Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Daniel Batman
4 days to go. Just want to be on the startline now, everything else feels like going through the motions.
RIP Batman.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
More easy running
Fucking annoyed with Athletics NSW not counting our Men's Over35 team result from the XC at the weekend. This was their response:
"Hi Tom,
Thank you for your enquiry and congratulations on a great run on Saturday.
The rules for cross country and team competitions in the winter running
events are on the web:
https://assets.imgstg.com/assets/console/document/documents/Winter%20Running
%20Rules%20120424.pdf
The process for calculating team results at the adidas Winter Series
competitions, including the NSW XC Championships, allows an athlete to run
up (for juniors) or down (for masters) an age group. The simple requirement
is that if an athlete is not going to be entered in his/her "natural"
age-gender, then the team manager must complete a form to modify the
"natural" age-gender and submit this prior to the race. These forms were
available at check-in on the day, and also available on the website prior to
the day of competition.
https://assets.imgstg.com/assets/console/document/documents/Agegender.pdf
By looking at the Age Group results for the final event at 3:00pm, we can
see that you (Tom) were in the 35-39 age group; Nigel Wickham and EJ Davie
were in the 40-44 age group; Paul Bruning was in the 45-49 age group. Teams
are in 10-year categories i.e. 35-44 and 45-54.
If Sydney Striders were to have a team, Paul Bruning could have been
submitted as a change of age-gender and entered into a 35-44 team. This did
not happen.
I recall a discussion with EJ before the 3pm race where I explained that if
all the athletes were competing in their "natural" age group, then no
paperwork was required by the team management. EJ expressed his opinion
that everyone in his proposed team was within the natural age group for
competition.
We have tried hard to make the process clear, and I spent some time on
Saturday explaining to many clubs how to enter their teams. I hope that
this helps to explain the situation and I look forward to seeing you at
other events this winter.
Regards,
Janet."
Monday, June 25, 2012
Monday squad
Saturday, June 23, 2012
NSW XC Champs - 13th in 43:42
Spent the early part of the afternoon cheering on Bec and Billy in the under 12's (getting a team bronze in the process which they were thrilled with) then Maggie and Charlie were up in the 1km fun run. Finally got around to the Men's Open race and, after thinking it may be a low quality race, saw Jeff Hunt, Nipper, Russ Chin and a load of other names front up.
I set off at a pace I thought was relatively easy but was surprised to be running with Robin Whiteley and, when we went through 1km in 3:08, realised that it must have been the excitement of running after 4 days rest. Sure enough on the first hill Robin pulled ahead and Chadi came past, followed by Jack Colreavy.
From then on I was pretty much running solo but aware that Richie Roberts was closing in. I felt comfortable on the flats and downhills but was losing time on the ups. Spoke to Richie who said he got within a couple of yards of me in the monster hill on the final lap but that I was pulling ahead on the downhills. Only scare was my shoelace (the one with my timing chip) coming undone in the final 1.5km. No time to stop to tie it but the tag was about to fall off on the final corner. Luckily limped over the line. Felt OK at the end as it wasn't a mad scramble to the line so hopefully no harm done before next week.
Only problem is stomach cramps since the race. I'm hoping it's due to running on no food all day other than a couple of doughnuts from the Berry Famous Donut van.
Nice to stand on the podium for 3rd place in the Over 35's with the kids cheering on. Unfortunately with Chadi and Robin in the same age group anything better than bronze was highly unlikely.
Here is the coolest video of the course which shows you a bit of what it's like, but not enough detail on the bugger of a hill at the back end...
Friday, June 22, 2012
I'm being tested...
Easy 10.3km at lunch with MC, Springer, Mr Ace, Rob, BW and Emma. Now off to Gerringong for a weekend as close to Nowra as anyone dares go.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Last long 'un
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
HuRTS 45min Fartlek
Stayed like this until the Opera House on the way back. At times I felt good and pushed the pace, other times I just stuck in the group. I was starting to feel a bit tired at the O House though so deliberately eased off trying to chase a marauding Tongey, which would have been fruitless in any case. Bartles and I ran together from here to finish in 44:52. Average pace 3:30.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Seeded!
Today was a run with the Hurt Squad Monday crowd which I haven't done in weeks. Nice and easy 16km in approx 70mins. Beautiful day.
Got a new app on my iPad for Blogger. It's supposed to let me do funky things but I can't make head nor tail of it.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Off the rails
Headed out at 4.30pm with Bec and Charlie for the usual 14km route, feeling tired to start with but better as the run went on. 61mins for 14.2km. To be honest, I've been feeling pretty flat all week after the big weekend and a tough Tuesday run. But I've done very little since. Need to hold things together and manage the next 13 days carefully. Laying off the booze will be a good start. But Kirst did buy a nice bottle of Pinot for this evening...
Well done to Kanser on his 33:50 this morning. It's been a while since he's been sub34 so all looking good.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
City Mile Dash
Fuck I was nervous for this race. JB was standing by me on the startline and remarked on how his heart rate was going manic. I was exactly the same. We all set off and Bartles was the one pushing the pace. At 300m my legs were starting to feel tired and 10 people were in front of me and I was thinking what the fuck. I then found a gap on the left hand side and pushed the pace to suddenly find myself in 4th with Bartles (leading) 5m in front and Tucks and JB on my shoulder. At the dodgy hairpin I put some effort in and concentrated on catching the Bart. Tucks dropped off, Julian came on my shoulder and we caught Bartles with 300m to go. From then it was shoulder to shoulder with Julian taking line honours and a place on the podium with some saucy ladies from Cancer Australia. I had to make do with a Carlton Draught on the sidelines and $500 per person for retaining the team trophy.
Not bad for 4:37 mins effort. Having said that, the 4:37 effort made half of us barf and the other half taste blood for the rest of the afternoon.
Where was the Tiger!! That was the question of the day. He should have taken 3rd spot.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Deserter
Managed to cajole the lads into a group photo following the session. Got back to the office to a fair copping of email abuse from Big Sam and Young Timmy regarding yesterday's post. I think Sam wants me hung, drawn and quartered.
Top massage in the arvo to set me up for the Mile tomorrow. I'll be channelling my inner Bannister. Or is it Landy?
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
More Aussie than Pom
Was thinking about the TdF when running and who are the favourites. Concluded that I'd rather see Grumpy Cadel win ahead of Weedy Wiggins, which must mean I'm now more Aussie than English.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Fast run home
Anyway, the session was set. My run home is the run I do more often than any other. If I get under an hour it counts as something more than just a shuffle. Under 58mins is a fair effort. Under 56mins requires a bit of work. I've been under 50mins three times previously. April 2008 was the first when I ran 48:51, July 2008 (just before I set my City to Surf PB of 46:34) was the second when I ran 48:45 then in January 2009 (just before I took 8 months off injured) I somehow managed to run 46:21. Still not sure how I did this, especially when I compared the spits today. I must have been flying.
Worked hard the whole way today but felt heavy legged on the hills compared to Saturday when I bounced up them (i had to grab the handrail at the top of Spit Hill). 13:25 at the bottom of Ben Boyd (13:00 when I set my PB) - I gave up chasing the time at that point. 25:40 at the Toyota Garage and 48:51 all up. So equal third fastest and a fair go.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wet Wet Wet
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Back on the trails
27km all up in 2:15:25 (5:02's). Doesn't even count as a run in the Easy Tiger rule book but felt like it. Not used to the trails and suffering the after effects of yesterday so I'm dead tired.
Finally, looks like Dibaba handled Defar (who has been neck and neck with last year's no.1 Cheruiyot) with ease last night. An afternoon on the sofa watching the athletics could be on the cards. For all the doubters, that is why Sally Pearson won the IAAF female athlete of the year last year. Cheruiyot's main opposition was missing.
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Hilly tempo
Full of running today and all up 20km in 1:11:26 (3:34's). Bit of a confidence booster.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Another perfect day
55:30 today. 118km for the week.
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Sydney weather
Beautiful Sydney winters day and felt great running controlled until the final 2km up the hills where I had to work hard. Said hello to Fast Charlie, tried to high five Bartles and slapped Lisa's bum.
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Hexham weather
Oooh, 2 new bets with the Tiger:
1. $50 on him not going sub 34:10 at Gold Coast.
2. $50 on Mo beating Lagat in the 5000m at the Olympics. Wasn't discussed but I'm declaring now that if Lagat fails to qualify for the US team I win.
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
HuRTS 45min tempo
Bartles went straight to the front and disappeared out of sight running very quickly. I ran with Macca and a resurgent Clyde still going pretty well as we hit the Stone Gates in 10:11 but my legs were like lead weights and I couldn't have turned them over any quicker. This was shortly proved when my cap blew off approaching circular quay. I spent 10s chasing it to pick it up and, try as I might, I couldn't bridge the gap back to Macca and Clyde. Turned just before the second speed bumps and ran back with M&C, me doing most of the work. Kept on trying to drop them but to no avail. Clyde played a Get Out of Jail Free card by claiming he was going to stop at Mrs Macs Chair but then just continuing on. Eventually pulled ahead up the hills to finish in 44:22, big negative split and 10:00 for the final gate to gates. 3:32 average pace for the 12.5km.
Clyde finished shortly after. Macca (who has never met Clyde) looked dazed and confused, wondering who the 80kg bloke was who had just dropped him on the hills! Bartles came in on 45:00 running very well. Good to see Tucks back out and MC (running 12km at a pace quicker than his North Head 10km) impressing all the ladies with his injured hand.
I need a rest soon. Constantly tired when running at the mo.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Sunday, June 03, 2012
Final long one?
Came back to see some great results from Eugene in the Prefontaine Classic. Mo winning the 5000m in 12:56 and beating Bekele and all the Kenyans in the process. Collis ran a great PB of 13:10 with Mottram well back. My favourite female athlete, Tirunesh Dibaba, also won the 10,000m by a whisker - no doubt relying on her kick. Can't wait to see the races.
Bad news was that I got an email from Dad yesterday claiming that he was checking his old running diaries and discovered he ran a 10km in South Shields in 1988 (aged 46) in 32:04. All sounds very dodgy to me but I guess I have to trust him, given he's my Dad.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
Big Saturday
Then on to Miranda after watching Billy's team sneak a 2-2 draw against Brookvale in a thriller. The kids were on at 12noon in light rain. It then got heavier and heavier. By 3pm the course was well churned up and runners were slipping over on every tight corner. I ran 3rd leg of the 4x4km relay for the Open team. Went off a bit too fast chasing down the two runners in front of me and paid for it on the hills on the second loop. Ended up with 13:39 which was OK but nothing special. Great news though was that a strong final leg from Tongey brought us back to 3rd place overall! This is the best result the Striders have ever achieved. We'd have won the Over 35's if we'd entered that team (we're all over 35 - our average age is a scary 44) but our official Over 35's team (consisting of Timmy, Nick B, Andrew Wilson and CT running a second leg) was 3rd too.
Some other sporadic results were:
Chadi: 13:20
Tongey: 13:23
CT: 13:29
Nick Cope: 13:34
Richie Roberts: 13:40
Chamkaur: 13:44
Keith: 13:49
Sean Williams: 14:12
Tiger: 14:42
Timmy: 15:27
Laura: 15:34 (Oh Laura, why couldn't you find 8 more seconds and make my year!)
Love these events. Great atmosphere and a smattering of world class athletes too. Harry Summers (a 28:13 10km runner) ran 12:22 looking very easy but fastest time of the day was James Nipperess (an 8:35 3000m Steeplechaser) who ran 12:13. I guess the course and distance aligned with his pet event.
Finally, many thanks to Laura's mum for her fantastic scones with jam and cream. A perfect post race recovery. Unfortunately Timmy had drunk all the tea before I arrived.
Friday, June 01, 2012
Friday amble
Ran up Parriwi Road where this cyclist overtakes me and slows down to start studying my running form. Thought it was a bit weird until I realised it was Mark Green from The Body Mechanic! Good chat with him for a few minutes before he rode on.
111km for week. Solid off only 6 days. One more big one before I start to wind down.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
HuRTS Hickson Road
Felt good again today following a massage with Amanda this morning. We all nearly died on the first rep narrowly avoiding a car and I couldn't tell where the official end spot is with roadworks going on so the time was off. Settled into it after that with CT pushing me all the way and making a break on the final one.
Times were:
3:48 (off)
3:31
3:39 (still slightly dodge)
3:31
3:36 (about right)
Jog back for 11km all up.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday MLR
All up 22km in 1:39:46 (4:32's).
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
I felt OK in the ,owning but after a couple of reps my legs felt like lead. Still settled into a pace of 3:20's or thereabouts with everyone trailing in CT's wake. Macca and I briefly trailed in Fats' wake until he gave us a taste of one of Amanda's vegetarian curries and his recent home brew. I picked up the pace over the final 5 reps running 3:10's or quicker. Legs felt just generally fatigued at this stage but warmed up. Cadence was good.
Pretty tired this arvo. In fact, I feel permanently knackered at the moment. But that's marathon training.
Monday, May 28, 2012
No Geb
Bec won the 800m in her School Athletics Carnival today. Thing is she came home disappointed because I told her this morning she should try to get under 3 mins. She ran 3:04. When I told her I was proud of her and would put it on my Blog she cheered up no end. So here you go. This Blog is spreading happiness.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Go Geb!
Very cold to start but soon warmed a bit and it was a pretty uneventful easy paced 25km chatting until the end of Narrabeen Lake when we started to speed up. From then it was a 37:45 final 10km, pushing it a bit through Dee Why to finish in 2:32:59 for the 36.8km (4:09's). Felt great this morning after yesterday's rest day. All the boys looking strong with Bartles in particular very impressive given this was 11km further than his longest run all year.
Spent most of the final 10km considering the palindrome that is The Voice contestant Rachael Leahcar. Tried to think of other music palindromes but could only come up with Abba. I was pretty tired mind and the brain slows down when the legs speed up.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Run home
Now out with the boys for the Striders dinner. Could be a big night...
Somehow managed to cobble together 90km for the week.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
HuRTS 400m reps
First rain of May and pretty cold but Rushcutters was as pristine as ever. Straight into it and for every rep Timmy and Bartles would go out hard with me chasing them with Pete. For most reps I'd nudge ahead of Bartles by the end other than a couple which he held on for and the last when both he and Timmy were burglars. I had a go at Timmy about this and he got very upset. I've never seen him lost for words before.
Reps were very consistent but noticeably down on the last time we did this. No doubt SMH Half still in our legs. Amazing how many people I've heard from who are still suffering the after-effects of it.
69, 69, 68, 69, 68, 68, 68, 69, 68, 69
I like the 400's. Not while doing them of course, but you recover fairly quickly and feel virtuous.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Workout Wednesday
Then ran to work easily in 58:24 feeling as though I'm finally recovering from the weekend. Beaut of a day. But stuffed at work.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
HuRTS 4 x 10mins
Hip flexor marginally better but left calf feels like a leather sack full of ball-bearings.
Monday recovery
Hip flexor so sore couldn't even get my leg onto the clutch in the car in the morning without physically lifting it.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
SMH Half - 13th in 72:38
Drove Ben, Dicky, Big Sam and Charlie Girl in this morning after waking at the ungodly hour of 4.45am for the 2nd time in 3 days. A few run throughs then stood on the start line with loads of familiar faces around It's what I love about this race, tends to bring out all the good runners ready to give it a go.
Felt great at the start heading the second group as the group of about 15 leaders quickly gapped us. Ran through 2km in 6:29 with alongside Bleasel, Geoff Arnold and JB with CT about 20m in front. Bleasel then puts in a burst which I wasn't willing to go with so continued on with JB and another tall chap until Pyrmont. As we went over the flyover I worked the hill and felt as though I was making good ground. Then all though Pyrmont from 7km until squashed car roundabout at 14km I felt fantastic - relished all the crowd support and it just felt easy. Caught Bleasel and CT and tried to push on but without gapping them. Went through 10km in 33:37 thinking a sub72 was in the bag. Then from nowhere at 14km Tongey and Nick Bellemore overtake me and I try to stick with them going up the big hill all the way to the corkscrew. This hurt quite a bit but meant I'd gapped Bleasel and CT. Held on to Tongey and Nick until Macquarie St by which time we'd caught a tiring Vlad but my legs just failed me going up Macquarie St. I was then by myself just holding on. Felt OK going downhill to Mrs Macs Chair but it was a question of just putting my head down and working to get back up.
Rounded the final corner but with no sprint to get under last year's time. Ended up with exactly the same time.
Pretty pleased with the run. Would have been nice to hold on to Tongey and Nick but they were just too strong. Still plenty of time until GCM to work on that and taper properly.
JB finished in 73:38, Fats another minute behind but still in front of Ireland's first counter with Macca running 74:38. Nice PB for him but sure there's still more to come. Bartles beat them both with a high 73 just behind JB. J-Fen was next looking slightly disappointed with a low 75. Kanser's shoes didn't agree with his Central Governor and got him a low 76. Best of all was Timmy pipping Enda by 4 seconds despite Enda bludging off him the whole way. Dicky rounded out the Poms with a low 79 beating the final Irishman (Eoin) by a few seconds. Big Sam surprised me in particular by showing up despite being sick all week (I was about to drive off this morning before Ben spotted him jogging down Griffiths St!) and pulled himself around just over 80mins. He reckons the Tiger was just in front so looks like I'll be taking another $50 off poor Gary.
May even make some beers this arvo if the Sheaf lets 18month yr olds in. Just to see Enda and POD. Wonder if they'll buy my kids their drinks too?
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Fitting it in
Great run by Tucks today in TNF100 to finish 3rd in his first attempt at the distance. As usual, it looks like he paced it perfectly.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Monster day
100km for week.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
HuRTS 8 x 800m
Got some good work on my hip flexors this morning then out to a small crowd of Timmy, Louis, Dom and new chap James Everett at lunch with Tucks jogging by to say hello.
Planned on doing one easy, one hard etc off 2 mins rest. Timmy and Dom really pushed the first hard 800m with me wondering why I wasn't out clear. Turns out they were just running very quick.
I ran them in:
2:48, 2:19, 2:49, 2:19, 2:51, 2:20, 2:51, 2:17.
Once I'd resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't going to be an easy session it felt better.
Still not 100%, feeling a bit shivery now but 3 days to recover. But first, off for some fine wine at Bambini Trust now...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
HuRTS 45min tempo
Started off with J-Fen, Fats, Macca and new recruit Tongey (as if HuRTS wasn't competitive enough). Around CQ Tongey suddenly put his foot down leaving J-Fen, Fats and myself to run together until about 50m short of the second speed bumps on Hickson Rd (6.25km). I was really heavy legged on the way out. Felt slightly better on the way back and pushed the hills finishing in 44:41, final gate to gate in 10:17. Averaged 3:34's. J-Fen was strong today finishing with me.
Got stomach cramps after. Will take the rest of the week easy to freshen the legs for Sunday, although I'll probably do some grass reps on Thursday. GCM remains the priority.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Brass Monkeys
Other exciting news of the day is that I have a new office at work. And I now share. So no more intimate phone calls or days spent surfing the net. Arse.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Put to the sword
Started to feel a bit heavier legged than usual around the 20km mark just past the Academy of Sport. Another gel at 25km and I thought I'd be ok. The tempo increased to sub 4min kms as usual but instead of leading the way I was just holding on to Macca. Through Dee Why we were going faster than usual (sub4 up the big hill) which I used as an excuse for being 5m behind Macca. The elastic finally snapped at 33km when I dropped to a 4:06 unable to do anything about it. Struggled home over the final 3km with Macca powering on looking super strong.
Pretty disappointed as I hate falling apart on runs. I was working harder trying to stick to Macca over the final 10km than I was at any point on the 14km tempo yesterday.
All up 36.86km in 2:37:10 (4:15's).
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Manly tempo
Great news for Gregson overnight running an A qualifier of 3:33 over 1500m but still only finishing 11th! Happy to see Allyson Felix take out the dodgy VCB over 100m. But best of all Hooker seems to have overcome his mental demons in clearing 5.72m.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Tis a pleasure
Hammies very tight though.
30km for the week.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Back!
Ran behind J-Fen with Daniel M and Timmy just behind for the first 2 reps. Felt comfortable until the end of the second rep when my legs felt dead and arms started to ache so ran the next 2 reps with MC.
Times were 6:29, 6:34, 7:05 and 7:08. Just pleased to be back on track and feeling OK.
Right groin and hip flexor a bit tight. Achilles slightly stiff from NOT running!
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Hate the taper
Friday, May 04, 2012
Easy Friday
113km for the week - even tapering. Due to the weekend.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Papiss Cisse!
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Wednesday SLR
Ran in my new Mizuno Wave Musha 5's which, despite their shite name, felt great. We'll see how the achilles reacts.
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Second!
Today was 2 x 20mins with the HuRT Squad off 3mins break. Legs felt really heavy to start with and I was struggling running 3:30's trying to hold on to Fats and Tucks. Scotty and Bartles were well ahead. Things improved after 3km and I bridged the gap Tucks had formed to finish with him, about 12s behind the front two.
Felt much better on the return but Bartles, Scotty and a marauding Macca had caught us by Circular Quay. We then ran with them although Scotty soon dropped off and Macca was only doing 3km reps. I pushed the hills back home to get back in 19:41 (averaging 3:21's) including 9:50 for the final gate to gate - very quick. Tucks and Bartles were right behind. John will go very well on Sunday - I'm predicting 32:40.
Great to catch up with Big Sam and good to see MC and Young Timmy back out again. The English are starting their fight back in true Bulldog spirit!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Easy Monday
Highlight was seeing Oscar Pistorius at 10km.
14km in 1:05:25 (4:40's).
Good to see my old nemesis Lara Tamsett running a B qualifier of 32:01 in Stanford today. Not many other good performances from the Aussies.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Long Sunday
All up 36.86km in 2:36:04 (4:14's) with the final 10km sub40.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Novice 10km Cross Country
I did a warm up of 3km running the course with Richie P, Eoin, Fats, Sam Green, the Twins and Ray. The ground was in perfect condition - nice and bouncy with only 1 mud patch although it was pretty warm at 23C. Quick catch up with Keith B, Kanser, Nick B and Flakey (Striders had a great showing) and we were off.
The usual fast start tussling for position with a bunch of youngsters gapping Keith and I early. I basically worked with Keith for the first 5km taking turns to reel in a few of the kids in front. After catching Mitch Dean at 4km I worked out we were in 4th, 5th and 6th places. Nick Bellemore then came past and started to push the pace a bit so I went with him with Keith seeming to drop off. It stayed like this until the final small loop (8km) when I made an effort to break free. At this stage Sean Williams shouts from the side that we're fighting for 3rd place. Was a bit confused as I could see we were 4th but it turns out that the 3rd place runner was some triathlete called Chris McCormack who pulled out shortly before the end (obviously doesn't have much endurance). Kept on trying to push the pace but could see another shadow had joined Mitch and I. That shadow came past at 9km and it was Tim Cochrane. I was still feeling pretty good with something in the tank so just followed Tim before emerging from the woods and starting to sprint. About 100m later, I realised I'd gone far too early and could hear Tim and Mitch catching up again. Then I hear the 5 kids screaming at me to sprint, so I go again and just give it everything until the finish line. Really chuffed to get 3rd in 33:01. Keith, Tongey and Fats finished shortly after to guarantee Striders the team win so a great day all round.
Team winners.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Friday recovery
100km for the week.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
HuRTS 10x400m
66, 68, 67, 67, 67, 66, 66, 66, 66, 65
Very pleased with that. Suspect it's still a bit short given the times but a great session nonetheless.
Took the elder 2 kids and Maggie on a 10km bike ride up to Seaforth and back yesterday (similar route to my morning run). Very impressed with Mags at 4.5yrs old climbing out of her saddle and managing all the hills. I videoed her on one of them. You can't quite get an impression of the gradient until you look at the elder 2 kids struggling in front. Mags Riding
Read this on The Guardian which made me laugh... Story of the Day
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Quality Wednesday MLR
4:17, 4:16, 4:20, 3:57 (all uphill), 3:38, 3:42, 3:47, 3:27, 4:20, 4:13, 4:13, 4:08, 4:28, 3:34, 3:32, 3:32, 3:42, 3:32, 4:24, 4:08.
Dicky is good at keeping the easy sections honest when I tend to bludge. All up 20km In 1:19:17 (3:57's).
Plenty of hills as the inconsistent splits show and legs feeling it now. Beautiful cool and crisp morning though. Nice run.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
HuRTS 45mins tempo
Monday, April 23, 2012
Allens Linklaters
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Sunday meander
Today was a very easy 30km in 2:20 with Dickyboy and Tim Peel. The quickest my heart rate got was running into a huge golden orb spider in the 2nd km and squealing like a girl. Saw Pete W and had a chat towards the end but that was about it. Feeling very guilty now.
Good luck to Big Sam and beermatt at 4pm this arvo. I'll be tracking their progress online.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Run in
108km for the week.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
HuRTS Hickson Road
Times went:
3:42
3:45
3:34
3:36
3:34
Always the toughest of sessions as it's a real lungbuster. J-Fen was running very well. Others upfront were Scotty, Daniel M, Darian (who I gapped - get it?!), Spike and Smolly (for one rep). But talk of the HuRTS is the growth of the elite women numbers. Lucy Starrat looked like a class act joining in today in her return from injury and had a chat with Adele from NAB afterwards who is looking to run sub40 for 10km. Along with Laura, Anna and Kristen Sukkar, we have the makings of a pretty elite squad.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday MLR
Getting interested in the Sydney10 and while running solo was wondering what time I'd be happy with. Tried to work out my best 10kms and it goes like this:
1. North Head Sep 2011: 32:24
2. State 10km May 2008: 32:37
3. State 10km June 2011: 32:41
4. North Head June 2008: 33:00
5. Gold Coast July 2007: 33:01
6. North Head Sep 2007: 33:08
7. Lane Cove Nov 2007: 33:16
8. Lane Cove April 2008: 33:17
9. Gold Coast July 2010: 33:21
10. North Head March 2009: 33:23
Given both State 10km races I've done have been sub33 that's got to be the aim.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
At the front it was Scotty, J-Fen, Ray, Cut Short Kanser, recent recruit Daniel Mellish, Tucks (taking it easy with Mt Solitary on this weekend) and myself. I felt pretty good today. Don't want to kill these sessions yet but gradually upped the pace to cover the gate to gates in the 3 mins (3:18's) feeling OK. Everyone pushed the last one where I did the gate to gate in 2:43 (2:59 pace). Solid session and another in the bag. Just looking for consistency at the moment.
Great to see Dicky High back out again cruising around Farm Cove before picking up Bartles (that sounds wrong, but he does have form). The latter has a calf issue so is taking it easy.
Went straight out for a massage afterwards with Amanda at JSM and the good news is that my calves are pretty good but my glutes were tight. Probably explains why the achilles has been so good recently.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday home
The SMH Half has just got more interesting with the development of the England v Ireland showdown (unlimited counters, first 5 home on overall time). Some underhand tactics on the part of Kanser in trying to claim that Robbie Neal is a HuRT Squad member despite having only ever turned up at a couple of sessions 4 years ago. To be fair to him, Robbie did text me a couple of weeks ago asking about the Thursday session and, without him, we could have all 5 Englishmen home before the first Irishman crawls over the line. So I thought it was OK. Lieutenant Timmy was less accommodating. Obviously an Englishman of the old school, looking to dominate his opposition. I think Timmy should be concentrating on getting in the top 5. With Jonny B, Andy H, Big Sam, Dickyboy and Fats in the mix, it won't be easy.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Yagon no more
Friday, April 13, 2012
Easy peasy
Maggsy at Sunset at Seal Rocks.
102km for the week.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Thursday tempo
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Mid week mumbling
It's rained pretty solidly for the past 48hours and the temps have dropped to about 15C so I'm pretty much over it. Almost came home early but the forecast is better. The good news is I discovered some showers at the posh end of the campsite that actually serve up hot water. So I took my first in a week.
Times at Lane Cove looked there for the taking and was surprised not to see Jonny B up there until I read his blog. Tough news as he looked as though he was flying in training (perhaps I should start listening to the Tiger and not just placing bets with him). His injury sounds similar to mine at Sydney Half.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tempo time
Monday, April 09, 2012
Settling in
Yesterday was 29km to the end of Yagon beach and back - 5km of fire trail then 19km of soft sand followed by 5km trail. Struggled to run 5min kms on the soft sand - when I got back on the trail again I was running 4:10's for the same effort. Glutes got a great work out though. 2:17 or thereabouts.
Today was 10km in the twilight on the trail to Yagon and back. Convinced I could hear dingoes tracking me in the words so ran most of it quite quick carrying a large stick.
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Snakes alive
56mins. Felt crap to start with but ace at the end.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Toppity
92km for the week.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
What the feck
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Kipchoge and Dibaba
Kipchoge (Eliud) because he has stood the test of time. He rose to fame in the greatest showdown in any Olympic 5000m final where Bekele was facing El Guerrouj. Kipchoge was barely mentioned amid the fanfare of the duel between the 1500m and 10,000m Gold medallists, despite being the reigning World Champion at the distance at the time (aged 18!). He came very close to upsetting them both. Unlike a lot of Kenyans though, whose star shines brightly but briefly, he's withstood the test of time and went on to win silver in the World Champs in 2007 and silver again at the Beijing Olympics.
Dibaba at her best is just a class above all the opposition, has a devastating kick and a great ass.
Both are coming back into form and ran the Carlsbad 5000m at the weekend, Kipchoge coming third and Dibaba winning. Looks like they are timing their run into the Olympics well again.
Today was the usual Wednesday route with Big Sam, JW, Marty, Mr Ace and another new chap. Felt knackered to start with, really struggled up Ocean Street, felt marginally better around Centennial but had the gut issue again. Pleased to crawl back home. It was pretty warm out there and others felt similar. I know I'm tired though as the stride length was very short with increased cadence. I was taking 2 strides for every one of Big Sam's bounds. All up about 1:24 so it wasn't too slow.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
HuRTS 45min tempo
All up 12.2km at an average of 3:38's. Very warm again today but I'm generally just tired. The holidays can't come soon enough.
Good to see Timmy and Enda back and the Fairlight crew going strong.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Shock! Company to run home with!
Sunday, April 01, 2012
There's truth in the old sayings
The first 20km felt great - a beautiful cool morning, chatting away. Sam pushed on a bit after the water stop at Narrabeen SLSC as usual but still felt fine until Cromer golf course. From then the pace got consciously quicker trying to run Sub4 min kms. Felt OK until Dee Why but then the Griffin Street hill punished me a bit and I just tried to drag myself home from there. By now it was 8am (9am in real money due to the clocks going back) and pretty warm in the high 20's. All up 35.8km in 2:31:24 (4:13's).
Sam's looking good for the London Marathon. Every time I'd thought I'd finally broken him he'd pop up in front again pushing the pace. I'm predicting a 2:44.
Finally, congrats to the Tiger last night in running 1:59:08 (still not quite good enough to save himself from owing me $200) and Macca running a great PB of 33:31 in the 10,000m knocking 30 odd seconds off his old mark.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Monstered
124km for the week including 3 big sessions so canny pleased with that like. Would be 138km if I counted junk miles with the kids.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Mongrel
Having done 4km with the kids and quiet at work I did the Rushcutters pyramid session intending to take it easy but with Jason I and new foppish haired chap Darien pushing the pace (with me unable to resist) I ran 89, 2:54, 4:24, 5:50, 4:16, 2:42 and 81 for the laps (averaging around 3:08's).
Then turned up in my running kit for the third time in the day unannounced to the final biathlon in the Thursday nighttime series with the sole intention of beating Young Timmy. This is understandable given the amount of crap he gives out on my swimming. Well, suffice to say Timmy was beaten by a breastroker. See pic attached. Many enjoyable beers followed. I felt crap on the run but did 12:59 for the 4km then did my standard 6mins breastroke for the 300m for a 19:26 PB.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Wednesday MLR
Laid another bet with the Tiger this morning after massage. He's keen on a head to head so I foolishly agreed to give him a 7 minute headstart at SMH Half. This was after he persuaded me that he'd struggle to run sub 80mins. But with a PB in the 75's, I think I've been duped.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
HuRTS 45min Fartlek
Tucks, Bartles, J-Fen, Macca and JB were all running upfront, and with a big gap until the next group, I decided to go with them rather than do my more recent Tuesday thing of taking it cautiously to start with. It was a very consistent session with all the km splits with 3secs either side of 3:30 per km. JB gapped us on the way out but ran with us coming back until we splintered a bit towards the end with J-Fen and Macca stopping at 10km. Was pleased to feel good coming back up the hills in the final 2km to just miss getting back in time - doing 45:06. 12.8km all up doing 3:30's on the way out and 3:31's on the way back. We were doing the floats in 4:00's so I'll leave you to do the maths to work out what the fast sections were run at.
Warm out there today so a good session. Did a 2km warm down with J-Fen and Andy for 15km all up.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Easy Monday
Beautiful Sydney day out there. Gotta love Autumn.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday solo
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Saturday tempo in Manly
Today was one of those perfect days where everything just feels magic, probably aided by 2 days rest. 14.1km tempo with Billy on his bike in 49:52 (3:32's). Billy earned himself a pair of Skins this morning after I said I'd buy them for him if he could do the 5km from Queenscliff to Shelley and back in under 26mins. He managed 24:58 so fair play to him.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday MLR at pace
All up 1:18:05 which is 4:10's despite the easy final 4km. Buggered now. I need an easy day.
Interesting stat:
Countries With Olympic "A" Qualifiers In Men's 10,000 - Sub-27:45.00
Kenya - 33
Ethiopia - 5
USA - 4
JPN - 3
GBR - 2
ERI - 2
AUS - 1
MEX - 1
FRA - 1
ECU - 1
ITA - 1
And yet Kenya haven't won Olympic gold in the 10,000m since 1968. Also puts Benny St in lofty company (ex Kenya).
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
HuRTS 2 x 20mins
Got back in 20:03 but started further back from where I finished the first rep so I think I averaged 3:26's. Felt good until Farm Cove and then had to put some real effort in from there to get home.
Note another new Blog is on the scene from JB - we can no longer accuse him of sekrit training!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Same again Monday
56:29 after 30:21 at Toyota Garage. I'm planning on buying a car from the oft mentioned Toyota Garage to replace our rust bucket. Felt surprisingly good today after the hearty lunch and yesterday's hefty run.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday accelerating
All up 31.4km in 2:09:30 (4:07's).
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wednesday MLR
We saw Lara T (the nemesis) running just in front of us in Centennial. Remarked that she could have been going to London this year with a bit of concentration on the Marathon - particularly when you consider that Jessica Trengrove has just provisionally qualified with a 2:31.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
HuRTS 45mins tempo
Ran past Fats who looked as though he was dry hurling opposite the STC before reaching the first speed bump along Hickson Road at the turn on 22.5mins (6.2km - averaging 3:37's). Bartles and Tucks were some way in the distance with J-Fen a bit behind them. Started to feel pretty good on the way back and when I passed Fats again he started to run with me which kept the pace honest. Got into a good rythmn here and hit a couple of kms at 3:26 pace. Pushed my way back up the hills to finish in 44:34 (3:33 pace for the return). Nice session. I'm trying to do these Tuesday's without leaving myself absolutely rooted at the end. I'll push the VO2 sessions on Thursdays.
Tucks and J-Fen cut short with Bartles finishing the whole thing strongly in 45:06. Timmy and Kanser will be pleased to hear that MC looked rooted on what is his new favourite session - may have gone out a bit too quick in the heat. Another huge crowd but far fewer finished than started.
Couple of kms warmdown with J-Fen for 15km all up.
Downloaded a new app for the iPad - Skitch (it's free). Just what I've been looking for - dead easy functionality for drawing and writing on Maps and pictures...
Homeward Bound
Monday, March 12, 2012
Not the Six Foot Track
Tucked into a few beers on Friday night with Timmy, Kanser, Tucks and families and then we headed out at 7.30am on Saturday morning to run from Megalong Road to Caves Road. Dave decided to pack provisions for a 4 day hike into his backpack so he had about 12kg on his back. We reached the first stream after about 250m and all took our shoes and socks off to tip toe across - taking about 10 minutes to do so. Later on, we'd realise how pointless this was. Very gentle and enjoyable run down to Cox's where we saw the strength of the river and realised it was a fair call to cancel the race. At this point, Dave hands me the backpack with rocks in and tells me it's my turn to carry it - just before the hills start. Also caught up with Jonathan W here.
I struggled up to Mini-Mini about 10m behind Kanser, Tucks, Jonathan W and a resurgent Timmy who was powering ahead. I was struggling with the weight of the backpack and was sweating loads, worried about how I was going to fare later on. Those sharp hills are definitely the toughest, particularly towards the top after you cross the open field. Then we head down to Alum Creek, cross rivers bigger than Cox's normally is, help a young bloke stuck in his Landcruiser and head up to Pluvi. I felt better here having drunk most of the water in the backpack and ran/walked these hills behind Kanser with Timmy and Jonathan taking it more slowly further back. Meanwhile, Tucks was just taking photos.
Black Range went on forever as usual (and is much hillier than I remembered) but the temps were cool up here and we were trotting along pretty well, at least until we hit a soft mud patch the size of a football pitch. Finally we were at Deviation and keenly waited for our lift home. 3 hours later and after about another 10km of walking, we got it. Timmy had lost it. Dave was swearing. I was going doolally. Tucks just took more photos. Here are some...
Timmy on Black Range - check out the sky:
Timmy, Tom and Dave, top of Pluvi:
Tom and Timmy on top of the World:
Tucks and Timmy having a "Richie High" moment:
Friday, March 09, 2012
Manly steady
89km for week.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
HuRTS Hickson Road Reps
A bit windy on the odd numbered reps, I struggled to hold on to Bartles on the first. Always struggle with the pace on the first rep at Hickson Rd and today was no exception. They got easier after that, although the 4th was almost a disaster when my watch strap suddenly broke sending my Garmin 610 flying across the road. Happy enough in the end running them all holding on to Bartles other than the 2nd which he did in super quick time. I ran:
3:38
3:34
3:37
3:39 (watch breakage costing me about 5 secs)
3:38
Interesting to see Ray putting in some effort today. I emailed him after Tuesday talking about the original Hickson Rd session and pointed out the times we did. After running a 3:50 first rep, he obviously wanted to prove that age hadn't wearied him so ran the rest all 3:45 or quicker. MC also had a good session running them in 3:48's. Kanser and Timmy beware.
Great to see Benny picked for the Olympics. He has started blogging.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Wednesday MLR
Jonathan W was talking a good game. It's a head to head on Sat with the loser to buy beers. Fats has been prevaricating on the 15min headstart so I'll go with JW having the pleasure of buying my beers in Caves House.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
I just planned to cruise the sessions today without hurting myself. I was running mid-pack with MC and Nick Marval but still found myself running 3:25's for all the reps, with a couple at 3:28 and a couple at 3:20. Weather was a lot cooler which I'm guessing speeded everyone up. No wonder we all run quicker over 10km in June - September. Most of the guys running Six Foot were taking it easy, running only a few intervals or just resting. Tucks doesn't look good for Saturday - gets his blood test results this arvo so good luck mate. Worst comes to worst he'll be able to make sure the beer is on ice and get some practice on the green baize before pairing with Timmy to take on Kanser and myself.
Got all the gear now for Saturday morning. First up is a pair of trail shoes I've bought - partly off Fats' recommendation and partly because they're Mizuno's which I love:
Even more exciting is the official HuRT Squad singlet for this year's race. They didn't change the lettering as requested but still looks good: