Organised to collect Birchy and Corky O’Connor on the way
but Birch was a no show due to his alarm clock failure before heading out for
the first in the Striders series for 2016. Anticipation was high and was met by
a good crew that included Tea Towel Tony, Mike Leichwark, Leech, Taffy Lad, NOTB pairing Macca and Justin, Mr & Mrs
Kenny, Pete Walker and HuRTS P.O.T.Y Prince Ho who was out to make an early
statement for the year.
A good warm up with Jac before heading over to the start area,
I hate the start as we are made to go around the car park but settle with
fastest girl Julia Degan as we go through the first k in 3.27, Back off a
little for the second (3.45s) but even heading onto the narrow path soon after I’m
hurting and knowing it’s all over. Not a lot else to say really, just had nothing
as I then plodded around the back common area before returning to the start
line at 5ks in 19.19
It crossed my mind to call it a day but my ruling of never
pulling out unless injured prevented that option so stopped at the water
station as Pete Walker offered some encouragement as he went by. I thought I’d
help Jac around for the second half, No sign of her as I slowly went out for
the 2nd lap working over 4 min/ks. Heard a booming voice around the
7k mark that belonged to HuRTS pacer of the day on 40 minute duty – Hamish Mountford
to pick it up, but even that couldn’t be adhered and then had the Taffy Lad cruise past soon after. Had some excitement when
I could see the frontrunners heading for home as I witnessed Hoey leading from
the front to bring it home strong and take out the win in 33.02 with others
battles taking place between Biathlon Mike & Fats, and Macca & Leech.
Tried to do the sums in my head around the 9k mark and
worked out I’d need a sub 3.40 to break the 40 minute barrier for the day but
even that couldn’t coax me to lift as I sadly crossed out in 40.27
Very poor, but it is what it is, and I’ve really got to
decide what I want going forward as its obvious that what I’m doing now is NOT
working. Thinking about it, one of the things I’ve decided is to up the mileage
as I only really run on Tues, Thursday and Sunday long (with the odd Park Run
on Saturday ) – simply not enough. So will be out more regular by adding in a
Monday and Wednesday into the week.
As I mentioned some good runs from the team first up, Leech
sub 36, Macca 35.xx, Fats and Leichwark solid, but the first Timmy Run of the
Day to start the season goes to Hoey, 33.02 on that course pretty much running
the 2nd lap solo was a great effort.
Despite my disappointment I enjoyed my post run coffee with
Taffy, Champ and Corky out in the sticks of Homebush (in fact it was a higher
quality then that served over NOTB) as Champ got his camera out to show off his
many photos for his mornings work as the official HuRTS photographer including some
NON HuRTS members running around in Pink that Taffy Lad seemed to enjoy.
Some photos – many thanks to Champ.
Cheers
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