Funny old day

Spent most of the day driving to Peats Ridge Festival with my boy Charlie, getting in through security tighter than the London Olympics, setting up the tent then driving home. Will head there for 3 days with the whole family tomorrow. It's Bec's (eldest daughter) and Katie's (sister) birthday today so we had dinner booked at Ribs and Rumps. Managed to squeeze in a half hour run so did the short Manly route (in reverse) hard in 27:30 which hurt, especially running head first into a Southerly buster along Manly beach (4:03) when I felt like I was standing still.

Had buffalo wings starter, 200g rump steak plus half lamb ribs and half pork ribs followed by chocolate cake. I can still hardly move. Just writing about it is making me want to vom. Should ensure I won't need to use the public toilets at the festival.

103km for the week. First ton in a while.

Up Lady Carrington

Not as rude as it sounds. Had my fill of rude last night watching series 1 of Game of Thrones.

Met Laura, the Tiger and Hamish Mc for 20km on a lovely bush track. Very easy but time passed quickly. 1:35 (4:48's).

Boxing Day

Out with Billy on his new bike (a message for his avid followers - he'll be running again soon). His new bike is a Radius Neo - pretty lightweight with 21 gears. It means he now waits for me even when I'm running at pace. Did the 14km route. Have gotten really bored just doing this steady running so asked Billy to pace me for the 2.5km from Shelley Beach to the Queenscliff bridge which took 8:48 (3:30's). Felt much better for stretching the legs.

Had a quick chat with Thamal at Shelley who has struggled with injury and saw Tony Wong at North Steyne. Otherwise pretty quiet out there.

In Dulci Jubilo

First ever run for me on Christmas Day. Same for Dad, and he's 70, so we're breaking new ground here. Just an easy 10km first thing in 42:55.

Spent the evening watching highlights from the Olympics on my Olympic Highlights Box Set DVDs. Got a bit emotional.

Christmas Eve

10km early doors with Bec on her bike before picking up the huge leg of ham and turkey. 43:20 (4:20's).

Silly Sunday Solo

Out at yet another party last night. I was sensible and walked home at 11.45pm. Kirst stayed out longer and eventually came in around 3.30am. This put paid to me getting out with Dicky at 6am as arranged or even the fallback of 7am. Eventually dragged myself out of bed at 8.30am by which time the temperature had risen and the sun was beating down.

If it hadn't been so hot, I hadn't got a hangover and I hadn't nailed myself on yesterday's run, I reckon I'd have felt pretty good today. As it was, I toiled to 27.8km in 2:08 (4:40's). Saw Eamo and Angus Mc out there.

Wobbly legged Saturday

Hilly and Bushy Saturday route giving it all I've got in 52:25. (4:05 pace). Through 10km in 40:09. Sounds slow but it's a fucking hard course. Legs cactus after.

Pussy 400's and needles in the ass

Bit of a cock up today. Kanser wanted to go to Rushcutters. I tried to change the session for the squad but don't think the email went through. Showed up alone with even Kanser pulling out. It was 32C, windy and there were some kids playing on the oval. Briefly thought about just jogging back to the office but guilt got the better of me. Marked out what I thought was roughly 400m (avoiding the kids - they scare me) and proceeded to run 10 but just with a 30m walk in between each one (30 seconds). I think it was about 410m but the times were abysmal. 76/77 for each. At the end of 10 I decided to do 2 more because I felt guilty. Wasn't even that puffed after 12 but slunked off back to the office with my tail between my legs.

Only good thing about the session was that I felt a lot better afterwards than beforehand, especially after a good stretch. Glutes felt magic. Tiger stuck some needles in my ass yesterday - I've been a bit of a sceptic on dry needling after he tried it in my hammies previously - but yesterday my glutes started spasming and felt completely released afterwards. So much so I was walking around like John Cleese all afternoon.

Couple of beers with Macca and maybe LF Charlie and Clive this evening. Not long before I can take a break from the booze.

Wednesday mixed bag

Knackered when the alarm woke me at 5.30am but dragged my ass to Carl's for the strength session. Quite a bit of upper body work, lots of core and a sustained spell on the hammies.

Then slogged over the bridges to work, bumping into the Gibson twins on the Harbour Bridge and telling them about HuRTS.

Now sat in Dolce eating a 3 egg omelette with extra sausage, orange juice and a flat white. Just what the doctor (at least the exercise physiologist) ordered after 2 hours of exercise. Beautiful morning.

HuRTS 4 x 10mins

Fair crowd today given the time of year. Felt knackered early on in the heat and humidity and ran with Dicky H and Kanser for the first rep letting Barts scuttle off ahead. Reached a little beyond the Art Gallery. 9:38 on return. Better on 3rd leg getting closer to Barts (with Smolly killing it) reaching level with the bubbler and then better still in 4th back in 9:20.

We were all cooked at this stage so did what HuRTS does best in summer with about 15 of us jumping in the harbour. 'Twas bliss. Then headed back to the office for Partners Xmas lunch of turkey, ham, prawns, all the trimmings, 2 trifles and a glass of Pinot. More bliss.

Monday meander

16km Monday route with a group that started with about 8, swelled to about 15 and then diminished such that just JW and I finished. Felt good today. The foam roller does wonders. About 4:20 pace average.

Sunday solo

No-one to run with this morning so headed out early for 2 hours solo. As ever running solo I obsessed with the watch too much and ended up running too quick and feeling pretty tired by the end. Having said that, I would have coped with this pace over this distance easy pre-Gold Coast so makes you realise how much fitness you gain while marathon training. Pretty warm this morning mind and appreciated the jump in the pool after, even with the kids clambering all over me.

Just extended loops around Manly keeping it flat. Saw Pete W as usual and Bart looking as though he was moving. All up 27.24km in 1:55:14 (4:14's).

Elder brother Alec was over this weekend with his family and we managed a rare group shot.

2012 in Review

Sunday was 25km on the beautiful trails of Glenworth Valley at Peat's Ridge Festival. Bumped into Russell at the Festival and tentatively arranged to meet him but he was a no-show. 2 hours so very slow but it was hot and all trails and I'd been partying it up.

Monday was 11.4km on similar trails in 52mins.

Today was the usual 14km Manly route in 62:01 - 31:00 on the way out and 31:01 on the way back. Boringly consistent.

Not sure what to make of 2012. Only one PB - being that in the marathon at Gold Coast but a few other "close-to" PB's. The biggest disappointment was not running a good 10km time - the distance I judge form on most. I was in good form in May but got sick just before the State 10km when I reckon I may have PB'ed. Top 3 races were:

1. Novice Cross Country. 3rd in a tough, close race. Ran a PB and beat some good names.

2. JPMorgan CC. Came back from hammie problems and ran my second fastest time to finish 4th. Tucks was too strong but had a great run himself.

3. SMH Half marathon. Fell apart towards the end but close to the PB on a tough course. And I reckon my PB was set on a short course in any case.

Didn't put GC Marathon in the top 3 as I missed my aim (albeit only by 1 second) but it was fairly conservative in any case. I've yet to attack a marathon, still being too scared of the distance. Having said that, I was probably fittest at that point in the year, having done some great long runs with Macca in the lead up. We'll be replicating that this year but I also want to gradually increase the base mileage. Out with him tomorrow morning for 20km with some fas bits.

Sat hilly

Planned to get out with Dicky and the gang at 6am but Kirst rolling in drunk at 3am and proceeding to play loud music with her girlfriends until 4am put paid to that.

Got out at 7am for the Seaforth/Spit to Manly hilly 13km route. Pushed the hills and got the heart rate going. 57:30. Will be doing this route more regularly.

HuRT Squad Awards

Just an easy 12km with Kanser today running off the hangover. The first 2km were brutal but then started to feel like a normal person again.

Last night was a bit of a blur for me. Had my department Xmas lunch down at Wharf 2 so was drinking from 12.30pm. It's fair to say I didn't cover myself in glory. See Timmy's blog for details.

Anyway, full results were as follows:

Triathlon award:

Nominees included Sonya, John Binfield, Brendan Krone, Timmy and Clyde.

3rd place: Enda
2nd place: Fast Charlie
Winner: Pete Walker

Ultra runner of the Year

Nominees included Andy and Terrence.

3rd place: Fats
2nd place: Jonathan Worswick
Winner: Tucks

The HuRTS Spirit Award

Nominees included Timmy, Richie H, Mike Race, Bill Batt, Macca, Anna, J-Fen, Andy, Kanser and Enda.

3rd place: Ray
2nd pace: Me
Winner: MC

The Serg Award (Underachiever of the Year)

Nominees included Clyde, Kanser and Richie H.

3rd place: Mike
2nd place: Timmy
Winner: Fast Charlie

Most Improved

Nominees included Michael Ho, Macca, Angus, Emma, J-Fen, Anna, Andy and Fats.

3rd place: Rob C
2nd place: Mike Race
Winner: Indrajeet Aich

Female Performance of the Year

3rd place: Emma
2nd place: Anna
Winner: Laura

Male Performance of the Year

Nominees included Mike Race, me, Terrence and MC(!)

3rd place: Tucks
2nd place: Ray
Winner: Fats

Wednesday strength

Jogged to Carl's did a strength session with him then ran 11km at 4:40 pace to pick the car up from its service.

Will be seeing Carl weekly in a ploy to remain injury free.

Big Awards night tomorrow. Timmy has the odds but don't believe a jot of it.

HuRTS tempo

45mins. Felt refreshed, I think from running am yesterday instead of the usual pm. So set off quicker than recently with Barts and a fit looking triathlete who turned out to be Andy Cross, a chap I've had many close battles with (but, for once, usually come out on the winning side). He ran 17:57 recently at JPMorgan.

Felt comfy in the way out, Andy pushed the pace on the way back before stopping half way around Farm Cove. This left me and Barts to finish it off up the hills and I pushed myself too hard getting back in 44:50 for 12.9km (3:29's). Have felt average since. Silly as I promised myself recently not to do this.

Different Monday

Had to run to Oxford Falls early doors to pick up the car that Kirst had left at yesterday's BBQ after drinking too much wine, great lush that she is. Went up the beaches to Dee Why then through Cromer and up the brutal Beacon Hill.

Had a following wind most of the way so felt good. 13.7km in 61mins (4:29's). Was quicker until the hills started.

Sunday Morning

25km with Macca around and about in 1:52ish (4:30's). Canny warm like.

Holding it together

Yesterday was 15km easy with MC, Irish JB, Paul B and bumping into Hamburglar at the end.

Office Christmas Party in the evening. Very good night. Even danced (to Living on a Prayer). Got home at 3am then alarm went off at 5.30am and dragged my wretched body to Passmore Reserve where I watched and pitifully part participated in Bart and Frik's sub40 10km time trial. Fantastic result by them both running 39:40'ish. If Bart did more HuRTS he'd be up for Improver of the Year in Thursday's awards night - a bloke who claimed he couldn't run a km in under 5minutes 18 months ago is now smashing out sub4's and looking cruisy while doing so.

95kms last week. 91kms the week before.

HuRTS Pyramid

Small crowd on a beautiful day. MC, James E, Ben O'B, Enda, Kanser, the returning young Timmy, Rob C, Luke and girls Laura and Caroline was about it.

Ran from the front but to be honest felt pretty average with the legs just dead. MC and Enda ran very well and were just behind on each rep. But it was a beautiful day and a pleasure just to be out there.

Did 4.5km with Billy (Charlie and Mags on their bikes) this morning and at this stage of the season I'll count those extra kms so 16km all up.

Run home

Busy again at lunch so just a run home. Planned to take it very easy but felt pretty bouncy and ran a respectable 56:38.

Been checking out Billy's blog and have come to the realisation that Wordpress is much better than Blogger. Bit late now.

Hard run to work

Have a lunch on today so needed to replicate the session. Only option was to run hard into work. Which I hate, because it's so bloody hilly and hard. Satisfying afterwards mind.

Sunday I nearly stood on a snake. Today I nearly stood on an Eastern Water Dragon. Was just about to come over Spit Bridge when this big boy jumps out of the bushes almost under my feet. For the next 5m I ran, splay legged, trying to avoid him as he ran in front of me. In fact, it probably looked as though I was mimicking his running style.

Anyway, the run hurt like hell. But ended up with 50:21 so a pretty good time. Would have been nice to get under 50.

Sore Sunday

Pulled out of the Manly Dam 10km as I was being a pussy and was worried about turning an ankle trying to run that course fast. Ended up heading over to Willoughby after persuading Barts to run his local Striders long run. Well, it was 30km of bush and hills and my legs were shot by the end. In fact, got home and, not having eaten enough, completely zonked out on the sofa. 1:24 or so. Started with Flake, John Bowe, Mark F, Snaitch and Barts but by the end it was just Bart's and I with John a few minutes behind.

highlight of the run was running along a road in Castlecragwhen Bart's casually says "snake" while pointing to the ground. I'm wondering quizzically what he's on about before I notice I'm about to step on one, dodging it at the last moment.

Chores for rest of the day and now I'm the worlds tiredest man. But did manage to watch "City of God" tonight which I reckon rates 5 popcorns on the Timmy chart.

King of the Trails

Just an easy 14km in 100% humidity and 30C+ this morning. 62 mins. Much more pleasant along Manly beach though.

Massive congrats to Fats who came 2nd in the Kepler Challenge this morning and broke 5 hours for the first time. Tucks also did well on his first outing over there finishing 5th in 5:15. Had a text from Tucks this morning saying little more than "Fats is a beast!". I should challenge them both to a 1500m prior to HuRT Squad Awards night - hopefully they'll be a little buggered for a while.

HuRTS 900m reps

Over to Rushcutters on yet another hot day for 8 x 900m reps off a rolling 5 mins. Wasn't in the mood to kill myself and knew we'd all die in the heat so took it conservatively. Barts would do the first lap and I'd take over pace, swapping duties on the second lap and then we would reverse the responsibility on the next rep. That way we rolled through them OK.

Rep times went:

2:53, 2:53, 2:53, 2:51, 2:51, 2:51. 2:49, 2:39

Jogged back for 12km all up. MC ran very well averaging 2:55's being very close on many of the reps as did James E.

I'm in for Six Foot Track. Sole aim is to beat TB's PB.

Struggle city

Ran to work in 58:24. Felt very average the whole way. Far too humid or is this just an excuse? It's forecast to be 41C on Saturday. That's a valid excuse.

HuRTS 2 x 20mins

Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Took me back 25 years to lunchtimes in the schoolyard today. MC and Rob were the school bullies and a chap cheating in his exams was the victim. In true lawyerly fashion I hid in the background and pretended to talk about the session.

The session was a toughie. MC called CQ too busy so we had to touch the Opera House gates and come back up the hills on each 20min rep. J-Fen flew off followed by Angus Mc and Barts while I followed next with Fats who drifted away from me slightly coming back around Farm Cove. Caught Barts near the end and finished the 20mins at 5.62km (3:33's). It was hot and humid, I was caked with sweat so tried to hold back a bit, knowing the second rep would be hard to maintain. Ran the second rep upfront with Barts and only pulled ahead slightly on the final hills finishing at 5.58km (3:35's).

Then the fighting began.

BTW, Billy now has a blog to record his training - BillytheBomb

Usual Monday

Standard Monday run with a big crowd, including MC, LF Charlie, Mr Ace, BW, Indrajeet, Kilted Scot, Worswick, Sonya, Emma and Caroline Sweeney who lasted longer than all but MC, Rob C and myself. I felt crap all the way and, notwithstanding Charlie's blog tried to slow it down. Was going to quit at CQ but I was in an interesting conversation at the time so carried on and ended up doing the whole 15.8km in dunno what. Felt knackered in the heat and, particularly, the humidity. I think people underestimate the impact of humidity - I reckon I'm still recovering from yesterday.

Manly Dam Style

Met up with Dicky G at 6am and we ran over to the Dam to do a loop replicating next week's trail race over the same course. As we started, Dicky takes a look at his watch and immediately darts off at a rate of knots. I'm trying to follow behind, checking every step to avoid rolling an ankle and puffing up the step hills and steps. The last 2km in particular were a killer. By the end of 10km around the Dam, I was knackered and rethinking any plans to race it next weekend. It really uses every muscle in your legs over that terrain.

We started jogging afterwards to recover and ended up along Manly beach, bumping into Macca so finished the final 4km with him too. Also saw Ben, Paul S, Chris Y and Pete Walker out there on a beautiful but humid day. I had bonked by the end - only 24km but felt like 34km.

Berlin Bound!

Knocked about by the bad cold which had me feeling very average since Tuesday, not helped by the start of silly season as the booze doesn't aid recovery.

Finally felt well enough to get out today for the usual route and, with a few days rest, the legs felt very fresh. 14.04km in 58:56 (4:12's).

Big news is that the Berlin trip has been confirmed, we've paid entries and booked accommodation. It's a great crowd of tourists - Kanser, Young Timmy, Enda, Tucks, Rob C, Macca, Barts, Big Sam, J-Fen, Renaud and my mate from Fairlight, Steve B. Berlin Marathon just happens to land smack in the middle of Oktoberfest so post marathon recovery will be down in Munich. Can't wait.

Jamie - fancy a short trip up to Berlin lat September?

HuRTS 45min tempo

Turned up to pick up my new HuRTS branded cap along with 50 others with the same idea. At least Mr Ace had a lighter backpack to run with.

Still crook so took it very easy. Ended up doing 11.47km in 44:43 (3:49's). Client dinner tonight. Client beers tomorrow. Client Christmas Party on Thursday. Not sure when I'm going to recover.

Sick boy

Ran in to work feeling crap all the way (59:25). Had a sore throat for the past 3 days and it got worse during the day, now feeling fluey so canned my planned double-up run home.

State relays

4 x 1500m relay with Ray, Kanser and Andy. We smashed the field. I ran the first leg and we'd already lapped one of the teams before I handed over to Andy.

Good fun. I was called out 4:18 when I handed over to Andy but it's so inaccurate on the official handover mark that it's impossible to tell what the official time would be. Makes me think I'd love to run a proper 1500m and with a competitive field I reckon I could get close to 4:15 which would be great. Will have to look at the ANSW timetable. Today was a blind time trial. I saw the clock on the laps and ran 65, 2:15, 3:26 then a 58s last 300m.

Massive appreciation to Dave who showed up despite a last minute booking to fly to see his Dad this afternoon and losing his wallet and phone on the way. It was almost a definition in stress for him this morning yet he still showed up and performed strongly for the team.

Beers and curry with Dicky G, Richard Banks and Hamburglar this evening. Great evening. Richie B seems to know every curryhouse owner in town and Hamburglar seems to know every loose female bar owner in town. Much fun.

Easy Friday

Just an easy 15.35km in 4:33's today with MC, Big Sam, Andy, Todd and a few others. Plenty of chat about Wednesday night. Got the relays on tomorrow morning but haven't thought about it properly yet. Kirst is away so I'm flying solo with the 5 kids this weekend. Not quite sure how I'll handle that out at SOPAC.

JPMorgan CC - 4th in 17:37

I just love this race. Gary Howard summed it up best by describing it as a school sports carnival for grown ups. Basically 8,000+ weekend warriors putting it on the line for work honours. That said, it's always won by a classy runner. This year Marty Dent smoked the field, but in previous years its been won by Youcef Abdi, Pat Carroll, Benny St, Paul Arthur, Wildman etc.

Did a very nervous warm up with Enda, Todd and Tucks then made my way to the start line to be greeted by literally dozens of HuRT Squad members. We were held for ages on the start line then the hooter went and the mad dash to the hill began. I felt like I was pushing hard but was surprised to see a group of 6 ahead of me - that group being behind Marty who flew away. Crasti was in the group but I didn't recognise the others. I was running with Tucks at this stage so normal service had resumed. Stayed with Tucks until 3km (having caught one of the group of 6 - we'd get them all bar Crasti by the end) but then he did exactly what he told me he was going to do and inexorably pulled away. We were still catching the group of 6 one by one though so I figured I hadn't blown up. It also still felt fast. By 4km I was up to 6th place and catching 5th. At the Fox Studios gates I'd caught 5th but he was running strongly with me. Tucks was about 80m ahead with the 3rd placed chap. I have to admit that when I caught the 5th placed chap, my sole thoughts were on keeping that position as you get mentioned on the JPMorgan website for 5th but nothing for 6th. Shallow, yes. Narcissistic, absolutely. Motivational, you betcha. But I look across and this bloke I'm tussling with for 5th place is a kid, and all I'm thinking is that I bet he's a better sprinter than me so I'd better go early. So I start going for it at the 5km mark. The kid sticks it out for a bit and then thankfully drops off, because I couldn't maintain that pace for much longer. But then, what do you know, but the bloke in 4th who Tucks has now dropped is suddenly in striking distance, so just like 2 years ago I just carry on the sprint and catch him on the final corner. Hell, even Tucks is now just up ahead. Stoked to cross the line in 17:37 - second fastest time ever and about 20s quicker than I was expecting.

What it taught me is that you can make up heaps of time in this race over the final mile (from 4km to the finish line). If I'd held pace I'd have run 17:5x - I managed to put 13s and 16s on the blokes I was running with at the Fox Studios gates (photo below). Also taught me how good Tucks is. He gets a lot of credit for his ultra trail performances but I think a lot of people don't appreciate how good he is on the shorter stuff too.

I was expecting J-Fen to figure strongly given how well he's been going in training but he was badly affected by antibiotics he was taking. He was in a very bad shape coming down the finishing straight with his legs buckling just before the line. Fair play to him though - he gutsed it out despite everything and must have been in a world of pain.

Some great performances out there. Special mentions to Andy, JB and Barts who all finished within 3 seconds of each other a shade over 18mins. But what about Laura - what a champ. Off virtually no training she runs only a few seconds slower than her winning time of last year to finish second. She's a big occasion performer.

Central governor performance of the day to MC for running 19:05. Lots of PBs out there today, including for Enda (another who always goes well in this race), Indrajeet and the KiltedScot.

Allens finished second in the Mixed team to KPMG, but Matt ran a great 19:17 and the girls ran out of their skins to finish either side of 23mins. Next year we'll get it.

At 4.8km:

The CEO and Chairman:



Me and Tucks, the latter looking more relaxed:



This is how painful it got for J-Fen (Enda about to strike):



You thought J-Fen looked pained? Check out Big Sam realising Mikey has taken him:

Getting nervous

A very easy 8km today with a few strides. Big crowd and plenty of chat and trash talking about tomorrow's race. Tucks disclosed his game plan "there's not much magic to it Tom, I just put a bit of effort in at 4km" and Kanser was coming up with all sorts of excuses as to why he couldn't run (and risk MC claiming a rare scalp). I fear Young Timmy is in the same boat.

I'm pretty psyched for this one and will just give it a good crack. Should be a great night.

Biding time

Just an easy 10km today with MC, Big Sam, Indrajeet, KiltedScot, J-Fen, Rob, JW and others. Don't like these pre-race runs, just feel nervously lethargic.

Bec and Kirst are sick so I may be sleeping in the basement tonight and tomorrow.

Weekend at Coledale

Sat morning was 12km at 6am just rolling the legs over. Glutes working well though as I was pretty bouncy.

Then headed off to Coledale Beach for camping. Sunday was a glorious day and headed out at 7am after 9 hours solid sleep down the coast trying to find the bike path on LF Charlie's recommendation. Found it and it was running Mecca, just hugging the coast and cliff tops. 20.35km in 1:30:28 (4:27 average). Again very bouncy and glutes were sore by the end.

Easy Friday

Felt a bit tired after yesterday's session but much better after a very easy 13km. Would have done the 16km as I was enjoying the run but had to get back to work which has been a bit frantic recently.

Crowd was Ray, MC, Kanser, Emma, Big Sam, Todd and Russ. Very warm, but came out of the changing rooms and it was as if night had fallen, with a massive storm rolling through, hail stones and all. Standard Sydney Spring.

3 good sessions and 98km for the week but no long run. I rely on my long run. But feeling good nonetheless.

HuRTS 400's

Whoa! A mighty crowd for the 400's today, bigger than I've ever seen for that session with all the squad regulars present other than Timmy and Enda. Also there were my two gun females for next Wednesday, both doing a great job competing 8 reps with the squad. Alex is coming on in leaps and bounds and looks a completely natural runner, she could do great things.

I wanted to give it a go today. Did all the reps (off a rolling 2:10 given we were doing 440's) between 75 and 77s. Tucks went off hard on 3 of them with Dom and Clarky in tow and J-Fen gradually increased his pace to run alongside on the last two otherwise I was upfront with Clarky on my shoulder. Bloody hot out there and had to work hard but pleased with the final speed session and feeling more confident for next Wednesday night.

Did an extra 4km warm down with Andy and JB for 11km all up.

Sydney to Hobart

Up at 5.30am. Taxi to airport. Flew to Hobart. All day meetings. Flew back to Sydney. Back to office. Sent a couple of emails. Changed and ran home. 57:30 feeling nice and easy. Dinner in front of TV watching episode 3 of Homeland. I'm hooked. I'm knackered. Bed.

Melbourne Cup

Bloody hot and humid today but showed up with a select crowd of J-Fen, Richie, Andy, MC, John from AMP, Laura, Angus et al for 4 x 10mins. Wasn't in the mood and feeling tired from too much boozing (today won't have helped) but set off on the first rep with Richie and MC with Richie running strong to finish with me by Robbie Burns stone statue. Holy cow J-Fen was flying to get to the stone gates in 9:42. I don't think anyone has run quicker. He is certainly firming as favourite for JPMorgan.

Ran back in 9:29 then third rep a bit further running with J-Fen taking it easy (last lamppost) then ran back in 9:35.

Was cooked to finish so jumped in the harbour with Laura, Angus and J-Fen for a much needed cool-down.

Then started on the Coopers Pale Ale.

Left Verandah Bar 20mins ago with my poor secretary (Kellie) in the hands of Wildman and Durante. She's a feisty girl so hoping she's OK.

Lazy arse

Planned on doing a long run today by adding 10km to the usual Monday run but I was energy depleted at the end and craving sugar so cut short at 16km. Beat myself up about being a lazy arse but in truth it was the vodka and tequila on Sat night that was to blame. One day I'll take this running malarkey seriously. More drinks with ANZ tonight. Melbourne Cup tomorrow. The silly season has arrived too early.

Good times

Out at our 3rd consecutive weekend 40th birthday party last night which involved rollerblade disco girls, shots of tequila and vodka from an ice sculpture and 2am in the New Brighton Hotel, so an early morning run was not on the cards today. Eventually dragged myself out this afternoon for 11.81km in 50 something (4:18's).

Child of the 70's:



My beautiful wife:

Lane Cove 10km - 2nd in 34:05

The return of the old timers. Truscott first, me second and Jeremey Horne third. All three of us 39 years old.

Warmed up with CT, Eoin, Richie H and Andy. Planned to take it steady to start and then ease my way into the run. The Horne went off quick and CT and I followed behind. CT then put in a burst to catch him and then pushed on ahead. That's how it stayed until the top of the hill past the 5km turn. CT ahead by 20 odd seconds with me running with the Horne. I sensed he was struggling on the hills a bit though and when we turned I suddenly found myself running alone pushing downhill. Had a bit of a scare at 7km when my left hammy felt it was tightening but it eased and I just cruised home.

Nice to get a few good prizes for 2nd - some great Mizuno gear. Certainly beats the cap and pair of socks from 2 years ago. Andy had a good run almost catching the Horne for 4th place. Gary looked comfortable just ahead of Macca still recovering from Melbourne. Dicky H is on the comeback trail and a few will be looking for a rare scalp against him at JPMorgan.

Easy Friday

10km from work very easy solo.

83km for the week but some good sessions.

Manly 400's

Playing golf from lunchtime so jogged down to the oval next to the Boy Charlton pool and ran loops of the white line marked around the oval. Turned out to be about 440m (are all ovals 440m in circumference?). Legs weren't up for a full bore session so kept the rests short running off every 2mins to try to get the feeling of running 3min kms relatively comfortably.

Reps were all 80 or 81s with the last two at 79. Was bloody hot (over 30C) and I sweated buckets.

Golf was good. Need a new set of clubs for Christmas, if Santa is reading.

Wednesday MLR

Late out so cut short through Woolloomooloo and ran quickly trying to catch the squad. Eventually did at the entrance to Centennial where I could start to take it easy. Just MC, Clyde, JW and Anna today. Legs were weary but not sore. Twas hot but felt OK. About 17.5km I reckon, maybe a bit over.

Tiger Time Trial

Out to Homebush for a 2000m time trial. I was pretty nervous about this, mainly because I've been foxing around for the past 3 months not doing sessions at full bore or racing properly so had no idea where my form was really at. I did this TT with the Tiger and Tom Hurley in 2010 in 5:51, shortly before running JPMorgan in 17:52 and State 3000m (while slightly under the weather) in 8:59.

Gary reckons its a great session that yields most benefit 2 weeks later, so the timing was ideal and the plan was just to nail myself. He wasn't feeling 100% so agreed to pace me at 70s laps for 3 laps. There was a nasty headwind down the back straight so I was secretly hoping it would be 3.5 laps, and fair play to him, he came good. Laps went as follows:

68, 2:18, 3:39, 4:40, 5:51.2

Very happy with that. Had to dig deep on the final lap so hopefully will do some good. I'm almost keen to try it again next week...

Many thanks to the Tiger who looked super smooth and provided perfect pacing.

5km warm up/down for 7km (!) all up.