Final 2011 Festive Update

Merry Christmas etc to you all - possibly the last blog post for 2011 and time to reflect on the goals and results this year. Very happy with PB's in all my goal races this year with the definite highlight being Melbourne Marathon which was not only a personal goal but more importantly a great way to fundraise for Touched By Olivia and happy to have managed to get around $3000 for a very good cause. the other main results were the C2S in 57.48 (1.02 off the previous best time) and the JPM in 21.38 (30 secs off the pb from 2 years ago). Not quite so impressive but still a pb was my 10km time at the Sri Chinmoy Dolls Point of 41.42 (58 secs off). So the obvious goal for 2012 is to get the 10km under 40mins before I turn 40 in October and I might just need to try it early in the new year, if all is well, as my short stuff seems to be ok at the moment and can certainly hold 3.50's for 6kms. I'll also be looking to get at least one Kurnell in (hopefully February if I can convince the wife) and maybe a couple of other sprint and an olympic but I'm not getting too carried away about the tri's again just yet. Been great being part of the Hurts squad, which is the only reason why I have had my best year so far - cracking bunch, hard sessions and most of all an enjoyable way to run.
I've managed to get a couple of swim sessions in over the last week, one run/swim and a ride today. Will hopefully get another run and a couple of swims before getting back to work on Tuesday and the first Hurts session of 2012. So here are the stats for the last few days http://connect.garmin.com/activity/137105423 (run followed by 500m swim) and 26km ride http://connect.garmin.com/activity/137390607.

Tuesday Hurts

It certainly did with a 4 x 10 minute session with 2 mins rest however it was the perfect antidote to a very frustrating morning. A really big turnout today given the time of year - I reckon 40 people including, Mike, Tom, James, Rob, Laura, Emma and Tucks. Legs felt pretty ordinary for the first set which starts at the Opera House gates and you go around Farm Cove, over Mrs Macs and usually to somewhere close to the Art Gallery depending on how good you are feeling over the hills. Pretty happy with sets 1,2 and 4 but didn't get close to where I finished the first one. Pace alright for those three with 4.08, 3.58 and 4.03 but a little disappointed with the 4.18 and stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135489065. Although I did have yesterdays 15kms in the legs, so maybe I shouldn't be too hard on myself and I did do about 9.5 kms in 39 minutes so getting close to a sub 40 10km time. Will hopefully get out tomorrow as Thurs and Fri are write offs with lunches.

Decent session required

A bit of a damp day in Sydney made it very pleasant for the Hurts lunch run. Not a bad turn out for the time of year and I was desperately in need to some decent kms to get rid of 3 xmas parties in 4 days. Normal Monday route saw Laura and I sitting on the front at a easy 4.40-ish pace until Laura dropped off at Shelley Street. Joined on the front by Dave Kane and a couple of others and the pace dropped down to about 4.30's from the 8kms mark. Felt really good and technique felt really easy and effortless today so kept going and managed to oush out a few 4.20's coming back around Farm Cove and finishing on 3.50 pace for the last 500mtrs or so. A good long run at a decent pace and all up about 16.5kms with the run up and back so not a bad start to the week and blew out a few cobwebs. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/135318678 and not sure if I will get out for the short stuff tomorrow

Very Tardy

Seems to be quite difficult to consistently blog at this time of year - must be the social engagements but rest assured I am still running. Been my biggest week for a while this one doing the Hurts sessions on Wed, Thurs and today. Even got out for a 500m swim this morning which helped after a late ish night at the annual Hurts Xmas party last night. But I get ahead of myself.
Wednesday saw a very small turnout for the long run, so we decided to go north and do Lavender Bay for a change. Was a nice easy-ish pace for the first 6kms until Rob Castella and English John decided to up the pace from the top of the steps onto the bridge and then it was on for young and old. Our stats tell the story with a 5.11 up on to the bridge closely followed by a 3.48. Caused some collateral damage for a few of us. Stats for run at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134531181
Thursday saw my very first Rushcutters pyramid set and boy did that hurt. The set itself is bad enough - a circuit at roughly 400m done as 1,2,3,4,3,2,1 laps with a rest time between the laps of half the time it takes to complete, the 2kms of hills and steps to and from just don't help. Stats for that session are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134750886 and very happy with a faster last lap than first, pretty even pace at around 3.45m/km and very chuffed with a 3.14 pace for the last one. Heart rate recovery not looking too bad either.
As mentioned did about 500m at Clovelly this morning and got out for the Hurts run today - one of only 3 people who turned up and two of us were at the soiree last night. Some of those Hurts guys are pretty
soft. So just an easy 10kms today and stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134750878 and and average of 4.40m/km. All up about 37kms this week so not a bad effort prior to Xmas.
Well done to all the Hurts winners last night.

Big backlog

Apologies for the delay in posting - had a couple of evening engagements last week and never seemed to get around to updating the site on the weekend. Not too big a week last week - got the Thursday 4 x 2km sprint session in and felt like the hardest set I had done for a while but happy with consistent 3.45-ish pace (stats here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134133203) followed by a short Friday run with a small crowd including Tom and Ray, finishing at Hickson Rd  (stats here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134133192 ).
No swimming last week and Nick up branding cattle in Qld so no bike partner either. Feeling the weight piling on after an easy ish week so decided to attempt the whole set today. The group split up quite early and I didn't want to get caught in no-mans land, so stuck to the front guys until we went under the bridge. hey put about 100m on me going down barangaroo so I turned at the 7.5km mark and came home on my own for a 14.5km run all up and 15.5 in total by the time I got to and from the start/finish. Pretty happy with a 4.34 average pace and great conditions for running with the rain staying off for the whole session and it being nice and cool. So a good start to the week and stats for today here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134133184. Aiming for the Wednesday and Thursday sessions this week.

Monday

A cold, wet start to the day meant Nick and I didn't go out for a La Per ride this morning. Got out for the Hurts run at lunchtime though and felt really bad for the first 4/5km to the extent that I almost peeled off at CQ on the way round. Very few of the regulars today - only MC, Martin and Indrajit in the group that I knew by name although recognised a few faces. Kept going and made it back to CQ for 10kms all up and felt pretty ok for the last 3/4kms and happy with a 4.33 average pace as it didn't feel that fast at all. Stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132802931 and hoping to get to the speed session tomorrow or Thursday.

Saturday Swim

Got down to Clovelly for a lunchtime swim yesterday and managed 6 laps in about 22 mins, so all up around 1.2 - 1.3kms I would estimate. Beach was pretty deserted depsite the very pleasant weather so swimming was uninterrupted. Forecast for this week in not looking great so cycling could be out the window but hope to get at least 3 hurts sessions under my belt.

ABC Biathlon and Friday Run

Did my first biathlon in about 6 years at the Boy Charlton pool last night with Wayne and really enjoyed it. Will be good to get a few of us up there for a bit of a challenge in the new year. Knew Wayne is a strong swimmer so wanted to get 2 minutes on him in the run and managed that with a 15.34 for the 4kms and came out of the pool with a 21.14 overall. Wayne was just 30 secs 40 secs behind me around 21.55 which is a great swim after a 17.40 run.
Also got out for the Hurts session and due to a 1.30 meeting I was only going to be able to do about 40 minutes. Conveniently the 5 of us who turned up - Laura, Martin, John and James - all wanted to do the same thing. We decided to just head out on the Monday route and turn at 20 mins and the pace going out was nice at easy at 4.45s - forgot the garmin today so had to rely on James for all stats. John picked the pace up a wee bit on the way back and from the Boy Charlton back I reckon we were down around 4.20s before Martin caught John and I at the entrance to Art Gallery road and it was pretty quick all the way back to the start. All up almost a fartlek session with a out in 20 and back in 19.12 and  distance of 8.5kms. So a decent week of mixed training and really happy with my short speed stuff at the moment - body feeling good so maybe the marathon training has done some good! Not sure if I'll get out at all this weekend but will try and sneak in a swim or bike ride somewhere.

Italian Swimming and Lunch Run

A very fresh start to the the day when I took my Italian brother-in-law, Paulo, down to clovelly for an early morning swim. Water temp was "bracing"to put it nicely and it didn't help that I was in speedos, although the ladies doing their early morning runs seemed to be quite happy with my attire. I managed to do one in an out and Paulo managed about 75 meters before escaping up the first set of steps complaining about the cold water - this is from a guy who lives in Melbourne! Fair play to "el lad" as he doesn't like ocean swimming although for a minute I thought he had drowned and panic was almost setting in before I saw his bobbing around. He has requested another swim on Friday, so willl see how we go. I missed the Hurts session today as I forgot the set started at 12.10 so just headed out on my own for 5kms around farm cove - legs had nothing after yesterday's session so a very easy 4.45km pace and the stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131837058. Looking forward to first ABC biathlon in about 7 years with Wayne tomorrow night and hope I can do about 20 minutes for 4km run and 300m swim.

Farm Cove Sweatfest

I think this might have been the hottest I have ever felt running today despite having a visor and singlet - getting some pretty classy singlet tan lines as well which is delighting the wife. A big crowd for the 14 x 3mins session today and I was late getting out so very disappointed to see that I hadn't missed the first two. A lot of the regular faces around including James, Laura, MC, Tom, Brendan, Tucks, Ray etc and the first session at which I've seen Simmo attend. After the first one, I set a goal of 10 as the legs were feeling the effects of the cycle and run yesterday. Very happy with pretty consistent 3.50 pace for the set and even happier to finish. Stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131654893. Weather permitting I'l try and get out for an early swim tomorrow before doing some of the Hurts long run. Not sure the ABC Biathlon will happen on Thursday night as it appears only two of us can make it, so might have to be a post Xmas session with a few of the guys.

La Per, Hurts and the Return of Tom

First day in about 6 years where I have done two exercise sessions and not feeling too bad. Got out for a ride to La Perouse with Nick at 5.45 this morning and got in 20kms at an average pace of 25kms per hour. Was a stunning morning and remembered how much I enjoyed getting out for morning ride sessions - sun rising, hardly any traffic and good to get some exercise in early doors. Ride stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131464240. Backed it up with half the Monday Hurts session and big crowd out but more importantly the return of Mr Higham after a few weeks off due to an achilles problem. No Adam today as he is on a Perth junket but managed to get Dat out for a second tim and Mike King made his debut. They both did well and held on until the opera house and came back along the wharves. Managed to stay out front for most of the session although pace was only around 4.35 for most of the set. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/131464234# and a good start to the week.

Friday

After sampling the delights of Kogarah yesterday morning I made it out for the Hurts session and only four of us turned up, including Emma and not sure who the other guys were. Surprisingly small turn out given votes are being cast for the Hurts annual awards night and there could still be time to sneak in a couple of extra nominations. Emma was feeling a touch jaded after her leaving drinks on Thursday so we just did the Monday route and came back to CQ. Headed out around 4.40/4.35 pace and then picked it up a bit from the turnaround at around 4.20's with a sub 4 min for the last km. Felt great again today despite the midweek man cold and just really enjoying running at the moment. Anyhoo stats are here for yesterday http://connect.garmin.com/activity/130768121# and hoping to get out for a ride in the morning with Nick if the weather complies.

Sick

Came down with a man cold on Monday night and managed in to work yesterday but succumbed this morning so no run today. Hoping to be back at work tomorrow but not sure I'll get to the hurts sprint session so maybe long run on Friday.

Monday Hurts

Didn't let my badly grazed leg stop me from running today - lesser men would have succumbed to the injury, plus I wanted to be asked how I got what looks like 5 claw marks. Had a story about the neighbour's rottweiler ready and apart from Brendan, not a single query - so hurtful that they don't care! A great result for Tucks and Rob on the weekend at some ridiculous half marathon in the blue mountains resulting in neither of them being able to make the run today. Seemingly you run 10kms down a hill and 10kms back up with a fall/rise of 800m. Tucks broke the course record by 5 mins and Rob came in the top 10.
My effort today pales in comparison but happy to say I started at the front and although I only went back as far as the opera house I stayed out front the whole way - nothing too fast today averaging 4.37 pace for the 12kms. Passed Dat and Mike around Farm Cove and unfortunately touched Dat's bare shoulder on the way through which was quite disturbing and sweaty. Anyway, stats for today are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/130067813 and about 13kms in total today so a good start to the week. Started feeling very raspy in the throat with a raw back of the nose about 4.30 so off to hit a hot toddy to see if I can nip something in the bud. All day workshop tomorrow so hoping to get to the long run on Wednesday.

Another catch up post

Been a busy couple of days so a couple of catch ups to do today. Got out for the corp cup presentation run on Wednesday with Adam and did about 6kms easy but for got to start the GArmin so not stats. Both fronted up for the hurts Hickson Road 1.2km sprints session on Thursday and managed to be pretty consistent for all 5 around the 3.40kms pace and stats for that session are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/129718075. Left calf felt pretty ordinary for the last two - similar pain to that which I experienced in the marathon - so will take it easy on the speed stuff and do some stretching. So all up about 6kms again on Thursday taking the total to roughly 24kms for the week.
Down at the beach with the family yesterday morning and managed to get about a 1km of swimming in and then headed out for a ride this morning with Nick. Nothing but eastern suburbs hills this morning after I quite embarassingly fell off the bike outside my front door - nice cog marks on the back of my right calf! So about 30 km this morning and it felt like they were all uphill - stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/129718078. Hoping for some more running this week and will maybe sneak in a ride somewhere. Might even try to get out of my bed early and go and do some swimming as I'm contemplating thinking about a Kurnell sprint tri in the new year.

Posting Backlog

Apologies for the delay in posting any updates - looks like one of my work computers was stolen from the office on Friday avo so having to resort to wifey's machine.
Did the foxtel lap on Friday and managed just over 7 kms in 30 minutes - not that happy but oe of the hardest short distance runs I have done. Suspect the combination of JPM and treadmill didn't help.
Managed to get out for a swim at Clovelly on Saturday while the Hamish was sleeping and got 6 laps in, so suspect somewhere between 1 and 2kms and it felt great. Shoulders however not too happy today but didn't stop me getting out for the Hurts session today. Due to lack of computer, Garmin wasn't charged so no runs stats but similar route to last Monday's run so roughly 12kms but man was it hot and humid. I suspect that is one of the hottest runs I have ever done and it took about an hour before I stopped sweating at my desk - pretty pleasant for the workmates!
Got home and took the kids for a dip tonight which was just magic and very cooling. Hope this isn't the standard for the rest of the summer!

JPM Challenge

A very sticky night for the JPM last night and very chuffed to be able to report that I did a pb of 21.38 and came home first in the BT team! Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/127519331 and can't believe I managed to average around 3.50 per km!
Foxtel Lap is on tomorrow so another 30 minutes of hard slog.

Friday Run

Managed to get out for the Hurts session on Friday and got another 12kms taking the weekly total to 38. Had the garmin on but forgot to bring the cradle home from work, so not stats for this session to upload yet. Got a day off today (Monday) to take the brother and sis-in-law to the airport for their trip home to Scotland and think I might just wander down to Clovelly for a swim and some sand sprints given it is a stunning morning. Looking forward to the JPM on Wednesday night.

Blew away the cobwebs

Good run at lunch today and a decent size of group again for the long run session including James, Adam, Russell and Mike. Route was the usual Centennial Park one and Adam was only keen for 10kms and James wanted to do 12km. Felt pretty ordinary getting to the park and Adam left us at the top of Ocean Street, but once in the park legs felt good which was just as well as wewere knocking out 4.20/4.15 pace. Headed off at the Fox Studio gates with James and another guy to come back via Oxford Street although we encountered a slight delay due a contact incident wuth James. Was a bit touch and go that it was going to make a reappearance from behind his eye but he got it out and back in again. So all up another 13kms today and stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/125966362# Absolutely no pain in the left foot today for the first time since the City to Surf, so hope it stays that way for the JPMand Foxtel lap next week.
Weather permitting I'm out for a ride with Nick in the morning at about 5.45 and doesn't look like I will get  a speed session in due to restructure announcements over lunch.

Great Run Today

Work conspired against me on Thursday so no bare foot stories - sorry. After a weekend of eating a bit too much and a wee chunder while sea fishing on Saturday monring, I was so looking forward to a run at lunch today. So headed out for the Hurts session and a big group of about 20 with pretty good conditions although a wee bit windy. Adam turned up with the Dat man - first ever hurts session and his shirt was off before he started. Fair play to Dat as he managed to hang on with the group until Hickson Road and we were doing about a 4.40 pace until then. At the turnaround point at Shelly Street I hit the front and enjoyed the wind at my back - saw Adam and Dat coming down Barangaroo but I was aiming to head back to Circular Quay for a decent hit out. Managed to stay on the fornt at around 4.30 pace and kept going to the Opera House and then back to Pitt Street for 13kms all up. Legs felt strong, left foot and right calf held up ok so pretty happy. Aiming for Wednesday session as the race that stops a nation appears to stop Hurts as well tomorrow. Stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/125502181#.

Last Corp Cup for the year

Met up with Adam, Anthony and Maria for the run up to the corp cup today and conditions were pretty good for a run - overcast and cool. Legs felt a wee bit heavy after yesterday's session and was not realy looking forward to the run. Started out probably a bit too fast with a 3.53 first km and really felt it on the 5th km but possibly the fastest run of the series with a 24.40 and I do need to remember I am only 2 1/2 weeks post marathon. Aiming for the Hurts session tomorrow which is 8 x 800 (need to work off the two slices of chocolate cake after dinner) and might try the barefoot recommendation from Tom - read about it here tomorrow night. Stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/124362575.

Tuesday Sprint Session

Out for the Hurts sprint session today which was 14 x 3mins with 1m rest in Farm Cove. Huge group out today and saw the return of Mr Higham, who appears to be doing secret training in the lead up to the JPM run in two weeks. Very happy that I managed to use my watch for the set and get it right so run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/124157917 and although I only did 10 sets as the last corp cup is on tomorrow and want to save the legs a bit. Managed all 10 at 3.45km pace or faster with last one being a 3.36 and also made it through the far gates for the first time ever on this set. Now if only I can hold that pace tomorrow for 6kms and I'll be sweet.

Saturday Ride and Monday Run

Delayed blog entry for Saturday ride and by now you would think I could work out how to use the Garmin for cycling but apparently not. It's not that complicated really, you change the setting from running to cycling, press the start button when you head off on your ride and press the stop button when you finish. I managed to forget to turn it on again on Saturday until I was about 8-10 kms into the ride and then nothing uploads when I hook up to the Garmin site, so you'll just need to take my word for it that I did 30kms on Saturday morning.
I wasn't going to run today as I planned to do the Hurts speed sessions on Tuesday and Thursday sandwiching the last corp cup of the year. However the thought of an easy run around Glebe with Adam and Simmo was too tempting and I wanted to get out of the office. Roasting in Sydney today with the temp forecast for 32 but sitting around 29 when we headed out - still far to early to be acclimatised to those temps so was a very sweaty run. Average pace was around 5mins/km and Simmo had to drop out about 6kms in with a dodgy calf. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=2230469

Hurts Sprint Session

A stunning day in Sydney and beautiful running around farm cove - although no idea how we do this in the height of summer. First speed session in months and just trying to get some pace back before the JPMin 3 weeks. Decent crowd today for 8 times gate to gate with Laura, James, Mike, Brendan, Charlie among the faces. Didn't get the Garmin set up for intervals quick enough, so 8 entries for today. Managed to head out for a 3.27 for the first one and the second last, where I felt I had nothing left in the legs. Remainder of the set were between 3.15 and 3.23 with a pb of 3.16 for the last one and the stats are here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/122975648.

First Hurts run back

Got out with Adam today for the Hurts long run and was welcomed by a rapturous crowd at the meeting point. Decent pack today including Laura, James, Mike C, Mike Race and Dave Kane and we headed off for the Centennial Park route. Decided with Adam early on that we would do to the top of Ocean St and turn which would be about 10kms all up. Very glad to have made that call early as the pace was on from the get go and always amazes me how quickly the form drops off when you don't train with the group for a while. Felt great going out but had nothing after the turnaround and we both came back very slowly. Had forgotten to change the Garmin setting from cycling to running so no km splits today but run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=1386782. Anyway about 11.5kms all up today and some slight pain in left foot and groin discomfort but that could still just be post marathon fatigue. Work permitting I will try and get out for the speed session tomorrow.

Easy Saturday Cycle

Took the chance to give the bike a bit of a hit out yesterday morning with a nice easy ride down to La Perouse and back with Nick Schmidt. Nick copped his first flat at Maroubra, which is where I realised I hadn't turned on the garmin.So we got that changed and then got drenched on the way back - however a coffee afterwards made everything seem ok and it certainly beat running! So about 30 kms all up and glad to get back on the bike again. Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/121875717#

Corp Cup Pain

This was the run I hadn't been looking forward to for about as long as the marathon training itself. Headed out with Adam and Derek just to the end of the start straight and then they left me for dead! Legs had nothing and was just quite happy that I could manage anything more than a cliff young shuffle. So possibly my slowest corp cup in about 4 years with a 28.42, So today's run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120924882 and I might be out next week but we'll see - possibly some riding at the weekend.

I've run a marathon.......race report

Seriously chuffed to bits with an official 3.25.59 - sub 3.26 by the slimest margin and I don't care a jot. The most important thing is that I have raised nearly $2000 for Touched By Olivia and with Westpac Matching Gifts that will be close to $3000. Actually really enjoyed the run and the conditions were nigh on perfect - a wee bit of rain and some wind on the coast but other than that it was great. Was seriously concerned when my right calf started to get a sharppain at the 7km mark, so stopped for about a minute and stretched it out but didn't appear to make any difference and over the next couple of kms the pain was getting sharper. Tried changing my technique and leaning forward a bit more and that help a bit so kept going and by the 15km mark it was bearable so tried to put it to the back of the mind and concentrate on the pace and scenery. Saw Terence as I was at roughly 22kms and he would have been about 30kms in - looked like he was travelling well an he managed a 2.37.05 which is just sensational. Was keeping pretty consitent pace between 4.45 and 4.50 per km and had been sticking to the hydration and nutrition plan. Started to feel the quads tightening up at the 35/36km mark and despite the slight inclines around the Botanic Gardens at the 37-39kms managed to keep the pace going. Loved seeing the 40 and 41km mark and as I came around the corner to the MCG, saw Anna and the kids so stopped to try and take them with me for the last 100 meters but they weren't interested so ran home and crossed the line. Got to admit that the eyes welled up after the finish but managed to remain relatively composed! Worst post race organisation I have ever experienced so took half and hour to find Anna and the kids by which time walking was extremely painful and ridiculously slow. Anyway a great experience, one of the wishlist ticked off and most importantly a load of cash raised for a great cause. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/120382872 and formal splits from the race website are below.

10k	20k	30k	40k
0:50:19	1:38:25	2:26:10	3:15:34

Last Hit Out

Well the wait is almost over and the pre-race training certainly is. I went out for with Adam for a 7km run around Barangaroo and the Hickson Road wharves and everything felt good - even the pace which average 4.27's and down to 4.10's for the last couple of kms. Will be very happy if I can do that on Sunday. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119441652 and also had last physio session so foot re-strapped and feeling better although will need some more stretching over the next couple of days. Everything else feeling good at this stage. Carbo loading has started in earnest and feeling pretty heavy and I still have two days to go- enjoying the bag of sweets per day but just feels like I am constantly eating. Off to Melbourne in the morning so this will be the last blog before the run. Really chuffed with sponsorship - less than $100 from the target. Nerves still there, bit scared about how the body might react and really don't want to let all the sponsors down - am sure the excitement will kick in at some point and I'll be able to enjoy the run. Thanks for all the support and encouragement over the last couple of months - especially from the wife and kids.

4 Sleeps

Last run over 10kms today and managed to head out with the Hurts group. Only 6 of us today including Mike, Laura and James and the plan was for Centennial Park. James is running the Melbourne half, so we turned at 5kms and came back. Unfortunately the Garmin ran out of battery about 1/2km from the end of the run but all up 12kms today at around 5km pace and run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/119249195. Saw physio yesterday so some doing some groin stretches, which seemed to work today, and foot is well strapped up. Final visit after run tomorrow. Carbo loading starts as well tomorrow and will do 6/8kms easy at lunch with Adam. Sponsorship is nearing goal so very happy. Nerves and worry is kicking in and feeling pretty grumpy for some reason but family are bearing the brunt of that so it's all ok.

Two Runs Left

Had rain, sun and wind on the run this morning and it was a bit chilly- thought I was already in Melbourne. Very good news in that no pain at all in the calf today doing the coastal path but left groin is giving me jip especially on steps.12kms today at a very sedate 5.25 average pace and glad to only have two runs left this week before we head south. Run stats for today are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/118752326 and will aim for 10/12kms with Hurts on Wed and 10kms on Thurs. Need to have one lats physio trip this week just sort the last few niggles out.

Last Long Run

Well that is the last long one done and if I feel like that for the furst15kms of the marathon I'm going to be in trouble. It was a beautiful morning yesterday so I decided to do the coastal path from Clovelly to Bondi with a few laps of the promenade to get the kms up to 15. Albeit the path is hilly and with a lot of steps but I just never felt comfortable or got into any kind of rythm and it was pretty slow averaging 5.17's. Never mind that is the last long one done prior to the race and the nerves are really setting in now. Yesterday's run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/118440343.
And there will be no mention of last night's rugby!

10 days to go

Nerves are building and so is the sponsorship fund - at $1160 now so very happy and room for a couple of other sponsors! Headed out with Adam for an easy 10kms around Glebe and met Jim and Jo at the Aquarium and so showed them a new route. Thoroughly enjoyed the pace around 5.15 and when we got back to the fish markets, Adam and I headed off to get 3kms in around to take the total up to 10kms. Foot and calf feeling a  bit better but couldn't get a physio appointment so will try again tomorrow. Today's stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/117847059. 35kms for the week so far and will plan for an easy 15kms on Saturday morning and that just sounds great.

Longish One

Corp Cup today and Adam back from the bottom episode however things still not back to normal and he did look a lot thinner. Rain started just as we headed out which made for quite a pleasant run and we both decided to take it easy today - I was planning to run 6 kms afterwards to get 12kms under the belt. Corp cup run was done in 26.48 and stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/117648810 tand last two kms felt really strong although started to feel a bit of pain in left foot as we were racing up the finish line, so eased it back. Adam headed back to the office and I did just shy of 7kms back via the harbour foreshore and those stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/117648802. So all up about 14kms today inclduing the run to the start. Will aim for 10kms tomorrow and have also tried to get a physio appointment to sort out the calfand will follow that up with 15kms on Saturday morning if all is well.

Start of the taper

A 1.30 meeting meant I could just get in half the Hurts session so did it a bit harder and averaged sub 4.30 for the session. Small-ish crowd today, only Mike and James among the regulars with no Adam due a dodgy bottom. Couple of the guys had done the Sydney marathon and didn't need to hear the horror stories of their efforts - one guy had to walk every 300m for the last 12kms and still did a 3.49! Didn't help with the nerves that are starting to build! Anyway aiming for a 45-50km taper this week followed by 30kms next week and today's run stats are at
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/117158604

Last Long Run

Very happy to have last long run under the belt before my 2 week taper begins. Met up with Kermit in Centennial Park and managed 25.5 kms in 2.05hrs which is almost bang on pace although we did push the pace a little bit more on the last 5kms which felt good - won't be doing that on race day. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/116548692 and very happy with the sponsorship raised so far - pretty much half way to my target. Left foot and right calf feeling a bit tight but hopefully nothing some consistent stretching won't sort out. Race day really became a reality this week when the bib turned up in the post and 2 weeks tomorrow it will all be over hopefully!

Run home

A thoroughly frustrating day at work which meant I didn't get out for the long Hurts run, which made the day even worse! I took a sudden thought that I might be able to run home so I did. Felt a lot better than running the same route on Sunday even with an extra 10kgs in the backpack. Felt a lot quicker than the stats show which is a little disappointing - stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/116000110 - and all up 9.5kms in 45minutes.

Easy recovery run

With Adam back from the US of A and the legs feeling quite painful and heavy, headed out wth him, Simo and Mike for a very gentle 10kms around to Mrs Macs and back. Stunning warm day and quite glad on a gentle breeze near the water. Run stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115534506 , having a rest day tomorrow and long Hurts run on Wednesday.

Sydney Half and longest run ever

Longest run ever today with 33kms all up and a 1.35hr half marathon at an average of 4.30kms. Had marathon training been on track, I would have gone for a pb but 4 weeks out I needed to get a long one in.
Run stats for today are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115145647, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115145645, http://connect.garmin.com/activity/115145644
Hoping to be able to run tomorrow although things are pretty tight tonight- despite the dip in Clovelly at the end of the run.

Belated Post

Been a bit of a hectic week travelling to Adelaide and Perth so apologies to the legion of fans for the lack of posts. Only one run done while I was away due to rain in Perth and it was a 12km effort along the beaches near Glenelg in Adelaide. An absolutely stunning run on a beautiful evening as the sun set over the bay. Very happy with new runners and foot so looking forward to the half tomorrow although not quite looking forward to having to get 10-12kms in after it. Only 4 weeks tomorrow until the marathon, so really got to maximise the big runs this weekend and next hopefully before the taper begins. Run stats for the Adelaide run are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/114210064.

At long last

Finally, I can get out for a run without a dodgy foot or cold although a 12.30 meeting stopped me getting to the Hurts session. That disappointment was offset by my new Glycerin's arriving this morning and although they are a little more red than I expected, they will hopefully see me through the next four weeks injury and illness free!
Did the reverse of the Hurts monday session to end up at the Blackmores expo to pick up the running kit for Sunday. So run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/113759787.
Off to Adelaide in the morning and then onto Perth on Thursday and home Friday night, so won't be getting big kms in this week and aiming to do the half and run home to get a 30-35km session on Sunday.

Long run and all feeling good

Got out for the Hurts long run today with Mike, James, Jonathon, Anton and Indrajit and well happy that I had no issues with foot or knee on a hilly course out through the east to centennial park. Average pace for the 15km route was 4.47m/km and certainly felt some of that towards the end - probably a result of the 4.30 pace up Ocean Street - and completed in 1.11hrs. Hoping to get out for a 10-12km flat session tomorrow as the sprints won't be a good idea and need to get the distances in although have a touch of a man cold - sneezing,headache and runny nose - so that could put paid to that plan and also an attempt at 30-35kms on Saturday. Today's run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/112521905

Foot Feeling Good - Happy Boy

A good Monday run today although not as far as I wanted due to a 2pm meeting off site but very happy with how the foot is holding up after two longer runs. Got it re-strapped this morning and headed out to meet the Hurts squad where I found out that Tom won the striders 10km at North Head on Saturday with a pb which is a great effort. Decent size crowd today although a few injury absences noticeable - probably due to the volume of training people are doing at the moment. So all up 13kms today, average pace of 4.37 and good to see heart rate isn't hitting 200 at the start - definitely a dodgy monitor. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/112001910 and looking forward to a longer one on Wednesday.

Updates for a couple of days

Well been a bit quiet over the last days mainly due to work and some home diy stuff so a bit behind on my posts.
Been a bit lonely for running this week as well with Adam in the US for a couple of weeks so headed out on Wednesday for the corp cup having had some more physio on Tuesday. Legs felt really strong and foot felt good for the first few kms but after the steps and hills kicked in on the way back the foot went again. Finished up with a 24.30 and looking at the run stats http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111388213 the pace was pretty consistent - just need to improve on those steps and I could be close to breaking the 24 minute mark. Very happy with the knee and keeping up the itb stretches.
More physio yesterday and with some ultrasound, needling and massage and have it well strapped for the weekend. Was delighted when he said I could try my 20kms today as long as it was on the flat, so headed out for 5 odd laps of Centennial at 7am this morning. Managed to get 21.1kms in at an average of 4.44 which is quicker that the pace for the marathon but wanted to get a decent run in given the ack of kms over the last 3 weeks. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111388208 and pleaseed that knee is pain free and just some minor pain in the foot. So more stretching and no hills for next week and we'll see how we go.

Woohoo

Out for my easy, flat 8 kms per physio's orders today after keeping the foot strapping on all weekend and doing some itb stretches. A stunning day in Sydney and a good turnout for a Monday including Indrajit, Anna, Laura, Mike and Tom. Knee felt great even on the downhills near the ABC pool and Mrs Macquaries and although a bit of foot pain was nothing compared to last week. Legs felt great - probably because I've hardly run in the last two weeks and pace felt ok at around 4.30 and was bang on 4.30 for the whole session. Heart rate looked ok and managed to talk comfortably all the way round. Physio again tomorrow so better do some stretching tonight but mood is a lot better after today and hopefully training is back on track this week. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/110225289

A Bad Day

Probably should have stayed in today - headed out for the hurts 2km sprint session hoping the knee pain from yesterday was a blip and the foot was feeling better after some stretching last night. Managed the first two repeats around 7.35/7.40 and felt ok. Started the third one and after about 150 metres pain started shooting around right knee and had to pull up. Walked back to the office and have a physio appointment for tomorrow. Look like missing another long run this saturday and can only pray the marathon is still on.
Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/109219139.

Not a great run back

Very unhappy with the foot and now the right knee after today's run! First run back in a week and left foot felt a bit painful on the way up to the start but after some stretching felt fine,so headed off for a lap of Centennial. Very small group today with only James, Mike, Louis (?), a lawyer and myself and gladly the pace wasn't too hot on the way out. Left the guys to do a second lap and headed back down Ocean Street and the foot and knee started to get painful. Probably more concerned with the right knee as that is something totally new - was really quiet bad on the downhills, lucky there are none coming back through Rushcutters, Elizabeth Bay and Potts Point. Ended up with a 5m/km average for 14.5kms but had to walk back from Martin Place. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/108979130. Did some stretches back at the office and will see how things feel for the sprint session tomorrow.

Foot Update

After no running since Corp cup on Wednesday, had a massage yesterday and focused on left foot. Tina worked wonders and thought it's just a tight ligament and it felt a 100 times better afterwards. Bit of residual pain this morning but suspect just post massage tenderness. Tina suggested another few days off running might be ideal, so will see how it feels tomorrow and aim for half the hurts session at an easy pace. Really have to get marathon training back on track by end of this week.

Back Online

We have internet on at the new place, so will be able to get the blog back on track. Doing this at work, so a verty quick update on the last week. C2S in a pb of 57.48 so very very happy especially with last 3 km pace and the long saturday runs have definitely helped. Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/107120153. Have hurt my left foot-  suspect planta fasitis (spelling?) so on the voltaren gel and stretching. Did corp cup on Wed in 25.40 and resting for the remiander of the week to see how the foot goes as I don't want to jeopardise the half and marathon. Corp Cup stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/107596652.

Will get a more detailed update done over the weekend.

Last run before house move and C2S

Thoroughly enjoying a lighter week with an 11km easy hit out with Hurts today. Last session for me before we move house on Friday and City to Surf on Sunday. Set today was a easy hour long run so we just did the Hickson Road route with a crowd of about 8 including Tom, who dumped another lunch for the run, the Macquarie Model Dave Kane, Mike, Mark and Russell. Pace was very easy at 4.27 average so stuck up the front and peeled off at Circular Quay on the way back. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/105322613. Legs felt good and hopefully a couple of days rest will mean I'm fresh and feeling strong for Sunday.
Could be off air for a while as Telstra unlikely to connect internet at the new house for about 10 days - will try and discreetly update at work when I get the chance.

Monday Hit Out

Huge crowd for the Monday run today - you can tell C2S is close - but surprisngly no Tom. Maybe he is still recovering from the Hurts drinks on Thursday night.
The pace was on from the start and was confirmed by James at Mrs Macquaries as being 15 secs per km faster than a normal Monday run. Group started to split up a bit so Adam and I decided to ray and stay with the faster guys and just do 8kms around to Shelley Street. Not planning to have a big week with the race this weekend. Felt pretty ordinary at the start and stomach and head hadn't been feeling good all morning, but around the opera house felt good and kept the pace pretty comfortably for the rest of the run. Overheard a couple of the guys talking about race plans for Sunday "do the first 5kms in 17.30, then the next 5kms in 19.30 and then just come home hard"- wish we could be having the same conversation but I fear if I could even do 5kms in 17.30, I wouldn't be doing a 6th km! Run stats from today are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104845642.

Another run record - by 200m

Complete lack of motivation last night and this morning for the long run session but managed to pull myself out of bed and get down to Bondi for 7am. Desire for a run wasn't helped by a 3.20am wake up for a wet bed - not my own I hasten to add. Kermit was waiting at Bondi Surf club and I was disappointed that he hadn't done an hour already like last week - the blighter took the bus to the start. Russell showed up and sprinted off to the toilet block immediately which wasn't a good sign. No one else about so we headed off at and enjoyed et another stunning Sydney winter morning with a fantastic calm seas around Bondi, Tama and Bronte. Kermit and Russell required a toilet stop in Centennial - obviously quite active bowels - and we headed off into the city. Legs and knees were feeling a bit stiff for the first 10 kms but eased up a bit by the time we got into town. Some words of encouragement from the Oxford Street revellers spurred us on to the C2S course. Felt good until heartbreak hill and took it easy up over the top and down into Watson's Bay - Russell was killing the hills despite this being his first ever run over 25kms. Coming out of Watson's Bay wasn't pleasant but knowing we were in our last 10kms helped with the mental stamina. Felt better than last week on the last few kms and decided to run the actual C2S finish along Campbell Parade just to let the guys get a feel for it for next week. Very happy with an average pace of 5.02 compared to 5.06 last week and being 30 secs quicker for another 200m. Last 200m was at 3.45pace which I am very happy with after the distance and let's hope that I can manage that for the last 200 of the marathon! Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104330228 and takes the weeks total to 62kms. Body definitely feeling the increase so looking forward to an easier week next week with C2S and house move!

Thursday Sprints

Dinner with friends prevented the blog entry last night. The original Hurts session yesterday of 5 x 1.2kms sprints on a warm and humid Sydney day. Big turn out meant three groups and pretty happy with performance after Wednesday's effort. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/103933981 although garmin ran out of battery at the start of the 4th set so nothing for the last two. First three felt all right and averaged about 3.40 pace starting off slower and ending up at the front of our group by the end. Rest day today and long run session of 30kms tomorrow morning- might be tempted with a dip at Bondi again if the weather is nice.

Embarassingly Dropped

A shocker today on the long Hurts run when I was dropped about 4kms in at Rushcutters and didn't recover for the remainder of the run. The only saving grace was that I didn't get caught by the fast guys. Knew I was in trouble when the pace from the outset seemed to be around 4.30's for a 15/16km set to Centennial Park and back. Had forgotten the Garmin today so no run stats and probably best! Not sure if it was delayed fatigue from Saturday's effort or the combined effect of Saturday and Monday. So looking forward to the original Hurts 1.2km Hickson Road sprints tomorrow.

Bank Holiday Run

Another beautiful winter's day and what a bummer it's a NSW bank holiday. Having done the school run and my tax this morning, I headed out for a couple of laps of Centennial Park with the wife. Was quite keen to see how the legs had faired from Saturday's effort and pleasantly surprised with no tiredness or pain. Started off very easy at 6 minuntes for the first km and then left the wife to her own devices - she was doing a lap and a half while I was aiming for two. Started out at 4.20's and managed to bring it down to 4.10's on the second lap for 38.39 for 8.6kms and it felt pretty comfortable. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/103273565 and will aim for long Wed and Thurs sprints with Hurts before another 30kms on Saturday hopefully.

Run Record

Well, what a difference from last Saturday morning. Woke to clear skies and sunshine and Bondi at 7am was just beautiful. Met up with Terrence, Kermit and Mark and headed off on the same route as last week. Had the race belt on a two bottles each of Gatorade and water to see how it felt and practice the marathon drinking plan. Hills all the way to Queens Park, then a flatter section to Oxford Street and the start of the C2S course. Heartbreak Hill not too bad this week and starting it with 17kms in the legs was a bit worrying but felt good on the way down into Watson's Bay. Going around Watson's Bay my right knee and lower leg became pretty tight and sore and I was a pretty concerned as we were just at the 23km mark and had the hill past the gap to climb. Took it easy up the hill - around 6.30min kms and knee/leg felt ok but pain came back as soon as I was on the flat. Leaned forward a bit more and ran more on the balls of my feet and that seemed to work better, so possibly just fatigue and style going out the window. Passed last week's pb of 25kms at the turning point for the C2S so knew we just a had a few more small hills to go before the long descent back into Bondi. Last 700 meters on the promenade at Bondi felt great - knew there was a finish in sight and a dip in the water. Run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/102680332 and you can see the hills - so very happy with a 5.06 average pace for such an up and down course but know I still have a lot of work to do over the next two months and that this is the "normal" Saturday run distance for a while! So biggest run week ever with 67kms and loooking forward to a rest day tomorrow. Will try and get a few laps of Centennial Park done on bank holiday Monday and then Wed long run and Thursday speed set with Hurts.

Blow Up

A sad attempt by Adam and I too do the Hurts hill sprint session today! Aim was for 10 repeats and we got through 5 and were pretty much last after the first one. Set was 600m from Argyll St up to the top of Observatory Hill and rising approximately 20m in that distance. Adam had a reasonable excuse given he has run 4 days on the trot. Had very little in legs after the first two and still quite happy to be doing sub 4.30 pace for most of the set. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/102266433 and really looking forward to the rest day tomorrow.

Long Run

Stunning day for the long Wednesday run today and a bit of a disappointing turn out with only 7 of us there including Wildman, Mike Race, Adam and James. Group decided the route was Centennial Park today given the hill rep session on tomorrow. Quickly became evident that Adam, James and I were a bit out of our league and so resigned ourselves to a session on our own! As we were heading down into Elizabeth Bay we heard some heavy footsteps and hard breathing behind us and lo and behold Tom was bringing up the rear. Some friendly banter exchanged in relation to his hurtful blog comments on Monday and he disappeared off into the distance with a "I'm running 4m/kms to catch up". Sounded kind of impressive until James mentioned Tom wasn't even doing his marathon pace on the way past! Mike Race was waiting for us at the top of Ocean Street and we did a pretty decent pace on the lap round the park. Mike headed off for a second lap while the three of us turned for home. Adam decided to leave at the Oxford Street gates but was waiting for us at the top of Ocean Street. He gave up the ghost at Rushcutters due to a poor breakfast although credit for 3 days of running on the trot. Felt the last km and oushed it up the hill through the domain and happy with a 16.5km effort today. Run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/102055652 and have done a quick calc on 5km splits which were around 24.40, 22.30 and 21.40 for 4.5kms. Hill sprints tomorrow should be fun.

Quick Monday Run

Hosting a 2pm meeting meant I couldn't do the full Hurts session today, so decided to do it a bit quicker than normal and aim to drop off at Circular Quay on the return. Headed up with Adam and a big turn out today - you can tell C2S is coming up. Laura had a great result at the Sutherland to Surf yesterday doing just over 38 minutes for 11kms and setting a 10km pb of 35.10 which is just sensational. The group split into 2 around the Boy Chartlon and Adam and stuck with the second half who were still averaging 4.30's for the starting pace. We pulled away a bit around Hickson Road and Barangaroo but were pretty much in no-man's land between the groups. Adam decided to push some little bursts coming back along Hickson and was quite happy to be able to keep up given the long run on Saturday. Managed to pick up the pace from the Sebel and Adam dropped back - something about not having his breakfast this morning (terrible excuse for a young guy getting beaten by a old fella) and di just around 4min kms for the last 2kms. Run stats are at
http://connect.garmin.com/dashboard?cid=2106035 and very happy that no pain or stiffness in the legs. This will be a big week if all is well, with a long run on Wed, hill sprints on Thurs and 30kms on Sat. Woohoo.

Long, long wet run

Well rain wasn't as heavy as it has been over the last couple of days, but it still wasn't very inspiring or motivating when I got to North Bondi Surf Club around 6.50. Mike, Rob and Kermit turned up bank on 7am and we headed off for the longest single distance run I have ever done. Took the coast along to Bronte where we headed up the cutting and McPherson street, down Queens Park into Centennial for half a lap before heading down Oxford Street into the City. It's a little bit weird when you are running past people just coming out of, and even some going in to, the clubs on Oxford Street. Picked up the start of the C2S course at Hyde Park and ran it all the way back to North Bondi Surf club for 25kms exactly. Kermit left us in Double Bay and I left Mike and Rob atthe top of Heartbreak Hill as they were off to do the Watson's Bay route before heading back to Bondi on the C2S course for a 31km run - that'll be my goal next week! Very happy with average of 5 min km pace and over all time of 2.05 given it was such a hilly course - hitting Heartbreak Hill with 18kms in the legs wasn't that much fun! Couple of notabel events today when Mike and Rob were threatened by a vicious looking Doberman at a water bubbler in Rose Bay closely followed by the three of us narrowly avoiding being run over by a boat as it was being rolled into the water, also in Rose Bay - maybe they don't like early  morning runners. So all up 54kms for the week in just 3 runs and legs feel ok. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/101005922.

Wednesday Corp Cup

Out with Adam for the last Corp Cup run of the series yesterday and thankfully a break in the torrential rain for the duration of the run which was most welcome. Struggled through a 25.30 and a full minute behind Adam - some serious headwind on the ED flyover which didn't help. Also knew I was going to add on another 6kms afterwards so maybe mentally I held back a bit but the closest I reckon I have come to walking in the CC. We had a few minutes after the end of the run and headed off for an easy 6kms back along the foreshore and down Hickson Road at 4.45 pace. Legs felt very dodgy by the time we finished but 13kms all up. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/100616488 and http://connect.garmin.com/activity/100616475
Looking forward to long run on Saturday- 25km target this week.

Long Monday Run

A stunning winter's day in Sydney and glad to get out for the Monday Hurts session. Not many people turned up - suspect they are taking a break while Mike is on holiday for 3 weeks. Laura, Brendan, James and Russell among the regulars and we headed off arond 4.45 pace. Within a couple of kms we had split into two groups with the first 5/6 folk heading off around 4.20 pace so back of the pack for me as the legs were feeling Saturday's effort. Was pretty happy with averaging 4.30 pace at the 8km turnaround but wasn't feeling like carrying on at Circular Quay but with only James and I left by that stage so decided to aim for the Farm Cove gates and come home via the Domain. So all up 16kms today and looking forward to a rest day tomorrow and last corp cup run of this series on Wednesday - might have to tack on another 6kms to keep the mileage up this week. Run stats for today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/99977658

Friday and Saturday

Back from the family holiday at Dubbo, which was absolutely freezing!
Managed to get out for an easy 8kms yesterday with Derekaround the foreshore while Adam and Anthony did 12kms to Balls Head and back. Just wanted an easy session as I was planning to do the long Hurts run this morning, as the real start of my marathon build up.
Happy to averag 4.34km pace with Derek and legs felt pretty fresh - run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/99224220 and something not right with heart monitor as I've noticed heart rate is spiking at about 200 for the start of the last couple of runs - suspect it is because it is slipping down and having to be adjusted for the first 5/10 minutes - lack of sweat in winter is a problem!
Headed out at 6.40 this morning to get to Mike's in North Bondi for a 7am start. Six folk turned up including Mike, Laura (very early start having driven from Cronulla!) and Rob Castella. I was aiming to get about 20kms in and Mike announced it was the Cremorne Point run this morning for a nice 31km run - post C2S this will be a good session to build up for Melbourne. Nice hill up to the Junction for starters and then down Oxford Street into the the city. A rather pressing call of nature meant I headed off for the facilities at Martin Place station (very clean at 7.45 on a Saturday morning compared to 5.45 on a weeknight, and possibly a new theme for the blog). I cam back via Gardeb Island, Elizabeth Bay, Edgecliff and up Ocean Street and had to throw in a loop around the Junction and out to Charing Cross to hit the 20km mark. Very good marathon pace training at averaging 5 minute kms and going to have to start working on the drink and nutrition plan as was starting to feel thirsty and hungry after an hour 45. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/99418693. So all up 36kms this week and quite happy given I wasn't around Tues-Thurs.

On Hols

Work transpired to prevent the planned long Hurts run today with a 12.30 meeting invite coming through at 11.40 and one that I couldn't avoid. So managed to head out on my own around 1pm for a very easy Pyrmont run and about 7.5kms at a rough 5m km pace. Few steps involved which brought the average pace down, but felt good after yesterday's race. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/98394397 and a little bit concerned about the hear rate for the last two runs - something not right about the spike up to 200 at the start and suspect a device issue as opposed to a heart issue - hopefully. Anyway off to Dubbo in the mornign or 3 days with teh kids for school holidays, so no running until Friday at the earliest and have also just found out the wife is working on Saturday instead of Sunday, so the long run could be in jeopardy on Saturday morning! Have also just found out that I was 11th of 51 runners in my category yesterday morning so happy with that until I read that a guy in 60-69 category did a sub 41! A great leveller running and more training required!

New 10km PB

Delighted with a 10km PB time today at the Sri Chinmoy race at Dolls Point. A stunning Sydney winter morning but very cold for hanging around prior to the run. Not sure how the guy doing the half marathon in nothing but a pair of pink flowery speedos managed to survive.
Aimed to head out around 4.20 pace and then bring it down on the second half of the course and looking at the stats just about managed to do that - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/98084239. Got passed by so many people in the first km who I passed by the 6km mark and very happy with two sub 4min kms for the last two kms. Just got to get some more speed work in with Hurts to get the first 5/6kms around 4.10/4.05'sfor acrack at a sub 40 minute 10km!
All in all 48kms for this week and starting to build up to the marathon training distances. Off with the family to Dubbo from Tues-Thurs so will be a lighter week, but hoping to get out for a long one tomorrow and Saturdaywith Hurts.

Nothing in the legs

Not one of the greatest performances at corp cup today but not really surprising given the kms in the legs over the last two days. Headed off with Adam, Derek and Anthony and met Laura from MacBank on the way up. There was some suspicion being cast that I would have two versions of this blog ready to go, one if I beat Adam and one with a load of excuses if he beat me - well he did beat me and there no excuses- all very solid reasons. He is 5 years younger, he is faster over short distances and hehas only run 10kms this week. I rest my case. So a 25.45 which is 1.15 slower than a month ago and 38kms since Monday. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/97176471.
No running for the next couple of days due to a hospital procedure on Friday avo but hoping to do a 10km race on Sunday morning if all is well.

Tuesday Speed Session

Backing up today after the session yesterday and the legs were feeling it as we set off on the 45 minute set. Was 1 minute at 10km pace, 30 secs at marathon pace turning at 22.5 minutes and aiming to get back to the start in the same time - bit of a exercise in pacing! Was pretty sure I would get to the half way point and just keeping going back to the office, but there were about 4 of us around the same pace, so came back and managed the whole session. Very happy with 10.75kms in 45 minutes and only about 50 meters short of the start finish line. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/96942860 - not great pacing as I was slowing up considerably towards the end. Not sure the Corp Cup time will be great tomorrow however running with Adam will ensure the competitive juices flow and it's only 6kms!

Good Long Monday Run

Very happy with the run today - out with the Hurts group for the long Monday session and aimed to do the whole thing and managed just shy of 15kms - had to miss out Mrs Maquaries point of the way back. A good crowd today of about a dozen people and some stories from the weekend's races. Mike and a few others very unhappy with their Striders 10km times in Sydney and it seems everyone ran slow times. The most impressive performance of the weekend has to have been Tom's virgin marathon experience at the Gold Coast where he did a 2.36 - a sensational effort and hopefully one I can emulate in Melbourne, if all is well!
So back to today and out with Adam and very happy with an average of 4.25's for the session with the run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/96690062. Didn't feel good for the first 5 or 6 kms- legs felt heavy and when Adam headed off after 10kms, I really wanted to go with him but knoew the back end of the week would be no running, so pushed on and felt good for the second half. Even managed to pick up the pace through the 11/12km marks. So all up nearly 17kms today and a solid start to the week.

Saturday Long Run

A stunnning Sydney winter morning - about 14C when I headed out around 7.30 for a 3 lap run of Centennial Park. Start of the new training routine in the run up to the marathon hopefully- only going to get longer from here on in! Tookit very easy on the first lap to try and keep down around marathon pace and failed miserably at 4.45 average. Picked it up for the second lap to about 4.30 pace- although interrupted by a nature stop where I wasn't confident I would make it to the toilet block in time! Came back for the third lap and dropped the pace again for the first couple of kms to 4.13 and then down a bit more for the last 1.5kms - good city to surf training although a pretty flat course. So all up about 30kms this week but a different blend of fast and long stuff and legs feeling good. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/96167475

Thursday Sprints

Adam still off sick so headed out on my own to the session that started the Hurts running group - 5 by 1.2km sprints along Hickson Road. Watch was working fine today, however it must have dropped the satellite connect somewhere as the overall distance is wrong. Very happy with a consistent 3.35-3.45 km pace today given the 12kms yesterday. Contemplating giving tomorrow a miss and doing a Saturday morning run, just to building a rest day and get something done over the weekend. All the best to everyone running at the Gold Coast this weekend - especially Tom in his first ever marathon. Looking forward to hearing the stories and seeing the results on Monday. Run stats for today are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95798307

Garmin Malfunction

Bit of a device problem today - charging fine when I picked it up off the desk and completely unresponsive when I got to the changing rooms. Unfortunately my tech guru Adam was off sick, so not only was I running on my own I didn't have any technical or performance information to hand - how was I going to run? Got to the start point for the long Hurts run and only one guy, Frick (I think), around. Waited for about 5 mins and Mike, Tom and Wildman turned up. Mike and Tom racing on the weekend, 10k Striders and Gold Coast Marathon respectively, so just an easy 10km today. Headed out on normal Monday route and turned at the 5km mark at the overseas passenger terminal - felt strong on the way back and pushed it coming back past the Boy Charlton and Art Gallery for a sub 45 minute finish. A big shout out, as the young kids say, to Wildman who won the City Mile Dash last week in around 4.30 for 1.6kms, with Hurts having 4 of the first 6 runners - a sensational effort. Aiming for the Hickson Road 1.2km sprints tomorrow and will have thr stats back as I know you all missed them.

Back after the man cold

Great to get out today after a week-10 days without a run due to a bad man respiratory infection, to give it the proper medical terminology.Due to a late start this morning as Hamish started pre-school today, I only managed to get out for a short wharf run with Adam instead of the Hurts session. Legs felt strong and we started out around 4.30kms and managed to come down to around 4.10 for the second last km and a sub 4 min pace for the last half a km. Saw the hurts group on Barangaroo and it looked like a big crowd today - aiming for the long run on Wed and Thursday sprints, so will give tomorrow a miss as a rest day. Run stats from today at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/95159153

Valuable Lesson About Rest Days

Adam and I learnt a very valuable lesson about rest days today! We've both done 4 days running straight - Adam has clocked up 35odd kms and I've managed just over 40kms since Tuesday.
We headed out with a reduced Hurts pack (Mike and James were the only two I recognised today) due to the one mile dash at Barangaroo and within 10 minutes we were both wishing we had chosen that option.
It was a Cremorne Point run today, so the first thing we hit was the Cahill followed by the bridge and then hills up to Neutral Bay. Made it to the sea pool about 1/2km from the end of the point and had been well dropped by the group so turned back and did all the hills again. Our pace was blistering - we averaged about 5m kms today but 12 kms all up including the run up to the start. no running this weekend I thikn - certainly not tomorrow! Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92907752 and are pretty embarassing.

Sprint Session

Struggled with motivation for getting out today but managed to get up from the desk and the rest was easy! Almost turned around in the changing rooms after forgetting my top shorts but thought I could get away with just the lycra ones for a session. 2kms out to the start point for the session in 4.30's which felt all right after yesterday. Was only doing 3 of the reps today and managed a 7.40 for the first session, stuffed up the watch for the second but was just behind James who did a 7.35 and finished on an 8.00. Good session and should help with corp cup and C2S. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92711829.
5th wedding anniversary tomorrow, so will need to do the lunch run to offset dinner with the little lady at night. Also need some points to offset a trip to the Tahs game and the possibility of some pies!

Easy Recovery Run

A 2pm meeting offsite prevented getting out for the long Hurts run today and with the way the legs felt after yesterday, I was quite glad to have the excuse! Adam and I headed out for a very easy run around Glebe - Adam was suffering some problems of his own after the wet t-shirt yesterday did some significant nipple damage! We took it very easy and averaged 4.54kms for the 7.75kms and the rain pretty much managed to hold off. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92507269. Aiming to get out for the 4x2km sprint session tomorrow.

Very Wet and Windy Tempo Run

Very depressing weather over the long weekend - very wet and windy so no running in at all. So was kind of looking forward to the Hurts session today. Headed out with Adam and while it was a bit breezy the rain had stopped after some pretty heavy showers all morning. Big crowd gathered for the session which was 10, 10, 10, 10, 5 starting slow, then marathon, half marathon, 10km and finally 5km pace. Turning at 23.5 minutes and aiming to come back in 21.5. Knew it was going to be a tough finish when our slow kms were 4.35 pace and that was really trying to keep Adam on a short leash. Rain started about 3 or 4 minutes into the run and just got heavier and windier, with the conditions on the back of Mrs Macquaries not what you wanted for the hardest part of the run. Pretty happy with 10.72kms in 45.34 and a negative split of 1m 30s but need to work on better pacing. Run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/92301075. Wish I could have had a weather cam added to the Garmin.

Corp Cup Improvement at Long Last

Well, on a bitterly cold day in Sydney, I have managed to run my fastest corp cup time in at least 2 series with a 24.30 for the 6km course (subject to tag timing confirmation as I forgot to stop my watch when I came over the line). Was all thanks to Simon Rooney who said he was going to do a 24.30 and managed a 24.25 and I just tried to stay with him. dam who pulled out his fastest time in over a year with a 24.35 and caused me a bit of consternation when I saw him about 50 meters behind me coming into the home straight - he hasn't been within under 25 for a while, so a great effort there. Was happy with the result as the legs felt very strong although the cariod was hurting - just not been doing any speed work, so not surprising. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90940615.

Monday Hit Out

After not getting out due to work on Friday and nothing over the weekend was looking forward to the Hurts session today. Saw Mike at Centennial Park yesterday and he mentioned some great times for the Hurts squad at the NSW 10km State Champs on Saturday morning. Wildman managed a touch over 30 and 5th place overall, Tom did a sub 33 and Mike managed a 36.30 which are all sensational times. A big crowd out today, including Tom, Mike, James, Russell, Wildman, and Adam after being in Perth last week. Pace started off a bit quick - that's the problem with Mike getting faster as he used to keep it down around 4.45ish - at 4.30 and just got quicker. Managed to keep up and legs and cardio felt strong at the halfway point so decided to come back to Circular Quay. Hit the front with Wildman and average pace came down to 4.18 over the last 3kms. Very happy with that as no hip/glut pain after 11kms and 13kms all up. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/90515599.
Adam has managed to miss out on the C2S red pack due to entry tardiness so going to be a lonely run this year - well as lonely as 80,000 people can make a run.

Wednesday - long one and no hip pain

Got out for the long Hurts run today with about 7 of the group including Mike and James. Was the Centennial Park loop today and pace heading out didn't feel that easy although the Garmin only said 5min km average which was worrying as heart rate felt pretty high. Was only planning on getting to the top of Ocean Street or half a lap of the park and back via Oxford Street depending on the hip/glut. Pace up the hills through Potts Point and Elzabeth Bay wasn't that bad but the 4.40's from Rushcutter's, up Ocean Street and into the Park was not that enjoyable. Was quite suruprised that the hip pain hadn't kicked in and legs/cardio felt good even though the pace was picking up a bit. Brendan made a cameo for about 400 meters in the park before Mike decided on a single lap. So we headed back the same way, much to the disappointment of James and myself who fancied an easier run back. So all up 17kms with the run up from and back to the office and the hip felt fine. Longest run in about 7/8 weeks and very happy with 1.13 for just over 15kms.
Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89371544. Chiro visit tomorrow morning so hopefully can shed some light and relief on the hip/glut problem.

Monday Hurts

Apologies for the delay in getting yesterday's run update done - think it was just a combination of laziness and forgetfulness. Not a bad turnout yesterday given the weather conditions - cold,wet and windy. Mike and James among the crowd at the start and wepicked up Laura and Rob at the Art Gallery. Was only doing half the set so started off out front and wanted to hold a steady pace round to Shelly Street. Kept a pretty steady 4.30/35 average pace for the first 3/4 kms around Farm Cove and the Opera House. Picked up the pace a bit down Hickson Road and into Barangaroo where the wind and rain unleashed on us- rain was almost horizantal and wind was straight into the face. Very glad I was just doing another km in those conditions. James put on burst of speed over the last km which was completely unnecessary and resulted in a quicker last 100mtrs than I anticipated. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88912488.
Adam still in Perth with work, so should be back for a the Friday run. Aiming to get out for the long run tomorrow - will aim for 12/13kms.

Ride with the Girls

Good to get out for a ride on a chilly Sydney morning with Niki, Julie and Belinda after a wee bit too much ice cream cake and lemon slice at my nephew's birthday dinner last night. Forecast was for rain and big south-easterly this morning, but it hasn't transpired. Been a while since I was out on the bike on a cold morning, so grateful for the head warmer, long pants and fleecy jacket not to mention the winter gloves. Headed out through Double Bay and up Heartbreak Hill which wasn't the gentlest of starts given I hadn't been on the bike since the BRW tri in early April. Dropped down into Watson's Bay and climbed up past the Gap and down to Bondi via the back end fo the City to Surf route - covered that a bit quicker than I will run it. Bondi looked gorgeous this morning with a few surfers out but looking a bit black and stormy out to sea. Up Campbell Parade, Bondi Road and Birrell Street back to Centennial Park for a cool down lap followed by a coffee (or so I thought). Julie and Niki decided that 4 laps were in order (Belinda headed off on the 2nd) and first two felt fine but my under carriage waved a flag of surrender on the third. Popped out at the York Road gates and came home via Birrell Street and Craig's Cheese Shop for a skinny latte and home for a nice warm shower. Ride stats from the Garmin are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88599778.
No hip pain at all on ride which should be a good sign.

Fast Friday

After missing the corp cup on Wed, it was good to get out today for a Hurts session today. Only five of us at the start including James and Indrajit. Just decided to do the Hickson Road route today so started out at around 4.40min kms and came down to about 4.30's around the 4/5km mark. Hip pain started again around the 5.5kms so decided just to half the course and pick up the pace to Shelly Street. Very happy to have brought the pace down to just around 4.05's and felt ok cardio and leg wise. Chiro appointment is booked in for Thursday morning so will hopefully get something sorted out for the hip after that.
Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/88250320
Melbourne Marathon entries opened yesterday and very disappointed that for this year only it won't finish with a lap of the MCG due to AFL season extension. Whole reason for doing it was to run inside the G - will still sign up, but not happy.
May well do a ride on Sunday morning, weather permitting.

Monday - working off a bad morning

Glad to get out at lunch today after a less than happy start to the working week! Anyway a good session with Hurts clears the head. No Mike or Tom today, but Laura, James and Wildman among a crowd of about 12. Wildman and a couple of others headed off at a cracking pace so no way I was keeping up with them. Laura and I hit the front of the second group and managed to hold a 4.25 average pace for the first couple of kms .Held that pace and brought it down for the last couple to about 4.10's. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/87458508 and very happy that heart rate averaging 160 odd for that session and never really felt any cardio issues all the way round. Hip hadn't been feeling that great over the weekend but no issues running today - just weird.
Anyway, lunch on tomorrow and hoping to get out for Corp Cup on Wednesday although a vendor lunch may prevent that.

Friday

A very frustrating day at work helped by getting out with Hurts at lunchtime. Decent size group today including Mike,Brendan, James and Laura. Hip still not too good, so just did half the run. Over the bridge today and four of us turned at the bottom of Neutral Bay and back to the State Library. Run out was very easy but came back about 30 secs per km quicker on a hilly course. Very happy with pace on the way back, cardio and legs felt good but hip pain kicked in at the 6km mark- got to get to the chiro or physio next week.
Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/86781233
Not sure I'll get out this weekend - charity ball on Saturday will be a late one so will put paid to an early morning run.

Wednesday

Happy that I got out today and tried the lift in my left shoe and while it didn't prevent the hip pain, it wasn't as bad for my longest run in about 5 weeks. Adam and I headed out with Hurts for their long run around Centennial Park. We headed off half way round the park and came back via Anzac Parade - stats are at
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/86400037. Happy with a 4.47 average pace as the first half is pretty hilly and felt strong getting into the park. Adam won't be too happy, but maybe this will motivate him  - last 4 kms pretty slow as I had to wait for him.
So hip pain doesn't appear to be from the shoes, so physio/chiro visit in order to find out what is causing the trouble.Will miss the speed set tomorrow and aim for the Hurts Friday run.

Monday

Adam and I managed to get out for a run with Hurts yesterday. Some great results from the Hurts folks in the SMH Half on Sunday.
Good crowd out for the normal Monday run and a nice and easy pace to start the week. Put a gel pad in the left runner to see if that makes any difference to the hip and it felt ok with a couple of twinges around the 6/7km mark. Importantly no pain today and so will aim to get out for part of the long run tomorrow and try out the heel lift. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/86188988.

Corp Cup and Out of Half

Well no run stats today as watch battery ran out before I got to the start! Probably just as well as another poor CC run today- estimate doing around the 25 minute mark so not where I want to be and felt like I had nothing in the last couple of kms. Will have to wait for the official results to find out the exact time. Adam managed a 25.58so he was happier with that start to this series.
Have withdrawn from the half as hip still starting to give pain around the 5km mark although not as bad as I ran in the old shoes. Right heel however didn't feel great after the run - guess it is another trip to the physio and chiropractor to see what options I have. So a bit despondent but would rather miss Sunday and be able to run later races. Have someone to take my Half spot who will do a better time than I would, so every cloud etc!

Half in Doubt

Well blog is finally working again so chance to update yesterday's run commentary.
Headed out with Hurts - big group yesterday due to the Half on Sunday, so we decided to do part of the Half course. First few kms were at 4.30 pace and after about 4kms the main group started to pull away and lost sight of them at the 6km mark. Managed to get 10.5kms in, and run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84461557  however not looking good for the half on Sunday as left hip is starting to hurt about 5kms in and don't fancy trying to run another 16kms and do some damage. Think is related to the new runners, ironically enough the right foot is feeling great, so will run corp cup in old runners tomorrow and see how the hip feels before making a final decision tomorrow. Pretty disappointed but would rather miss this and get in the C2S, Blackmores Half and Melbourne Marathon than injure myself and not be able to anything for a few months.

Lonesome Friday

Out on my own tyoday due a 12-12.30 meeting. Headed out around Pyrmont and ended up doing just over 8kms. Not sure the garmin was checking in with the satellites that accurately as it said my first km was a 4.05 which was just wrong. Hip and legs felt good to start with, after yesterday's set, but hip wasn't feeling great by the time finished - bit concerend for the half so will see how I go through next week.
Run stats are here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/83749267.
Not sure if I will get out tomorrow as I have a few housey things to do, given we bought a new house today and have to get ours on the market, and with mother's day on Sunday I won't be getting away for anything!

Thursday Fartlek

Well I've done my first Hurts Mona Fartlek after about 12 months of running with the group and to be honest I don't really care if I never do one again! The set is only 20 minutes long but you get through close to 5 kms, which when half the set is a float, gives some indication of the pace and pain. Set is basically 4 x 90 secs, 8 x 60 secs and 8 x 30 secs. Starting on a hard run you alternate between hard and easy for the set and turn at 10 minutes. The route is around Farm Cove and Mrs Macquaries, so not exactly flat either. Anyway, decent crowd out today including, Ray,Tom, Brendan and Wildman. Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/83554839. Decided to run back via the Rocks and Hickson Road with Brendan who wanted to do the last km at half marathon pace of around 4.15 - just what I needed so you can view the stats for that run at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/83554830.
So all up about 9 kms today and hoping to get 10kms in tomorrow on part of the half route just to get a feel for the course.
New Brooks Glycerin 8 are doing well - right heel is feeling good but getting some pain in my left hip and ankle which I suspect is just the body settling in to running in neutral shoes after 5/6 years in shoes designed for over-pronation.

Wednesday

Was hoping to get to the long hurts run today but work transpired against me, so headed out for the Corp Cup presentation to provide a cheer squad for Anthony Donnelly who notched up 200 runs last series. Anthony, Derek, Adam and I headed out for a wee run to the Domain and managed just on 7 1/2 kms in 34.50. Adam left us at the opera house - bless him - as he had already done 3 kms into the office from home. Pace picked up inthe the last couple of kms and while not getting any long runs in prior to the half, still feeling comfortable running 7kms in 32-33 minutes, so hope to be able to manage that on race day and bring the pace down as the race wears on. Run stats for yesterday are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/83370698.

Mona Fartlek is Hurts session today, so aiming to get out for that.

Hurts hurt

Well hallelujah I managed a run although this one was nothing to write home about. Adam and I headed out for the Monday hurts session and within 2kms most of the grouo knew we hadn't been around for a few weeks! When we noticed the first couple of kms were at 4.25-4.30 pace we knew it was going to be a hard slog. Chest was still feeling a bit iffy from the head cold last week so by the time we got to the harbour bridge we had both decided it was a half course effort. Must admit that seeing some of the models for fashion week at circular quay was some temptation to come back but we may have embarrased ourselves by that stage.
Not a bad turn out today - about 10 of us including Mike, Ray and Wildman.
Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/82936286 and this was the first hit out for the Brooks Glycerin runners and happy to say no adverse effects on the feet or legs. Working from home tomorrow so no session and will aim for the long hurts run on Wednesday.

Frustrated

Gettnig rather annoyed at this head cold generously gifted by my son. Haven't managed a run since we've been back in Sydney and only two weeks until the half marathon! Sub 90 is looking very shaky - might try a short one at lunch today depenng on how I am feeling and really hoping that I can get out for a long run on Sunday.

Cairns Inferno

Well, haven't really managed to get out as much as I had hoped during the holidays so with one day to go I resoved to get in a short one and may even try for the same run tomorrow before we head back to Sydney and what wil be some painful Hurts runs, I'm sure.
Weather and holiday have been fantastic although doing a run at 1pm when it is 30C, 55% humidity and with a 30km wind probably wasn't the best idea. I honestly thought I was on fire when I got back to the house - such a different heat compared to Sydney and you do have to bear in mind I am still Scottish.
Legs felt a wee bit stiff for the first 5 minutes of the 6km run to Trinity Beach and back. Started around 4.40's and managed to finish strongly on a 4.05 and a 3.50 for the last two kms. Run stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/81104779 - might drop garmin a note to see if they can incorporate a temperature probe on their next model.......
Will try and get a longish (10-14km) run in before the first Hurts session back on Wednesday as I'll need to work off all the chocolate I plan to eat this afternoon.

Saturday Hit Out

Managed to get out for a longish run this morning - about 12kms all up and rather warm even at 8am. Felt pretty average on the last 4/5kms but still managed a 4.30 ish average for the set. Last two kms were considerably quicker due a turtle's head. Run stats at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/79385691
Mat up with Adam and Kasey at Palm Cove yesterday for a very nice lunch - probably why this morning's run wasn'y that great!
Just about to headoff the Atherton Tableland for an overnight camping experience at Bill and Geraldine's - going to be keeping my eyes on those creepy crawlies - have seen some rather large huntsman up there before. Hopefully we make it back!

Corp Cup Shambles from Cairns

Well finally on holiday and seriously enjoying the sun and relaxation of the in-laws at Cairns. Have spent the morning in the pool with kids and probably going for a wander to the beach this afternoon - certainly better than the FY12 budget meeting that was scheduled for today. It is also helping to erase the painful memories of yesterday's Corp Cup debacle. Slowest run of the series with a 25.20 and almost embarrassed to admit that online. Just felt ike I had nothing in the legs yesterday, chest also felt a bit wheezy for some reason, and the changed course did not help by adding fleet steps twice. Only thin that made my time bearable was Adam's who did roughly 27.30, and while I shouldn't take heart from his backward slide (he is four minutes slower than this time last year) I do. Quite a cruel approach given he notched up 50 runs yesterday. O also need to give a big shout (trying to keep it real for the young readers) to Mr Donnelly who hit his 200th run yesterday - a significant acheievement and I think he mentioned he has been doing the corp cup since 1997 which is 1200kms of running in the Corp Cup alone.
A rather long blog today, mainly because I am having to wait for the garmin active x control to download over a Far North Queensland internet connection - 5Mb took over 5 minutes - bring on the NBN!!!
All done now so here are the stats from yesterday and they are not pretty http://connect.garmin.com/activity/79091583 but then again, I'm sittig in tropical queensland and don't really care now.
Hoping to get out for a run tomorrow to get some lonegr kms into the legs ahead of the half.

Two sleeps left

Counting the sleeps until we go on holiday - must be a sign that I need one! Glad to get out for the Hurts session today with Adam and managed to do the normal route and come back to circular quay at an average pace of 4.28's for the 11kms. Must have been in holiday mode as I forgot to switch the watch back from the cycle setting, so not great stats for an 11km ride, but happy with them for a run. Good crowd out today with Mike, Adam, Wildman and Pete among the crew with Derek joining us around the Hyatt and Milke King making a special but short appearance at the Opera House. Adam dropped off at the end of Baragaroo with a heart rate over 180 and looking a little bit puggled - not unexpected given he hasn't been out with us for 2 or 3 weeks. Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/78524690.
Also just wanted to say congrats to Laura for a very impressive 3.08 in the Canberra Marathon yesterday - a pb by 4 minutes and a great effort.
Not out tomorrow as saving legs for last corp cup of the series and will aim to get a bit closer to the pb than the rest of the series.

Sunday Ride

Nice to be back in a warm sunny Sydney after my trip to Melbourne. Have been dog sitting for the weekend and looking forward to being canine free in a few hours! The mutt spent most of Friday night howling in the back garden, so Anna was up regularly sorting it out - it is her sister's dog after all, only right that she sorts it out! Unfortunately the kids were up three times as well, so yesterday was a long day for both of us.
Managed to get out on the bike at lunch time today and did 5 laps of the park - on the last two did the hill up to Oxford Street out of the saddle - so some good cardio. Garmin batteries ran out before I got to the park, so no stats to prove I did anything at all.
Aiming to get out for a longer hurts run tomorrow and heel is feeling a lot better, so with a month to go to the SMH Half, I need to be getting the kms in. Corp cup on Wednesday and heading off to Cairns that night for about 10 days, so will be a short week although the plan is to go a 5/6 long runs in Cairns.

Melbourne Quickie

Just managed a 15-20 min hit out early this morning in Melbourne. Not very fast and forgot to start the watch until halfway through as it was baltic. Could almost see my breath as I was running around Fitzroy Gardens. Half the run stats are here http://connect.garmin.com/activity/77844246 and looking forward to getting home tonight. Will try and get a run or ride in over the weekend as I need to start doing some longer stuff in prep for the half. Looking forward to heading off to Cairns next Wednesday for a family holiday and some humidity (read tropical rain) training.
House saga is finally over and would not be recommending 1to1Realty - who are now asking 2.05 for the house they advertised as offers over 1.8.
Have a good weekend my loyal readers

Wednesday Hit Out

Well no go on the house and if you are ever looking in the Eastern Suburbs avoid 1to1Realty.
Managed to get out for the long hurts run today - only three of us turned up - Mike and Anton being the other two. A very nice slow pace out towards Heartbreak Hill - I was only aiming to do 10kms so turned at Rose Bay and came back via Rushcutters and Elizabeth Bay. Average pace was 5.20 mainly due to the hilliness of the run. Stats are at http://connect.garmin.com/activity/77494815.
Melbourne for the next two days so will take gear and hopefully get a run in on Friday morning.

BRW Win

Two topics to cover tonight - I'll get the annoying one off my chest first....
Attended a house auction on Saturday after being advised during the wek the house was in our price range. We were the only bidder at the auction and thought we were in with a chance for the vendor bid to come in at $150k over the asking price -seriously annoyed and now find out that they are trying to sell the place at $250k over the price quoted. Not sure the vendors have a clue about the market at the moment or why they only had one interested party at an auction! Anyway that's my rant over with.
The BRW on Sunday was a great event- we went one better than last year and came third in the Corporate Mixed category out of 620 teams. All three of us did pb's this year and we were only 20 seconds off the second place team. Managed a 31.46 myself and very happy with a 10.12 run time for what is more like a 3km than 4km run. Unfortuately no garmin splits as I couldn't work my watch - which is a bit embarrassing! No running yesterday or today but hoping to get out for 10kms or so with Hurts tomorrow before two days in Melbourne at the end of the week.