Saturday 23rd December

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

A quiet run with only 10 of us venturing out for a solid run at Belrose, weather was good although the humidity was somewhat high.

NEXT WEEKS RUN WILL BE ON NEW YEARS DAY, we will be running with the Coolrunning group on one of the 6Ft qualifying runs, this is the Black Stump run leaving from Berowra, this is another BYO EVERYTHING run. There is water and toilets available at the ferry (there was last year anyway) but that is all, if the weather warms up you will need to take enough to last you for around a 4 hr run (including the ferry trip). For maps and details go to

http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/hq/index.php?title=Beyond_The_Black_Stump

Road map for start at the bottom.
I may not be there as i have an invite to do some serious super hydration training on New Years Eve so enjoy yourselves
About half way

On the way up


Start for the Black Stump Run

Saturday, December 16 2006

OK where did youall get too, a little rain surely didn't stop everyone from turning up for about the best training session for 6ft Track.
The weather report mentioned that there could be showers but as everybody knows it also rains on Marathon days so what better way to prepare. As it was only 5 of us fronted up for the run in what turned out to be almost perfect running weather, cool and overcast with a light misting of rain in a few spots (hence the misty picture). The track surface was good all the way and apart from one car, two other runners and some wallabys we were alone.



We all took extra water which we dropped off at about the 7 k mark but it wasn't really necessary (but you never know) .
We split into two groups early but we all reached the quarry together in a few secods outside 1 hr 34 mins which is not a bad turn around time.



The trip home took the first group just under 1 hr 20 mins return and the second in 1 hr 24 mins, all very stiff and sore but pretty pleased with ourselves for our efforts.



The finish, another really great training run.

As next weekend is Christmas I thought it prudent to run a little shorter and somewhat more local, for some anyway.
The Equaliser it is, a nice 14 k's which will get us home in time to do that last minute shopping.
Same time as usual, 6:00 AM at Wyatt Reserve, Wyatt Avenue Belrose, not sure about drinks etc on this run so bring some just in case.



Jim

Saturday, December 09, 2006

This run began from the Buffalo Creek Reserve and followed the western side of Lane Cove River to the National Park, from Fullers Bridge we ran the bush trail to the Rangers Hut then across DeBurghs Bridge where we joined the Great North Walk to return to Fullers Bridge. The return to the start took us along the eastern side of the Lane Cove River including the rock hop around the outcrop (just as well it was low tide or we would have had wet feet. All up the consensus was that we ran about 24 k's in roughly 2 1/2 hours. The humidty made it hard work and during the latter half the temperature started to warm up. All up a good run, next week OURIMBAH!!!!

This is a post run picture and we are all smiling, i have no idea why!!!

Directions for next Saturday
REMEMBER THIS IS A TOTALLY UNSUPPORTED RUN, THERE IS NO WATER AVAILABLE ON THIS COURSE AT ALL.
BYO EVERYTHING, it is advisable to carry water on the way out and leave it at the 7 k mark to collect on your return. There is no local support afterwards either so bring along some cold drinks and something to nibble for the finish.
1) We will start at 7:00 AM
2) The start location will be on Palm Dale Rd just past the Crematorium, parking can be a problem as we will be on the road verge so you may have to walk a little way
3) Allow about an hour to get there from the northern suburbs.
4) Drive to the Newcastle Expressway and follow it past Gosford
5) When you reach the Ourimbah turnoff veer left from the expressway to the roundabout and follow the signs to Palm Dale Crematorium
6) When you have veered left you will then turn right at the roundabout and drive beneath the expressway.
7) After the expressway overpass turn left and follow the old Pacific Hwy north
8) Follow the signs to Palm Dale Cemetery and you will again pass beneath the expressway heading west.
9) Follow the road (Palm Dale Rd with a bit of luck) until you pass the Crematorium on our right, drive around the RH sweeping bend and look out for parked cars, we should be there somewhere.
It will be hard to miss us as there are no side streets to confuse things (well, not that i remember)
CU THERE at 7:00.
The plan will be to run for 3 hours, 1:45 out (al uphill then 1:15 return (all dwonhill), well nearly anyway.
If you are running a few minutes late ring me on 0411 258 589 and we will wait

Saturday 2nd December Otford to Bundeena

The numbers were down considerably for this weekends run, probably something to do with the weather and being a good distance from home. For those of us who did manage to get there it was a tough morning, the course is amazing with fantastic views and beaches throughout the run. The down side are the hills and running across numerous soft sand beaches and the thousands of needle sharp bushes lining the various tracks (my legs look like they have been used as a pin cushion). The run while only 29 k's took us around 4 hrs to complete (including a small 2 k or so deviation to inspect Wattamolla Beach which wasn't on the official course). Thanks go to Kevin and the Coolrunning group for a great run even if somewhat painful.





Next Sunday we will be running from the Buffalo Creek Reserve through to Lane Cove National Park for a trip on the bush tracks on both side of the river then back home for about 20 k's.

Saturday 25th November Quarry Road Run

Numbers were down to 15 this weekend for a leasurely run in the hills behind Hornsby, another typical Sydney morning which tended to get warm as the morning wore on. A couple of hardier types even managed to add some extra k's however most of us were happy with one trip out and back.

Next Saturday we are running a Fat Ass run with the Coolrunning folk, we will be starting from the Lookout at Otford and running back to Bundeena, a total of around 28 k's. This is a point to point run so come car pooling will be necessary to either get to the start or to return to your car afterwards.
There is a thread on Coolrunning discusing this if anybody is interested or even leave a message on this blog if it suits.

















Start at Otford Lookout

















Finish at Bundeena RSL

Maps and info on the web at
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/fatass/hq/index.php?title=Otford_to_Bundeena

Saturday 18th November

The second run and the numbers increased to 19 this morning (a couple of late comers not in the pic). Perfect weather again for the run, a cool start with clear skies all the way. Total run time around 1:20, some quicker and a small group only managed to get lost once (no mention about who was leading here please). A few fallen trees didn't slow us at all and in general the track is in reasonable condition

Craig is not really that short, it's that everybody else is really tall







Next weeks run will be the Quarry Road run starting from the end of Stewart St, Hornsby, lots of hills with some flat sections at the turn around. We'll probably run about 1:30 more if anboy is that way inclined will require additional laps. There are no drinks etc available on this run, I strongly suggest that everbody brings drinks to run with. For those new to this run be prepared for a tough course.

Saturday 11th November

Our first run and 15 of us managed a leisurely stroll through Penant Hills Park to Thornliegh Oval, nearly all of us arrived in time for the 6:00 AM start, a couple of late starters met us at the Oval and ran the course in reverse. The weather was perfect, the track not too messy after rains the previous evening so all up a good morning.

Next Saturday will again be a 6:00 AM start, this time we will meet at Echo Point at the bottom of Babbage Road, Roseville for the run through to 7 Little Australians Park, we will start from the entry to the bush at the end of Babage Road.

Striders 6ft Track Training Run No.1

As the first Saturday in November is the last of the 10 k series we will begin the Saturday runs the following week on the 11^th November.

The first training run will be an easy one, we’ll meet at the car park off Waterloo Park, cnr Waterloo Rd and Trafalgar Pl., NORTH RYDE. We will leave at 6:00 AM sharp and run to Thornliegh Oval and then back the same way.

This is bush trail nearly all the way (except the first kilometre) with some sections that can be highly technical (read “downright rough”), if it has rained recently there is likely to be water on the track in a number of locations. There are about 3 small creeks to cross which are usually easy enough however after heavy rains you may get wet feet.

Remember this is a BYO Everything, there is water available at Thornliegh Oval but that is all.

6ft Track 2007

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS OF THE NEXT RUNS FOR 2007

DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON

Saturday 25th February 06

After two successful Saturday mornings running to Quarry Road we will again be traveling to Stewart Street Hornsby to run the hills at Quarry Road. As per previous we will start at 6:00 AM . Run will be options for one or two laps.

Saturday 18th February 06

This Saturday we will be returning to Buffalo Creek Reserve on Pittwater Road, Gladesvlle for 14 k's, the run will start at 6:30 AM, CU there

Ourimbah Runners

Unfortunately there were only 3 hardy types fronting up for this gentle run in the bush and only one walker, the plan was for 20 k's which is out and back to the intersecton. It was suggested that this run is excellent training for the 6ft track and it proved only too true. Of the 3 of us running I was the only one who is actually targetting 6ft.
Thanks to Pete Truscott for meeting us at Epping and for showing us this great course, next time i'll do the 30 k option.

Saturday 11th February 2006

The run this Saturday will be from Ourimbah for 20 to 30 k’s depending on individual needs to really beat yourself up.

Start time at Ourimbah will 7:00 AM, for those of us who are not familiar with the route we will meet outside the Epping Hotel opposite the railway station, meeting time will be 5:50 AM, leave at 6:00.

Directions

Take the Ourimbah exit from the F3, follow the signs to Palmdale which is right at first roundabout then left at the second roundabout. Follow the road for about 2km to another roundabout, turn left and drive for 1km until you see a carpark on your right. Park around there. The run starts by following the road for about 1 mile and there will be a dirt road going off to the right. Turn there and follow up a very big hill. After about 40min (Peter Truscott time, probably somewhat more for the less athletically gifted amongst us, i.e. me) you will come to a intersection, stay on the main road to the left, do not go right. keep following for another 30min (refer previous comment re times) and you will come to a T intersection. Turn right and follow for 5 km ending up a big hill and you come to a quarry like looking area. Here you can turn around and retrace your steps home. This will be a 30km run. If you only want to do 20km turn at the intersection.

Alternative Run

George will take a group on an easy 11.5 kms from Buffalo Creek reserve, running towards Boronia Park Hunters Hill, west Lane Cove and back starting at 6.30am

Saturday 4th February 2006

This Saturday is the first Striders 10 k race for the year so there is no run programmed.

Saturday 28th January 2006

After such a successful Saturday mornings run last week there has been an unprecedented number of requests to do it all over again. So this Saturday we will again be traveling to Stewart Street Hornsby to run the hills at Quarry Road. To ease the day time temperature we will start at 6:00 AM this time. Run will be two laps with an option to run to the bottom of the gorge just to make sure it really is that steep coming back out. As George and I will be away Lisa Carroli has offered to act as the contact and if you are running late she can be contacted on 0412 970 574

Quarry Road Run

I have added all of the pictures that Rob and I have taken from all of the runs to date to the Coolrunning Website, to have a peek use the LINK on the right side of this page.





Two laps of Quarry road was the plan and the morning turned on fantastic weather at the start with the promise of getting somewhat warm on the second lap. A large group turned out for the run, some doing a single lap (the smart ones) and the rest opting for two. This was my first time on this track and for those who haven't done it i suggest that if you don't like running hills don't bother, if it's not going up at 45 degrees it's going down at the same angle. The good side is that it is some of the great bush scenery we are blessed with in this city, the down side is if you take your eyes off the road you will soon have a very very close view of it.
Thanks go to Sebastian for helping to organise behind the scenes and bringing extra water and his personal Throne for a short rest betwen laps.

Saturday 21st January 2006

This Saturday we will be running the Quarry Road track, Start is at end of Stewart Avenue, Hornsby - off Pacific Highway, there is no problem with parking.

The bush/fire track consists of a 13km loop, steep descent to begin with to a bridge crossing, go right over bridge then steep climb to a picnic area (there is a bush loo there), stay on the left for another steep hill, it then levels out for about 2km to end at Quarry Road Dural. Go back the same way....the real fun is the steep ascent at the end.

For a map and information go to http://www.coolrunning.com.au/runningguide/arg.php?pagename=Main.QuarryRoadFireTrail

Start time will be 6:30 AM

Unfortunately George is otherwise engaged this weekend so if you want to contact me if you are running late my mobile is 0411 258 589.

Cheers

Jim

Saturday 14th January 2006

This Saturday we are heading out to the Track, this time we are proposing to run from the Deviation back towards Cox's River.
We'll meet at the Ivanhoe Hotel at Blackheath as per last time but as we are going somewhat further we will meet at 6:30 AM at Blackheath and do a car pool. We expect there will be two groups, one for 2 hours and one for 3 hours on an out and back basis.
Any queries please contact George on 0409 605 200 or Jim on 0411 258 589.

Maps are available on the 6ft website at http://www.sixfoot.com/ under the "maps" section.

NOTE!! From the Ivanhoe Hotel we will drive to and park at the Caves Road Crossing and run to the Deviation from there.

Saturday 7th January 2006

This Saturday we will meet at the Buffalo Creek Reserve off Pittwater Road, Gladesville, the run will go from there through the bush to De Burg's bridge on Lane Cove Rd via the Great North Walk and back. appro 2 hrs 30mins. Start time will be 6:00 AM.