Stephen Thurston

Got a lunch on today so headed out on my Manly 14km route early doors, bumping into Macca and having a brief chat in the first km. Plan was to go slightly quicker than normal but still keep it comfortable. 28:16 at the turn and 55:30 all up (3:57's). Beautiful day.

Thurston (aka Wildman) is undoubtedly the most talented runner to be part of the HuRT Squad. I first bumped into him circa 2006 kicking my ass on the long section on Pain in the Domain. It was another 18 months later that Durante brought his fellow workmate along to HuRTs, claiming he had a bit of talent. He ran with us for a couple of weeks and then, half fit, would do each session way out in front, circling back every now and then for a chat. He's had as many ups and downs as Gary Glitter. Should have made the Olympics in 2000. Mini comeback after joining HuRTS that won him the JPMorgan CCC in 2008 before falling off the wagon again. Doubled in size, spent his first subsequent comeback session hiding behind a bush embarrassed to show how unfit he was. Bounced back in 2011 to finish 6th in City to Surf and 2nd in the Burnie 10km in 30:00. Had some health issues recently but reputedly back running again. I'm having a couple of beers with him tonight. Dangerous and leads me astray, but an all round good bloke.

This photo (Steve at right) in the colours of St George with Chadi, Tim Rowe and a hairy Benny St, probably best sums him up:

Michael Conway

A long time between drinks. Had a week off, took some Voltaren and ran a 5km in Surfers (over the Parkrun course) at the AVCAL conference and couldn't even win that despite running 16:04. Struggled more with the hamstring. Eventually decided to see Carl again at Rebound Integrated Health to sort it out properly. But since then I've had back problems. Basically haven't trained properly since GCM in July, started drinking way too much and I've put on weight and feeling unfit. Still can't do speed work properly but at least I'm back running, doing 18km with Sam and MC at lunch today.

I've got 6 weeks to get fit enough to put in a credible performance for JPMorgan Corporate Challenge. At least I've got something to concentrate on.

Mike Conway is responsible for creating what the HuRT Squad is today. If Timmy ever refers to me, tongue in cheek, as Chairman Tom, then MC is CEO Mike. He took us from being a hardcore band of 15 or so, to the 160+ on the HuRTS distribution list today through his contacts and enthusiasm. It's not surprising he's a highly successful equities trader. MC can also run, although his performances don't often match the training. His quest for the sub35 10km is as notorious as the quest for the Holy Grail. I reckon it's on the cards now he's putting together some more regular 30km weekend runs and a more frequent tempo session. He's certainly hitting some form that has Young Timmy scared. There was even talk, today, of a marathon in the not-too-distant future and he mentioned 2:48 as the likely time. That's close to Timmy's PB of which no doubt he's aware. The future of the squad is in safe hands. An all round good bloke.

David Kane

Turned up to a smaller HuRTS crowd with no doubt a few resting up before Blackmores at the weekend. I started out relatively easily into the session but soon realised my hammie just isn't right. It's been 4 weeks now so I'm going to rest up and get it sorted properly.

Which leads us to Blackmores. The Half is shaping up as a cracker of a race. With Tucks walking up mountains overseas, Bartles nursing a sore ankle and Young Timmy claiming a new ailment with every new week, this is the race to determine HuRTS #1 and it promises to be a battle royale. J-Fen would appear to be the man in form based on training but doesn't always convert to races, particularly over the longer distance. Richie High and Fats are both in good form, Andy has the strength and Kanser the ego. But man to watch may be Macca who has been improving quietly each week and was confident enough on Tuesday to tell everyone he's going to take it out hard in the hope of breaking J- Fen's spirit. We shall see. I think it's just too close to call. But if I were a betting man (and Timmy and the Tiger know I'm not) I would put $2 and no more on Macca, if only based on his great run over the same course last year in horrendous conditions.

I first became aware of Kanser in a Striders 10km in early 2006 out at Homebush. Only 10 seconds separated 2nd place from 7th, but he was 2nd and I was 7th. I've not forgiven him since. He's probably read more about running than anyone I know and is all too happy to give you his opinion, without pulling any punches. If you have a bad run, you often have your mates tell you it wasn't so bad, or the conditions were shocking, or the course was long, but credit to Kanser, he'll just tell you you ran shit. And I like that. Especially as it allows me to tell him he ran shit too. I often get more chance to do so than he does. But in between injuries the fella has put in some great performances. His sub 33 10km PB puts him in rare company and a 73 Half isn't too shabby either. But for a connoisseur of the sport he needs to nail the marathon. His talent deserves a much better PB. I have to admit that when I ran my first marathon the first person I wanted to speak to about it was Kanser. Not to gloat about a sub 2:40, but because he lives and breathes the event and knows what's involved. Loves a beer, especially pre-race. An all round good bloke.

Anthony Murrell

Saturday was a 12km very easy run early doors at 4:25 pace pre-camping trip. Shouts to Frik and Tony Wong.

No run Sunday while camping.

Today (birthday!) was the 14km route a little faster in 59:38 running along the beachfront with Jasper. Then at lunch did the usual 16km route in 70 with Big Sam, MC, JW, BW, Luke, Rob, the Kilted Scot, Gerry and others.

Got to mention Muz today as I was walking back to the lifts with my morning coffee and bumped into him. We both must have looked a bit shocked. Turns out he's working for Deutsche - moving to Singapore but back in Sydney in our building for 6 weeks.

Muz was discovered by Serg, working alongside him at UBS. He just seemed to run in the pack with HuRTS At first then all of a sudden was kicking our arses, a real hidden talent. More often than not got the better of me and had a 10km PB in the 32's. But best of all he loved a beer and was usually the last to leave the pub. Massive chest, skinny legs. An all round good bloke.

Andrew Tuckey

A very easy 10km today in 44:58. Large hangover following HuRTS Drinks last night and hammie still sore.

I think I first raced Tucks in February 2007 at a Striders 10km at Lane Cove. He beat me by about 30 seconds. It's been a common theme ever since. On the rare occasion I've beaten him, it's usually down to a sprint finish. That's not to say that he hasn't got a finishing kick. I think I've just been so excited to be anywhere near him at the finish line that willpower has got me over. I think it's become a bit of a mental thing for me not to be able to get past Tucks. Most of my best races have been when he's not run. In fact, I've just realized that every one of my current PBs was done in a race that Tucks wasn't running in. Beneath the very calm exterior there's a fierce competitor in him. About 12 months ago he started doing a few more trail runs and ultras and has taken them by storm. Currently in Interlaken, Switzerland about to run the world long course mountain running champs. Good luck for that mate. But, like I said about Ray, Tucks will do any race from track to road to cross country to trail. He performs just as well over 3000m on the track as he does 100km in the mountains. The all round runner. And boy, what a marathon PB. Also likes a beer. An all round good bloke.

Tony Fattorini

400's at Rushcutters today and with it a first chance to really test the hammie. The squad was splintered into 4 different sessions so it was a select crowd of LF Charlie, Mark Milligan, Ray, Macca, Kaley, Andy, Robbie Neill, Killa and a couple more. Robbie led the way finishing about 2 secs in front on each rep. We did a whole loop of the track so it was a little over 400m. Reps went:

73, 73, 72, 73, 73, 73, 71, 71, 71, 74

Rolled off every 2:10.

All was going well until the final rep which was faster again until my hammie tightened at 200m so eased off from there.

I first remember encountering Fats (as he is universally known) when doing my first Half Marathon (SMH) in 2005. On every point of the course everyone seemed to be shouting for some fat guy. I then discovered his nickname but had already realised his popularity. He smashed me that day running 75 something and I debuted in a 77 something. Fats' true calling is running up a hill, probably as a result of his Yorkshire upbringing. His greatest running achievement is undoubtedly winning the Six Foot Track in a then record time in 2007. But an even greater quality is how humble he remains despite his huge talent. Loves a beer, but prefers them warm. An all round good bloke.

Michael Durante

Today was a very slow 4.5km early on with the kids followed by a run to work in a surprisingly quick 56:46 at lunchtime. Wore a backpack with my work shoes in and spent the whole run adjusting to make it comfortable. Spring has sprung. 27C today.

Where to start on partner in crime Mikey Durante? One of the most natural looking runners you'll ever meet. Bounces along like Zebedee. I first met him about 8 years ago doig Pain in the Domain when neither of us took running seriously. He would always smash me in the 800m rep around Farm Cove, which was natural being a 1:53 800m National finalist as a kid. I go to know him through mutual friend and fellow Allens employee Pete Beacroft, himself a 30min 10km runner - back in the days when Allens would smash any team around. Durante upped his training with the HuRT Squad and with his natural ability was able to clock 32:08 over 10km. He'd have gone quicker if:
(a) he hadn't picked up a long term knee injury; and
(b) he wasn't as fond of a beer as I am.
An all round good bloke.

Michael Harrison

Today was 2 x 20mins off a 3 min break. Richie, Andy and Fats shot off into the distance leaving me, MC, Kanser, Macca and Big Mikey H to follow in their wake - running about 3:34's. All felt fine for the first 20mins with the hammie giving me no probs. on the way back Kanser and Macca shot off ahead and MC pushed in front of me. Felt a bit bewildered as I thought I was running the same pace and yet was lagging big style. Pulled back MC at CQ with Macca and Kanser about 100m ahead. Reached the stone gates in 9:37 and realised I'd have to work quite hard to get back in time. Did so without tweaking the hammie so was pleased. Hauled in Macca at the ABC Pool and reached Kanser's shoulder just before the Art Gallery before he pulled ahead on the run-in finishing strongly. Back in 19:43 with a final gate to gate in 10:06 so starting to get a bit of confidence back.


Michael (aka Big Mikey H) is probably one of the most talented runners to train with the HuRT Squad. Possessing a huge, loping stride, he first shot to prominence winning the Novice Cross Country in 2007 (ahead of current National XC Champ James Nipperess who finished 4th and me a lot further back in 5th). He had a summer job with Mac Bank so would train with us during lunch breaks but more generally with SWEAT. There was a time when Big Mikey H was running low 31 mins for 10km and would be challenging Thurston on Hickson Rd reps making the rest of us look like trail runners. He disappeared off the scene for a while only to pop up at UBS as a grad a couple of years ago. If MC sorted out his JPMorgan team properly they'd kill everyone. His brother (Jason) is pretty handy too. An all round good bloke.

Big Mikey H (second from left in Sydney University strip) winning Novice in April '07.

Gerry Arthur

Today was the usual Monday route with a big crowd. Mike held fort telling all and sundry that North Head was long and he seems to have persuaded Steve Jackson to remeasure it. Kanser seemed to be working up a sweat just to run 4:30's and, following his poor performance in the Coastal Classic, I have concerns for his form.


Gerry was a keen HuRT Squad participant in the early days and even penned an article for that esteemed running publication "The Blister" on how the HuRT Squad was instrumental in delivering his first ever sub35 10km race after many years trying. MC might want to ask him for a back copy. He promised a very good marathon 2 or 3 years back (long time PB of 2:48) but got sick and never delivered. Since then he's shied away from racing and showing us the form he's plainly capable of, but currently on the come-back trail and racing Melbourne full. Also very handy with the camera. Charlie D might want to speak to him about that. All round good bloke.

Sergio Carvalho

Up at 5.30am on a beautiful spring morning for 2 hours easy with Macca. We did my old Burnt Bridge Creek, Manly Beach, North Head, Tania park route and I don't think Macca appreciated the trails or sharp hills with his hip. Still, the time passed very quickly chatting all the way. I'm handling these longer runs fine, still feeling pretty fresh at the end. It's nice knowing at 26km you don't have to pick up the pace for the final 10km.


Serg was an enigma. A hugely talented runner with a passion for peri-peri chicken, he would fluctuate in weight depending on the season. Despite being of Portuguese descent, he didn't like training in temps above 20c. But on his day he would smash us, with a PB in the Half of 68:xx. We were reminded of this many times, which is why one of the original HuRT Squad awards - recently dominated by MC - is named in his honour. An all round good bloke.

Serg, on right, at JPMorgan in NYC with rare beer in front of him.

Richard High

Got up after 4 hours sleep nursing a monster hangover. Jogged up to North Head and stood in the freezing cold directing cars. Had a quick chat with the boys intending to jog the 10km when James asks if I'll do the 40min pacing role. I agreed as I thought it would keep me honest. I'm the world's worst pacer. Felt great while running and kept on drifting down to 3:50's. Went through 5km in 19:32. Some bloke told me at 6km I was going way too fast. Ended up running backwards between 8 and 9km trying to gee up the runners. Had to do the last km in 4:20 so walked the last 40m to cross the line in 40:00.


Then ran home. 17km all up. Hammie ok. Still hungover.


Richie joined the 4 of us in the second or third session the squad ever ran, so is effectively one of the founder members. He is one of those blokes who only needs about 3 weeks of consistent training to get super fit. Having said that, he's always coming back from some injury or another. Plenty of speed having been a great 800m runner as a kid (1:55 or thereabouts) so all he ever needs is a few long runs in the legs. Probably the only person who's run JPMorgan more times than I have, but not sure he's ever run a marathon? We share a birthday (and almost a surname) but he's an old man and turns 40 next week whereas I'm still a whipper snapper. An all round good bloke. In fact, voted so in the HuRT Squad awards last year.

Ray Wareham

An easy 10km from work but when I reached 5km (20:32) I decided to stretch my legs a bit on the way back to test the hammie. All up 40:16.


Ray is one of the those few runners (including Tucks, CT and, to his credit, Flakey) who will run anything from 800m on the track to the Six Foot Track. He's ubiquitous. He'll pop up in a marathon and be doing a hard Tuesday session 2 days later. Having said that, he's always moaning about a niggle or two. And Ray likes to talk. Even when running 3:20's in a 10km race, Ray will strike up a conversation. Which can become a bit frustrating sometimes, when you're slogging your guts out and he's chatting about J-Fen's current form. I reckon he's underperformed a bit recently. He definitely deserves to beat his marathon PB (2:39) and should be running 33's over 10km based in his ability. But what do I know. An all round good bloke.

Tim Cradock

Just an easy 45mins today around Manly before a game of golf in the sunshine courtesy of Mac Bank.

Tim was another founder member of HuRTs, but of the 4 of us probably the one we see least often these days (although he was out on Monday). It's a shame as he's probably the most talented with a 2:24 marathon to his name in Paris about 10 years ago. When I started doing this blog I was very competitive with him - along with Richie High - with us frequently all finishing within a few seconds of each other. Unfortunately he seems to have turned to the dark side recently, attempting a few Ultras. All round good bloke though.

HuRT Squad - Chris Graham

Lost my mojo a bit recently particularly with all the injuries. Strained my hammie again yesterday. Saw the Tiger this morning and he stuck some needles in and worked on it. He said jogging on it would be OK and that was the only advice I needed. So did an hour with Macca, MC, RMR, Craig, JW and others.


Chris was one of the founding 4 members of the HuRT Squad and actually came up with the name (he's in marketing). He's a bit different to the average squad member, in that he is still a regular on Tuesdays and Thursdays but will never run a race shorter than a marathon. He's run Six Foot more times than nearly everyone (18 or so) with a fairly recent sub4 hour PB. All round good bloke.

Post Olympics update

Had a bit of an accident following the last post while over in London. Hurt my shoulder after a night out with Andy and Fast Charlie which has curtailed any proper running. Have just been jogging for the past 2 weeks - every other day while in London as there was just too much to see.

Had the shoulder X-rayed on Sunday (thanks to Thamal's wife, Jules, who is a nurse at Manly hospital and allowed me to by-pass the usual 4 hour wait) and I've got a hairline fracture in my scapula just beneath the AC joint. So will be taking it easy for a while yet.

The rest of the Olympics were awesome. For a jaw-dropping spectacle you can't go past Rudisha's 800m world record. When was the last time a world record was set in the Olympics at a distance over 400m (or even over 200m)? For atmosphere and excitement (as a Brit), Mo's 5000m and 10,000m top it. It's hard to distinguish the two as they were so similar - you'd have thought Gebremeskel would have learned a lesson from watching the 10,000m. The 10,000m was exciting as it was the first distance Gold medal. The 5000m was exciting as (for me) it was unexpected. The Mens relays were also awesome. The noise in the stadium was unlike anything I've ever heard - even louder than St James's Park on the day of the Howay 5-0 against Man Utd.

Popped down to HuRTS today and did 13 x 3min reps before rushing back to the office. Ran with MC for most trying not to over exert myself. Legs have been feeling very weary recently but I'll just keep plugging away.

Bolt and Kemboi

Just a very easy 10.4km this morning in 45 odd. Feeling tired after the past few days.

Another great night last night. Bolt is sensational. But Kemboi was my man of the night. He's got an amazing change of pace and adds a bit of colour to an event that most people couldn't name the winner of.

Regents Park 10km

Well, last night was the greatest night of athletics I've ever seen. The 10,000m was insane. Screamed at Benny the whole way through and by 5 laps in had 10 random people around me doing the same thing. The noise on the final laps was beyond anything I've heard, literally 80,000 people screaming their heads off. Just amazing.

I was emotionally drained by the end and the last thing I fancied doing this morning was a race. But I'd promised Andy so rocked up to Regents Park for a 10km race. About 700 people had the same idea. The organisers were a bit overwhelmed. Set off feeling ok and took the lead. It's a 3 lap course and was still in the lead at the end of the first lap. But then I just felt really tired. Breathing was fine but legs just dead. The 2 front guys got away and I just held on for third finishing in 34:10. Beaten by a yank and a Pom in a 10km in London. I know how Bekele feels. Andy was a couple of places back in 5th running 35:00, feeling similarly jet lagged.

Off now for another big night of Athletics and Usain in the flesh.

This video of the BBC commentators watching the end of the race is Gold!

Dibaba the GOAT

Similar run to yesterday, but with a few detours because of the Olympic Triathlon taking place. Helicopters buzzing overhead and huge crowds but an electric atmosphere. 10.7km in 45:54 (4:17's). Had a bit of a hangover after a few ales with Fast Charlie and Sneds last night. Lot of gas too. I thought English beer wasn't fizzy?

Sensational performance by Dibaba last night. In full flow she is just beautiful to watch. Sorry Paula (I don't suppose your reading), but she the greatest female distance athlete of all time.

London calling

Arrived 5am. Wandered around until lunch then headed out for a run. Went from my flat near South Kensington up to Hyde Park and did a loop, coming back through Kensington Palace Gardens (nice digs, although I upped the pace running past the Israeli embassy). All up 10.6km and only 4 sets of traffic lights. 43mins or so (4:05's). Felt good but left hammy quite sore after the flight. I've got a feeling I may have tweaked it doing 200's.

Now off for some ales with Fast Charlie.

And he's off

Too busy yesterday. Today I was going to run early but:
(a) couldn't be bothered; and
(b) had promised the kids I'd do a training session with them before their District athletics carnival next week (both doing the 800m).
So we went down to LM Graham Reserve and ran 6 x 200m. I did them all at 30 or 31 with one flat out with the following wind in 29. Bec and Billy ran them all in 38 - 40s with Billy 2m in front of Bec. I got lactic and found it surprisingly hard.

Off now. Next stop London and a 10km in Regents Park. Andy was daft enough to tell Bill Batt about it who then emailed Kevin to suggest he run. So my chances of a win took a nosedive.