Running with the big boys again

On Tuesday I had my first day back running with the HuRTS boys in about 9 months. Since June last year I’d say, just before I had 3 weeks in Canada and then was laid down with a stress fracture of the pelvis the day after arriving back in Sydney.

Being able to run again in January, I started very gradually and over very short distances. The first speed work I did was Pain in the Domain two weeks ago and I was surprised that I hadn’t lost much speed at all. I did Pain again last Tuesday and then this week I thought things have been going well enough that I may just dip my toe back into the HuRTS pool and see how things feel.

It was 14 x 3 minutes around Farm Cove and a massive turnout of guys. Really good to see the regulars and chat to people like Tom, Ray, Dave and Enda. That group was a big part of my life over the first half of last year, and it’s so nice to be able to join them again.

The running was great too. I took it pretty easy because I wanted to make sure I could get at least 10 reps out and of course I didn’t want to overstrain myself. But even going at 165 HR I managed to keep up a fairly decent pace for me (well I was pretty close to the same guys I was close to 6 months ago). About halfway through I decided to go for 12 – a bit extra from what I’d planned, but not pushing it too much. I was surprised that I didn’t slow down too much towards the end, although after my 12 I was totally knackered and just did a slow jog back through the park for some stretches, feeling pleasantly tired and very very happy.

I have to say that after the session I felt on top of the world all afternoon, it’s amazing the effect it has on your body. The next day there was no soreness either. It’s good to be back!