Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday tempo
Bit of wind but perfect temperature this afternoon. Still got a tight chest from the cold which is why I rested yesterday.
Not running Pub 2 Pub tomorrow, got to take Bec to Band Camp and received an email from Thamal's wife saying he was running so any remote possibility of a win was out of the window.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
HuRTS What's the bloody point
Jogged back around the course with Conor and the Judge to make it 12km all up. 24C today - a relative scorcher. Hope Winter is going.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday MLR
Massively hungry when I got home. Had to steal a packet of Love Hearts from the kids after my dried apricots ran out.
Congratulations to Kanser and Olivia on the birth of Conor Lachlan Kane. Dave said he looks like a sub 2:40 man already. Young Timmy quipped that it was a shame to question his parentage so early.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
HuRTS 45mins Fartlek
Had a shocker this morning in forgetting my orthotics so tried to improvise by cutting up an old pair of insoles to little effect. Just gave myself blisters. I was feeling pretty good after a good rest since C2S but was worried about the cold I've got so planned just to take it easy. That went out the window after 50m with JB running off the front so thought, bugger it, lets just have a go. JB, Tucks, the Judge and I ran together until the Opera House when the Judge dropped off. I kept on expecting Tucks to drop but the tenacious bugger just stayed there, barely breathing as usual and coming out with well formed sentences such as "nobody's talking much today"! We reached the Park Hyatt (start of the 2km reps) in 16:30 so I knew we were on for a very quick one. Eventually turned just before the final speed bumps at the very end of the Hickson Road reps. I only had my stopwatch on and Tucks said something along the lines of "don't ask what average pace we're doing". So I didn't.
JB started to drop off under the Harbour Bridge and until then I'd been feeling great but it suddenly started to hurt a bit. I'd be checking the watch with 30 seconds to go on the fast stretches rather than 10. Finally we got to the Opera House and Tucks mentioned that we'd just gone through 10km in 33:54 and that he was taking it easy back. By myself the incentive to push on was tough and I took 10:24 to get back from the Opera House Gates. Got back 34 seconds over the 45mins. We turned at 6.6km (3:24 pace) and I was about 150m short coming back so I'm guessing 13.05km all up.
Some good running out there today. Timmy was strong getting back under 45mins and JF held me off going up the hills at the end. We even had 2 girls join the group today. MC didn't seem much interested in chatting to us afterwards. He was making sure the new recruits felt welcome.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Getting back
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Fitting it in
Watched the London Diamond League this afternoon. Highlight was Dibaba in the 5000m - she's had a quiet season but still showed everyone her devastating speed (58s last lap) to win in 14:36. Will be interesting to see how Gregson goes in the Mile tonight.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday MLR
Then had a Tiger massage where two new bets were laid (after paying him $50 for my Timmy bet at North Head):
1. $50 on Tiger not beating Jonathan Bleasel at North Head in September (if anyone knows who Jonathan is, please tell him to keep up the training - we think he's the young red-headed chap who has looked pretty handy at Striders races this year).
2. $50 head to head me versus the Tiger at the Blackmores Half Marathon but comparative to our Half PBs (1:15:54 for him and 1:12:21 for me). Whoever beats theirs by the most wins the cash (or who gets closest if neither does).
This is basically how the hour of my massage is spent - coming up with increasingly elaborate but close-run bets...
Results of City to Surf here. Pleased to finish in front of Nick Bennett (reversing our positions at Short Course X-Country) but slightly disappointed to get close to CT without getting a win.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
City to Surf - go Benny!
Rushed to the start throwing my bag in at the last minute and bumping into Dicky H in the process. Went and did a warm up with him bumping into Tucks, CT and Fats. Was late to the start line and we all got squeezed back needlessly behind some token white line. Loads of people I recognised around including Matty P, Richard P, Phil W etc. Suddenly we were off and the mad sprint down William St occurred. Found plenty of space on the left and all was good. Saw JB up ahead which was as close as I got to him all race. Was breathless by the tunnel as usual but started picking up places going up to Edgecliff then again through Double Bay. I was running with Keith and Lara Tamsett (lead female) at this stage with the motorbike filming Lara getting in the way a bit. Got my first split at 5km of 16:25 - 20s down on 2 years ago but I was still feeling fine so wasn't too fussed. However, Keith and Lara and a group of 3 others started to gap me going around Rose Bay - I just didn't seem to have the speed on the flat.
Started climbing Heartbreak Hill and suddenly they were all coming back to me - everyone seemed to be running it really slowly. Keith suddenly stepped off the road just as I caught him but just concentrated on catching Lara which I did at Kincoppal (as the hoardes of girls cheered her on). But again on the flat at the top of Heartbreak she started to gap me. From here on I was pretty much on my own. I was staring down the back on one chap who finished one place in front of me to avoid losing too much time but I think my "splits" reflected the fact that I had no-one to run with here. I reached 10km in 34:05 (so my 5km to 10km split was quicker than 2 years ago) but ended up with 47:10.
I had 4 aims before the race, top 50, sub 47, beat JB and Keith. I reckon I was 43rd (will find out Tuesday) so 2 out of 4 ain't bad. Bit disappointed with the time though.
It's a bloody tough race. It encompasses everything - really quick start and first 5km, big long hills and short sharp ones, big fast sweeping downhills and a fast finish. Need to get some more races in me and some more tempo runs. But Pub 2 Pub in 2 weeks, North Head 2 weeks later and Sydney Half 2 weeks after that should see me well by the end of September. Good to catch up with everyone in the tent afterwards. Tucks ran well (48:40) off 40km a week, Timmy will probably be disappointed with 51:00 and Kanser held up with a 53.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
Pre-race Nerves
Friday, August 06, 2010
Very easy run to work
Thursday, August 05, 2010
HuRTS Hickson Road
Just cruised through each rep in 3:30 pace (i.e. 4:04 - 4:08) with a 30 second burst mid-way through ran fast. JF was out front on each rep (Mad Man Moyle with him for the first 3) and asked to be paced through the last one so ran that one in 3:38 (3:05 pace) - Ray joining in half way through as he likes to. They all felt really comfortable.
Massage with Bianca last night (that sounds dodgy, it isn't!) and I'm feeling great at the moment but am a bit worried because I don't normally feel like this before I run well. Normally before a good race I feel lethargic and fearing the worst.
A few random predictions from me for what it's worth:
Benny St: 40:39
Thamal: 45:28
JB: 46:12
Truscott: 46:13
Bateman: 46:28
Andy: 48:30
Tucks: 48:59
Dicky H: 49:10
Young Timmy: 50:01
Flakey: 54:30
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Easyish run to work
26:45 at Spit Junction and 55:54 all up.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
HuRTS 5min reps
Bit of a concern about our "Chalet" for post City to Surf based on this photo after last night's storms...
Plan for this week is to taper by reducing the volume but no so much the intensity. So showed up today planning to run 4 at normal pace and 4 easily (the session is 8 x 5min reps off 90s rest). Set off with Charlie and JF just behind feeling great although it was pretty blustery out there. Finished the first rep beyond where I have done recently averaging about 3:18 per km. Was feeling great and breathing easily. This continued for the next 3 reps then ran the last 4 with the two Mikes (including the last 2 with young Timmy) at about 3:42 pace.
Big confidence booster as it felt easy today. Bit of a worry about Kanser who disappeared off complaining about his hip.
Interesting email from the City to Surf organisers this evening telling the Seeded Runners who all the other seeded runners are. Guess it allows you to size up your opposition. If I can just beat one other person on the list (other than Andrew Lloyd) I'll be happy.
Bateman Keith, Warren Mark, Criniti David, Whitmore Luke, Lynch Barry, Farrugia Anthony, Highnam Tom, Elliott Jackson, Lloyd Andrew, Tuckey Andrew, Antonelli Jason, Meagher John, Kelly Steve, McFarlane Andrew, Shatrov Vlad, Nankervis Shane, Saunders Philo, Cox Matthew, St Lawrence Ben, Hunt Jeffrey, Williams Hugh, Johnson Michael, Dent Martin, Grattan Luke, Neill Robbie, O'brien Earl, Crasti Thomas, Ireland David, Symons Kale, Haber Anthony, Robertson Kevin, White Brad, Cochrane Tim, Low Charlie, Gultekin Riza, Cavanagh Stephen, Whiteley Robin, Didyk Adam, Craigie Alan, Keem Barry, Moseley Saxon, Clark Daniel, Moneghetti Steve, Taylor Luke, Morrison Tim, Welsh Richard, Page Grant, Hurt Simon, Mwangi Josphat, Serem Isaac, Hobbs Aidan, Cooray Thamal, Verwey Dane, Abercromby Mark, Webster Matt, Shelley Michael, Kay Richard, Summers Harry.
Good to see Rob Dog entered.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Very easy Monday
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Feeling better
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Hang my head in shame
Thursday, July 29, 2010
HuRTS 4 x 2km
So rocked up (late) to join MC, Tucks, Dom, Timmy C, Milli Vanilli, Ray, LF Charlie, RMR and others for the tough 4 x 2km session. We split into two groups and our group took the 2 minute rest off Dom's finishing time so I was getting about 2:30 rest. Reps went as follows:
6:25
6:21
6:25
6:20
So another good consistent session in the end - I think we must have had a favourable wind on the return reps. Had Tucks just behind on rep one, Ray pushed reps 2 and 3 and gave the others a start on rep 4 to give me something to chase. That makes it a hell of a lot easier than running at the front by yourself - the 4th rep felt best. Dom was running well so will be interesting to see what he does at C2S.
Pleased to have run those times on tired legs. Need to be careful though as the last time I ran this session tired (then went out for drinks) I caught the flu and was out for 4 weeks. I've got an End of Financial Year drinks function this evening...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday MLR
Had a Tiger massage this afternoon and have put some money on young Timmy to show him a clean pair of heels at Lane Cove on Saturday. Gary then tried to bet me I wouldn't beat Keith at C2S, but I was far too sensible to take that one. Young Keith just has too much form at the moment.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
HuRTS Progressive tempo
We took it pretty easy on the way out - chatting with JF with Tucks, JB, Andy, Dicky H and quite a few others also running with us. Turned on 23.5mins having reached 6.05km (3:53 pace). JB immediately upped the pace (it's difficult not to when there's a big crowd in front) with just Tucks going with us. We seemed to be going very quickly - once again I was struggling to hold on going around Circular Quay (where Tucks must also have dropped a bit). However, travelling around Farm Cove JB seemed to ease off a bit so I took my turn in front. Pushed the hills on the way back with JB dropping off somewhere on the hill up to the ABC Pool. Finished in 43:36. Very quick for the second half - 6.05km in 20:06 (3:19 pace) which includes all the uphills. 9:50 for the final gate to gate. All up 12.1km at 3:36 pace. Felt strong in the legs but the pace was tough. Ideally would like to do a 400s session on Thursday rather than the planned 4 x 2km - just to get used to some quicker pace running.
Good to see Tucks getting back to form despite still only running low kms. Also just noticed that Muz posted a late comment last week - good to hear from you mate. Looking forward to hearing about plans for your return home...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Recovery Monday
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Long solo Sunday
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Off the wagon
Friday, July 23, 2010
Easy Friday
Thursday, July 22, 2010
HuRTS Mona Fartlek
Then had to practice what I'd preached so set off hard with the intention of reaching the Stone Gates. JB and Ray went with me. We almost got into the virtuous circle of reaching the top of the hills on the floats. Ray dropped off at 7mins to run back with Kanser leaving me and JB to carry on. We reached the Stone Gates with 8secs to spare and set off back. I was just holding on to JB on the final two 60s sections but felt better on the 30s intervals. JB dropped off half way around Farm Cove and I ended up half way along the side of the Opera House.
Another good, hard session. I've only reached the Stone Gates when I've been really fit (June and September/October 2008) so it's a good sign. It was quite blustery out there today too. I think it works out as averaging 3:22's for the whole thing. 3km warm up and warm down for 12km all up. 220km for the past 2 weeks.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday MLR
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
Another huge crowd out there. Kanser was giving young Timmy a fright shadowing him for all the reps. Poor Timmy was shattered after 12 and couldn't finish off the session. Doesn't bode well for him over the final 2km of C2S.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Easy Monday
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Balmain Bungle Star
Easy run today on a cold morning. Set off in the 6.20am group with Dennis, Flakey, Nick B, and a few others with Cam Arnold and Steve Hume joining us for various parts. Very easy pace for the first 12km (about 5:00 per km) then it picked up a bit running along the Cooks River. When we got to the end of the Coolrunning 5km course I decided to run that in reverse while the others took the slightly shorter route back. Did the final 5km in just under 20mins, bumping into Travis at the end. Tired now.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
ANSW Short Course X-Country Championships
Went off pretty quick and wasn't far off the leaders for the first lap as they were taking it very easy. It's the sort of course that creeps up on you though. Lots of little inclines and gradual rises in thick grass that saps the strength from your legs. Exactly what I was looking for today. I was trying to hang on to Greg Graves for the second lap and gradually reeled him in on the last finishing strongly. I ran 8:32 for the first lap, 9:01 for the second and 8:49 for the last.
Good to see Tucks out there again. I'll claim a scalp over him while I can even though he's recovering from injury. Nice also to catch up with Nick, Flakey and the Tiger who was watching. Smashed by Chadi who ran an impressive 25:01 in beating some very good runners.
It's a beautiful course and today was perfect weather, clear blue skies and cool. Will definitely be back.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
HuRTS Gate to Gates
2:51
2:47
2:45
2:47
2:46
2:46
2:43
2:46
Gate to gate is 909m so 2:46 works out at 3:02 per km. Good solid session. Always struggle a bit mentally with the speed sessions as they hurt from the word go, so good to get through it and keep them consistent. From rep 5 onwards I was hurting. There was always someone there to push them along though. Ray went hard on reps 3 and 4. The Judge showed up today and was on my shoulder for reps 3 to 5 and ran a 2:42 on rep 6 (his last). Brendan from work was doing each second rep hard before the Melbourne Half Marathon this weekend so pushed reps 5 and 7. Even young Timmy popped up on the final rep to give a good showing. JF was also just behind. Good to see Tucks, Kanser, Dicky H and Enda out there - almost felt like old times.
Have decided to run the ANSW Short Course X-Country this weekend which I'll do as a hard training run given how solid this week's training has been. Last minute decision based on how much better my achilles is feeling (feel confident enough to test it on soft, hilly terrain) and the fact that Sean is away for the Sat morning session. Will be nice to race at a sensible time of day for once as well.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday MLR
Felt very comfortable today - halfway in 44:40 and back for the 19km in 1:26:37.
Tiger massage this arvo and saw Carl this morning for a busy day. Collected my $100 from the Tiger. Hope he has enough in reserve to feed his kid who is looking like a Mark Schwarzer clone. Kanser has a new look of determination about him. Timmy L should start saving his pennies for another Highnam payday.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
HuRTS 45mins Fartlek
Back in 45:15. 10:20 for the final stone gate to stone gate. John had it at 8.1miles odd (he's old skool) which I think is about 13.1km - i.e. averaging 3:27's all up including the floats.
Buggered at work this afternoon - slight stomach cramps so I obviously pushed it very hard, but that's the plan for the rest of July. C2S beckons.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Need sleep Monday
Gold Coast 10km and FNQ Holiday
This being the Gold Coast, we then started to have a procession of talented younger runners who were being chewed up and spat out having gone off too quick in the first half. I passed one and we almost caught the group of 4 in front of us (within 5 yards) before they slowly drifted off again. I was just digging in now. 5km had passed in 16:25 and given the fast start I knew a sub-33 was unlikely but concentrated on maintaining the pace to make sure I was under 33:30 - my original aim. From 8km onwards I was passing quite a few and starting to gain on the group of 4 again. 9km in 30:02 and I knew the sub 33:30 was in the bag so just put my head down. The final straight before you turn into the finishing chute seemed to go on forever. Finished up in 33:21 (33:19 net). My 7th fastest 10km so I'm getting back on track.
Caught up with Dave and the legendary Ronnie Peters (not just for his running performances for his age, but his honest coolrunning comments too) afterwards. Dave seemed a bit disappointed with his 34:32 but to run that time so soon after injury was very impressive - I didn't think he'd get under 35. Shows what natural talent he has.
Was planning on running the Half the next day but woke up too sore and decided it wouldn't do me much good for the rest of the season. All eyes are on C2S now. Some great performances though, in particular JB who ran a fantastic 1:11:49. Gary owes me some cash but still put in a credible 1:16:04 (gun, we only count gun, so that will be $100). Timmy had a gutsy run in the marathon off the limited training he's done to run 2:50, although he did manage to let a grey haired chap pip him on the line. I've got a couple of photos that I'll post this evening.
Took Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off while travelling North and was itching to get out by Wednesday. Did 10km each day (Wed - Sat) in Port Douglas in 39:52, 41:07, 38:24 and 42:58. It's dead flat and you you can't help but run quickly in the warmth. Then did 24km yesterday in 1:46:02.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Another easy 10km
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Welcome break
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
HuRTS 5min reps
Reps went as follows:
1.44km - 3:29/km
1.45km - 3:28/km
1.50km - 3:21/km
1.52km - 3:19/km
1.51km - 3:20/km
1.52km - 3:18/km
Then the last two we decided to cruise in about 3:50 pace. Those were JB's times, I was no more than a couple of yards ahead, if at all. Felt OK to finish off the last two reps but decided not to kill ourselves before the weekend. They felt quick though - makes a massive difference having JF, Clyde and particularly JB pushing them along with you. Just need to stay illness free before Saturday now, not easy when you have a house full of sick kids.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Not so long Sunday
1. $50 on Kanser beating Timmy in a race prior to the HuRTS end of season drinks night.
2. $50 on Timmy not getting under 4 hours at next years Six Foot Track.
I also bet Timmy I could do more keepy-ups than he could, after he went into a 45minute monologue on how he was an apprentice at Stoke City and could have been a contender. But he didn't seem keen on taking me up on it.
Anyway, todays run was very steady but wasn't really in the mood. 1:35:09 all up. 27:02 at Spit Junction, 58:26 at work. About 21.5km.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Auf wiedersehen Deutschland!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Arrivederci Italia!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Long Wednesday
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Hurts Progressive tempo
Monday, June 21, 2010
Long Monday
All up about 25.5km in 1:49:56.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Mini-Mos Marathon - 7th in 34:53
Turned up to see Marty Dent, Harry Summers, Jason Harrison, Vlad and Thamal on the start line so they had sorted out the money prizes between them leaving me out yet again. What I hadn't counted on was how strong the first female (Emily Brichacek) would be. Set off feeling great. First km in 3:14, 2km reached in 6:30 running with Emily at this stage. She gapped me around 3km after the steep hill up to Middle Head Road and maintained the same gap for the rest of the race. 5km in 17:04 feeling as though the hills were punishing me. I definitely prefer the flat. Ignored the km markers from then on just trying to concentrate on catching Emily. Did catch 9km in 31:24 trying to work out how fast I'd have to run the final km to get under 35. The final 1.5km are a killer. A solid 700m of uphill until you crest the top of the Allan Border Oval. Nice finish with a good finishing chute and crowd.
Good chat with Thamal, Vlad, Flakey and others afterwards. It's a really great event. Bec and Billy went well in the 2km and had a fantastic time. Bec was 12th in her age group in 8:45 and Billy 14th in his in 9:10.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Easy Sat
Took Billy and Bec (also both running tomorrow) out to the bike loop for some laps. Bec got down to 44.36 and Billy 44.26 so they then raced together where Billy won with a finishing dip (43.25). I reckon Bec will last 2kms better tomorrow though.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Missing HuRTS
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Long Wednesday
Great to see my favourite runner back to winning ways at the weekend - Tirunesh Dibaba taking out the 5000m in the Diamond League in New York in 15:11. A final km in 2:46 suggests she hasn't lost any of her devastating pace.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
HuRTS 14 x 3mins
Felt nice and comfortable for the first few all the time trying to relax. The reps started to take a familiar pattern - JB would go off quick, I'd gradually catch and overtake for the final 300m. The fatigue started to show at rep 8 and there was no great pick up in pace for the final 4 today. They averaged 3:20 per km a rep, with the final 4 probably in the 3:17 range. No doubt made easier by the lack of a long run over the weekend.