing 2:40 and running sub 2:38.

Blinkin' Nora

Been stuffed at work hence no Blog updates.

Thursday was a tempo run to work - 51:04 after 24:40 (approx) at Spit Junction. Garmin had it as 12.83 this time which is averaging 3:59s. It's a tough run in with all the hills.

Friday was a run at lunch with Serg and Muz. Straight up to Centennial, one loop then straight back. 12.15kms in 47:38. Serg kept the pace honest from the start so that we averaged 3:55s overall but still a nice run on a beautiful day.

Wednesday marathon stuff

Stuffed at work yesterday sat in a meeting looking out at everyone running over lunchtime. Found a small gap in the diary to get out today so met up with MC, Charlie and Ben for the usual Wednesday session. Just cruised it today - feeling great after yesterday's rest. Up to Centennial in 22:03, 12:30 for the quick internal lap finishing on 49:55 but then much quicker coming back home to finish in 1:16:20, including 2:32 over the final quick stretch.

So, almost a PB for the total distance but once again the Garmin tells me it's shorter than I thought - only 18:26km so averaging 4:11s. It'll be interesting to see how it plots the route through Kings Cross though when I get back to put it on SportsTracks this evening. MC going well again.

Easy Monday

The usual Monday route with Serg, MC and Ray. Bumped into a few others including Sparkie (first time I've ever seen him out in the City), DC5 and the Tank. 14:51km in 65:39 so averaged 4:31s. Felt very easy although it was pretty warm again and I was very thirsty and hungry at the end. Feeling a bit faint this afternoon - hope I'm not coming down with something.

Long Sunday

3 x 10km route. Set out with the intention of taking it very easy the whole way - particularly after having friends over for dinner last night and sinking 3 bottles of red between the three of us drinking. First lap was just spent trying to conserve as much energy - went through 10km in about 43:50 having been on 4:30's for the first few km. Felt great at the start of the second lap and just put my head down and churned out the kms in great running conditions. Started to tire during the final lap but still kept the pace at about 4:18's. Ended up with a total of 30.64km in 2:11:30 (4:17 average).

Heel is now sore. It doesn't like long distances. Will apply plenty of ice today and take the voltaren in the hope of keeping the inflammation down.

Mentally weak

Plan for today was the Campbell Road session - 13 x 660m alternating floats and fast. However, things started to conspire against me. I'm not as fit as I was, I could only get out in the middle of the day when it was stinking hot (32C), had to run in trainers and not flats and wasn't in the right frame of mind. The reps went:

2:21; 2:08; 2:28; 2:10; 2:30; 2:10; 2:31; 2:12 - then I pulled the plug. It's probably only the second time ever I've not finished a session. But I was slowing down and really struggling in the heat so decided against flogging a dead horse. Have to say it's also part of the attempt to keep on enjoying my running.

Feel for those running the marathon tomorrow if conditions don't change overnight. Good luck to all.

It can't be true!

Moment of truth this morning. Ran into work with the Garmin and measured the distance. I'd previously plotted it on GMap at just over 13km (http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=206274) and the Garmin has been almost identical to GMaps so was expecting something similar.

Started off at a good pace and was aiming to maintain 4:10kms all the way. Struggled with all the hills in the first half getting to Spit Juntion (5.91km) in 25:18 - 4:16 per km. I usually reach Spit Junction in 27-28mins so this was pretty quick. Picked up the pace along Military Road, struggled over the bridge and got to work in 53:22. Probably my quickest run to/from work that was not run as a tempo session. However, the Garmin said it was only 12.73km(!) meaning an average pace of 4:12 p/km. It might have lost a bit in the undercover steps that go back and forth on each other at the end of the Harbour Bridge but not 300m. I think I'll stick with the GMap calculation for now...

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

Beautiful day, bit of wind about and almost recovered from a 36 hours hangover. Usual Mona Fartlek today. Smaller crowd than normal with the Sydney Running Festival this weekend but still lots of quality with Stevie T, Serg, Muz, the Judge (making a welcome return), Tri Ry, MC (bringing a female with him, God forbid), Gareth, Pete W and others.

Steve pretended he was running with us for the first 90 sec rep then disappeared off into the distance, leaving Serg, Muz and I to run together the whole way. Serg is obviously trying to play mind games before New York by telling Muz and I that he thought he'd take it easy today and "just run with us" but I heard that heavy breathing towards the end so I'm not so sure. Pushed the first two 60 second reps to reach the Stone Gates with 10 seconds to spare. Struggled as usual over the 3rd and 4th 60 second reps before pushing the 30s. Finished the 20 minutes having covered 5.94km (3:22 pace).

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

Beautiful day, cooler than yesterday but still clear. We'd thought the wind had dropped too until we turned the first corner and realised it had been behind us for the first 2km.Crowd up fron was Stevie T, Serg, Muz, new bloke Tri Ry, Durante (still struggling with injury) and myself with Kanser joining in half way around Farm Cove. Kanser, Stevie, Serg and Tri Ry pulled ahead slightly getting towards Hickson Rd before Serg and Tri Ry dropped back to join us just before the turn. Reached the turn (22.30 mins) at 6.49km (3:28 pace). Very quickly caught by Kanser (going great guns) and Stevie then Tri Ry dropped off at the Toaster. Reached 10km in 34:45 when Serg stopped, leaving Muz and I to finish it off (Stevie having long since disappeared off into the distance). Finished just beyond the stone gates for 12.86km in the 45mins (3:30 pace).

If the slow sections were 4:10, the fast sections averaged 3:14. If they were 4:00, the fast sections were 3:17. They felt slower than 4:00 per km but then they also feel slow compared to the fast sections.

Good crowd at HuRTS including Chris G, Springer, MC (cutting short), Enda (back from injury), Adam and English Andy. Sitting here in the office with stomach cramps - just like I used to get when doing hard sessions coming back from injury in March/April.

Starting to show

Lack of recent training is starting to show. Been looking after the kids all weekend so no run until today. Ran the long route in to work - 18.56km in 1:23:00 - average of 4:28. Felt very lethargic at the start, as if the legs had gone soft. One thing about running lots of kms in training is that your legs tend to just become numb when you'd otherwise just want to give up. Didn't feel that way today, just wanted to give up.

Wasn't helped in having to carry a rucksack with files and shoes in, which was rubbing on my shoulders all the way (now red raw). Also 32c today. No idea where this hot weather has suddenly come from but it had me longing for a bit of Winter when running up Parriwi Rd.

Heel a bit tender this evening. It doesn't like anything long or hilly.

Home Truths

The Manly mile is only 1.59km long.

Kirst is away for the weekend so took today off to look after the kids. Due to complications over work I had booked Michelle to look after the kids for 4 hours but my meeting was cancelled so took advantage and went for a run (and lazy lunch). Run was a new variation of an old route - 15.34km in 1:03:49 (4:10 per km) - picture attached. The picture is saved from SportTracks - the new software I've downloaded. Haven't got a clue how it works but it just seemed to pick up all my runs from my Garmin, save them on a very handy and well laid out Calendar and then show pictures of where you actually ran. Then, when you hovver the mouse over any spot on your run, it tells you the exact distance at that point and the elapsed time. How good is that? It's amazing.

Steady run, not wholly comfortable as I'm too busy trying to keep the pace up for the watch. Calves are very sore. Tara indicated this would happen - I've got a new stretch which loosens the lower part of the calf (which was causing the bursitis) but it means I'm now using the upper part of my calves more hence them being so sore, particularly after yesterday's session.

BTW, was looking over the SMH results yesterday in responding to Dave Sweeney and noticed that the bloke I outsprinted at the end of that race was exactly the same as the bloke I outstprinted at the end of City to Surf (Richard Gardiner). Must be annoying for him, but indicates that perhaps my SMH Half wasn't as bad as I thought it was, given how pleased I was with C2S.

HuRTS Hickson Road

Back to Hickson Road. Good crowd including Serg, Muz, MC, Durante, DC5, Stevie T, KMK, Ben, Hamish (getting back into some good form), English Andy etc. Was late for the first rep - saw the group getting ready to set off just as I was getting to the bottom of the steps. I guess I was about 5 or 6 seconds behind. Just failed to catch Muz and Durante who ran a 3:40 so I'm guessing I did a 3:45. The new Garmin was still trying to pick out some satellites at this stage. It doesn't seem to like searching for them when you're not standing still.

It found the satellites seconds before the second rep. From then, the reps were:

3:31 (3:33 on the Garmin but having problems with the stop button - you need to press it without a finger on the bezel which is not my style) - 2:59 per/km
3:32 (2:59 per km) trying to keep up with Muz and Durante who put a quick one in.
3:34 (3:02 per km) trying to catch Muz after getting caught in traffic at the start.
3:35 (3:03 per km) trying to pull ahead of Muz.

DC5 was just ahead on each (although fading towards the end of each). Special mention to Stevie T who is starting to show his class. After running them all from the front in well under 3:30, he ran a 3:13 on the final rep beating KMK running his usual cowboy final rep. New course record for Hickson Road.

Will try to download the data tonight.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Lovely morning, crap day, great evening.

Received all the presents that any bloke could possibly want: a Garmin Forerunner 405, a lawn strimmer and 2 pairs of pants.

Only had 25 minutes to test out the 405, ran about 5km after eventually picking up the first satellite signal (hope subsequent ones aren't so slow). Averaged 4:18per km on the way out and 4:08 on the way back. I can see an obsession emerging here.

Finished up today with a trip to Cirque du Soleil. Some of the positions those gymnasts get into didn't quite remind me of the Tiger massage earlier this afternoon. But ate a load of junk food and had a great time. Have put on 1.5kgs in my almost 2 weeks off.

HuRTS 5min reps

Nice day produced a few more than usual but not the size crowd we were getting 4 or 5 months ago. Front group was Charlie, Steve T, Durante, Kanser, Muz and Serg. I ran the first six very consistently with MC reaching the first of the big 3 trees each time and then returning just past the start point (lamppost beside the drain) - the slight extra distance due to the steep downhill beside Mrs Macs Chair. MC (along with Serg, Durante and Kanser - soft buggers) dropped out after six so had to run the last two with Steve, Charlie and Muz. Kept up with Steve and Charlie on rep 7 (reaching Mrs Macs Chair 20 seconds quicker than the previous reps) and then was dropped by them all on rep 8 before Muz and Charlie faded over the final 500m. Very quick for those two.

No reaction from the heel but lets see how it is tomorrow (Birthday! - hoping for that Garmin 405!)

Easy Sunday

Easy 10km around flat route - bit quicker then Friday. 41:43. Heel still fine although thought I could feel it slightly at times while running today.

Volunteering

No run today but volunteering in appalling conditions at North Head this morning. Couldn't even press the lap counter on the stopwatch at the end my hands were so cold and wet.

Watched Bec in her first appearance on stage last night. She's not hard to spot. Her family members will also be able to hear her quite clearly too. Excitement is a bit of an understatement.....