Same again

39:53 on the way in, 24:01 for the swim and 43:08 on the way home. Getting quicker for each. Feeling quite tired though which is good. If I can get under 20 mins for the swim I might even consider doing a triathlon.

Non-running Update

Saturday was 1km in Warringah Aquatic Centre. Sunday was a rest, recovering from a hangover after TB's 30th. Today I cycled in (40:50), did 1km in the Cook + Phillip (25:34, which wasn't too bad considering I got massive cramp in my right hamstring towards the end of length 15 which almost drowned me) then a ride home I'm guessing in 44 something but I forgot to start the watch. Rode with Richard which was easy on the flat bits but pushing the hills.

Heel is slowly improving. Swelling has come down a lot and little pain throughout the day. Very aware that if I did the slightest run it would flare back up again though. Continuing with the eccentric loading, nitro patches and Strassburg sock. The sock is a pain in the ass. Seems to cut of blood circulation half way through the night and wake me up.

Only 1 month to go before I see the Doc again...

Riding

In in 41:22 and home in 46:22. Only marginally quicker than my running PB. Would have been a lot quicker coming in but got lost in the Rocks following my running route which is inaccessible for bikes. Definitely harder riding home due to the hills in Mosman. Great to overtake the mountain bike riders up the hills though.

Bike

Thanks Tim and Dave for the offers of bikes, but couldn't turn down the opportunity of heading out to buy a new toy. Bought an Orbea Aneto, felt pretty light and looked pretty cool so that did it for me. Rode home tonight. Took about the same time it takes me to run home with all the stopping at lights. Got down Parriwi Rd at bit quicker though. Photo of when I reached home is above. Also added a few photos from Kangaroo Valley.

Gents, you're spot on about the head to heads. I wasn't sleeping at night.

Good luck to all those racing at Lane Cove on Saturday - expect to see Durante sub 33 and MC sub 35. Also good luck to Jamie on his sub 3 marathon attempt in Paris. Wish I could tell you what you have to do...

HuRTS - 45mins Fartlek but out for a while

Tough session but a fair crowd and towards the start Durante, Clyde and I broke clear with Serg for a while before Serg eased back to Muz, Kanser and Richard High with MC leading a large bus further back. We kept the pace pretty honest throughout, turning about 100m short of the furthest we've previously reached. Ran back all the way with them until the hills at Mrs Macquarie's Chair where Durante pushed ahead and Clyde tried to stay with him. I floundered like a lost soul. Eventually got reached 2 lamp posts short of the Stone Gates. Clyde was 1 lamp post short - he's plainly been fooling everyone as to his level of fitness. Durante reached the Stone Gates with a few seconds to spare. I reckon he'll go 32:XX at Lane Cove on Saturday if he doesn't kill himself on Thursday. Given Hickson Rd is scheduled, that is not a given.

Then went to see the doc and got the news I was expecting. Continue the eccentric loading, apply Nitrogen patches (I've already got them from the chemists) and use the Strassburg sock which I've also bought. But no running until May 6th (5 weeks) when I see him next. I'll start riding to work and back and will go swimming.

Realistically I'll need 3 months ramp up time again so I won't do Gold Coast (at least not the marathon) but will see whether Sydney is a possibility instead. If all thinks sort themselves out properly, first competitive race will likely be City to Surf where I'll try to retain that Seeded Start.

Monday run home

Attacked the hills again. Problem with doing that is that you never really slow down in between. 29:05 at Toyota Garage and 55:52 all up. Heel still not right, Sunday runs always bugger it up. I haven't eased up on the training though - probably knowing that the Doc will tell me to rest or ease up tomorrow so squeezing the last few proper training runs it. Kirsten made a good analogy of when she tells herself on Friday that she's going on a diet on Monday and makes full enjoyment of the weekend in between.

Kangaroo Valley

Friday

Run home from work at lunchtime with the first section via Cremorne point with Kanser, MC, Durante, Benny St, Dicky H and Clyde. When I left them I worked the hills again, finishing about 16km in 72:20 (after 45:20 at Toyota Garage).

Sunday

Rested Saturday so headed out early on Sunday (only time to fit it in albeit knowing it would aggravate my heel). Ran through Kangaroo Valley village then straight up Berry Mountain. Turned around at 14km on the Garmin then ran back. 14km came at the very top of Berry Mountain - 5kms after the start of the climb. Felt really good though, no doubt due to the rest the day before. It was a fantastic morning on top of the mountain - beautiful sunshine but looking down on the fog resting over the valley. Obviously pretty quick on the way back with 5kms of straight downhill. 2:01:47 for the 28km. Averaged 4:39's on the way out and 4:02's on the way back for 4:21 average all up. Splits went:

5:01, 4:30, 4:24, 4:12, 4:21, 4:05, 4:19, 4:05, 4:16, 5:04, 5:03, 5:22, 5:21, 5:04, 4:05, 3:53, 4:02, 4:17, 3:42, 4:08, 4:04, 3:52, 3:52, 4:02, 4:18, 4:11, 3:58, 4:03.

HuRTS Pyramid session

A number of the regulars missing today, so that the front group was just Tucks, Muz, new chap Jasper and me. Second group was led by LF Charlie with Ray, Vlad (taking it easy before Ironman), Dom and a few others.

Really good session today. I led them all (other than the final 450m) with Tucks sitting on my shoulder the whole way. Muz is still feeling the after effects of Six Foot while new chap Jasper seems to have a bit of raw talent. The session was good in that it was sufficiently uncomfortable from the beginning and yet the times were very consistent, particularly the 3 lap efforts which can blow out. Times went:

83, 2:48; 4:11; 5:38; 4:11; 2:42; 72.

Brings up an overall average of 3:03 per km for the total 7230m. Still a far cry off Dec 11th (87; 2:50; 4:11; 5:27; 4:00; 2:37; 71). It was hot today though - 31C. Heel feels fine but calves are very stiff from the eccentric loading. Sod the Ultrasound guy.

700th post

But little to write about. Saw Carl this morning. He killed me on core strength work. Jogged there and back (2km each way). Had a client lunch and evening drinks so no other run. Had ultrasound where the bloke told me it was acute insertional tendinopathy and that I shouldn't be running. Then had massage with Gary. Gary called this evening having spoken to Caleb and indicated things weren't as bad as the ultrasound bloke made out. Slightly encouraged by that but I'll wait to hear what Dr Kuah says. Certainly feels as though the eccentric loading is working. Gold Coast may not be on but I just want to be able to run injury free again and enjoy my training. There are always races to run.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

Tough session today. Very warm and still struggling with the after effects of Six Foot. Didn't feel comfortable at all even from the first rep, just a little dead in the legs. Was also worried about how I'd hold up for all 14. So tended to run easy for the first half of each rep then pick it up in the second half. Ran with the front group of Durante, Tucks, Serg (rapidly improving), the Judge and the Chairman. Serg dropped out after 10, the Judge, the Chair and Tucks after 12 leaving me to chase Durante over the final 2 when I started to struggle. Still kept up the same distance (between 900-910m for each rep - just short of gate to gate each time) but Durante stretched away on the final 2. I was outsprinted by MC, Andy and LF Charlie on the final rep.

Pleased to have completed the session. First proper HuRTS session in 2 or 3 weeks.

Run home

Missed lunch with an ISDA talk so ran home instead. Been feeling as if runs have been getting into a bit of a rut recently so happy to have done so. Felt pretty bouncy so attacked the hills - something I'll be doing more of in the next few months. Was a bit uncomfortable to start with raising the pulse more than usual but then settled into a pattern and felt pretty bouncy. Happy the effort.

Fantastic run by Timmy Rowe on Sunday - 1:34 for the Smithfield 30km. Way quicker than I was expecting. Everyone is eagerly anticipating his Canberra effort. Good to see DrJH running strongly at Lindfield - he'll be hard to beat this season.

Striders STaR - North Head

Rocked up this morning to a very depleted crowd - one person in the 6:10 group and about 8 starting the 6:20 group including Gareth Banks, John Binfield, Dennis, Mark Fiore, couple of girls and a chap called Simon. Picked up Ray heading up to North Head. Very easy pace to start with chatting all the way. Discovered that there is form behind the recent rise of John Binfield - he was pretty good as a kid coming 16th in the Inter Counties Cross Country (equivalent of Nationals) and ran a 1:59 800m.

Continued this way until coming down into Seaforth in the final 5km when the chap called Simon (who had been running ahead of us, getting lost then rejoining us) pushed ahead and I ran with him. Was probably running under 4:00 per/km at that stage but I didn't have the Garmin on. All up about 2:27 for the 30km.

Could feel the heel all the way and it's sore. Had been responding well to the eccentric loading (but not on a step) before that so I'll continue it. Will be a long process.

Easy Friday

Out today with a good crowd of Serg, Kanser, Shandyboy, Durante, Benny Saint, Clyde, Tucks and bumping into Tim C along the way. The usual Monday route in about 63 minutes. Felt pretty tired towards the end so I think I've still got a bit of Six Foot in me (that sounds rude).

Went to Northside Runners this morning to get a pair of shoes with a shallower heel following the Doc's advice and settled on a pair of Nike Structure Triax after testing out a load of different types. Haven't worn Nikes since I was 14 years old so will be interesting to see how they go. Also tried a pair of "Newton's" which are specifically designed for people like me with a prominent heel strike (look at my photo approaching the finish line of Six Foot below). They felt weird but will have a word with the Doc to see if he thinks they are worth a try.

Edit: Just updated the race calendar. May and early June looks busy. Great prep for the marathon though.

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

Yesterday, saw Carl in the morning with my quads still screaming but my heel absolutely fine. Then saw Dr Kuah in the evening. He seems to think it's more likely to be "insertional tendinopathy" as opposed to retrocalcaneal bursitis but I'm having an ultrasound next week to determine which. The tendinopathy will be easier to treat (prevent coming back) so I'm hoping it's that. He seemed to think my shoes were the main problem, as well as calf tension. He said not to stop running but just to take it easy.

So popped down to HuRTS for Mona Fartlek and ambled around the back with Ray and Chris G. Useful to take the floats easy and stretch the legs on the faster bits. Easy jog around Farm Cove at the end for about 9km all up. Durante was flying, making the Stone Gates (which no-one has done in a while). He's the man in form at the moment and my Head to Heads could take a bit of a battering. Still had a slight headache from last night at Hurricanes and the Beach Road. The usual trash talking (particularly from Timmy and Kanser). Wildman has gone soft. He's so fit now he can't hold his beer so I'll have to rename him Pussyboy. Durante had to drag him home early after he started waxing lyrical about the 20 year old girls in his squad....

Six Foot Track - 16th in 3:53:38

This is an event like no other. I say event as it's not really a race. Even on the start line I wasn't nervous - just standing around listening to all the lighthearted humour and soaking up the spectacle. It can't be a race when you're averaging over 5 mins per km and at any time feel as though you could run faster, but know that if you do you may blow up in 5kms time. It's a strength endurance test, and probably the toughest one around.

Most of the HuRT Squad lined up together 2 or 3 rows back. The gun went before I was ready and just after my Garmin had switched off from satellite mode so I spent the first 20 seconds jogging trying to locate satellites. It finally locked them in so I concentrated on the task in hand and found myself picking my way down the steep stony section before the Nellies Glen steps next to Tucks. This is where I realised my first (and biggest) mistake of the day - choice of footwear. I chose my old racing flats with the heel wedges, partly due to the wedges making things easier on both achilles and partly due to the benefit of the light weight up the hills. They had both of those benefits but I could feel every single stone through the forefoot. My feet are still bruised now. They slowed me down on the downhills - particularly after Mini-Mini saddle and at the very end.

Finally got to the bottom of Nellies Glen and stretched out a bit. Found myself running 3:43 and 3:40 splits feeling as though I was running 4:10's. Caught Andy on this section then Dicky H and Chris G. Then Tucks caught up again soon after and we ran together all the way to Cox's River. He pulled ahead slightly on the final 2km of the technical section as I still wanted to feel fresh at Cox's. Waded through Cox's, took on a gel and Hi-5 drink, had a wee then set-off up the hills to Mini-Mini. I got to Cox's in 1:10:02, bang on schedule. Tucks was nowhere in sight, and remained that way for the rest of the race. He ran incredibly strongly from Cox's onwards which shows what strength in reserve he has. I reckon the hills up to Mini-Mini are the hardest. You still run them as you haven't given in to walking yet but despite this they are some of the steepest. I ran most of the way to Mini-Mini overtaking quite a few runners as I did. Hobbled down after Mini-Mini (bloody shoes), waded through another 2 rivers (where did they come from?) then started on the hills up to Pluvi. Overtook Tim Ashby here who muttered something about "this being ridiculous" (he wasn't wrong) and generally went the whole way up with Adam Jordan and Trevor Jacobs. They ran (in a sort of Cliff Young shuffle) the whole way, whereas I would walk with a long stride the steep sections then run quite quickly the flatter sections. This way, I would catch them up on the flatter sections as well as stretch my legs a bit. I think it pissed them off though. Overtook Brendan Davies near the top of Pluvi and then Cameron Arnold right on the summit. Took on more gels and bananas, hi-5 and water (the aid stations always seemed to appear just as you needed them) then set off along Black Range. Pluvi was reached in about 2:17 - again, bang on schedule.

I was hoping to get into a good stride here and count down the kms - first to 30km and then in 5km sections. However, 26km to 30km seemed to take ages. There's more hills than I remember and I was plodding. If I got a split under 5:00min p/km, I would celebrate. I passed Paul Arthur at this stage and then saw Ray up ahead. Seemed to take ages to drag him in and I hardly flew past him. We had a brief chat and I slowly eased ahead like two ships drifting in the sea. From here on in I was largely alone save for the cheering bystanders who temporarily lightened the mood. I passed one bloke struggling badly just before Caves Road, then was passed by another at about 40km who flew past me telling me to hang on in for a sub4. I fell down some slippery steps just after Caves Road but just landed on my arse. More painful was the sudden cramp in my thigh trying to stand up again. Finally got to the top of the hill above Jenloan Caves signalling 2kms to go. However, the joy at being so close to home is tempered by the fact that you have to navigate the most painful part of the course - a steep rugged downhill. My feet were killing me. I couldn't just let go and run as I would have fallen off the edge (about a 400ft almost vertical drop) so had to run putting the brakes on which was agony on the thighs. Was just about holding off the cramps but it was close. Then the final run in which makes it all worthwhile. The MC calls out your name and you get a huge round of applause. Crossed the line with hands aloft in 3:53 - a 19 minute PB, but who's counting.

Great runs by Tucks who powered ahead for a 3:42 and Terence who I didn't see for the whole race but finished 4 minutes ahead in 3:49. The HuRT Squad backed up well with Ray holding on for a 3:57, Richard Green getting under 4hours for the first time for a 3:58 and Chris Graham as consistent as ever in 4:02. Muz had a good first run for a 4:06 just behind Andy. Tim A and Dicky H struggled in the second half for 4:25's or thereabouts. Charlie just missed his target with a 5:02. Both Dicky H and Ray continued the HuRT Squad tradition of requiring Oxygen and a drip from the St John's Ambulance tent.

Great few beers in Caves House with Charlie, Tucks, Muz, Andy, Dicky H, Ray (who looked drunk despite being a teetotaller) and Terence, then home where I crashed out. Bit disappointed to miss out on the team prize but Gramps Army are just too strong.

Thighs are killing me still now. Weird thing is that my heel bursar is fine. Still seeing the specialist on Wednesday though as I need to sort it out before continiung marathon training. This race has taught me that it's all about the kms.

Will be back again for this one.

The Bet

Training this morning with Carl and massage with Gary this afternoon (for which I got paid $23 after cleaning up on two $50 bets recently). So another bet had to be laid and Serg was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Caught up with Benny and Clyde, Serg, MC and Durante for the usual Centennial route but I cut short at the Fox Studios gates for a gentle 12km. Just before peeling off, the conversation turned to Benny's great 5km run where we were working out splits per lap. Turns out it's about 65 seconds per lap, to which Serg says he could stay on board for about 1500m on the basis his PB for 1500m was 4:05. However, he went on to say that that mark was "pretty crap" and that it should be well under 4:00. With my PB being a good 19 seconds slower, I challenged him that he'd never get under 4:00 for the rest of his life. Serg immediately grasped my hand like he was settling the takeover of Rio Tinto and said "how much?". I said $200. He said $500. I said you're on. He quite gracefully offered up a time limit of 3 years. Clyde said we should index to CPI. I agree. So watch out 11th March 2012. I think Serg will be somewhere in his 40's by then so should be interesting. If he and Gary find a race to pace each other I may have to go and speak to Westpac.

Of course I have huge respect for Serg as a runner, but a 3:59 1500m is very different to a 68minute Half....

Further banter yesterday between Serg and Muz has led me to introduce a head to head table on the blog for 2009. I've added CT just because I know a runner of my inferior ability comparing himself to him will piss him off. DNF's count as win's in my book. Let me know if you want to be added to the list...

HuRTS - 6 x 5mins

Training is following a familiar pattern at the moment. Haul myself out of my office chair at 12.10pm. Limp with sports bag to the lift. Get changed in changing rooms feeling sore in both achilles and the legs. Start jogging to the rendezvous point at about 8 mins p/km wondering how I'm ever going to do the session. Meet the lads. Quick chat. Everyone looks fitter and more keen than me. Set off. Feel terrible. Barely able to move legs and struggling at 3:40 per/km pace. Feels hot and humid - is it hot and humid? Second rep - not much better. How come everyone has suddenly gotten so quick? Where has Durante's weight gone? When did John Binfield become so fit? Ah, at least Serg looks as though he's struggling. 3rd, same. 4th rep, starting to feel OK. Have we slowed down? Check watch. No, we're actually running quicker. 5th rep, feels good. I'm at the front! Pace is quicker again yet feels easier. Oh, here's a hill and there go Durante and John. I can't run hills. How am I going to be able to cope with Six Foot? At least my singlet looks good. 6th rep. All feels great now. Only doing 6 today so let's speed it up and see how I feel. Feels great - 3:17 pace. Stop for water. Have a short rest. Legs seize up. Start trying to jog. More painful than running quickly. When will I ever feel good again?

And then there were two....

Big crowd started for the usual Monday run today - new Dad Kanser, Serg, Muz, Dicky H, Mat K, Wildman, Springer and Dave Casey. Various drop outs along the way resulted in only Wildman and me finishing. 63:59. Felt very average for the first half struggling in the humidity but gradually felt better during the second half. Good stretch afterwards eased the heel - the nerve stretch for my hamstring (leg straight out in front of me but pulling the toes towards me) seems to work really well.

Getting excited about Six Foot now. Plenty of talk about it today. Muz is looking very sharp.

Medium Sunday

Just two laps of the 10km route today before Six Foot next week. I think my bioryhtmns are one day out as I felt great today, very bouncy and barely breathing. First loop in 42:06 and second loop in 39:57. The heavens opened on the second loop which made running down Manly Beach a dream (the tourists were in the pub) but the shoes got very heavy. Good practice for next week.

21km all up.

Striders 10km North Head - 5th in 33:22

Was secretly hoping for a sub-33 after some big weeks recently and a decent taper. But it wasn't to be. A good crowd showed up this morning and in the first 1km there was a breakaway group of 6 of us - Jeremey, CT, Trent Wood, Jan-Willem Schaar and Darren Moyle. We stayed together until 3km going through 1km in 3:10, 2km in 3:24 and 3km in 9:32. I was feeling good at this stage, but at the turn at the stone arch (much closer to the stone arch than the old turn was) I suddenly started to struggle. There's a long drag of a hill here and my legs suddenly went dead. Darren Moyle dropped off the back soon after and I quickly passed him but was in no-man's land from then on.

Went through 4km in 13:02 (a 3:30 which showed how much I had dropped off) but 5km in 16:20 so was still hopeful of a sub-33. However, 6km in 19:48 (a 3:28 which incorporated the hill opposite the fort museum) put paid to that. 7km was 23:07, 8km in 26:38 (again, that bloody drag of a hill) and 9km in 30:05.

Lesson learned was not to go out too quick. Some really slow kms in the second half. Wasn't helped by being by myself though. I thought the course was not as quick as the old course. Seemed to be hills all the time and in the wrong places. Most people had pretty average positive splits other than Tucks who ran even splits despite taking it easy in the first half. Weather was good - no wind but maybe a bit humid.

Some good runs out there. Timmy L is getting right back into it running a 35:50, only just ahead of Eoin who ran a 1 minute PB to finish in 35:55. Tim Cochrane was catching me towards the end and must have got under 34. Good to chat to Rich P and Dimitry afterwards.

Need to race more (as Dad said) - very hard to run fast times just off interval training.

HuRTS 10 x 400m

Woke up this morning feeling good for the first time in about 3 weeks. Heel was very sore after trying to do eccentric loading on it (will have to have a word to the Tiger about that) but actually felt as though I had some energy for once. May have something to do with ditching Kirst's plan for dinner and eating a load of carbs - I think I haven't been eating enough after upping the mileage. Probably has more to do with the easing up in training finally taking effect.

Headed out today to Rushcutters for 400s with Durante, MC, LF Charlie, Tucks, Dom, RMR, Stephen and a couple of others. Muz showed up late then went off to run hills. The Oval was closed for a match so we made an ad hoc route around the grass field adjacent (measured on the Garmin). I just did strides in around 76 secs per rep putting in 2 or 3 quicker ones. Durante was flying running 65/66's and MC was also going well just behind Tucks. Nice view at around the 100m mark which made a pleasant change from looking at Durante's ass.

Beautiful day today (clear as a bell and not too hot) but I hear the weather in Melbourne is not so good which is a shame for tonight's race. Good luck to Steve, Ben and Tim. I was wrong on the pacing job, Steve's racing so all the best mate.

More easy stuff

Easy 14km around Centennial once and cutting down the steps on the way back with MC, Serg, Wildman (who cut short), Clyde and Andy. About 4:35 pace. Saw Carl this morning and Gary just after so the legs have been stretched and pummelled. Back of left knee slightly sore on hills. Left heel slightly sore.

Non-HuRTS

Missed HuRTS lecturing at UNSW so ran home instead. Fairly easy although faster than normal. Would guess at 56 mins but I buggered up pressing the start button on my watch.

Post Script: Huge congrats to Kanser and Olivia on the birth of Cara Lily. Expect to see many duels between Cara Kane, Nia Tuckey and Maggie Highnam in the future.

Easy Monday

Usual Monday route with MC, Muz, Serg, Wildman, English Andy and Gerry. Felt very easy today after yesterday's rest. Wildman and I found ourselves alone out front after about 2kms as the group fractured. Ran all the way with him. 1:03:26 for the 14.36km (4:25's). Will be interesting to see if he gets the pacing gig for Thursday evening at the Melbourne Track meet. Should be a great race. Birmingham should win it (of the Aussies) but will be interesting to see if Gregson takes him on.

Edit: Just heard that he got it so will have to set the recorder for Channel 10 when it's broadcast.

Saturday long tempo

Missed Friday due to forgetting to take my running kit to work so Saturday's planned short tempo was replaced with a long tempo. Jogged down to the Roundhouse and planned on running 7 laps of the 2.5km circuit keeping all the kms under 4:00 per km. Worked out fine. Km times were as follows:

3:57; 3:55; 3:56; 3:55; 3:56; 3:54; 3:57; 3:55; 3:53; 3:52; 3:51; 3:52; 3:51; 3:51; 3:49; 3:43; 3:44; 3:37 (pace for 0.5km).

Overall average of 3:52 (17.53km in 1:07:47). So all nice and consistent and felt pretty comfortable until about 14km when the pace picked up slightly knowing I was approaching the final lap. Felt pretty worn out afterwards mind. 117km for the week (again).

No run today. Was at Ken and Emma's 40th party last night and hit the lemon and lime daquiris pretty hard only getting in at 3am. So today is a write off. Happy to ease down this week in any case.

HuRTS Hickson Road

Powerco sale settled yesterday after months of negotiations so went out and celebrated with the banks, not getting back home until 2am. As a result, I wasn't in the best shape for this session although it was useful for sweating out some more booze. Relatively small crowd today with MC, Tucks, Kanser, Durante, Enda, Phil W, English Andy and even Serg but not many more. Felt bloody awful on the first rep running with Andy and Enda but then gradually felt better each rep I ran. Suddenly on the 4th it all felt easy again so gave that one a blast tussling with Durante all the way until he put on a burst at the end. Pleased with the time for that one considering I cruised the first 200m. Times went:

3:50; 3:35; 3:43; 3:22; 3:43

Kanser was flying before pulling up on rep 3 with a calf injury. Hope it's alright mate. Durante was looking easy and Tucks' inexorable rise continues...

PM: Easy run home. 30:50 at Toyota Garage, 58:24 all up. Felt great (much better than lunchtime) but heel is sore so have taken Voltaren.

Wednesday MLR

Session with Carl first thing doing a lot of stretches and work on the legs.

Good turnout today of the Chairman, the Saint, Wildman, Durante, Kanser, MC, Clyde, LF Charlie and Kaley. A few cut short along the way leaving only Clyde, MC, the Saint and myself to finish in 1:20:29 (4:24's). Nice run. Knee no problem but bursar was a pain the whole way - mainly due to the calves being so tight following Carl's work this morning.

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

I reckon this is my best session. Was feeling good after yesterday's run so decided to push it today. The weather didn't help though - bloody hot and no wind or cloud cover. I set off with Tucks on the first rep and we looked over our shoulders at 45 seconds to see that no-one had come with us. The Chairman (fresh from his Hussky Tri victory) caught up heading past the ABC Pool and we ran with him until halfway along Hickson Road. Reached the turnaround point much shorter than usual (just before the speed trap) having averaged 3:31's. Tucks told me to push on when under the Harbour Bridge on the way back so from then on I was by myself and couldn't see anyone in front to chase. Reached the 10km point in 35:20 (3:32's) then struggled around Farm Cove with the fast sections getting noticeably slower. Saw Terence and Kanser in front from Mrs Macquarie's chair but I didn't have enough energy to try to catch them. Finished the 45mins at 12.54km (3:35 average pace). Felt good on the fast stretches but it was the heat that got me on the way back. No-one got back to the gates in the allotted time today.

Knee is a lot better. Heel same as ever. Pleased to have a bit of energy back. Will double up on Thursday after the dreaded Hickson Rd. Just want to get through this second 120km week now and ease back next week.

Easy Monday

Usual Monday route with Kanser, Wildman and Serg - MC, Ray and Springer were behind although Springer ran back with us. Easy pace and the first run that I've enjoyed since last Tuesday. Knee felt better after rubbing Voltaren gel in beforehand (although could still feel it on any hill) and heel wasn't too bad. Hot though. 64:21 for the 14.77km (4:21s).

Great performances over the weekend. The Chairman won the Huskisson Long Course Triathlon with a time that would probably have placed him 3rd in the professionals. We know how good he is at running but his swim and bike times are even better. Ray won the Equaliser.

Different Sunday

Late night at Ken and Emma's last night only getting to bed at 1.30am and I was kicked out of bed at 7.30am and told to go and pick up the car. So did 2 flat 10km loops plus 7km up to Balgowlah Heights. Felt bloody awful for the first 7km, sore knee, sore heel, tired plus huge hangover. Sot into some sort of rythmn from 7km to 20km where the average pace was brought down to 4:24's before struggling from then on particularly up the hills in Balgowlah Heights. 27km in 2:02 for 4:31's average. One of those runs where you're just pleased to have done it, although I'm saying that frequently about my running at the moment.

Nice afternoon in Vaucluse at Kanser and Olivia's pre-baby get together. We was robbed at Volleyball.

Manly 15km

Plan was for a steady run, starting easy then increasing the pace to try to get down to 4mins per km. Just about went to plan. Started very slowly but felt terrible and incapable of going any quicker. Tendon under left knee was sore, heel wasn't great, cold is lingering on my chest and I felt knackered. Then after about 3km I got into a rythmn and the run got better from then on. Km splits went as follows:

4:38; 4:25; 4:07; 4:08; 4:10; 4:08; 3:57; 3:49; 3:46; 4:13; 3:54; 3:42; 3:36; 3:41; 4:13.

You can spot the hills at 10km and at the end.

All up 14.70km in 59:11 (4:02's). 117km for the week. Struggling to get over 120km (was too busy yesterday but grateful for the rest). I guess it's my body imposing the 10% rule on me.

HuRTS Pyramid session

Small crowd today of Tucks, Durante, MC, Pete W, Ray, Chris G, Dom and a few others. The lower insider of my knee was sore - something that came on towards the end of yesterday's run. And I'm just generally very tired - increased mileage is definitely paying its price. Struggled to a 82, 2:49, 4:11; 5:48; 4:19; 2:52 and 82. The legs were just dead. Durante was drifting off in front and Tucks was struggling like me just behind. Pretty hot too. Probably about the same pace as January 15th but then I was deliberately taking it easy and had more than enough energy for two quick reps at the end. That was very far from the case today.

Heel still fine but inside of knee giving me jip when I lift it.

MLR

Usual Wednesday route but with a bigger crowd than usual of Wildman, the Chairman, Clyde, the Saint and Serg. Started very easy (top of Ocean St in 22:30 - 4:35's) but we started running sub-4's all around Centennial to bring it home in 1:18:05 (4:17's). I was pretty stuffed towards the end but it's not surprising having run about 47kms in 24 hours. Sun came out which made it pretty humid with all the rain we've had.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

Huge crowd today, as big as I've known it. Everyone there other than MC and Serg. Had a really good session. Front group was myself, Tucks and Kanser with Fast Charlie and the Chairman just behind (other than for the final reps) taking it easy before the Huskisson Tri on the weekend.

We banged out the first 10km at a very consistent pace - none slower than 3:20 p/k and none quicker than 3:18. All felt comfortable until the legs started to feel a bit dead from rep 10 onwards. The final 4 reps were run in 3:15; 3:14; 3:14 and 3:09 per km each. Tried to stretch the left leg between all the reps - took 4 Voltaren yesterday to get the inflammation down as it had started to become permanently painful.

Tucks is looking strong again maintaining the pace the whole way. Kanser also looked strong although the poor lad was almost vomitting with the effort of trying to keep up at the end. Good to see Mike Race back out there again.

PM: Easy run home. Felt great. I love Voltaren. 30:48 at Toyota Garage and 58:17 all up.

Monday recovery run

Big crowd today for some rare sunshine. Wildman, Durante, MC, Kanser, Serg, Springer, Ray and Clyde all fronted up. Ran with Wildman and Clyde for the first half then circled back and ran with MC, Ray, Springer and Durante on the way back. 4:13's on the way out and 4:23's on the way back. Felt very easy although I seem to be developing a high cadence, stunted stride length running style. Perhaps all marathon runners end up running like Jeremey Horne. Albeit not quite so quick.

Same Sunday again

Very frustrated about missing out last night. Conditions looked perfect and the times were great. DrJH running 31:43, Earl (who I beat in the 5km) running 32:03 and Ray having a great run to clock 33:18. Woke up this morning feeling a lot better and after a lazy morning headed out at 2pm for the same route as the past 2 weeks. Intended to take it very easy being careful about the cold but was chugging along nicely with no effort - probably due to the 4 day taper and cool (but wet) conditions. It bucketed down about 3 times during the run but the only problem with this was making my trainers very heavy which put some more pressure on the achilles, both of which were sore.

Reached the Stone Arch in 70:00 still feeling fresh so I knew I was on for a quick one. Bumped into Mat Kaley on the Fairlight path so he turned around and we ran the final 7km together (Mat pulling me along for the final 2km). Finished in 1:59:20, a 2 minute PB. Just planning a heavy block of training for the next 3 weeks with no distractions.

Sick

Got Man Flu. Won't be running tomorrow.

HuRTS Gate to Gates

Wednesday - early morning strength training with Carl but no run as too busy for the rest of the day. Considered running home but I'm feeling pretty tired and flat so thought it best to rest up before Saturday.

Thursday - jog down to Farm Cove for Gate to Gates (8 x 909m off a 2 minute rest). Good crowd with Kanser showing some speed up front with Tucks, just ahead of the Chairman and the Judge. I milled around at the back running through them in 3:20-3:30's. But to be honest, didn't feel capable of running much quicker. Still feeling very flat and worried about Saturday. Also have a niggly cough that's started. Blah blah blah.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Look at June 24th 2008 and July 22nd 2008. How on earth did we manage to run those times for this session? OK, it was a lot cooler and we had a big group upfront, but that's a mammoth difference. Today, 10 minutes was reached about 15 seconds short, then 9:47 from the Stone Gates back to the Opera House Gates, then reached 5 seconds short, then 9:36 for the final rep. It was me, Charlie and Tucks up front with Dicky H just behind and a number of others missing. Bit worried about the weekend given the huge gap in training times. However, console myself with the fact that on July 24th 2008 I ran a hard tempo run home which was a pb at the time and which was almost 2 minutes slower than I ran last month. Perhaps I don't push the HuRTS reps as hard these days - I certainly don't feel as though I want to spew with stomach cramps which was quite frequent last year. Perhaps I'm just tired from the weekend. Did feel pretty heavy legged today and lacking all bounce. The first rep in particular was a real struggle. I'll take it easy for the rest of the week.

Tucks is getting right back. He was with Charlie and I all the way on the first two reps and only fell off slightly on reps 3 and 4. Charlie was flying on the final rep. John Binfield is also getting very strong.

Recovery Monday

Southerly change brought much cooler weather today (down to a chilly 22C) and much nicer running conditions. Out for the usual Monday route with Kanser, Springer and Ray. Very easy 1:06:26 (4:30's). Need some sleep.

Long Sunday run

Too tired and hungover again to go out early so headed out in the heat over lunchtime. Same course as last week (Seaforth, North Head, Tania Park). Temperature was 32C but there was already a decent sea breeze so it never felt oppressive. Felt great today (although still wilted in the heat and hills towards the end) and the time showed - 2:02:26 (4:30 per/km) which is almost a pb for this course.

Some great results over the weekend - good to see Benny StL (hopefully) pick up a place for the World XC finishing 5th. I think the first 4 do so and Dent (who won) has ruled himself out. Also good to see KMK winning the B Race last night in the 1500m at the Allcomers finishing in 4:02 ahead of Chamkaur in 4:03 and DrJH in 4:07. Hoping to stay ahead of the latter 2 in the 10km next week but I'd never get close to their times over 1500m.

Photo above is taken from the Manly West swimming carnival this week. Check out the professional dive from a 7 yr old. I won't mention where Bec finished. Suffice to say the Manly West Carnival under 7's race would rival the English National under 7's race.

Striders Lane Cove - 7th in 34:53

Acted as the 35 minute pacer which I was pretty pleased about as I didn't fancy trying to race it given the heat, the big week and going out for the last 2 nights. Good crowd from the HuRT squad including Durante, Kanser, Dicky H, TB, Mat Kaley and Timmy L all set off together with Jeremey Horne hitting the front and Tim's Ashby and Cochrane, Dimitry and Darren Moyle also amongst them.

Went through the first 2kms in 3:24 and 6:48, then 3km in 10:21 after the Scribbly Gum hill. Was feeling great at this stage just rolling through comfortably. Durante, the Tims and Kanser were in front and I was in a group with Dicky H, Mat Kaley and TB. Went through 5km in 17:38 - just right as the negative split is about 20 seconds. However, didn't count for the conditions. The heat and humidity was starting to sap people's strength and Richard then TB fell off. We needed 3:23's from 7km onwards and Mat was holding on but was hurt by the hill around 8km. So I was then on my own closing in on the Tims and Kanser. Hit 9km in 31:40 so picked up the pace to make sure I got under 35. Great tempo run in the end and a confidence booster for next week. Good to see Durnate pick up 3rd spot and congrats to Dimitry on a great time in those conditions.

Missed Thursday evening and yesterday's run due to client commitments so only 112km for the week - was hoping for over 120km.

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

Smaller crowd on a hot and sunny day. Fast Charlie, Durante, Tucks, Terence, Kaley and Travis were the ones upfront with a bigger crowd further back. Set off in the front and could hear Charlie behind me for the first 2 reps before he held back on the 60's. Turned at the stone monument (100m short of the Gates) quite far ahead and then chased people all the way back. Short of the gates because of the heat and no-one to run against. The speed of the floats were what cost the distance - the fast sections were as quick as normal.

Jogged back over the route afterwards with Durante, Kaley and Tucks for about 10km all up.

After a call from Barbara I've agreed to act as the 35 minute pacer for the Striders 10km on Saturday morning. It's forecast to be 42C on Sat (and 44C on Sunday) so I'm now worrying about whether I can actually run 35 over a hilly course in those conditions...

Easy MLR

Run home but went via Cremorne Point, Mosman, Taronga Zoo and Balmoral to add some kms. 17.5km all up in a very leaisurely 1:24. Slow because of all the steps and hills in Mosman. Not as hot as recently but very humid - my shorts and vest were saturated by the time I got home. Ran in my new AdiStar Salvations - new version of the Controls. Bloody stupid name but they feel great.

Went out this evening to watch Slumdog Millionaire - great film.

HuRTS 5min reps

AM: Went to see Carl to chat about program. Will begin core work on Wednesday am's.

Lunch: HuRT Squad 8 x 5mins off 90 seconds rest. Big crowd, just like old times with the likes of Springer, the Judge, Tucks, Fast Charlie, Kanser, Durante, Dicky H, Ray etc all in town. Started very easily at 3:42 average per km but quickly brought that down to 3:30 then from 4 onwards they averaged 3:20's with the last 2 at 3:18 and 3:17. Felt very comfortable all the way through - great session. Big crowd of us sharing the lead upfront but many dropped out after 6 so that I was running with Fast Charlie for the final 2.

PM: Run home. Breathing fine, definitely easier doing this on Tuesdays. 31:15 at Toyota Garage and 59:26 all up. Felt good following the aches and pains subsiding after 2km. Legs started to stiffen up over the final 2km which made the heel a bit sore.

Big news on Six Foot is that Ray has entered! After years of vowing he'd never do it again, he's gone and entered again. It's just like women and childbirth. HuRT squad team now comprises:

Terence, Tucks, Dicky H, Muz, Chris G, Richard G, English Andy, Ray, Less Fast Charlie, Matthew Hook and myself. I reckon we're shoe-in for team winners.

Supposed Recovery

Usual Monday route with Wildman, Durante, Kanser and Kaley to start with, also picking up Springer for a while on the way back. Hot again (getting bored of reporting this - and it's forecast to get even hotter this week) so easy to start with but then the pace increased on the way back. Durnate blamed this on me but I thought it was Kanser's fault. He's getting far too excited about trying to beat me that he turns every training run into a race.

14.59km in 1:00:36 (4:09's) after averaging over 4:20's for the first half.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Kirst was swimming this morning so my slot was at 12.30pm - height of the day and 31C. As such, just took it easy with no intentions to speed up over the final 10km - just hoping to survive. Ran the Burnt Bridge Creek, North Head, Tania Park route (27.30km) in 2:04:40 (4:34s). Breathing was fine but struggled in the heat towards the end. Heel sore, have iced and Votarened this evening.

Queenscliff Nippers Champs this morning, Bec was 6th in flags and 3rd in the ocean run/wade. Billy was 6th in flags. Not quite the glory I was hoping for but good nonetheless.

Thoughts for the day:

1. The Brand Power girl has changed - first time in 9 years since we moved to Oz. Times they are a changin'.
2. Dead Poets Society is 20 years old.

Tempo Manly 7.5km

Had a night out in Manly last night and another steaming hot day meant my heart wasn't in this today. Managed 28:04 (3:48s) in the end not puffing too hard but the legs were tired.

Post Script: Congrats to Keith on a fantastic new Australian M50 record in the 3000m this evening - 8:59!

Easy again

Easy Monday route with Serg, Wildman, Kanser, Ray, MC and Durante in parts. 14.73km in 1:05:20 (4:26s). Hot (again).

Recovery run

Very easy 10.46km around and about. Felt terrible to start with and was worried about the effects of yesterday but then gradually started to feel better until the end when all was well with the world. 45.54 for 4.23s. Still bloody hot.