News

Takashimadaira 10km Road Race Report   - By Gerard Robb. Sunday 21st October, 2007.

Right now I am in an internet cafe in the city of Ikebukero. I have just completed the Takashimadaira 10km Road Race.

Start: 8.47 am
Distance: 10km exact
Weather: Fine cool and clear 15 degrees approx. Stiff breeze from the east.
Course: Perfect Flat, 2*5km circuit.
Time: 35.15
Report: Very enjoyable race, well organised event. The flattest 10km I have run on a road course. Found a good rythym and paced of some other runners before going solo for the last 2km into a stiff headwind. There were no shouts of `COME ON` - not necessary, may have also scared the locals.

My Tokyo Running Group blog can be viewed by clicking here.

Training Diary   - By Kate Seibold-Crosbie. Tuesday 31st July, 2007.

For those of you who didn't get to see the hard copy of this training diary, here's a softcopy. The diary is C5 (Half A4 Size) and is $15. The diary was designed by Fiona Squires, an elite triathlete. It has no start/stop dates, so you fill it in as you go. If used everyday, it lasts 3 months. I think it very useful as it caters for not only training, but diet, weights, sleep patterns, heart rate etc. I'm collecting orders so please let me know if you would like one (or more). I will place an order with Fiona on the 7th August so let me know before then. My email address is kateseibold@hotmail.com.

Training Diary.pdf

Lorne Mountain to Surf Race Report   - By Kate Seibold-Crosbie. Friday 5th January, 2007.

We drove to Lorne on a 36 degree day. I knew the race would be tough in those conditions. I drank heaps of electrolyte, had a borocca and I was pumped. I rocked up to the entry tent and picked up my number. Problem was I was not “elite”. I asked for an elite number and was told I needed to justify it. I told them I had won it twice before, so that was good enough. I got to the start line and stood there waiting. The gun went off and I eased into it.

I passed Mitho at the top of the 1st hill and caught Gerard at the top of the 2nd and scooted through the forest. I love down hill running, but it’s hard on the legs! I entered the open road and felt great…the borocca had kicked in. I passed a few more guys and had heaps of spectators cheer “first female”.

With 500m to go, I caught up to another guy. His Dad was on the sidelines urging him on, so I sat behind. I think he may have been given grief if I went past. I crossed the line in 27.12. Not far behind last year’s time, so I was happy. After a horrible running period during the latter part of 2006, it’s a relief to feel myself again. This win was my 3rd at Lorne.

My results so far...

2003 28.17 (old course - longer) 2nd
2004 27.50 (old course - longer) 1st
2005 27.31 (old course - longer) 1st
2006 26.55 2nd
2007 27.12 1st

I went to see Dan who was not in fab shape. Poor Dan! He asked whether I saw him cross the line…..not possible when I was over a minute behind. 90mins later, he was back to normal.

I picked up a great prize, so another holiday is on the agenda. Hopefully I will be back to race again next year.

Auckland Marathon Race Report  - By Simon Knowles. Thursday 2nd November, 2006.

2:40:03 - annoying! Would have loved to go under 2:40...next time. Slowly recovering, not as bad as I thought I would be however.

Quick race summary - Went out at 2:32 pace and passed 5km bang on in 18:00, but was feeling really lethargic as the 3 hour time difference meant I was actually running at equivalent 3:30am Melbourne time and was up at 1:30am, didn't feel good at all.

Started feeling better after the 5km mark though and went through the half in about 1:17. However, had an eventful last half beginning with a hamstring spasm at about 22km which I momentarily thought was a tear but settled down after a few minutes. Ran into a blustery head wind all the way out along the coast and back which was really tough, compounded by the fact I was by myself the whole way. Took a toilet stop at 30km mark (lost about a kilo I think), and after that took about 2kms to find a rhythm again.

Legs were really starting to tire from 8km out and started blowing out to over 4min kms and was fearing the worst. But with 2km to go was still holding on and wound it up to finish with a sprint and a 3:30 last Km.

Could have sped up earlier in hindsight but didn't have the confidence as felt on the edge of blowing up and had forgotten how heavy the legs get in a marathon.

Basically a little under prepared I think and needed another month of long runs. Happy though as overall had a lot of things go a little wrong - definitely forgot how disciplined you have to be leading up to the race ie. food, sleep etc.

Melbourne Marathon Race Report  - By Matthew Anderson. Wednesday 11th October, 2006.

I had previously been reprimanded for my lack of preparation for races and long training runs. This time my lead up was text book, in the morning, it was a few pieces of toast and some fluid.....I was hydrated....I was carbed up.... I was fired up.

I arrive at the start line in plenty of time. I watch other runners speeding up and down the road using precious fuel they will need to run the 42.2km! I walk to the start line and am well placed, 2 or 3 rows back....all is well......I am feeling focussed. However I look down at my watch and I realise that my pacing band is still sitting in my backpack!!!...... I realised this was going to be another race ran by feel more than science. I knew I had to run at 3.46/km to finish in 2.39 but reailsed that after about 2 kms the maths was going to become a little difficult.

During the delay on the start line I was seeing and picking up the chatter of other competitors...and my hopes for a top 10 finish were quickly checked. I could see 2-3 internationals, de Highden, then a group of 4 or 5 guys right next to me talking amongst themselves who all had the goal time of 2.30....throw in a dozen or so guys who were built like Siberian racing snakes and I am starting to feel inadequate... top 30 maybe.....so much for being a softer year I thought.

But it was all about the time....I had become obsessed with running sub 2.40, it has been rolling around my head for weeks, the case for: being absolutely caned by Martinico and Hornery on longer runs along the course- the case against: injuries combined with a general lack of ability.

The gun finally went off and I got away OK, got checked a couple of times and had to take a few pixie steps but nothing too bad. Went through the first km feeling very comfortable which is suprising for me as I usually take a few kms to relax, the watch told me 3.41, I knew I was on track. After a few kms the maths became too hard and I switched to auto pilot and just tried to maintain a rhythm, I felt I was running well, the legs felt good, the only thing that was stressing me a little was the amount of runners in front of me, I would have been lucky to be in the top 40. I just tried to keep a rhythm and hoped the places would sort themselves out. I just could not find anyone to run with, but I thought that as long as I start moving through the field it was not an issue..... hoping that my one paced tractor like style of running would eventually wear some of them down. When we got in the late teens I was settling in and was starting to move through the field. I really was oblivious to the tailwinds at this stage ...I approach a drink station and was suprised to be handed some water from Magnus ...he says "you must be loving this wind" .....it gave me a boost mentally to know that it must be saving me energy.

Through to half way mark the watch said mid 1.18 or something, I knew I was on track with a little bit of fat, just had to avoid a 3 minute blow out like last year and I was home. The prospect of negative splitting never entered my mind. I then went through a bit of a flat patch, I was completely alone and at times could not even see anyone up ahead. In the mid 20's I spotted a pair of runners about 200m away, I just focussed on reeling them in as I really wanted to run with a group. I finally caught up to them and was looking forward to taking a sit behind them for a while, but almost immediately I realised that I was going to lose rhythm if I stayed with them, so I pulled out and went passed them. I was suprised by how quickly and easily I went past. I was in the zone at this stage and felt strong, I go past another guy who is completely shot, I recognise him as one of the guys talking about a 2.30 finish...obviously not his day. I remember passing Troy on the sidelines at one stage.

I knew Paul was goign to be at 32 km mark to give me a little bit of a help along so I made that my next goal.....get to 32kms and worry about the rest after that. I finally see the 32km marker and I am feeling the first hint of alarm bells going off in the legs, but I puff out the chest and speed up the legs a bit as I wanted to at least look fresh, I see these 2 fit looking guys up ahead in P Martinico and J Eagleton, they jump in and I felt like a king with his own enterouge, it lifted me no end. I assumed Paul knew how we were tracking time wise as I had basically forgotten about the watch by this stage but I do not ask as I mentally could not have handled a negative response.... we plough on. I remember spotting a couple of guys not too far ahead with another couple a little ahead of them...I say "I've got these guys" and am prepared to speed up past them....P Martinico reminds me that I have 8kms to catch them and to settle down. I obey his instructions and relax, but it is not long before the HVT train is reeling them in anyway. I am told my rhythm is good and I am not missing a beat....but I am starting to deteriorate and the first feeling of doubt is starting to set in. I try and disguise it but I cannot help thinking I "have I gone out too quick??" But I am determined not to fall away in front of these guys, after injury upon injury I feel I am gaining a reputation!!!......the fear of tanking more than anything else keeps me going ....I need to get a score on the board!!

We move through St Kilda.... I am close but there is still alot of work to do, I then shift my mind to worrying about getting to Fitzroy St ...get up that and you are into the home straight along St Kilda Rd. Jase peels off and says I am looking strong.... I suspect he is lieing as I am only just keeping it together and starting to feel very ordinary. We finally get to Fitzroy St.....someone seems to have moved it a km further on!!!! The atmosphere picks up but I am in no mood to enjoy it, the turn into Fitzroy St has interrupted my rhythm slightly, I am officially starting to worry.

P Martinico asks me for one final dig up the pinch in Fitzroy St, I think I obliged with a whimper of pain and we move onto St Kilda Rd......I ran the first stretch OK but I am starting to have horrible premonitions of a catastrophic blow up so close to home.....through to 38 and 39k and Anderson is shot, starting to fight a losing battle not to fall apart and desperately trying to hang on. I remember Paul saying "in 5 minutes you are going to go past a 2.17 marathoner"....I notice the Morrocon fella coming back to us at a rate of knots.... Paul than said "make than 1 minute" as we moved up to him and passed him.... I think jet lag had taken its toll.....but at this stage I am really not caring if I was running over the top of Tergat...I am just hanging on for dear life.... but seem to be maintaining some semblence of pace albeit slightly wobbly, finally the 41 km mark Paul peels off and tells me to enjoy it......I have only 1 km to go and I am still scared as to wheather I will make it.... I manage to lift the tempo slightly, I can see the line...I think I run over one more guy (or maybe I already have I feel barely concious!!)...... another runner is probably no more than 20 m away I think about gritting the teeth and having a crack but neither the will or the legs are there, it is not until I am 100m from the finish that I think "yeah I will probably make this"...I look up at the clock and see that I am in no danger of missing any type of mile stone....so I just roll in and cannot believe I can now stop running!! ......I remember swearing after stopping that as long as I live I am never going to run again (and at that stage, believe me I meant it) but within a few minutes I was OK but I was still struggling to get my head around the fact I had somehow ran a nine minute PB . The wind must have been cyclonic as I am just not a 2.34 marathoner!!!!

Big thanks to the group, I would never have been able to put myself in a position to take advantage of those conditions and run a PB like that without being lucky enough to train with guys that make me push more than I ever would by myself. It is great stuff.

Christchurch Marathon Report  - By Kate Seibold-Crosbie. Monday 19th June, 2006.

A few weeks ago Tim and I ventured over to New Zealand with the intention of me running the Half Marathon and Tim to run the 10k. Things were going to plan until the Race Organiser made the comment “it’s a shame you’re not running the Full Marathon as this year’s entries are quite weak. It will probably be won in 2.48”. Hmmm…. I thought. I should be able to manage 4min ks.

My training has been rather ordinary of late and having done pretty slack Sunday runs, I knew it was going to be a little tough. The pressure of running a PB was not there. I just wanted to win. Having a supportive coach helps! Tim’s words of wisdom before the start line was “ this is going to fu@*n hurt. Your training has been sh*t so don’t go out hard. After 30k it will be hell. You may find that the marathons you have done in the past may have toughened you up though”

I went out at 4min ks and broke away from the lead girl at 13k. I had a pit stop at 25k and exited without the lead cyclist, so I assumed the lead was lost. Fortunately he was back in my sights by 27k and I approached the turnaround and realized I had a good lead. Great! Where is the wall? I managed a few ks at 4.20, but felt ok. At 40k Tim was on the side of the road. I told him to get to the finish. I started to pick up the pace and managed a few sub 4s as I just wanted to finish. I swerved past the walkers and Half Marathon finishers at the back of the pack. It’s nice to have company out there, but I wished they would give me some room!

Fortunately it was the best I’ve felt finishing a marathon ever. I crossed the line feeling physically good and exhilarated I’d won. The NZ doping agency was there and I had to give a sample. Three bottles of drink, a prima and 3 hours later I managed to go. A quick shower and it was time for the presentations. Fortunately there was a large crowd as spot prizes were awarded. I nearly cried going on stage. My time was 2.54. A PW, but my first marathon win. Hooray, it was now time to celebrate in Dreamworld!

Canberra Marathon Race Report #2.  - By Sam Frankenburg. Thursday 20th April, 2006.

After spending Saturday in Canberra checking out the local farmer’s market, going for a run (which was meant to be 20 minutes and ended up being 50 minutes when I couldn’t find the house where we were staying), having lunch with some friends and sifting around the National Gallery, I headed for the video shop to locate the most boring movie I could find. Saturday night, I had an early tea and put the video on at 8.30 hoping that it would put me to sleep quickly – I was sound asleep by 9.00 – a good start to my pre-race preparations !

I got up early Sunday morning to prepare myself for the 7.00am marathon start. Did the usual stop on the way to the race start - bakery to get my husband and rest of my support crew croissants for them to munch on with their coffee while they stood around – and was feeling very relaxed.

The race started and it was 2 degrees – a beautiful morning in Canberra with a clear blue sky. I went through the first km in 5.25 (I hadn’t positioned myself very well at the start line) and by the second km I was into my race pace of 5.10 and just enjoying the day and feeling good. I was pleased to have made it through the first few kms with no mishaps - like being peed on as I was in NY on the bridge at the start of the marathon.

For the next 30kms I jogged along, primarily with a doctor from the UK who had done many marathons including Shanghai, Monte Carlo, Hong Kong just to name a few. It was good to have some company and although in the last 10 kms he dropped off, he always reappeared and we finished within 5 seconds of each other. He had the nerve to email me on Monday after the race to enquire what other marathons I was doing this year, mentioning that he would be doing Great Ocean Road in May, Gold Coast in July, Melbourne in October and Auckland, whenever it is on – crazy !!

One of the great things about the Canberra marathon is that included in your race pack is a booklet with all of the numbers, names and PBs of each of the runners. As you run along, spectators look up your number and call out your name, as my support crew entertained themselves doing (and sometimes even quickly calculate whether you are on track for a PB and let you know!).

I went through the 27km mark still feeling comfortable and remembered Tim telling me that if you could make it through that point and out to the 35km mark, it was all downhill from there (it’s not exactly downhill from there, but was a nice thought to keep with me anyway.) All of sudden at 36kms I had that – why am I doing this, its not fun at all, I’m never doing this again, maybe I would feel better if I walked type of banter occurring in my head. I persevered though, and although I slowed down a bit I was determined not to walk.

When I hit the 39km I tried to convince myself that I only had one lap of Princess Park (my local running spot) to go and I knew that I was going to make my goal of seeing two 3s on the clock when I finished. My mum was at the 41km mark and she jogged the last km with me. I asked her to “just talk to me” and so she rambled on about “what a beautiful day it was, although a bit hot for running” and how she thought “Magnus had won the men’s marathon but I could find out very shortly”. She then told me “you shouldn’t run in the middle of the road because you’ll trip over one of the reflectors on the road” which wasn’t really my concern at that stage.

I finished in 3.38.12 which was almost a 10 minute PB so I was very pleased to say the least. All in all I had a great time.

Canberra Marathon Race Report.  - By Anthony Lee. Wednesday 19th April, 2006.

I was well tapered and keyed up and ready to go for the race. Finished my final preparations on Saturday night with another large serving of pasta and bread. Had had a very big 3 days of carb loading and felt as big as a whale but was paranoid about having nothing left at the end so was wanting to be carbed up to the max.

Pre-Race Plan
After assessing my recent form and discussions with Tim I decided on a race strategy of trying to run even splits. Definitely had the temptation to have a crack at running 4 min kms but settled on 4:05's with the aim of going somewhere in the region of 2:52 to 2:55. Effectively sub 2:55 was the goal but the added bonus of knocking off Mitho's 2:54:24 PB was also in my mind. Felt quietly confident with my goal time as I had had a much better preparation and some better luck than my last attempt in 2004.

And had the big advantage of at least having 1 marathon under the belt.

Race Day
Cold crisp day with very little breeze. YES!

Got to the start line had a few last nervous pitstops and was ready to go. Tim had warned me that there was a downhill start and to be very cautious of running the first km too quick. I was very determined to have a relaxed first km. I had a good position on the 2nd row.

The gun goes off. The huge herd takes off and luckily felt nice and relaxed in the first km. Got to the first marker and looked down at my watch and had run a 4:04. Would have been sitting in about 60th place at this point. Settled in to a nice rythym and worked my way through about 15 or so runners over the next 4 kms. Stayed relaxed through the Parliament house section of the course and got to 10kms in 40:32. A bit quicker than expected but nothing to panic about.

Now headed out onto the 15km loop along lake Burley Griffin. At about the 16km mark climbing the first of two hills on the loop felt a bit of a twitch in the quads. At this point realised that the honeymoon period of the race was over. Once I was over that first hill however I was able to relax again and was feeling pretty good again. Kept ticking over the kms between 4:03 and 4:07 and went through half way point in 1:25:45.

Finished the first loop off and was starting to get tired but the carb shot I had at the 25mark seemed to give me a boost (Probably more mentally than anything). Now had to head out in the same direction again for the second 15km loop. Although the prospect of covering old ground can be a bit boring at least you knew what challenges lay ahead and you could be prepared for the hills. The other advantage of the 2 loops was that you could get a look at other competitors (both faster and slower) and there was constant crowd support because of the condensed nature of the course.

In 2004 I started to slow down at the 30km mark and by 35 kms I had slowed down to 5min kms. Obviously this was in the back of my mind but was counting on the better preparation and the friendlier conditions to get me through this tough period.

Kept my pace going until 32 kms and then realised that this was make or break time. I passed about 4 other runners between 28 & 32 so mentally this was a boost. At 32kms the pain was starting to kick in. There is a hairpin bend turnaround around a witches hat just before the 33km point. Having to stop and pivot around this was not pleasant.

35 - 38 were tough. Had to grit the teeth at this point and try and maintain pace as best as I could. Slowed down slightly over this period, running a 4:12 for the 35th km and a 4:15 for the 38th (slowest for the race). Once I got to the 38km mark and still had some of my quads left intact I convinced myself that it was only a lap of the tan and a bit to go. With finish line mentally in sight I upped the tempo (however this was just enough to get me back to running around the 4:08 mark). Enjoyed the race from the 40km mark and when I turned the corner for the last 200m my smile was about 6 feet wide. Was a good feeling with 200m to go because the clock was on 2:51:48 which meant that I couldn't go sub 2:52 but wasn't going to go over 2:53 either, which meant that I could celebrate the finishing chute. In Martinico style the arms were waving and there were shouts of joy. Basically I made a di#k of myself but at that stage who cares.

Very satisfied overall. The key for the race was consistency.

Aftermath
Felt good after the race as opposed to collapsing for nearly an hour in 2004. Am extremely stiff and sore today, even more so than last time. Can just muster up a walk today but am sure will be OK by Wednesday.

Big thanks to:

HVT News.  - By Tim Crosbie. Friday 7th April, 2006.

The Autumn/Winter racing season kicks off with a big bang this weekend, with plenty of HVT runners in action.

Anna D’Alberto embarks on the 100km Melbourne Trailwalker this afternoon and will hopefully have the thermals packed for what could be a very chilly trek through the Dandenongs and on to Mt Donna Buang. Good luck Anna, and we expect to see you at training on Tuesday belting out reps!!

Meanwhile we have a contingent heading to Canberra for the best marathon in the country. With a PB of 3:05, Anthony Lee will be hoping to break the 3hr barrier and if his recent racing form is anything to go by, he’s got it in the bag. But as we know, the marathon is a cruel beast, so AL definitely isn’t counting any chickens just yet.

Also in the form of her life, Sam Frankenburg should be the next HVT runner through somewhere between the 3:30 to 3:40 mark. Sam’s recent 10k PB indicates she’s in top shape, so we’ll be looking to see her 3:47 PB crumble.

My tip for next in is the trim, taut and terrific Ron Caterson. Having done nothing wrong in training, Cato is eagerly awaiting his first cool weather marathon in quite a while and should go under 4hrs. Rob Saunders (Greybeard) will be thereabouts and should also go under 4. A tough run on King Island will have taught Rob some pacing lessons, which should help him stick to pace in this one.

Duncan Richardson rounds out the HVT mob in his debut performance. After a fantastic preparation, Duncan has had a few back related niggles in the last few weeks, but has committed to travel to Canberra and have a go. My personal opinion is that Duncan will cope well in Canberra and the much prized sub 4hr debut awaits.

Good luck to all of our guys and girls doing the long stuff!

Back in Melbourne, most of the gang will be hauling their backsides over the Bolte Bridge, through the Domain Tunnel then up to the RCH as we tackle the 14.7km Run for the Kids. This run has defied the critics and actually achieved it’s cut off mark of 20,000 making it the largest running race ever conducted in Melbourne.

With most of us being AV runners, we have the privilege of leading the pack from the front of the start line, and should have a fairly clear run for most of the journey. Don’t forget that we meet in Shed 14, which is right on the waterfront at Docklands and only 50m from the start line. Your club managers will hand out the race kits there.

With Kate and I spending next week in tropical North Queensland, we’ll leave you in the capable hands of Dan ‘da man’ Hornery at training. He’s been advised to look out for bludgers sitting in the middle of packs and rip into them accordingly. So if you want to avoid a tongue lashing – DO SOME WORK!

Training this Thursday, 9th March. Wednesday 8th March, 2006.

Please note that training this Thursday will be at the Tan Track due to the Telstra A Series at Olympic Park. We'll meet at the Pillars at 6:10pm for two laps of 500m on, 500m off. Telstra A Series

Road Closures for Commonwealth Games. Tuesday 21st February, 2006.

Available for download is a spreadsheet with the road closures as a result of the Commonwealth Games. This information may come in handy when training and racing throughout the Games fortnight. Road closures.xls

Victorian Open Track & Field Championships.  - By Tim Crosbie. Thursday 16th February, 2006.

With the AV website collapsing under the weight of too many hits, many of you are probably unsure who’s doing what and when this weekend. Fortunately an insomniac coach was up at 2am overnight and managed to download the schedules for the graded races, so here’s my take on proceedings.

Victorian Open Track & Field Championships - Technical Rules & Notice.  - Athletics Australia. Tuesday 14th February, 2006.

Competitors in this weekend's State Track & Field Championships should note that the competition will be conducted according to the rules of the IAAF, Athletics Victoria and Athletics Australia.

It is important that all athletes and coaches read this in detail; in particular you should ensure that you understand the Call, Check in and warm up procedures.

This event is a readiness test for the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the M2006 Games and will be conducted as such, athletes that do not read the technical rules and follow check in and call procedures may be disqualified for the event.

View here - Technical Rules & Notice.

The Continuing Saga of the Missing Yellow Shirt.  - By Crown Witness No 1. Wednesday 8th February, 2006.

Last night Nike number 5979 was spotted. Was this really 5979 or 5999 with part of the number scratched? Mr Martinico rounded up his groupies and proceeded over ready to pounce!

A light tap on 5979's shoulder and none other than Julien Schulberg turned and was confronted by Martinico. With his head turned slightly and beady eyes glaring at Schulberg, Paul posed the question..."Is that the real 5979 or did you steal my t-shirt?" Julien, thinking Paul needs a new hobby, said "Get a grip. Like I want your smelly top?"

It seems Martinico is becoming less trusting of his friends. Will he turn on you next? Wil l he be asking you whether your adidas top is really Nike? Did you scratch off the number and dye it?

To be continued....

Some interesting facts about the Number 7 (Kylie Dick please read!).  Tuesday 7th February, 2006.

Police Report.  - By Senior Sargent Vorn Hornery. Tuesday 31st January, 2006.

We are currently investigating the theft of a running top. It looks like any other running top however it is bright yellow, resembling bad taste from the 80’s and is alleged to be soaking in sweat. The victim, who has requested to rename anonymous, is understandably devastated.

“It was hot and humid on Sunday morning and I had to take my top off to survive. Not for a second did I think someone would steal it from the side of the road. People are just so cruel.”

We are currently doing a door knock in the Kew Boulevard area. The top is best described as yellow, loud and ugly and can be identified by the stench of a man’s sweat and with the insignia, 'Nike - You’re The Run That I Want' and the number 5999.

If you have any information, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 000 000..

The Weekly Wrap.  - By HVT’s scoop reporter, Horn Vornery. Monday 16th January, 2006.

Another interesting weekend of competition with Pres, just back from his sun drenched trip to Queensland, extending his Pro career with two races down at Rye. Despite trying to attract the Bookmakers attention with the worst case of peeling since those tiles flew off the Challenger shuttle, Pres failed to raise much interest in the betting ring and yet again found himself just donating money to the winner’s purse. Pres’ one moment of glory came when he passed Matt Sandilands in the home straight of the 1600m, after having been overtaken the lap before. A Stewards enquiry resulted in Matt being awarded the “softest run of the day” award and directed to carry the triumphant Pres around the Rye footy ground on his shoulders… true story.

Out at Knox, Team Sandy did battle in the Regional Finals. There were PB’s galore in the second heat of the 1500m with Gerard, Anthony, Ash Snowden and Han Quach all going under their bests with well judged races. Anthony by a massive 9sec.

Gerard and Anthony are however shaking in their boots after showing no respect for the coach, recording their first ever wins over him at his pet event. There has been talk of the dreaded 50 x 400m session for these two on Tuesday to remind them who’s the boss.

Kate and Juanita placed 1 and 3 in the women’s Div 1 1500m, Kate playing with Rachel Green for a few laps before reminding the youngster who’s the top of the heap out Knox way. Juanita PB’d again, despite 18 Scotch & soda’s, 4 jugs of Tequila sunrise, a slab of VB and over indulging with 34mins of sleep the night before.

The main attraction for most was Dan Hornery’s attempt at the National qualifying mark of 9:20 for the steeple. With the program running ridiculously late even ‘Mr Cool’ was getting anxious with a slight quiver detected in the eyebrow ring. As the crowd thinned, the wind sprung up and the light dimmed around him, he finally heard the sound of the gun at close to 6pm. Needless to say it wasn’t to be in these conditions as our man cursed his way around the track muttering profanities at each barrier he cleared.

In a post race interview with the Knox Bugle, Hornery came out with a conspiracy theory, claiming that his evil twin brother Vorn had raised the height of the barriers to that of the men’s high hurdles. Vorn had earlier been seen loitering around the track, so footage from the electronic timing will be viewed to substantiate the claim.

Speaking of Vorn, results have come through from the Annual Tallangatta “Running of the Friesan Cows”. Vorn won the event by withstanding the charge of 100 prime milkers down the main street of Tallangatta. No-one was hurt in the charge, although 8 of the Friesan’s were put down after being gored by the mischievous Vorn.

In a sporting battle of another kind, “Buzz” Burrows has been taking on the world’s best in the press rooms of the Australian Tennis circuit. With his well known fetish for eastern European females, Buzz has reported back with limited success in his pursuit of a “love match’. Even well known tennis floozies, Russian Getya Legova and the Czech Tittiana Hanzallova were reported to have knocked back Buzz, leaving him to find solace in the powerful arms of the player’s Serbian masseuse, Ivana Grabyudic.

Until next week...

Excuses, Excuses.  - By Wobbly's Mum. Friday 6th January, 2006.

Dear Tim,

Please belatedly excuse Wobbly Man from tonight's Speed work. You should not consider Wobbly's absence from speed work tonight to be a sign of his lack of commitment to his running or the recently dubbed "latte" running group.

Wobbly was absent from the track tonight because:

(1) His shin feels a bit sore and he didn't want to push it hard today - particularly after his 16k mid-week run yesterday which seemed to go really well.

(2) Mrs Wobbly unexpectedly bought Wobbly Man 1/2 dozen oysters for a little "treat" before dinner! Wobbly therefore didn't want to miss a chanc e to enjoy said oysters and any "little treats" that may follow....

Signed,
Wobbly's Mum.

wobblyman.blogspot.com

Welcome to HVTraining.com  - By Tim Crosbie. Tuesday 20th December, 2005.

Welcome to the new website for the Human Velocity Training group. That’s the snazzy new name for the people you’ve been hanging around with on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
The website is aimed at increasing the communication level throughout our group. There’s no doubt that we’ve established a fairly dynamic training group, so we hope to supplement that with regular updates to the site including: