Couldn't fit in Hurt Squad in rushing to get to the airport (which I was secretly relieved about as I was feeling a bit tired and sore this morning) so arrived at the Sofitel in Brisbane, got Maps out on the iPad and searched for a run route. Remembered someone mentioning Mt Coot-tha on a thread on Coolrunning once so decided to get down to the river, stick to it and then head up to Mt Coot-tha. Worked perfectly. But bloody he'll, Brissy is humid. It's like Sydney on steroids. My vest has never been more sodden than when I got back. All up 14.3km in about 65mins (4:29's).
Wahey Benny!
How good is that! Way beyond all expectations! That is world class.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
MLR Wednesday
4km this morning to Carl's doing the same session as last week but avoiding the calf raises with weights which my achilles didn't appreciate.
Lunch met up with Timmy, Wildman and Rob for the usual 18.8km route around Centennial. 10C cooler than yesterday and as a result the pace was relatively quick compared to recent weeks. 1:20:43 all up (4:18's).
Lunch met up with Timmy, Wildman and Rob for the usual 18.8km route around Centennial. 10C cooler than yesterday and as a result the pace was relatively quick compared to recent weeks. 1:20:43 all up (4:18's).
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
HuRTS Progressive tempo
Chowed down some Voltaren last night. Bursar immediately better. Rocked up today feeling very lethargic in the 33C heat but encouraged by a big crowd including Tucks, Quentin, Bartles, Wildman, JB, Ray, Andy, Wildman, Jason, Pete W - basically you name it and they were there. Other than MC and Young Timmy, no doubt enjoying some swim time.
Set off and felt comfortable running 4:05's chatting to Bartles. Dropped the pace every 10 mins but then coming around CQ Tucks hit the front and were found ourselves running a 3:36. And we hadn't even turned around yet. I made an executive decision to turn at 23:15 as opposed to 23:30 given how fast we had run on the out leg and how warm it was - meaning we'd struggle towards the end. We reached the turn on exactly 6km. Still had a decent sized group at this stage so I decided to push the pace a bit to whittle it down. Tucks, Quentin and Bartles stayed with me all the way until Mrs Mac's Chair when I put in a bit of effort going up the hills and they were obviously saving themselves for the North Head 10km race on Saturday morning. Got back in 44:30 so averaged 3:52's on the way out and 3:32's on the way back. Actual splits on the Garmin went as follows (the dodgy one is under CQ on the return):
4:00, 4:04, 3:56, 3:41, 3:36, 3:41, 3:34, 3:36, 2:56(?), 3:24, 3:26, 3:35, 55s (3:23 pace).
Good confidence booster. One more tough session to go before Six Foot.
Set off and felt comfortable running 4:05's chatting to Bartles. Dropped the pace every 10 mins but then coming around CQ Tucks hit the front and were found ourselves running a 3:36. And we hadn't even turned around yet. I made an executive decision to turn at 23:15 as opposed to 23:30 given how fast we had run on the out leg and how warm it was - meaning we'd struggle towards the end. We reached the turn on exactly 6km. Still had a decent sized group at this stage so I decided to push the pace a bit to whittle it down. Tucks, Quentin and Bartles stayed with me all the way until Mrs Mac's Chair when I put in a bit of effort going up the hills and they were obviously saving themselves for the North Head 10km race on Saturday morning. Got back in 44:30 so averaged 3:52's on the way out and 3:32's on the way back. Actual splits on the Garmin went as follows (the dodgy one is under CQ on the return):
4:00, 4:04, 3:56, 3:41, 3:36, 3:41, 3:34, 3:36, 2:56(?), 3:24, 3:26, 3:35, 55s (3:23 pace).
Good confidence booster. One more tough session to go before Six Foot.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Easy Monday
...with the body only just holding together.
Took yesterday off as I was just too tired and sore. Left heel bursar flared up after hills last Thursday and has been sore. Thankfully not the achilles itself (I can do the eccentric loading with no pain) so may just take some Voltaren to get the swelling in the bursar down and avoid hills. Until Six Foot of course. Both knees also feel slightly sore too though.
Today was the usual Monday route with a couple of variations with another cruise ship in dock. Crowd included Craig, Laura, Indrajeet and James but after about 2 minutes it seemed to be just me, Wildman, Rob and Springer with the others further back. I felt great after a day off yesterday. Pace gradually picked up on the way back. Rob stopped at CQ and Wildman around Farm Cove so I finished it by myself. 16.00km exactly in 68:34 (4:17's) but with the final 3km up the hills in 3:58, 3:58 and 3:49.
Should just say congratulations in order for Young Timmy who ran a great race at the Equaliser yesterday to finish on the podium in 3rd. Outsprinting Fats in the process and showing the likes of Dickyboy a clean pair of heels. The training all seems to be paying off. Hamburglar also looked to have had a good result.
Took yesterday off as I was just too tired and sore. Left heel bursar flared up after hills last Thursday and has been sore. Thankfully not the achilles itself (I can do the eccentric loading with no pain) so may just take some Voltaren to get the swelling in the bursar down and avoid hills. Until Six Foot of course. Both knees also feel slightly sore too though.
Today was the usual Monday route with a couple of variations with another cruise ship in dock. Crowd included Craig, Laura, Indrajeet and James but after about 2 minutes it seemed to be just me, Wildman, Rob and Springer with the others further back. I felt great after a day off yesterday. Pace gradually picked up on the way back. Rob stopped at CQ and Wildman around Farm Cove so I finished it by myself. 16.00km exactly in 68:34 (4:17's) but with the final 3km up the hills in 3:58, 3:58 and 3:49.
Should just say congratulations in order for Young Timmy who ran a great race at the Equaliser yesterday to finish on the podium in 3rd. Outsprinting Fats in the process and showing the likes of Dickyboy a clean pair of heels. The training all seems to be paying off. Hamburglar also looked to have had a good result.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Bush run Part 4
Caught up with Quentin at 6.30am for the final bush run prior to Six Foot. We both agreed on just 2 hours today rather than the mammoth effort of last week. I was a bit worried about running in the bush without trail specialist Richard, and sure enough we took a wrong turn before we even got to Manly Dam. Entered the Dam via North Balgowlah, skirted around Manly Vale Public School then came back around the Western side arriving at the pipeline near Warringah Aquatic Centre. We then crossed the Wakehurst Parkway, came down to Seaforth Oval, down to Spit Bridge and ran the Spit to Manly. Lots of bush but we were running pretty quickly as shown in the splits (Garmin now fixed):
4:45, 4:17, 4:35, 4:40, 4:10, 4:14, 4:33, 5:22, 6:28, 5:23, 4:05, 4:06, 5:10, 4:14, 4:04, 5:07, 5:19, 4:26, 6:37, 5:51, 5:24, 4:30, 4:30, 3:54, 4:58.
25.00km in 2:00:43 averaging 4:50's. Much easier than last week. Quentin was dropping me on the technical uphill section of the Spit to Manly though. He'll go well at Six Foot if he runs it sensibly.
Left hammy pretty sore which I felt on the steep uphills. Right knee also giving me a bit of concern. Need Six Foot to arrive now so that I can give the body a much needed rest.
Last week was 110km despite not being able to get out on Friday due to work commitments. The day off was welcomed.
4:45, 4:17, 4:35, 4:40, 4:10, 4:14, 4:33, 5:22, 6:28, 5:23, 4:05, 4:06, 5:10, 4:14, 4:04, 5:07, 5:19, 4:26, 6:37, 5:51, 5:24, 4:30, 4:30, 3:54, 4:58.
25.00km in 2:00:43 averaging 4:50's. Much easier than last week. Quentin was dropping me on the technical uphill section of the Spit to Manly though. He'll go well at Six Foot if he runs it sensibly.
Left hammy pretty sore which I felt on the steep uphills. Right knee also giving me a bit of concern. Need Six Foot to arrive now so that I can give the body a much needed rest.
Last week was 110km despite not being able to get out on Friday due to work commitments. The day off was welcomed.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Cor Blimey Thursday - HuRTS Hills
Sent a late change of session notice to do hills. Was a late change of heart on my part. Last night the legs were so stiff I thought I'd better not do hills but then recovered pretty well overnight so thought, what the hell, I'm going to have to run up a few in 2 weeks time.
Jogged over to Darling Point with Wildman, Tucks, Clyde, Ray, Chris G, JC, Luke, Dom and Rob. Small but select group. I thought the hill was about 200m long so suggested 10 reps. Turns out it's 350m but we still did 10. It's fairly steep to start with, levels out then really kicks up again at the end. Every rep followed a familiar pattern. Ray would lead out with me behind and Tucks just behind me. Tucks would overtake me on the flatter section then we'd both overtake Ray on the steep section when the lactic kicks in. Averaged all the reps between 88 and 90seconds. Monstered at the end. Chris G very strong on the hills which is why he always does well at Six Foot. Ray also outperforms. Wildman looked buggered but it'll do him the world of good. I reckon I've got two more weeks before he overtakes us.
13.5km all up after the jog to and back.
Jogged over to Darling Point with Wildman, Tucks, Clyde, Ray, Chris G, JC, Luke, Dom and Rob. Small but select group. I thought the hill was about 200m long so suggested 10 reps. Turns out it's 350m but we still did 10. It's fairly steep to start with, levels out then really kicks up again at the end. Every rep followed a familiar pattern. Ray would lead out with me behind and Tucks just behind me. Tucks would overtake me on the flatter section then we'd both overtake Ray on the steep section when the lactic kicks in. Averaged all the reps between 88 and 90seconds. Monstered at the end. Chris G very strong on the hills which is why he always does well at Six Foot. Ray also outperforms. Wildman looked buggered but it'll do him the world of good. I reckon I've got two more weeks before he overtakes us.
13.5km all up after the jog to and back.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Holy cow Wednesday
Jogged 4km to see Carl this morning. Did a strength session including squats with weights, lots of lateral core work and calf strengthening stuff with 60kgs on my shoulders.
At lunch it was out for the usual 19km route with Wildman, Todd, BK, Andy and RMR. The latter were running very slowly and BK dropped off the pace going up Ocean St so it was Todd, Wildman and myself for the rest of the run. Felt really good today although towards the end my legs were just numb rather than tired. Pretty convenient as it numbed the pain. Wildman is getting stronger with every run, although he did cut slightly short going down the Argyle Steps. Todd is also on very good form. Got a shout from LF Charlie near the end and then who should we see but Young Timmy claiming he tried to run with us but got all confused with the meeting time. I think he did a 6km jog instead.
1:23:43 so slightly quicker in these cooler conditions. Achilles is slightly sore due to my calves being so tight. Need to get the Thera Roll onto them.
At lunch it was out for the usual 19km route with Wildman, Todd, BK, Andy and RMR. The latter were running very slowly and BK dropped off the pace going up Ocean St so it was Todd, Wildman and myself for the rest of the run. Felt really good today although towards the end my legs were just numb rather than tired. Pretty convenient as it numbed the pain. Wildman is getting stronger with every run, although he did cut slightly short going down the Argyle Steps. Todd is also on very good form. Got a shout from LF Charlie near the end and then who should we see but Young Timmy claiming he tried to run with us but got all confused with the meeting time. I think he did a 6km jog instead.
1:23:43 so slightly quicker in these cooler conditions. Achilles is slightly sore due to my calves being so tight. Need to get the Thera Roll onto them.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
The HuRT Squad took a big leap forward today. All it needed was a drop in temperature to the low 20's and suddenly everyone is running all 14 reps (even Fenton, I say to audible gasps of breath) and doing them quickly at that.
Big turnout today but with the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth docked in the harbour, the crowds around Farm Cove were massive. Amazed we had no stacks, but fortunately the rain started during rep 3 which dispersed everyone pretty quickly.
Everyone seemed to be going off at a rate of knots in the first few reps, with Wildman, Quentin, Bartles, JF, Jason, new young bloke John, Todd, Timmy and Andy all to the fore. I seemed to be way back for the first half of each rep then would pick my way through in the second half. Still, Quentin and Wildman were ahead at least for the first 7 reps. First Gate to Gate was just over 3 mins and then each one after that was between 2:55 and 2:59 (3:13 - 3:17 pace). The last four picked the pace up with the penultimate rep run in 2:52 (3:09 pace) and the final rep all out with Quentin in 2:41 (2:57 pace). With just 60s rest these are supposed to be run at Half Marathon pace so this was way too quick. I don't know about this session. JF was saying that if we're maintaining (or even increasing) the pace, then it can't be wrong but I'd always thought the intention was to train the body to run at that pace with relative ease. Even though I felt OK, 3:15 pace is not relatively easy.
Good to see such a big crowd finish and all on good form. The warm weather training has done us good. Wildman will be killing us all in 2 weeks if he keeps on training. So will Timmy.
Big turnout today but with the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth docked in the harbour, the crowds around Farm Cove were massive. Amazed we had no stacks, but fortunately the rain started during rep 3 which dispersed everyone pretty quickly.
Everyone seemed to be going off at a rate of knots in the first few reps, with Wildman, Quentin, Bartles, JF, Jason, new young bloke John, Todd, Timmy and Andy all to the fore. I seemed to be way back for the first half of each rep then would pick my way through in the second half. Still, Quentin and Wildman were ahead at least for the first 7 reps. First Gate to Gate was just over 3 mins and then each one after that was between 2:55 and 2:59 (3:13 - 3:17 pace). The last four picked the pace up with the penultimate rep run in 2:52 (3:09 pace) and the final rep all out with Quentin in 2:41 (2:57 pace). With just 60s rest these are supposed to be run at Half Marathon pace so this was way too quick. I don't know about this session. JF was saying that if we're maintaining (or even increasing) the pace, then it can't be wrong but I'd always thought the intention was to train the body to run at that pace with relative ease. Even though I felt OK, 3:15 pace is not relatively easy.
Good to see such a big crowd finish and all on good form. The warm weather training has done us good. Wildman will be killing us all in 2 weeks if he keeps on training. So will Timmy.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Easy Monday
Standard Monday route but with deviations due to the open air cinema and liner in Barangaroo. All up about 15km. Wildman was out and is getting stronger each run. Andy and Todd were the only two to do the whole thing with me. Not sure what happened to the likes of MC, Luke, Indrajeet and Laura who had also started with us. Forgot to start my watch so no idea about time but it started very easy with the pace increasing the whole way. Felt very bouncy by the end so feeling confident. Had the pleasure of bumping into Mr Durante near the Art Gallery.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday recovery
Manly 10.2km route untimed, stopping at nearly every bubbler in the 33C heat but worse, humidity.
Felt shocking for the first 4km, then gradually started to feel more comfortable and was pleased to have got out by the end.
Felt shocking for the first 4km, then gradually started to feel more comfortable and was pleased to have got out by the end.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Bush Run Part 3
Caught up with Dickyboy, Quentin and his mate Sam at 6.30am for what turned out to be my longest run yet. Had been a bit worried about how I'd feel but needed have as I woke up feeling pretty good today. We headded out to Manly Dam, then up to Warringah Aquatic Centre, then via Forestville Ferrets grounds crossing Warringah Road to Garigal National Park, then around to Roseville Bridge, then back along the Nosh Track all the way to Seaforth Oval cutting back the quick way home.
A hell of a lot of bush in there. Total time on legs 2:47:51. Probably only about 32km though given how technical a lot of it was. Absolutely farked now. Quentin is looking strong.
A hell of a lot of bush in there. Total time on legs 2:47:51. Probably only about 32km though given how technical a lot of it was. Absolutely farked now. Quentin is looking strong.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Easy Friday
Wow. Amazing how good you can feel after a few days rest and taking it easy all week. Still a bit tight in the chest and not completely over the man flu yet.
Today was the usual Monday/Friday route but cutting short up through the City when reaching CQ on the return. Rob, Marty, Craig, Indrajeet, Simon and BW were out. 53:44 for 12km.
Hoping to be well enough for a long one tomorrow morning. Dickyboy and Quentin each have plans for a long one early on, I'm trying to marry the two proposals...
45kms for the week. Bit of a step down due to illness but I probably needed the rest.
Today was the usual Monday/Friday route but cutting short up through the City when reaching CQ on the return. Rob, Marty, Craig, Indrajeet, Simon and BW were out. 53:44 for 12km.
Hoping to be well enough for a long one tomorrow morning. Dickyboy and Quentin each have plans for a long one early on, I'm trying to marry the two proposals...
45kms for the week. Bit of a step down due to illness but I probably needed the rest.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The lurgy is about
Feeling slightly better again but not strong enough to cope with anything more than a jog. Did the 10km route running into the boys doing gate to gates around Farm Cove. Ran a couple of those with Timmy (i.e. eased up a bit from the jog) then saw Tucks running the other way so jogged back around Mrs Macs Chair to the office. 11.5km all up in 49 mins.
Sounds like Tucks has had the same lurgy as me, as have a few other lads in the squad. Good to see Page 3 Wildman upfront on the reps. He might need to pop down to Target and check out the bras though, he could have an eye out with those bouncing around.
Sounds like Tucks has had the same lurgy as me, as have a few other lads in the squad. Good to see Page 3 Wildman upfront on the reps. He might need to pop down to Target and check out the bras though, he could have an eye out with those bouncing around.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tiger was right
He told me to take a day off whenever I had a hangover. I ignored him and got sick again. More Man Flu. Felt the slightest bit better this morning so jogged the 4km to Carl's for my personal training session. Just a load of stretches today with some core at the end. Hope to be feeling well enough for a proper run tomorrow. The 4km doesn't meet the CT test.
More turmoil in the Australian legal market as of today's news. I'm waiting by the phone for my call...
More turmoil in the Australian legal market as of today's news. I'm waiting by the phone for my call...
Sunday, February 13, 2011
By Jove
CT once said he counted anything over 30minutes as a run. On that basis, this one just sneaks in. Manly 7.5km route in 33:32 after a morning on the Golf course at Elanora. Wanted to end it from the first step. Worst run of 2011.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hungover Manly 10.2km
It was always going to be a struggle after a night out with the HuRTS boys. Wildman lived up to his reputation, Kanser didn't mention the injury once, Timmy disappointed us on the Pool table, Fast Charlie flew in from Vegas and MC lasted all of 20 minutes. I could script these things.
Today was a steady 10.2km Manly route. I say steady but about half way around I realised I'd have to work hard to get under 40 minutes so started to push it. 15:45 at Queenscliff, 21:59 at Manly SLSC and 39:54 all up (3:55's). Bumped into Thamal and had a quick chat. Sounds like he's recovering from something similar to JB - a virus brought on by over-training.
Today was a steady 10.2km Manly route. I say steady but about half way around I realised I'd have to work hard to get under 40 minutes so started to push it. 15:45 at Queenscliff, 21:59 at Manly SLSC and 39:54 all up (3:55's). Bumped into Thamal and had a quick chat. Sounds like he's recovering from something similar to JB - a virus brought on by over-training.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Easy Friday
Usual route with the detour due to a boat on Barangaroo. 35:08 out and 34:07 back. Easy run with Craig, Coops and Marty but felt shattered this afternoon, probably the delayed effects of yesterday.
103km for the week (due to the missed run) but high quality nonetheless.
103km for the week (due to the missed run) but high quality nonetheless.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
HuRTS Hills
Made a late change to the Hickson Road session but still had a fair turnout including JF, Brendan W, Rob, Marc, Ray, Ali, Todd and the fastest man in Erskineville.
We did some hills. Plenty of them. Followed a Sean W suggested session and marked out a 100m in the Botanical Gardens and ran 30 of them. The first 10 at 80% effort, the second 10 at 90% effort and the final 10 at 100% effort. Quick jog back down after each and a 2 minute rest between each set.
All worked out well. Pretty much all the first set were in 24s. The next set were in 22/23s and the final set in 21s with a couple of rogue early 22s. Struggled over the last final reps with Ray, Young Timmy and Todd showing me a clean pair of heels. The burglars. Where were they in the first set and a half I ask you?
Nice day today with a cooling breeze. 4km warm up and down for 14km all up.
We did some hills. Plenty of them. Followed a Sean W suggested session and marked out a 100m in the Botanical Gardens and ran 30 of them. The first 10 at 80% effort, the second 10 at 90% effort and the final 10 at 100% effort. Quick jog back down after each and a 2 minute rest between each set.
All worked out well. Pretty much all the first set were in 24s. The next set were in 22/23s and the final set in 21s with a couple of rogue early 22s. Struggled over the last final reps with Ray, Young Timmy and Todd showing me a clean pair of heels. The burglars. Where were they in the first set and a half I ask you?
Nice day today with a cooling breeze. 4km warm up and down for 14km all up.
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
In like Flynn
Ray Flynn that is. Finally got my confirmation of entry into Six Foot.
Very easy 19km route around Centennial Park today with RMR, BK and Andy doing the whole thing and various others dropping off beforehand. 1:25:45. Felt pretty sprightly towards the end so pushed on a bit.
Achilles has been stiffening up a bit recently so need to watch that but right groin/sartorius issue has gone after lots of work on the glutes.
Good summary (Part 1) of racing in 2010 from Benny here
Very easy 19km route around Centennial Park today with RMR, BK and Andy doing the whole thing and various others dropping off beforehand. 1:25:45. Felt pretty sprightly towards the end so pushed on a bit.
Achilles has been stiffening up a bit recently so need to watch that but right groin/sartorius issue has gone after lots of work on the glutes.
Good summary (Part 1) of racing in 2010 from Benny here
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