Tourist Trot STaR

A call to arms by Chris Truscott during the week brought out a good group for the STaR today starting inCentennial. 3 Truscotts, Fats, Keith, Kanser, Durante, Steve Hume, Cameron Arnold, Steve Jackson meant we started at about 4:30's and got quicker all the way. Ended up averaging about 4:13s after running the last 10km in under 40 minutes. Lovely morning and a good group.

Good to hear Tucks having another great run in the Cities Marathon, finishing 6th in 2:30.

Quick Hills

Short of time today so just ran 10 hills outside the front door. Nice hill as it starts flat but gently gets steeper all the way. About 330m. Reps went:

59, 58, 57, 57, 57, 57, 57, 57, 56, 55.

Short jog after for about 8km all up.

Easy Friday

Easy 15km dodging the puddles around Centennial with Ray, MC, Muz and Holt Hardy. 66:15.

Tempo run home - PB time!

Shocking day at work - eventually got out at 9.30pm so did my tempo run home. Wasn't expecting much after a big week's training, staying up watching the Tour and stresses at work. But kept the pace honest from the word go despite always feeling tired. Reached Toyota Garage in 26:00 (42 seconds down from when I set the PB in late April). Really pushed the downhill to Spit Bridge as:
(a) I remember writing in my blog that I'd eased off on this section last time;
(b) had in my mind that Cadel said it was as important to practice the downs as much as the ups; and
(c) good practice for C2S where there are plenty of steep downs.
Then pushed the Spit Hill to Sydney Road. Felt really strong on this - hill strength and endurance is coming through. Pushed again along Sydney Road to run 6:43 for the final 2kms. Finished up in 48:45 - a 6 second PB. Real confidence booster feeling so strong in the second half.
Bring on C2S!
Why do I set myself up for a fall every year?

MLR with marathon pace stretches

19km Centennial Park route with the 3 marathon pace stretches from 2 weeks ago. Ran up until Woolhara Gates (including the first quick stretch) with KMK, then on my own. Ran past Tim Rowe twice in Centennial - he looks very smooth when running. 12:45 for the Centennial Loop (finishing at 49mins on the dot), 2:45 for final stretch (starting at 70 mins on the dot) and all up in 1:15:54 (averaging just under 4:00 per km).

Feeling strong at the moment and confidence is up. Just concentrated on getting through this bout of heavy training rather than worrying about any races for the moment. Convinced this session is becoming my most important of the week.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Cool and sunny today but quite breezy - more of a headwind for the uphill reps (1 and 3). Not a huge crowd.

Reps went: 9:55; 9:21; 9:44; 9:12.

Started off in a group with Durante, KMK and DC5 with Muz joining us half way through. Kanser (after 12kms this morning) was next behind us with Tim and MC running well today too. My legs were very tired from yesterday's long run - I knew it would hurt early on so just settled into a steady pace and watched the 3 others disappear off into the distance. They ran about 9:40. Again on the second rep I ran with Muz as the other 3 sped off, however I started to come good about half way through. Picked up KMK who was dying quickly and finished just behind Durante. Ran the third rep with Durante all the way. Again DC5 was comfortably ahead and we passed a fading KMK just before the ABC Pool. Durante pushed all the way on this one and we were catching DC5 by the end. Final rep I ran by myself after Durante said he was going to coast through in 10mins. Was watching DC5 all the way - Kanser went with him for a while before deciding the big fella was just too quick. Failed to catch him by a few seconds after Tim L gave me a great lead up to a sprint finish. Tim L is peaking just at the right time for C2S.

Good session (at least in the light of yesterday's run) was spoiled by a thief stealing my new Mizuno top after I took it off to run in a vest following the second rep.

Long Sunday on Monday

Top of glute felt better today so risked a run at lunch. Still slightly sore for the first 5km then it disappeared so just hoping it doesn't reappear with a vengeance. Felt great today, very bouncy. Amazing what a day's rest does. Ran the flat 10km route, then continued along 45 min fartlek course, then over Darling Harbour bridge, over Anzac Bridge, over Iron Cove Bridge until half way up the hill following it when I reached 63 minutes. Plan was to run 28kms in 2:06. Turn around and ran back. Picked up the pace on the way back to finish in 2:04:13. I think I was averaging just under 4:20s (clocked the 1km around Farm Cove in 4:10 on the way out and 4:00 on the way back) so probably works out at about 29km.

I've gone on record as saying I'm going to run the Gold Coast Marathon next year. Gives me a chance to run 6ft Track properly too. At some point I'm going to have to wander into post 31km territory. That scares me a little.

Injured

Top of left glute worsened after yesterday's session. Had trouble sleeping until I popped 2 Voltaren. Took another 2 Voltaren before heading out today but lasted 90 seconds before realising I was running holding my breath to manage to pain. Pretty sure it just needs a couple of days rest (and no more steep hills).

Campbell Parade intervals

Same session as late April - 13 loops of Campbell Parade (650m each), one float then one fast. Floats are not at a comfortable pace but easing off from the fast sections. Worked out that I ran the fast sections quicker than last time but the floats were slightly slower. Reps went:

2:21; 2:07; 2:23; 2:06; 2:22; 2:05; 2:24; 2:02; 2:20; 2:02; 2:23; 1:59; 2:23

Overall 29:03 which compares to 29:23 last time. That was just before State 10km so pleased with this.

Been dreading all sessions recently due to feeling tired the whole time with the increased mileage. Really didnt feel like it today but felt fine when I eventually got out. Top of left glute still sore.

Bumped into Lucy Chapman on the jog home. She's been training with one of my lawyers from work and she has high hopes for her. Hope she can get her fit for November and JMorgan CC.

Serg - no excuses mate. Just get out there and cut down on the chicken. Try getting up early...

Easy MLR (of sorts)

Easy 16+km around to Cremorne, back over the bridge and around and about along Hickson Road. 73:13. Ran with Kanser, Springer, Big Mikey H, Ray and Tim C. It was supposed to be easy until we got to Cremorne when Kanser decided he needed to be back at work so started gunning it all the way home. Tim C and I went with him. He really pushed all the hills and dropped me on most. Need to attack hills more in my long runs.

Knocked over a 5 year old in Neutral Bay when neither of us could decide which way to go to avoid each other. Bit embarrased by that but fortunately her mother obviously wasn't a local to the area as she was an apologetic type.

HuRTS - Hills

Today's select HuRTS crew resembled a who's who of Australian middle distance running in the late 90's. As well as Stevie T we had Holt Hardy, a 1:48 and 3:38 (800m/1500m) runner in his day. With Rich H and Durante, that's 4 sub 1:55 runners.

Headed over to Rushcutters having given everyone the option of 400s or hills. I wanted 400s as my achilles was feeling a bit tight. Everyone else wanted hills. So I decided to do them but not kill myself in the process. Ran up Yarrannabe St 9 times after running up Thornton once but realising the recovery back down was too long. Ran 1:23 or 1:24 for all the reps but for one early on at 1:26. Was about 5-10yards behind Steve and Robbie for the first 5, then closed in on them for the last 4. Felt pretty comfortable so was pleased with the session. Don't feel as though I battered the body around as much as I did last Saturday.

Jog there and back for 13km all up.

Edit: Just had a bird's eye view of the Popemobile. He basically did the Mona Fartlek course. I reckon he'd be entitled to a "I made the Stone Gates" T-Shirt, as it didn't hang around.

Long Wednesday run to work

Usual 19km run to work but have changed the marathon pace stretches. Now run at a true marathon pace and longer - first from Pittwater Rd entrance to Queenscliff lagoon to Manly SLSC (about 8:20), the second from the bottom of Parriwi Rd to Neutral Bay (15:54) and the third across the Harbour Bridge (no time - too knackered to look). 40:00 at the bottom of Parriwi, 49:02 at Spit Junction and 78:20 all up. Quicker again (no doubt helped by the longer fast stretches) but it was tough today. I was very tired coming through Kirribilli - off the back of 116km for the past 7 days (my biggest to date).

Beautiful cool day - perfect running conditions.

Hurts Progressive tempo

All over the place today. Sydney is full of Catholic pilgrims for World Youth Day which meant the Opera House was crammed, Hickson Road was closed and the Overseas Passenger Terminal was blocked. Intended route of running 45minute fartlek route was gone so we improvised with Charlie's Botanical Gardens route here....http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2079469

Plan was to run for 23 minutes, turn around and retrace our steps and try to get back to the start by 45 minutes. Felt great in the first half - reached 6.36km in the 23 minutes (3:36 pace) running with Durante, DC5, Charlie, Fats, Ray and Andrew Wilson. Then immediately following the turn DC5 picked up the pace and pulled ahead. I ran with Charlie for a while until he stepped off the road heading up Art Gallery Road. Felt strong up the hills (for once) and pulled in DC5 just before the ABC pool. Pushed on to finish in 44:33. 3:23's for the second half to average 3:30's overall.

Nice session. Very social for the first half and it only gets painful in the final 3 or 4km.

Recovery run

13.5km run to work. Still very stiff and sore to start with but eased into it so that it was a proper recovery run. Felt much better by the end. 27:55 at Spit Junction and 58:31 all up.

Long Sunday run

Out in the pitch dark at 6am for the 28km Manly route (Burnt Bridge Creek, Queenscliff, Shelley, North Head and MSW). Just a question of dragging myself around today feeling very tired after yesterday's session. Glutes and tops of thighs very stiff. Pretty slow - 2:08:27. 4:20 and 4:13 for the North Head kms but they were probably when I was moving most easily. Sat in the pool afterwards which was bloody freezing but did my legs no end of good.

Jamie - how do you work out elevation on GMap?

Hills

2km warm-up then 15 x Margaret St Hills (GMap attached) immediately jogging down Woods Parade so it was a constant 600m loop. All between 1:30 and 1:33. Tried to stretch out on the flat bit along Fairlight St each time. Killer session. Only way through it mentally is to think of them in sets of twos.

2km warm down for 13km all up.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2070259

Easy Friday

Easy 15.4km run on usual route to Centennial but only one loop. 66:47 (i.e. 4:20s). Ran with Serg, Stevie T and Robdog.

HuRTS Hickson Road

Smaller group than usual today, but what we lacked in numbers we made up for in talent. BMH, Stevie T, Robdog, Serg, Tucks, DC5, Fats, MC, Tim L, English Andy, Steve C, Hamburglar and IHS. Reps were lead out by BMH, Stevie T, Robdog and Serg with DC5 and I in a group behind just in front of Tucks. Times went as follows:

3:31; 3:24 (pb); 3:31; 3:27; 3:30.

So another new set pb, but despite that I was well off the pace. Robdog was showing great form, and Stevie T has obviously put some training in as he stuck to BMH throughout and then outpaced him on the final rep. Like last month, I'd feel fine for the first 300m, struggle in the middle then pick it up towards the end. The encouraging thing was that I would be closing in on the front group towards the end of each rep - caught Serg on a couple (he's started his base loading on pies and Portuguese chicken) and got close to Robdog on a couple. Didn't seem as mentally tough as usual but I was probably hallucinating. I was pretty much lactic from rep 3 onwards.

HuRTS T-Shirts now all distributed so our fame will shortly be spread far and wide. A few spare and Mona Fartlek is next wek so another chance for people to lay claim.

Medium Long Wednesday

Head out at lunch with MC, Big Mikey H and Kanser for the 19km route to Centennial, around twice and back to work. Planned on two "true" marathon pace stretches - one from Rushcutters to Woolhara Gates and one around the 3.6km inner loop of the park. Only BMH was keen on the marathon pace stretches. Bit of a drag up Ocean Street but didn't go crazy on the pace. He had to head back to work before the second loop of Centennial which I did in 12:44 (3:32 pace if 3.6km is accurate). Felt comfortable. All up 1:17:11 for the 19km which is 4:03 pace. Found that once you start doing the marathon pace stretches you never quite slow down to the original very easy pace afterwards. Felt good today but calves were stiff. Had to run in the flats as I left my trainers at home. Need to replace both in any case.

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

Turned up today not intending to run quickly, just to ease the legs into slightly more strenuous stuff following Sunday's race. My calves are still sore (as always after a long race). Good to see Big Mikey H after a great run on Sunday (31:11 in the 10km) - he and Dimitri being the only people I know who really performed well at the weekend.

Today was the usual 1 min fast, 30 seconds easy for 45 mins. Set off in a group with Serg, Muz and picked up Fats near Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Serg and Fats were pushing on with Muz and I just hanging on. Felt very tired for the first 15 mins. Turned halfway along Hickson Road and headed back with Serg deciding to push on and Fats dropping off with the runs (he'd been complaining about a dicky tummy the whole way). Kept going with Muz until half way around Farm Cove when he dropped off. Was feeling much more comfortable at this stage. Ran the last section by myself falling 20 yards short of getting back to the Stone Gates.

Nice to be back into it. Feeling very positive about training and trying a couple of new things leading up to City to Surf after chatting to Pete and others. Have started the eccentric loading on the achilles again as the left is stiffening up in the mornings.

Gold Coast HM - 34th in 1:13:09

Ran a very easy 5km on the treadmill on Saturday night and woke nice and early on the Sunday after not really sleeping when Maggie woke us all up at 3:10am. Eventually got to the start after a panicked boat trip across Broadwater from Sea World (they didn't know where to dock which meant we were bobbing about in the water for about 15 minutes). Went through the pre-race rituals and put myself on the second row as I didn't want a mad sprint start.

Tried to keep it easy in the first km (the leaders went off amazingly quickly) but still clocked 3:11. 2km was reached in 6:34 and 3km in 9:58. I was a bit concerned by this as I realised I was averaging only 3:24's and it felt tougher than I was hoping for. At this stage our group of 3 (which coincidentally included Noureddine Benfodda, the chap from New Caledonia that I ran a large part of the Sydney Half with last September) was about 100yards behind a big group of 5, and from leading our mini-group I was now hanging on as they upped the pace to try to catch them. Missed 4km, 5km was 16:39 (i.e. down to 3:20s) and 6km was 20:03. Between 7 and 8km we got within 25 yards of the group in front but I was struggling and got dropped. This was the big mistake of my race as they never got any closer (other than one bloke who was later spat out) and the other 2 chaps in my mini-group caught them by 9km. 10km was reached in 33:33 and I was still feeling pretty confident of a 71 on the basis I could drift a minute on the way back and still make it. But I guess that's the wrong mental attitude to have. As soon as I turned at the 10.5km mark we hit a strong headwind. I caught one bloke at 12km and tried to push straight on past him but he kept on sticking to me. I'd then duck in behind him to shelter from the wind and he seemed to drop the pace significantly so that it felt as though I was clipping his heels the whole time. I guess this was the effect of the wind but it was bloody annoying. I clocked splits in the 3:40s and was just frustrated. At times I felt as though I could push the pace but then couldn't really find any rythmn. 15km was reached in 51:28 (a 17:55 5km split!) and I was thoroughly pissed off at this stage. From being 27 seconds ahead of schedule I was now 28 behind. To rub salt in the wounds, the two leading ladies came past with a pacemaker at 18km. This was a bit of welcome relief. They were clocking solid 3:30kms and so suddenly the pace lifted without much more effort. Being Japanese, they weren't the best windshields but their pacemaker was. I don't think he was intending for me to take the benefit of this though. Still, it's dog eat dog out there. Drifted off their pace over the final km when I was very tired and limped across the line.

Only saw Dave Sweeney at the turnaround mark having set off on a flyer. Sounded like he struggled as much as I did in the second half to clock a 72:26 after a 32:55 at 10km, which gives a bit of incentive for C2S. He doesn't look 46, must be dodgy birth records like they have in Kenya. Most of the HuRT squad struggled too - Durante in 75:10 (like me, a very similar time to SMH), Kanser in 77:02, Tim L in 79:35, Tiger in 79:50, and MC finishing in the low 80s.

The wind obviously had a significant impact but a few of us from the squad will have a chat about whether we're doing the correct training at the moment. I feel as though I could currently run a much better 5km than Half. This was borne out by Serg's performance. After a great run last week at Scarborough Park he was disappointed not to get under 32 in the 10km (32:16). Will definitely keep up the Wednesday long runs before City to Surf last year as they worked last Spring.

Great to catch up with so many people before and after, it felt like a local race.

More easy stuff

Just 7.5km run from work to the Toyota Garage carrying around 10kgs in my backpack. 33:05. Knees pretty sore with the weight and calves tight. Nearly there.

Easy Wednesday

Just back from State of Origin game out at Homebush. Hope the result isn't a portent regarding my battle with the Queenslander Dave Sweeney on Sunday morning.

Very easy 12km with Serg, Durnate, Robdog, MC and Muz at lunch today in 56 mins. Much talk about how Serg has to do the HuRT Squad proud and beat the HuRT Squad defector Big Mikey H. I'm confident of a Serg victory. He talks a good game but to be fair to him always performs on the occasion. MC wouldn't stop going on about how the Irish 10km courses are short. We tried to tell him that their measuring devices were just the same as the rest of the world's but he was having none of it...

HuRTS 5min reps

Sprinted down (running late) to a different group than usual with no stalwarts such as Kanser (breaking records in Ireland), Serg, Robbie or Durante (doing their own secret fast training which sounded a bit too quick for me). Ran the first 4 reps quickly with Fats, Charlie, Muz and Big Dave Clarke in about 3:15 pace then the final 4 reps comfortably with Mike Race and English Andy in about 3:40 pace. Felt tired after the first 4 (more tired than usual - we were getting to the big stone so pushing them quite hard but worried it was the effects of the cold) but fine by the end.

Big Dave Clarke was right up there for 7 and looked strong. KMK did usual latest thing of starting easy and getting quicker all the way through (leading Charlie on the last rep). At this rate, Macquarie will be hard to beat at JPM. Kanser might be looking at B team...

Easy Monday

Missed lunch run with the boys due to a last minute conference call so ran home instead. Nice and easy but strolling along quickly. 29:59 at Toyota Garage and 56:46 all up. Starting to get the early stages of tendonitis in my left achilles (last time it was the right) but I'll worry about it after Sunday.

Medium Sunday

Shortened Sunday run today due to GC next week. 2 laps of the flat Manly 10km route run nice and easy with the Tiger. 46:50 and 45:10 for those loops. 21km all up in 1:35 something. Another beautiful day. Would be perfect if conditions were like this next week.

Back to it

15km Manly route (Campbell Parade, Queenscliff, Shelley, North Head and straight home) with two 10km race pace stretches along the Manly mile (5:11) and then the final 2km of the North Head course (3:13 and 3:02). Felt pretty lethargic today, either as a result of lazy legs after 2 days rest or recovering from illness. Beautiful day for running though, no wind, crystal clear and cool albeit warmer than the last week. 64:25 all up.

Bec was asking this morning when the next race for her age group was. Just discovered that the 2.25km Junior Dash at GC has a 5-6 yr old category so we might try to enter her and Billy. Only problem is it runs during the Half.

No run

No run yesterday (client lunch and getting over cold) or today (recovering from 9 hour marathon client lunch). Hoping an enforced taper will do me good but a bit concerned as I took two days off last week too. Big day today for Maggie and she finally mastered the art of crawling....

Easy Wednesday

Ditched the idea of my 19km run to work with marathon pace stretches this morning as my chest was feeling too tight. Felt better by lunch so went out and did 19km with Serg instead. Easy pace, quickened up naturally going around Centennial to finish in 1:21:24 (4:17s). Another beautiful day.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Tim - I would have swum across if it had been summer, although two people have independently told me that channel is full of sharks. Probably just of the toe-nibbling variety though.

I won't go on about my cold any more as I'm beginning to bore even myself.

Didn't know what to expect today after a tough run on Sunday and [edit: deleted by the boredom police], but rocked up to meet the usual hungry crowd. Set off at a decent pace with Serg leading the way and a front group that included Charlie, Robbie (getting married next month - congratulations mate), Ray (again, putting some effort in), Fats, Muz and myself with Durante just behind. I pushed in my usual section between the hills and we ended at the Stone Gates in 9:44. Given the increased pace we are getting on these reps, we decided just to stop there as we are running out of space. It's exactly 2.9km to the gates so that's about 3:21 pace. Much faster on the way back courtesy of Robbie and Serg for a 9:18 (3:12 pace). Robbie then set off quickly on the third (first km in 3:10) for 9:37 at the gates (3:19 pace) then Charlie paced the last rep until Serg pushed on around Farm Cove. I was dropped half way around by Serg, Charlie and Robbie but managed to pick it up again to finish just behind Serg in 9:05 (3:08 pace).

Another month and another improvement for this session. Felt great today. Beautiful cold, crisp and clear day well suited for fast running.

16km all up.

Bizarre Journey

Still suffering with this cold - slight headache, slight sore throat and very tired at work but not bad enough to feel as though I can't get out and run. So ran home after work. Running felt great - completely opposite to how I feel sat in my office chair.

Was strolling along very easily (30:27 at Toyota Garage) and then noticed a lot of traffic along Military Road. Reached Spit Bridge to find it was jammed open - see report here....http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/broken-bridge-causes-gridlock/2008/06/23/1214073146841.html Just happened to bump into Kevin Ferry (Strider and on the HuRTS email distribution) who was stuck in the same predicament. The only other route by foot is across Northbridge and Roseville Bridge which would add about another 17km. The alternative was to run back to the City and try to find a cab along the way. So, instead we decided to have dinner and a drink at Harry's Fish Cafe (the first building on the other side of the bridge in the picture attached), sitting by the window waiting to see if the bridge got fixed. Just after we saw the news reporters taking shots, an entrepreneurial water taxi driver poked his head in the window and asked if anyone wanted a lift to Manly - $20 a pop. So the whole restaurant jumped in. Just as we were chugging along in the boat under the Bridge (by now 10pm), the Bridge came down.

Very strange but very entertaining. Didn't do any good to my cold though as it was freezing out there and I was only in shorts and a T-shirt.

About 10km for the shortened run.

Back to Manly Flat

Took the last two days off feeling crook with a cold. Couldn't face another day off and the cold didn't seem to be progressing so decided kill or cure was the only option. Jogged down Suwarrow in the pitch black at 6am this morning and planned on running 3 loops of my flat 10km route getting progressively faster. The session worked out perfectly. 10km loops went:

42:50, 40:16; 38:01.

Felt better as the run went on. Normally I struggle from 20km but was running the second loop looking forward to picking it up again on the third. A real confidence booster - Thursday proved that my speed is OK and this session showed the endurance is fine. Just need to make sure I don't go mad in the first 3km at Gold Coast and a PB must be on the cards. Catching Dave Sweeney may not be so straightforward though as he seems to be flying in training.

Jogged home after for 31km all up. Shoulders and neck feel stiff now so just hope I haven't made myself more ill than I should have.

Beautiful day when the sun came up. Clear blue skies, cool and no wind. Manly looks great at this time of year without the crowds. Bumped into Pete Walker running with the pram near Shelley Beach.

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

This one hurt today. Better turn out than ever (Serg, Charlie, Tucks, Durante, Muz, Robbie Neal (first time appearance), Thurston, Fats, Kanser, MC, KMK, RMR and a host of others) set it up for a quick one. Serg and Thurston went off quickly running sub3 mins per km for the first 90 seconds, I then made sure the floats were kept honest - they ended up being run at about 3:30 - 3:35 per km. We managed to hit the top of each of the hills just before the floats ended which made life a bit easier. The trick to running this session well is to put the effort in on the first two 60 seconds reps heading up Art Gallery Road.

Reached the Stone Gates with 20 seconds to spare - dawdled as we reached the road as we still had 5 seconds to go and didn't want to run down the hill! At this point Serg and I were about 10m ahead of Tucks and Robbie, with Thurston and Durante just behind and Fats and Muz just behind them (not sure whether Fats and Muz reached the Stone Arch or not - this being important as I'll be ordering the T-Shirts shortly).

Just tried to keep the speed up on the way back - Serg and I running together, with Durante until Farm Cove when he dropped off slightly. All up 6.1km averaging 3:19s on the way up and 3:13s on the way back. Knackered at the end.

3.5km jog back for 10km all up.

Long Wednesday run to work

19km run to work via Queenscliff lagoon with the usual 4 marathon pace stretches. This run was my bread and butter last Spring and I'm sure it was the reason I ran a good Sydney Half. I did it every Wednesday during August, September and October - basically as a punishment session following a disappointing City to Surf. My quickest time back then was 82:09 (and never varied more than 90 seconds from that). Today I ran it in 78:57. This is my problem at the moment. The training seems to be going really well but the performance in the races just doesn't seem to back it up. I'm hoping this is because I haven't been tapering and that the right preparation for Gold Coast will put that right.

Beautiful day this morning - finally the rain has cleared and it was bright blue skies with no wind. Felt very tired - particularly at the start of the run with recent training in my legs. Managed a very controlled run up Parriwi Rd - feeling better than I've done it in ages. But struggled on the quick reps along Military and particularly the Harbour Bridge.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

I always think of this session as being the least onerous of the Tuesday sessions, but in fact it involves more fast running and more "time on feet" than any other session we do. The reps were all between 950m and 910m, which works out at averaging 3:09 to 3:17 per km per rep. The 3:17's felt comfortable but the 3:09's felt as though I was having to put effort in.

Good crowd today - the front group was myself with Serg, Durante (going very well), Charlie and Steve Thurston with Ray occasionally bobbing in and out and Tucks occasionally putting some effort in (generally he looked as though he was running them at marathon pace). Loads of others including Tim L, Kanser, MC (who looked very strong today finishing the 14th rep quickly), KMK, RMR, Muz, Springer (making a long anticipated re-appearance), Enda etc.

Felt tired from the very start as a result of recent training but running quickly when tired is what I need. 1km run there and 2.5km warmdown for 17.5km all up. Not looking forward to tomorrow's run.

Seems that Bec wasn't faking her pull-out of the Mini-mos. She, Billy and Kirst have all been diagnosed with Tonsilitis. If you don't see any posts in the next few days, you know what's happened....

Easy Monday

15km route around Centennial Park with Springer, Ray, Kanser, Durante, MC and Steve Thurston (Durante's workmate and ex-8:31 3000m SC runner). Nice and easy. Cool and wet. 65:18. Didn't feel yesterday's run in my legs as much as I had expected which is good as it's a big 2 weeks ahead.

Long Sunday incorporating Mini-Mos (6th in 34:39)

Ran to Mosman (7km in about 31 mins), quick few strides then ran the Mini-mos. Strangest start as the preferred runners had acres of space. A few stars (Marty Dent, Scott Westcott etc.) and then me. Set off quite quick just behind Jeremey Horne (Tom Crasti going off even quicker with the real guns) and went through the first 2kms in 3:08 and 3:17. Then the hills appeared, the wind started to blow and being in no-mans land, it was just a case of trying to keep it honest against the watch. Clocked 4km in 13:30 and 6km in 20:24. Went the wrong way a couple of times, once when Tim C who was doing the Striders STaR shouted out to me. I was doubtful of the previous turn so stopped, started to run back then realised I was right the first time. The marshalling was very average, at the next turn there were two ladies who were facing the wrong direction accepting a cup of coffee when I approached - I had to shout out to them to work out which way to go. KMK was getting closer as a result of this. Very hilly final section to finish 6th in 34:39. Worst 10km time in 2 years (first time over 33:30 in over a year) but in the context of a tempo run in the middle of a long Sunday run it's not too bad.

After the race I ran for 7kms to the pick up point for Bec but received a call from Kirst saying she was still ill so then ran home. Very tired when I eventually got home - a little over 30km in 2:05.

Easy trundle

Very easy 8km around Manly route including an extra section to the pharmacy to get some Nurofen for Bec (not good news with her first race tomorrow). 35:51. Picked up our numbers today - Bec is number 2133 and I'm number 5. Hopefully it will mean people will think I'm in the ilk of Marty Dent, Brett Cartright etc........ but just having a bad run.

Flakey - Durante is easy sub-9 these days. He was 9:03 back in November run by himself and is much fitter now. I just don't think Kanser realises how painful the final 3 laps of a 3km race are.

Easy Friday

11km easy run around Botanical Gardens to under the Harbour Bridge and back. Met up with Durante, Serg, Enda, Kanser and Springer. Nice sunny day but a bit of a cool breeze. Passed Rich H, Christian and Hamburglar (the old ING team) running the opposite direction.

Kanser offered $1,000 on Durante beating me over 3000m. I'm considering taking him up on it but might need to lay off my risk a little. This was after he heard he ran 3:56 over 1500m in Year 12. He's been eating a few pies since then though so I'm a little more confident...

HuRTS Hickson Road

Was dreading this session as my legs still felt tired after the last couple of days and this is not the session to go into feeling anything less than on top form. No Tucks or Charlie (absent since SMH Half) but Serg, Durante, Ray, Kanser, the Judge, Muz, MC, KMK, RMR, Tim's L and C, Mat K and Rich M among others all showed up making it a good crowd.

Reps went as follows:

3:35; 3:28; 3:32; 3:25; 3:30

Legs felt tired all the way through so pleased to still keep the times consistent. I'd feel OK for the first 200m, struggle in the middle part of each rep (dropping off whoever I was running with) then would feel stronger in the final 300m and make up some ground. Ran reps 1 and 2 just behind Serg. On rep 3 he and Ray (finally making some effort in these HuRTS sessions) set off like hares and were a good 50m ahead at half way before slowing in the second half. Durante came up to my shoulder on that rep. Rep 4 Serg and I started 7 seconds behind the main group and found it easier chasing people hence the good time. Rep 5 I ran with Muz who dropped me at the bridge before I caught him again in the final 50m. Durante, KMK and the Judge ran a blinder way out front.

Pleased with being able to cope with the speed session after yesterday's long one. I'll repeat this format in the weeks up to Gold Coast. Have now booked flights and accommodation so it's all on and I'm getting excited about it. This race, City to Surf and JPMorgan NYC are the races I'll be tapering for in the near future.

Will be interesting to see how Durante and KMK fare against each other on Sunday. Durante should have him easy based on training sessions but it's amazing what a little confidence can do.

Added a photo of me and Mags at the weekend for the family, showing how much she's grown up recently...

Longer Wednesday

AM: Run into work after dropping off Billy. Added the usual 3 marathon pace stretches which felt good although I struggled over the bridge after really putting an effort in up Parriwi. 24:04 at Spit Junction and 53:05 all up (quick).

Lunchtime: Very easy 10km around the Botanical Gardens and Opera House to OPT and back, running with MC for the second half. 43:52. Bumped into quite a few running Corporate Cup, including Pete Truscott and Inhisshadow (plainly as keen to keep fit after becoming a father as I was), Springer and the Judge.

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

Not quite as big a crowd as last time we did this but still a good showing including Tucks, Serg, Muz, Ray, Kanser, Tim C, MC, Enda, Mat Kaley and with Fats joining after 5 mins. Felt comfortable from the word go today - probably as a result of taking Sunday off. I'll remember that in tapering for Gold Coast Half. Pushed the pace so so that by the Sebel it was down to Fats, Serg, Tucks and myself and then at the turnaround it was just Tucks and I - Serg suffering after a big run on Sunday. Turned at the end of the Hickson Road rep - so further than last time. Picked up Serg on the way back and the three of us just pushed on through to the end. Tucks said he clocked 10km on the Garmin at 33:49 and we finished at the final lamp post just short of the stone gates for 13.25km in the 45mins (3:23 per km).

Good session. Bit of a pick me up after the weekend but need to convert these sort of sessions into races.

Post script

When we were away in the Blue Mountains this weekend we came back to find a possum had built a home in the bookcase in our kitchen. We only discovered this this morning when all the fruit in our fruit bowl was half eaten. At first we blamed Charlie until Billy actually spotted the possum. Kirst tried and failed to eject him all day so it was left to me when I got home. Finally managed it (and have blocked the catflat which he entered by) after taking a few photos. Here are a couple. The elder two kids thought he was fantastic, but Charlie was completely freaked out by him. In fact, you now only need to say the word "possum" and he bursts into tears.

Bilpin Monday

1 hour around Bilpin on a cool misty morning. Beautiful running weather.

Striders 10km - North Head - 10th in 33:00

Well, it was all set up but I was just a bit mentally weak. Had a telling conversation with Serg afterwards where he said he got to 7km and thought; "it's just a 3km rep from here". I got to 7km and thought; "if I just hold this pace I shouldn't be in too much pain".



Set off sensibly with Tucks. I didn't wear a watch and heard only one split - 1st km in 3:10 which was good. I just ran with Tucks and one other chap for the first 4km - Serg having gone off quick with the large front group and having dropped off the back. Then between 4 and 5km up the hill Tucks dropped me and closed in on Serg. From then on I was by myself. I found I was running quick at times but obviously losing concentration and dropping further off the pace at others. I finised with a quick last km but without a clock at the end I had no idea what time I had run. To discover I missed out on a 32:xx was disappointing - I'd have done it if I had a watch on. Most disappointing thing though was not being able to push myself into the pain zone - finished feeling as though I hadn't given 100% which I hate.



Lessons learnt were:



(a) wear a watch - always seem to end up by myself and the watch is the only way to keep things honest in those circumstances;
(b) need to introduce more tempo runs. Interval work is great but tempo runs teach you how to endure pain;
(c) start working my Wednesday run more, either through marathon pace work or length or both. I feel as though I'm wasting it at the moment.

Some great runs by the HuRT squad. Particular mentions to Kanser on his 34:15 pb - a great run meticulously planned and perfectly executed. Great to set a target and see it through. I knew he was on for a big one based on his pre-race nerves. KMK had a great first ever 10km in running 34:07 and Mat Kaley ran 33:50 - a 70s improvement from Lane Cove. Serg showed great bottle to fight back from being dropped by Tucks at 6km.

Easy Friday

9km at 4:40 pace around the Botanical Gardens with Muz, Serg, Durante and Ray. All set for tomorrow but a shame that Robbie won't be there. Serg can hardly contain himself - he had to have an ice bath last night to calm himself down. Conversation went a bit quiet when he explained that it was his Dad who added the ice......

Big showdown set for Kanser and the Tiger. I've got money on Kanser so I don't want any mental weakness. Hopefully Uncle Dave will be pacing him to a low 34 time which I think will secure my money even if the Tiger decides to make an effort. Fingers crossed for MC. If you're reading this mate, my advice would be to ditch the watch and just race it. There will be plenty in the 34 bracket. RMR is a shoe-in for a 36:XX.

Minimos Training and HuRTS Gate to Gate

Early in the morning 3 laps of Campbell Parade (2km) with Bec after promising I'd take her training for Minimos. 11:16 - she ran all the way and finished with a good sprint.

7 x 909m off 2 minutes at lunchtime with HuRT Squad. Had a few too many beers last night so my legs felt pretty lethargic but still managed to bang out some quick ones. Reps went:

2:51; 2:56; 2:38; 2:54; 2:39; 2:51; 2:39

The 5th and 7th were run starting easier and pushing the second half, so pleased with the times considering it wasn't flat out all the way. Feeling pretty confident about Saturday but Serg has now progressed too much - he was flying today with a last rep in 2:32.

HuRTS 5min reps

8 x 5mins off 90 seconds. Good crowd despite the wet conditions. Ideal in fact, as it kept the tourists at bay. Ran the first couple with Durante, Muz, Tucks and Serg (the Judge joined in on rep 3) then the next 5 Serg and I pushed ahead and on the final rep Serg blasted it from the start leaving me trailing in his wake. Each rep was faster than the previous one. The first averaged 3:25 and the final 3 were under 3:10. Felt great today. Now just to take it easy for the rest of the week as Saturday's race should be a cracker. Chris Truscott is running which should mean he and Serg will set off like kids at a school fete, leaving Tucks and I to mop up the pieces in the final 2km. It's all so predictable.

Will be interesting to see how the rest of the squad perform. Kanser was strong on Sunday and was looking good on rep 6 today but then cut short (again) so whether he gets close to his PB will depend on how the speed endurance is. I'm predicting a final KM showdown with the Tiger. MC is back on form and just needs to run a sensible but committed race. Would be good to see RMR get under 6 minute miles.

East Monday

Caught up with Serg, Durante, Kanser, Muz, MC and Ray and ran around the shore to KPMG building and back (basically the 45 mins fartlek route). 14.5km averaging about 4:30s. Very wet. Plenty of conversation about Saturday's relays - results of which are attached here. If these are verified it'll be one of my best runs, beating Dave Criniti, Michael Harrison, Chadi, Robbie, Paul Arthur and Nick Bennett and within 5 seconds of Glenn, Jeremey Horne, Robin Whiteley, Barry Keem and Nick Cope.

Trying to work out how to attach the results... https://www.clubsonline.com.au/console/customitem/attachments/Results

Long Sunday with the boys

Kanser, Springer, Tim L, Durante and the Tiger came over for the same run as last week. 28km 2:09:25. Nice easy pace chatting all the way. Tucked into a fried breakfast afterwards. Good days.

ANSW State Relays

Arrived expecting to run second leg for the A team but found Glenn talking to Robbie on the phone who had been held up. So a quick shift of placings had me running first, Jeremey second, Glenn third and Robbie (when he arrived) last. I was pleased with this as I'd far prefer to run a race than a time trial.

The start of the race was like running x-country as a 10 year old. Up came the elbows and the first 200m was a mad sprint. Settled into quite a quick pace - had no idea how to pace myself for this so the intention was to go out hard and try to hold on. Didn't recognise anyone around me but by the second lap I could hear people barracking for Serg behind me. Started to struggle up the hill in the far field and was waiting for Serg to surge by. He did so just before the 3km mark with another bloke (who turned out to be Earl O'Brien). I latched on to them but struggled up the hill to the top of the course. Serg established about a 4 second lead which he maintained to the finish - just failing to catch Shannon Delaney.

So generally pleased - the time was good (about 12.32 - 32 seconds quicker than last year) but slightly disappointed not to have been able to hold onto Serg up the hill. Typical given recent training that I should finish one place behind him (9th to his 8th).

Not idea of any other times yet, although Durante said he ran 12:53 which is great running for a time trial. Great crowd in attendance - all the top names in NSW. Striders came 5th.

Easy Friday

Met up with Springer, Muz and Ray and ran a very easy 10km around the gardens and to Hickson Road and back. 48:23.

HuRTS 12 x 400m

Smaller crowd than Tuesday (always the same for the speed sessions) which included Ray, Tucks, Durante, MC, Kanser, The Judge, Tim C, Tim L, RMR, Mathew Kaley (still trying to think of a nickname) and Stephen.

They've marked out a new track around the oval which made it a lot easier to follow your line but added a few metres to the distance - we reckon it was 415m (or what we were previously doing was 385m). Ran most from the front with Durante on my shoulder threatening to come by. He did so on rep 7 , rep 11 and, of course, the final rep but pleasingly was "out-cowboyed" by The Judge who had plainly been taking it easy before then. Reps went as follows:

70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 69, 69, 68.

Tough today - really pushed them so saying the track is two seconds longer is an honest assessment. MC and Kanser thought the same. Pleased to stay in front of Durante for most of them and he must have been trying hard as he didn't put up a fight against the Judge on the final rep.

My legs are still wobbling now an hour after we finished.

Getting a bit worried about Saturday relays as I'm provisionally in the A team. Trying to persuade Glenn to put me back where I belong, first leg of B team so I get dragged around to a fast time.

Medium Long Wednesday

18.5km around Centennial twice but coming back the long way around Garden Island. Easy pace (1:21:38 so averaging 4:24s) but felt pretty tired up the steps towards the end, probably as a result of yesterday's session and 75kms in 4 days. Ran the whole way with Serg and the first half with Kanser, MC, Eamonn and Tim C. Lots of chat going on. At times, I think there were 6 conversations going on at once.

HuRTS 4 x 3km

Huge bunch today with all the usual suspects although missing Tucks and Charlie. Set off with Serg, Fats, Durante, the Judge and Tim C - Serg (hot off his 32:33 10km at the weekend) and Fats in particular keeping the pace very quick. We reached the stone gates with 10 seconds to spare so about 2.95km in the 10 minutes. This turned out to be the hardest rep. The return 2.95km was done in 9:31, ran with Serg with Tony dropping off towards the end. The third rep started easier before Serg and I pushed ahead and reached about 10 yards short of the first rep. We were then sensible on the last rep and didn't race it, returning in a steady 9:33.

Another good session under the belt, but buggered now. Great day for running again, no wind and cool. Good to see a large bunch finishing the session, including Kanser, MC andurante.

Easy recovery

13km run to work after dropping Billy off at Redlands House. 25:31 at Spit Junction and 56:21 all up. Felt very tired to begin with - yesterday's run obviously took more out of me than I felt at the time. Eased into it from Spit Junction onwards. Time not too slow though, just felt heavy legged. Another perfect day for running.

Long Sunday run

Same route as 2 weeks ago. 28km in 2:01:09. A beautiful day for running - cool, still and crystal clear. Went out at 2pm and felt much more comfortable than running at 6am, which is why it was so much quicker than last time. 71:11 at the stone arch after 4:06 and 4:02 for the final 2kms of the North Head route.

Short tempo

Not much time available today so short tempo run to end of Darling Point and back, my old route. Kings Cross short cut still blocked off so slightly longer than of old heading up Macleay St before going down to Rushcutters. 8km in 28:23. Felt great today, very bouncy although back of right knee was a bit stiff.

HuRTS Mona Fartlek

Good crowd as usual for this popular session. Set off quick (although with quite a headwind going around Farm Cove) with Serg and Fats just behind. Made sure the floats were honest so that 3 mins was just before the gates and the first 60 was 10m short of the hill beside the Boy Charlton. Fats dropped off on the second 90 leaving Serg and I to push on beyond the Stone Gates (reached those with 10 seconds of float remaining). Serg was strong all the way today, thought he might drop off on the 30s and he threatened to coming down the hill to Farm Cove but then pushed on again and really put the foot down on the last one to drop me by about 10m.

All up 6.05km so pretty pleased to be averaging under 3:20s including the recoveries and bearing in mind the wind.

Tucks and Kanser were being sensible and still taking it easy following the SMH Half. Fats was complaining of fatigue early on which wasn't surprising given how quick he was going on Tuesday. Serg's confidence is back.

Medium Long Wednesday

18.5km around Centennial and then Farm Cove and Opera House with Serg, MC, Muz, Durante and Springer. 1:20:41. Nice and easy although it got a little quicker towards the end. Followed up with an Easy Tiger massage, which was more painful.

Can tell that Serg is going to up the ante at Mona Fartlek tomorrow and that Fats won't be able to resist challenging him. I'll try and hang on.

HuRTS 14 x 3mins

Rocked up to HuRTS still feeling the effects of Sunday. Smaller crowd than usual (to be expected). Serg and Anthony (neither of whom raced on Sunday) and Fats (who did) were putting the efforts in but I hung around in the pack with Durante, Tucks, Kanser, Tim C, Tim L and MC. First few (at about 3:30 pace) felt sluggish but felt better as the session went on and the second 7 were much quicker, and less painful, at just under 3:20 pace.

Felt steady all the way through and nothing like the usual fatigue I feel on a Tuesday afternoon. Which is nice.

SMH Half - 18th in 1:13:21

Bit of a strange run. I'll get the excuses in first. Had a terrible preparation - Kirst was out at a Ball with her girlfriends until 1am and Maggie decided to start screaming at 11pm so only managed about 4 hours sleep. Stomach had also been giving me problems although before the race I had thought it was just nerves. Having said all that, I felt pretty good lining up at the start after catching up with Kanser, Charlie, Tucks, Mike, Durante et al beforehand.

I set off far too quick. My plan was to stick with Tucks for as long as possible and so for the first 5km I was in a group with Tucks, Chadi, Robin Whiteley, Anthony Farrugia, DrJH and Nick Bennett. Tucks made a sudden detour half way along Hickson Road to "do a Paula" which confused me for a second, I lost a bit of concentration coming under the Harbour Bridge and suddenly I was 10 yards off the back of the group, by myself. From then on, I was on a damage limitation exercise. I could see the group had fragmented up Hunter St and tried to concentrate on catching DrJH as I knew he always goes out quick and would likely be the one to tire in the 2nd half. I seemed to make good progress going out around Art Gallery Road and suddenly felt quite good again. However, I could hear footsteps behind which I guessed was Tucks and, sure enough, between 9 and 10km (outside the Art Gallery) he came past. We went through 10km in 34:10 - the only split I took.

I then hung on to Tucks until Argyle St (passing DrJH on Macquarie St), by which time we had also been joined by Robbie Neal. It's amazing how much easier it feels running with others - suddenly the pace seemed to be back in the legs again. However, up Argyle they created a gap and I was on my own again. DrJH caught me on Hickson Road and we ran together until the bottom of Hunter when he dropped back again. At this point, Mark Warren and another chap came flying by. I tried to cling on to them around the 3km Mrs Macquarie's Chair loop knowing I could salvage something by beating Mark (who had beaten me at Homebush). Also realised that if I lost touch with these two, Fats was likely to catch me, having noticed how much ground he had made up when I turned at Mrs Macquarie's Chair. So I clung on. Mark struggled up the hill just before the Art Gallery and the other bloke (who had pulled slightly ahead up the hill) wasn't extending the gap so just clung in. Realised I was catching him at the St Mary's u-turn so put in a final sprint into Hyde Park to pick up one more place. Robbie Neal must have slowed over the last few km as I wasn't far behind him in the end. Tucks finished strongly (of course) to pick up Farrugia and Glenn (who is plainly struggling). If he hadn't had the pit stop he'd have been ahead of Chadi.

Pleased to have beaten Mark and DrJH, a bit disappointed with the time but it's a tough old course. Not many PBs out there today, Fats being the notable exception with a great 1:13:4X. Durante also had a good run in 1:15:15. Richard P got a slim PB and Tim C is getting back to form with a 1:16 something but Kanser was well down on what I thought he'd run and nor was MC as quick as I thought he'd go.

Half's are a strange race. Realised today that you have to put a bit more thought into them that just "go out hard and hold on". Have bad stomach cramps now so will see how I pull up tomorrow.

(PS. HB - cheers for the photo. Thank god I hadn't realised how close Charlie Low was at that stage!)

Trundle

Very easy trundle around my Manly 7.5km route (run clockwise). 33:25. Michael - we should catch up for a run sometime.

Have managed to avoid the lurgy but not a heavy night of red wine. Got back home at about 2.30am last night after losing all my money at Poker. Was looking good at one stage.

Thinking of running without a watch tomorrow and just racing it. Felt as though I became a little obsessed with my time at Homebush - particularly towards the end when I should have been concentrating on beating people. I'm predicting big PBs for Tucks, Fats and Uncle Dave. Dave should go under 70 and I reckon Tucks will be under 71.

Easy Friday

Dave - my wife and eldest have since caught the vomitting bug so I wasn't being paranoid! I'm the only clean member of the family.

Very easy 10k run up to Kings Cross and around the Domain with Serg, Kanser and Enda. 48:45. Felt fine and nice to loosen the legs after yesterday's session. Now just to relax until Sunday and not drink too much red wine or smoke too many cigars at Poker Night tonight...

HuRTS Hickson Road

Back to where it all began, and an appropriate session given Sunday's race will involve 2 Hickson Road reps. I don't think I'll be running them as quick as we were today though.

5 x 1.2km (well, 1.18km and 1.17km to be exact). Reps went as follows:

3:34; 3:30; 3:30; 3:29; 3:30

That's averaging about 2:58 per km. Way faster than I've ever run them before. I think my best Hickson Road session prior to this was 10 May last year (again, just before the SMH Half) when I averaged 3:35s. Not as if I was on my own either. Another great crowd again today, similar to Tuesday but with Durante and Fats showing up too. Serg, Durante and I led the first couple with Tucks, the Judge and Charlie just behind. Serg and Durante really pushed hard on the third rep from the start. This is usually the make or break rep which determines how well the whole session goes. Clawed my way back to them with about 400m to go. Just held off Durante on the 4th rep then KMK appeared from nowhere on the final rep to keep them all honest. Loads of people running well - Durante was right there on all of them before holding back on the last, Serg still put in 3:32s on the final two reps and Kanser kept them all at or about 3:40. Tucks as usual loitered around the front keeping a low profile. Given how well everyone is going it will be interesting to see how the placings pan out on Sunday.

I've taken to washing my hands every half hour like a tourettes sufferer. Billy, Charlie and Maggie all projectile vomitted last night (I was amazed at how much Maggie must actually consume - whenever I feed her about 95% ends up on her face or on the floor), and Bec still has a hacking chesty cough. I'm contemplating just booking myself into the Sheraton for a few nights.

Easy recovery

Easy 16km recovery run with Durante, MC and Serg.

Out around Darling Point, Double Bay and almost Rose Bay then back adding a loop around Mrs Macquarie's Chair and the Opera House in 1:13:16 (averaging 4:35s). Beautiful day, easy pace, plenty of chat (as you'd expect with those 3) but the highlight was Durante pretending to be his brother when a loose soccer ball came our way at Double Bay only to plant his clearance straight into the head of a sweet 6 year old girl standing only 5 yards away. That only just surpassed Serg running into a Korean tourist and knocking his latest model digital camera to the floor.

We ran pretty quick after both of those episodes.

HuRTS 45mins Fartlek

1min quick, 30 seconds slow. Managed to program my watch this morning to beep alternately on 60 seconds and 30 seconds, which was very useful. Did waste about 2 hours of good billing time trying to achieve this though.

Huge crowd today, probably a record turnout. I counted 23 starters. Not sure why everyone was so keen on this particularly tough session and far fewer than 23 actually finished it. Notable absentees were Fats and Durante. I expect the latter was probably playing Badminton or mixed Netball. Perhaps he was reading about the Central Governor theory in order to engage in intellectual conversation with Kanser.

I set off quickly with Serg in order to spread the field a bit to avoid any disasters running down Art Gallery Road. We started at the Stone Pillars today as it's quicker for most people to get there from work. Given the first 2km is all downhill, it makes for a very quick start. We were quick also because of the large group of us upfront, including Serg, Tucks, Charlie, the Judge and Phil D. Serg, Phil and I largely took it in turns to push the pace. Reached the turnaround just short of the end of the Hickson Road rep when Phil D dropped out. It was then a war of attrition trying to get back to the start in the remaining time. The Judge dropped off at about 32 mins, Charlie at just before the Opera House, we went through the 10km mark in 34:35 (this is including the slow bits - would have been a PB until 2 years ago) then Serg dropped off at 11km complaining of an injury (hope it's nothing serious as he's starting to get quick again). Which just left Tucks and me, Tucks having been quietly hanging around in the background for most of the session.

We continued pushing the pace just failing to get back to the Stone Pillars in the 45 mins. All up, 13.09km at an average pace of 3:27 per km. The fast stretches were run between 3:10 and 3:15. On my very basic maths, that makes the slow sections averaging 3:59 per km.

One of my best sessions of the year. Felt very comfortable until the last 5 minutes. Looking forward to Sunday morning now. Tucks will be strong though.

Easy Monday

16km around and about the Botanical Gardens and up towards the cross with Serg, Ray, Muz and Enda. About 72 minutes. Felt full of running after yesterday's rest but it was good to have an easy run as this week is shaping up to be a tough one.

Long Saturday

Mothers Day tomorrow so headed out at 6am for 2 hours. Beautiful time of day to get out and perfect Autumn conditions again. Ran along Sydney Road to the Burnt Bridge Creek deviation, down to Campbell Parade, through to Queenscliff, around to Shelly, up around North Head and Fairfax walking track then completed my old 22km Sunday route around Balgowlah Heights.
28km in 2:04:31. 4:10 and 4:00 for the final 2kms of the North Head route. Hillier than I've been doing my Sunday runs for the last 4 months and the back of the right knee and achilles started to feel it towards the end. Will probably try to stick to the flat in general. Felt good today though.

Easy Friday

Easy 12km around the Botanical Gardens with Springer, Serg and Kanser. Picked it up a bit doing the last 3km by myself around Mrs Macquarie's Chair. Beautiful day out there. 56:09 all up.

HuRTS 12 x 400m

It's was commonly accepted today that, of all the sessions we do, this is one of the toughest. Probably a close run thing with Hickson Road. Strange as it is also the shortest session we do. The reps involve you going partially lactic from the first rep onwards, but the toughest element is how mentally difficult it is, particularly between reps 4 - 8 when you are hurting and yet feel as though you still have so much to do.

Really good crowd today (people are getting keen) including Ray, Kanser, Serg, Muz, Durante, MC, Tim C, KMK, RMR, Greg, Fats, Stephen, Pete W etc. Reps went off every 2 minutes as follows:

69, 69, 68, 68, 68, 68, 67, 68, 68, 67, 67, 67.

Huge improvement from 10th April, mainly due to having a big crowd around. Serg and Durante were pushing each rep (in particular Durante in the second half) so that we were finishing them all together. I was pretty stuffed on the final 2 - tried to increase the pace to catch KMK and Durante on the final rep but the legs said no.

Great session though.

Post script: Got SMH Half number and chip in the post today - No. 28. Pleased with that.

Medium Long Wednesday

Ran flat 10km route extended around Opera House to the Overseas Passenger terminal then back with Springer, then added a 3km loop of Mrs Macquarie's Chair to bring it up to 16km. 69:11. Nice and easy although Springer was feeling good and trying to push the pace beyond easy comfort level at times. Beautiful day and plenty of people out.

HuRTS 5min reps

8 x 5mins off 90 seconds. Big HuRTS crowd today including Charlie, Serg, Durante, Kanser, Muz, Springer, MC, Enda, Greg, Tim C, Ray, Dicky H, RMR. In fact, easier to identify people by their absence, the notable absentees being Tucks and the Judge.

We were flying today. We started off pretty quick and then ramped it up. This was mainly because Serg and Durante were putting some effort in. How Durante only managed to run 34:17 on Saturday, God only knows. The bloke must be the world's softest racer. I think Kanser needs to have words and explain that it's supposed to hurt when you run a race. Serg leaped forwards today, getting back to form. He completed the session (for once) and had 30 yards on me on the final rep before I clawed it back just before we finished. I had us running over 1.6km over the final rep which is well under 3:10 per km. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1689559

Warm up and warm down for about 15km all up.

Long local Sunday

2 x 10km route in Manly plus to South Steyne and back. 27.5km in 2:03:22. Caught up with the Tiger for the first 2 laps (47:30 and 44:50) then by myself. Beautiful morning, cool and sunny.

NSW State 10km Road - 20th in 32:37

Had been pretty nervous about this one, and felt very much so travelling out to Homebush. Nerves were eased after a quick chat with SilverFox and Tucks then headed out jogging the course with Kanser, MC and Durante. The course looked fantastic - nice and flat with long straights just to put your head down and run. Conditions were also perfect - cool and no wind.

Lined up next to Uncle Dave and Chris Truscott (pushing Chadi back into the second row, felt a bit guilty about that as he's a much better runner). Set off very quickly. I'd heeded Serg and Pete's advice and wanted to make a very positive start. Followed just behind Chadi in 3:02 for the first km. Wasn't feeling completely shot so was quite pleased. Missed the 2km mark and went through 3km in 9:33. At this point, Robbie Neale went past so I decided just to try to stick with him as I knew he would run well. This is basically how the rest of the race went. Felt good in parts, just tried to hang on in others but it was basically a good hard race, never at all comfortable. Robbie and I picked up others as we went so that for the last 3km there was a good group of five of us, including Mark Warren and Richie Roberts. 5km was reached in 16:09, 8km in 26:07 and 9km in 29:25. At that stage I was just hanging on. Even though we were all in a group I had nothing left for a sprint to try and pick up any more places.

Stoked with the race and the big PB (as well as knocking off another of Dad's PBs). A load of great performances out there. Keith and Fats running 33:20s (Fats will go quicker at North Head without a cold), Kanser back under 35, Uncle Dave back under 32 and SilverFox setting a very low-key PB!

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement. Amanda - sorry for very confused conversation! Not sure my brain was working probably on account of being so knackered.

I can now lock-in the Half at Gold Coast.

Easy plod

Very easy run around and about in the Botanical Gardens with Ray and Tim C. 10kms in about 50 mins.

Disappointed to hear that Tucks is now a no-show for tomorrow after pulling his hammy again. Further, Fats has come down with a cold. Neither of which does much good to our Striders team (or my bet).

Thanks for the comments Pete (over ambitious as usual) and good luck Greg and everyone else for tomorrow.

Farm Cove intervals

Instead of 8 x 800m we did the pre-race gate to gate Farm Cove reps (909m) - 7 of them running the odd ones fast and the even ones as floats. Rep times went as follows:

2:42
3:00
2:38
3:01
2:43 (had to stop because of a large bunch of schoolgirls)
3:03
2:37

Charlie, Tim C, Ray, Springer, Greg, RMR, Kill Michael Kill, Dicky H and Steve showed up, with Durante and Kanser dropping by on easier runs. Wasn't going to push the last one but KMK got competitive and I'm not mature enough to resist. Felt great today. Hope I haven't peaked two days early.

Medium Long Wednesday

Centennial Park route with Tim C. Beautiful day for running - cool and crystal clear. Went a bit quicker than I had intended - 63:40 for the 15km. But that's running with Tim C for you. It's like running with a Kenyan, he suddenly puts in these surges of speed and twice dropped me going around Centennial.

Injuries have cleared up nicely (even top of left glute) but feeling a bit sore around the shoulders so hope I haven't got a virus coming on. Whinge, moan, whine etc...

3 x 3km

Originally 4 x 3km was scheduled but decided to drop down to 3 to avoid killing ourselves before Saturday. 4 x 3km is probably the hardest session we do. Had planned to take them easy but with Fats and Tucks around that was never likely. Other attendees were MC, Tim C, Adam, Pete W, Enda and the Irish contingent. Notable absentees were Kanser and Durante, putting in some secret training tomorrow instead.

Fats ensured the pace was honest from the start, with Tucks and I just behind him. We ended the first 3km rep at the lamppost just short of the stone gates (i.e. further than ever before) but given we were only doing 3 I thought that would be OK. Probably averaged about 3:28s. On the way back, he picked up the pace even more so that we returned to the Opera House gates in 9:21. Averaging sub 3:20s. Having been conditioned to that pace we just continued on in the same way on the third. I pushed the hills near the Boy Charlton and then up to the Art Gallery. Fats finalled dropped off on that second hill, leaving Tucks and I to go beyond the stone gates to just short of the road outside St Mary's. That's as far as we've reached in our best Mona Fartlek session.

A real confidence booster before Saturday as I didn't feel so shattered that I couldn't have done a fourth. Tucks looked like he was cruising as always but Fats is plainly in sparkling form and I'm likely to be running with him on Saturday. MC also seemed comfortable and is getting back into form.

About 14km all up.

Have added some photos from Seal Rocks.

Medium Long Run

Decided against 2 hours today in light of a mini-taper for Saturday instead doing 1.5 hours. Ran Serg's Centennial Park route in about 63 mins (picking it up in the second half in order to get back in time to catch up with Kanser) than ran about 5.5km around the Opera House with Kanser in 25 mins, bumping into Durante on the way around.

Back from Smiths Lake

Headed up on Thursday evening in the pouring rain. The rain didn't stop until Saturday when it turned out pretty nice and had a great time in the Lake and in the surf at Seal Rocks and Blueys. Managed 11km in the pouring rain on Thursday feeling great and running quickly over a hilly course - 44:42 (measured it in the car). Ran the same route in the sun the next day but turned around sooner as I was struggling - 44:12 for about 10.5km. Rested today.

Some interesting results from Novice. Times look about a minute slower than where I expected people to be so the ground must have been pretty tough on the legs. Will be interesting to see how people pull up next week.

Mona Fartlek

Caught up with the HuRTS squad to run 90, 60, 30s on the usual route. Crowd included Kanser, Serg, the Judge, Fats, MC, Durante, Greg, Phil W, RMR and Clement. A few were taking it easy with Novice on Saturday, so found myself in a small group with Serg, the Judge and Fats after the first 90. Serg and the Judge then really pushed the second 90 and I was just trying to hang on to Fats. Really struggled up the hills - felt lots of beer in my legs after last night. Turned 20 yards short of the Stone Arch (closest I've got to it other than the reps prior to JPM) and about 15 yards behind Serg and the Judge. Immediately Fats started to drop me on the 3rd and 4th 60s and Serg and the Judge caught me. Then we hit the 30s and I seemed to get a new lease of life. Caught up with the other three and then dropped Serg and the Judge coming around Farm Cove with Fats just holding on. Finished the final fast rep at the Opera House gates and the session half way around the Opera House.

Fats is in great form. My bet with the Tiger is safe at this rate. Serg is also coming back into form (again). Off to Smiths Lake tonight so good luck to Kanser, Durante, MC et al running Novice on Saturday.

Long Wednesday

Headed out at lunchtime with Serg and MC for 18km around Centennial Park. It's been really wet over the last few days (including this morning when we set off) so there were puddles galore. Got soaked. Had to run on the road around Centennial due to the puddles. Did the 18.2km in 1:22:49 averaging just over 4:30 per km so nice and easy. Had a discussion half way around about what constituted a "good runner". MC seemed to get quite upset when Serg said it was anyone who could run under 32 mins for 10km. The only consensus from this question seemed to be someone who could run about as fast as our own PB for the distance.

Mentioned to Serg that I quite fancied pushing tomorrow's session. He suggested this wouldn't be wise after the last three days running. I've been out with Ken, John, Phil and Craig this evening, entering my favourite pub (the Boatshed) at about 9pm. Ken mentioned then that we rarely leave the Boatshed before 2am once we enter. I've just about beaten that but not by much. Serg's advice now sounds wise.

Had a magnificent run on the pool table in the Boatshed - 6 games unbeaten before we started doubles again. I'm the king of pool. I challenge you all....

Sunday long run on Tuesday

Becoming a little obsessed with fitting a long run in each week so today it was. Ran the North Head route (Pacific Parade and Fairfax Track) then straight down Darley, left onto Ashburner, along Manly to Spit walk but cut up through Balgowlah Heights then into work. About 27-28km. Started too quick for a 2 hour run, not on purpose just feeling good and probably with a little enthusiasm from last night still in the legs. 47:11 at the Stone Arch (4:14 and 4:09 for the last 2kms of the North Head route), 1:28:10 at Spit Junction and 1:59:30 all up. Struggled a bit from Parriwi onwards paying for the faster early pace and no doubt with last night's run in the legs.

Disappointed to be missing HuRTS today due to a bloody client lunch. Why do people organise work lunches? Just means you sit at your desk all afternoon feeling bloated and knackered. Only worth doing if you can sit in the pub for the rest of the afternoon. Then they're great.

Niggle count: Back of right knee (particularly on the uphills (of which there were plenty this morning)), top of left glute and, worryingly, muscle coming around the left hip.

Tempo run home

Training schedule is all over the place at the moment with being busy at work and holidays. Planned a long run today but couldn't get out all day and felt it was too late at 7.30pm when I finally left for the evening. So decided to do a tempo run home (about 14km) and will do 2 hours running in tomorrow (client lunch so am missing HuRTS) .

Looked back in my blog to see what my PB for this route was and saw that I ran 50:47 nearly a year ago (June 7th) shortly before setting my 10km PB at Gold Coast. Surprised I haven't done this run more often as I think the long tempo runs are pretty useful. Given I think I'm now in better shape, I psyched myself up to set a PB. Really pushed the pace from go to whoa. 25:18 at the Toyota Garage (1:17 ahead of the red line) and 48:51 all up - a 1:56 PB. Chuffed to bits with the time. Still think there's more to come as I eased off a little from Spit Junction to Spit Bridge. Having said that, I really pushed the uphills.

Flake - I'm back up to Smiths Lake on Thursday night so will be missing Novice. My money's on Harry Summers. Expect a big improvement from Dave Kane too. Given his recent Hickson Road rep times and the fact that he's equally as competitive as those gun 18yr olds, I'm predicting he'll run 34:27 and kick himself for not getting a PB before agonising over whether it's a full 10km or not. I'm just throwing everything at the State 10km. Saw a recent thread on Coolrunning which suggested DrJH would be running. To beat him would be the dream scenario.

Running and camping..

..don't mix. Had a fantastic time at Seal Rocks (at Smiths Lake now having just dropped Kirst and the kids off) but sleep has been hard to come by - Charlie doesn't like the "flapping" noise a tent makes. As a result, I've woken up stiff every morning and felt like c**p when trying to run. Beautiful surrounds though. Rested Thursday, ran for an hour on Friday and Saturday and 45 minutes this morning. Had to dodge a pack of dingoes yesterday (if you can call more than one a "pack") which got the heart rate up at least.

Stiff as a board now. Can't wait to sleep in a bed again. Will download some photos soon.

Niggle count: top of left glute, back of right knee, hamstrings, back in general, achilles a bit sensitive.

Medium long Wednesday

18km around Centennial (including an extra internal loop) but cutting short back down the steps from Macleay St. Ran with Serg and Tim C. 1:18:03, average pace 4:20. Very easy to start with but picked up the pace a little from 7km onwards.

Niggle count: Top of left glute. Outside of right foot.

45 mins Fartlek

The inner child inside me still stifles a chortle when I write the word "fartlek".

Great crowd today including the Judge, Serg, Phil Dove, Kanser, MC, Durante, Tim C, Enda, Richard G, Richard M (first time in a while), Clement, Greg, Stephen C etc. Set off at quite a quick pace with the Judge, Serg and Phil. We all stayed together until just before the turnaround point when Serg dropped off. Phil then stopped (only to reappear later) at the turnaround point leaving me to try and stick to the Judge. Turned at the top of the steep short hill just before the Art Gallery. The Judge helped me catch up with some of the pack before he dropped out worrying about a leg injury. Picked up the pace a bit coming home running with the rest of the crowd again.

Fast sections were probably between 3:10 - 3:15 per km and averaged close to 3:30 per km for the whole thing. 1.5km there and 2.5km back for about 17km all up.

Recovery Monday

Serg's 15km Centennial Park route run with Serg. 66:11. Slightly quicker than I'd normally do a recovery run (I was running with Serg after all) but nice nonetheless. Managed to run out a few aches around the left glute I'd had from the weekend. Perfect running conditions - cool and rainy. Some people were complaining about the cold running in the Canberra marathon yesterday. I didn't realise it could be too cold for running. They should try running the North East Cross Country Harrier league at Prudhoe in January.

Congrats to Tim L for his 2:47 in the London marathon yesterday - great run mate.

Long Sunday run

Caught up with Fats and the Tiger in Centennial and basically meandered about - a couple of laps around the outside and a few more in the middle. Ran parts with Dimitri and Caleb. 2 quickish inside loops at the end. About 30km in 2:13:34. Beautiful morning.

Some great preliminary results from Canberra - Uncle Dave second in 2:27:40 and Tucks 3rd (beating Jeremey Horne) in early 2:29. I think my days of being competitive with Tucks are over.

Campbell Parade stuff

Was planning on the usual 7.5km tempo run but needed to get the kids out so took them down to Campbell Parade with their bikes. I ran 13 loops of the 650m circuit, one float then one fast etc. Map is here: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1784328 Loops went as follows:

2:26; 2:12; 2:21; 2:10; 2:23; 2:09; 2:21; 2:07; 2:21; 2:04; 2:22; 2:05; 2:21

Works out at averaging about 3:36 per km for the floats and 3:15 per km for the fast sections. Overall average of 3:29 per km for the 8.45km. Great session in the end - felt as though I got more out of it than the usual tempo run. Interesting how the faster sections get faster but the floats remain consistent.

Billy did 13 loops on his razor (over 5 miles) and was complaining at the end that his leg was sore. He only ever stands on his right leg. I've got high hopes for him.

Good luck to Tucks, Springer, Superflake, TJA, Uncle Dave, Chris G and all the others running Canberra tomorrow and Tim L in London.

Sore recovery

14km North Head route early in the morning. Felt very stiff and sore so very slow, especially to start with. 49:26 at Stone Arch and 62:48 all up. Top of glute very sore this morning. Nice and cool and great views from the Fairfax Walking Track.

400s

Caught up with Tim C, MC, Fats, Dickyboy (first timer), Clement, Pete, Stephen Cox, Greg and one other and headed over to the Reg Bartley oval for the usual 400s going off every 2 mins (ie about 50 seconds rest). 12 this time rather than 10. Ran the first 7 with Tony then he headed back to the office which is when the times started to suffer. Then managed to pull them back together, with Tim C putting up a fight on the final rep. Times went:

70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 70, 71, 72, 70, 70, 67.

Compares favourably with December 20th and March 13th (the other times we ran them over this measured section - times before were over a shorter section). Beautiful day and a nice session. 3km there and back for about 11km all up.

Back to marathon pace

AM: Run to work from Redlands House incorporating the usual 3 marathon pace stretches. Cool and wet, felt great this morning. 53:50 all up (24:19 at Spit Junction). Might try and fit in an easy 10km over lunch.

Lunchtime: Very easy 7.5km run around the Opera House with Kanser in 32:10.

8 x 5mins

Crowd today included Serg, Muz, MC, Kanser, the Judge, Tim C, Enda, Durante, Mike Race, Greg and Phil Woods, with Springer appearing after the first 2. Usual session of 8 x 5mins off 90 seconds rest, although only Tim C and I actually did 8. Lots stopped after 6 and MC, Enda and Muz did 7.

Felt really good today. The judge was pushing ahead as usual (running 3:10s looking like he was going for a jog in the park) while Anthony and I were probably averaging just under 3:20s. Still felt comfortable after the final rep. I think I need more speedwork at the moment. Kanser and Durante would wait until Muz and I caught them on each rep (starting from behind) and then run off so they must have upped the pace midway through. Kanser seems to have taken another leap forward recently.

Rest yesterday. Had a client lunch then just couldn't be bothered. That's probably why I was feeling fresh today.

PB - great to hear you're making plans for races in the not so distant future. Don't get injured. Try and organise a race in Sydney when you're about 80% fit and I might have a chance...

Couple of photos added from the weekend.

Long Bay run

Caught up with the Tiger and ran three extended 9km loops of the Bay Run. Times went 43:00, 41:30 and 41:51 for 2:06:21, plus 1km warm up for 28km all up. Lovely cool and still morning. Good chat with the Tiger in between him saying hello to virtually every runner going around the Bay.

Striders 10km Lane Cove - 7th in 33:16

Picked up Richard Green on the way (shortly to become a Dad - good luck mate) and caught up early on with Tim C who I ran a 3km warm up with. Then did some quick strides to get the heart rate up and feel less shocked when starting the race. My worries about no-one turning up were quickly dismissed on seeing Tom Crasti, Colin Johnston, Robin Whiteley, Guz, Chris T et al. Quick chat with Tucks, Kanser, Timinerko, Darren and Pete and then we were off. Or at least the front crowd were. The first 8 shot off like rabbits. I ran through 1km with Guz and Ray (who was just on a run from home but decided to join in the race) in 3:14, 2km in 6:30, 3km in 9:49. At that point I was by myself, with James Swadling and some visiting runner from Belgrave Harriers about 80m in front. I could see James was slowing so just tried to reel him in. 4km was 13:19 and 5km (when I caught James) 16:46. From then on I was by myself and just trying to push as hard as possible to get close to 33 mins. I think 6km was 20:08, 7km 23:30, 8km 26:48 and 9km 30:08.

Felt great all the way back - the kms were just ticking by. Probably more suited to a half than a 10km at the moment though as I need more speed in the legs. Finished with a 3:08 final km in 7th in 33:16.

Good to Kanser back on track, running a 35:19 despite still recovering from a cold that has sidelined him for the past few days. Good runs also from Pete W, Darren and Timinerko. Chris T is obviously in great form running 31:52.

Friday meander

Very easy jog around the flat 10km route but finishing straight back to the office from the Art Gallery. 8km in 36:29. Much cooler over the last couple of days so should be good conditions tomorrow provided the wind stays down. Back still sore but I've always got to have something to moan about.

Sounds like Tucks and Chris Truscott are running (although Tucks claims to be only going for a 35min - we'll see after the race starts - he's even more of a competitive bugger than Kanser).

Dave - Lane Cove is hilly and am very flattered by your predicted times but feel they are a bit ambitious...

Looking forward to my pre-race junk food loading tonight.

8 x 909m

Originally planned 8 x 800m at Rushcutters Bay but the lack of interest and my workload resulted in a last minute change to 8 gate to gates around Farm Cove, off 2 minutes. I did the odd ones fast and the even ones easy. It was the founding members of HuRTS (Tim C, Ray, Chris G and myself) plus Durante for the first 4, Pete W and Tucks (jogging) for the last 3 and Mike Race, Dave Le Banh and Stephen from JPM.

Reps went:

2:54; 3:02; 2:45; 3:04; 2:46; 3:01; 2:43; 3:02

Felt good running the quick ones. Almost harder work running the "easy" ones. Works out at an average of 3:00 per km for the quick ones and 3:20 per km for the easy ones.

Back still sore and doesn't seem to be improving.

Easy run home

No suit at work so couldn't run in. Busy day at work, couldn't get out all day so ran home when I eventually finished at 10.30pm. Nice way to unwind. 31:05 at Toyota Garage and 58:27 all up. Things still OK for the weekend:
(a) chaffed groins have healed;
(b) seem to have avoided (to date) all the colds/flu going around at work and home; but
(c) back is still sore on the downhills.

4 x 3km

Perhaps it should be retitled; "Getting used to running 3:25s".

Really good crowd (to start with) today, including Fats, Ray, Kanser, Durante, MC, Springer, the Judge, Anthony, Tim L, Mike Race, Enda, Darren and Pete W. Started off with a big crowd staying towards the front and ran through reaching the second lamp post short of the Stone Gates in the 10 minutes. This involved a detour up to Art Gallery Road as the open air cinema section of Farm Cove was blocked off. Picked up the pace on the way back running with Charlie, the Judge, Tony and Fats in 9:21 (about 3:23's). Pace picked up again on the third rep with Fats really pushing on such that we reached the Stone Gates. Then on the final rep the Judge took it out and pulled me around - dropping me while coming around Farm Cove. Still managed 9:23 over the longer distance.

Chuffed with the session. When we last did this 4 weeks ago I was shattered on the last rep. Felt great out there today.

Fats is looking in great shape, as is the Judge who plainly took it easy to start with so he could finish the session strong. Tim L also looked good again, peaking at just the right time for London. A few are crook or coming down with colds, including MC, Kanser and Durante.