Well the weather gods certainly smiled on my Big Day training session on Saturday.
Basically Big Day is a "dress rehearsal" for the race - only it wasn't "dress" because I haven't got my team uniform yet! Oh, and you get to have a break between disciplines, which was nice after the swim but probably a disadvantage after the ride.
So the day started at 4.30am as this will be the time I get up for the actual race. That was an early start! I practiced my race breafast - porridge with honey, protein powder and peanut butter (not as gross as it sounds), a cup of tea and an Up&Go. Listened to some music, made up all my drink bottles and packed the car... and fed the dog and emptied the dishwasher which hopefully I won't have to do on race day!
The biggest struggle of the morning was getting Johnno out of bed (just kidding baby ;) ) and on the way to the pool I kind of rememberd I had forgotten to organise with anyone that we were going to be there (as it's before opening hours) so thanks Anne for letting us in :)
After 2.5km the swim seemed to be going on for ever but eventually the 3.5km signal came from the end of the pool and I was able to put a bit extra in for the last 500m. I was a bit disappointed though that my time came up as 1 hour 8 minutes 22 seconds - every time I do a 4km TT it takes 1 hour 8 minutes to the minute - never any faster!
Sharon and Tim Gunton put in a great effort to swim about 2.5km but Dan Van der Vlist was the star of the show, swimming 1km further than he ever has before and making the whole 4km in 1 hour 20 minutes. Awesome.
Then it was time for a snack and a sit down. At 9 we met Dan and his two friends Chris and Tim in the car park and we set off on the ride portion of the day in cool but sunny conditions and NO WIND! For once! It was great. I must've looked a complete fool in the (re)Tardiz helmet with my TT bike going through town, but it was great once we got to some of the big downhills and the flats. The course was Rocherlea - Karoola - Pipers River - Pipers Brook - Lebrina - Scottsdale - Bridport. With the exception of the Fingerpost hill out of Rocherlea, all the way to Lebrina was fairly fast though undulating. The big hills between Lebrina and Scottsdale were the killers! Scottsdale to Bridport was also fast despite the reasonable headwind. Johnno did aid stations at Pipers Brook and Scottsdale which was extremely helpful (probably more helpful than all the photos he took of me suffering).
At Bridport I was tempted to ride up and down the street a few times to make the Garmin say 120km as it was only sitting on 116.6. But not too tempted. Plus, the requested chocolate milk was waiting...
After that and a jam sandwich, mixing around in my stomach with E3, Gatorade, Gu chomps and apricot bites from the ride, I felt like I was about to vomit, so luckily there was a break between legs as I needed a lie down in the sun.
Johnno went to do reconnaissance of the run course - to check it was possible to run the loop I wanted to run - and when he got back we decided to set off immediately after a 45min rest instead of the 90 minutes stipulated by Joe Friel in The Triathlete's Training Bible and Your Best Triathlon (currently on loan from the generous Suse Dowling).
Sharon and Tim did a great job to run 10km off their own bike ride, but the boys were out for the count - the hills had broken them!
Johnno decided to run the first lap with me which was lucky or I would've walked it all I think, especially the hills. As I said to him "I didn't know my legs weighed 100kg" - well that's how they felt.
Because I still felt like I would walk, I persuaded Johnno to do lap # 2 with me as well despite the fact that he has a really sore shin :( 13km was up by the end of that lap and he was out so I had to go it alone. Surprisingly I made it up all the hills without walking, but because it was a trail run with roots and rocks and I had very tired legs (not a good idea) I had a fall or two on that lap. The loop was good though with lots of variety and it certainly made the time go quickly. My legs were feeling back to normal by that stage but I was still running a lot slower than I hope to in the race. I'm hoping that with a taper and some fresh legs, as well as running straight off the bike, I might be able to go a bit faster in Vegas.
The last lap is always easy because you just say to yourself 'one more step = one more step closer to the end'! And sure enough the end arrived before I knew it and I was almost disappointed my Big Day had come to an end. I had really enjoyed it. Possibly more than I enjoyed then getting into the ocean as part of my recovery. I felt like the footballers in the Herald Sun, half naked at St Kilda beach in the middle of winter, shivering. I wasn't half naked but my feet went numb! It was a good move though as it certainly helped my legs feel better.
I had had visions of having to send Johnno to the shop to get tea because I couldn't walk after the day but I actually felt pretty fine. So we went and got stuff for burritos (yum) and champagne to celebrate. Unfortunately I couldn't eat nearly as much as I thought I would want to, and I didn't make great company because I was so tired. I nearly fell asleep at the table before going to bed at about 9pm. (much earlier than usual).
Sunday was the first day I can remember where I did not have ANY training whatsoever to do. And we weren't at home so no housework or anything! A whole day to do nothing?! That never happens!
I couldn't sleep past 7.30 anyway (that's already a 2-2.5hr sleep in from normal) so I got up and ate the leftover burritos for breakfast! Yuck! But I was hungry! Then I enjoyed sitting in the sun for a while with the naughty Maxy dog who had chewed up his lead and a wooden seat during the night.
Turns out we're so unaccustomed to doing nothing that after Dan and Chris left to ride back we had nothing to do but pack up, clean the shack and head home to unpack and do the washing etc! Boring!
Hopefully the two days of perfect weather don't mean that to balance out we're in for weeks of rain now.
Anyhow it was a great weekend, I was stoked with how Saturday went (with the small exception of my lack of run speed) and it was a great confidence booster for the race. The nutrition plan went well except for stomach cramps etc on the run, which is pretty usual for me, and may have been caused by the chocolate milk which won't be a factor in the race.
My recovery went heaps better than I'd expected, barely any leg soreness or general fatigue at all yesterday. Kind of freaked me out actually. Like all obsessive Type A triathletes I love a little bit of soreness to remind you that you've worked hard, you're gaining fitness and you've earned a day off. When you feel fine, a day off seems lazy!
Also, now that the Big Day is over, it seems a heck of a lot closer to Race Day, which makes me a little nervous. I'm more excited than nervous I suppose as I feel like I will be prepared and am really happy with how the training has gone. But everywhere I look people are talking up the Vegas course like it's the hardest thing ever (see latest Triathlete magazine for good example). Even Joe Gambles said there's not a flat spot on it. And the wind is supposed to be hideous. If that's not enough to make you nervous, what is? But, I guess everyone has to face the same course and conditions, and you can only do the best with what you have on the day. So we'll see.
Three hard weeks of training to go... two taper weeks... and race 'week' 5 days. So down to 5 weeks 5 days. I had been avoiding that countdown, but there it is.
Hope you all enjoyed the lovely weather and got some good training in too. :) Til next time, Holz
Sunday 25 September 2011
Sunday 18 September 2011
People, training, and fundraising
Wow, what a weekend! Wasn't the weather just spectacular! Fingers crossed it continues until next weekend for the Big Day.
Saturday saw our fundraising Garage Sale held at Mel and Dan's. What an effort from the two of them - I really can't speak highly enough of them. No amount of thanks is enough. They cleared out their garage, put up with people dumping crap on their lawn for a week, spent an entire night setting up the sale and pricing all the items, sold things all day and then cleared the leftovers out and took them to Vinnies and returned their garage to its former glory. All this while I continued training :(
Another invaluable helper was Sharon and her coffee-making skills, along with Hector who also helped out and donated many items. Sharon also scored some free goods from Baker's Delight which came in handy when we got hungry. Natalea, Bill and the ladies from my aqua classes donated some really worthwhile items. Johnno's contribution was to make us laugh with his antics on a broken scooter, and cook some yummy snags.
All in all we raised more than $450 which covers our return flights to Sydney.
On the 30th will be our next fundraiser, a trivia night at Tamar Yacht Club from 7pm. $15 a person. Come along for some fun, nautical themed trivia, yummy homemade supper and the bar will be open.
As far as training went on the weekend, I was down for a short recovery ride Saturday morning which to my frustration (I always make the mistake of going with a bunch) turned into a 1hr45 harder-than-recovery session. Johnno & I then had to do the LAC Hillwood 10km feature race later that day which is always a challenging one. Didn't have much left in the legs but still managed to scrape into second-fastest female place. I did miss a swim session in the afternoon, but we just don't have time for everything do we!
Yesterday I allowed myself a bit of a sleep in (til 7.45am) then got up to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and ride 110km from home to Pipers River, across to Pipers Brook, down to Lebrina and back through Lilydale. A tough ride taking 4.5hrs. Then it was off the bike and into the runners for a jog down to the Tailrace and back. Never easy after a long ride! A good solid training day. It was pretty hard to get up for work at 5am though I can tell you.
So week 1 of my last training block finished successfully with 25 hours ticked off.
Now just need the energy to maintain that for another four weeks or so and then I get to start resting up! Sounds good in theory, not sure how it will go in practice though. Luckily I will have a bit more work on my plate then to take my mind off things.
So while I'm on the bandwagon - this seems to be the only chance I get to blog - there are a few other people I need to mention.
Mark Connelley and Craig Boon from EFM Health Clubs have let me use their gyms for free for I can't remember how long, which is a huge help. I'm not big on training inside but Windsor is a lovely new gym with all the gear yet not too big or busy. And you always get to have a good chat with Craig - mostly running related!
As well as businesses there are a lot of individuals who have helped me get where I am today, and where I am going in less than two months.
I might be waxing lyrical about this but Melissa and Dan have been a pillar of fundraising strength. While I was losing my mind at the trivia night, Mel was making sure everything was running smoothly and entertaining everyone. She also put together all of the songs and videos, and generally organised the whole night.
Mum and Dad also helped out with the trivia night and are organising the second for me. This takes a lot of pressure off me while I'm trying to train/work/do the housework so I am very grateful :)
It goes without saying that my husband Johnno, who is also my running coach, mechanic and all round number one support crew, has put up with a lot in the last few months. A wife that is rarely home and when she is, usually tired/grumpy/completely stressed out, is not fun! Hoping it is all worth it come November and then I'll let him have a bit of time for cars, sheds and things :P
Anyway, regardless of how the race goes - and we shouldn't put too much store in the result of a race anyway, because there are so many variables outside our control - I know I have learnt stacks and gained a lot of confidence throughout the last 6 months of training, which will pay off in the future.
Thanks for your interest (if you're reading all the way down to this bit you're obviously very interested or very bored!) - til the next blog... Holz
Saturday saw our fundraising Garage Sale held at Mel and Dan's. What an effort from the two of them - I really can't speak highly enough of them. No amount of thanks is enough. They cleared out their garage, put up with people dumping crap on their lawn for a week, spent an entire night setting up the sale and pricing all the items, sold things all day and then cleared the leftovers out and took them to Vinnies and returned their garage to its former glory. All this while I continued training :(
Another invaluable helper was Sharon and her coffee-making skills, along with Hector who also helped out and donated many items. Sharon also scored some free goods from Baker's Delight which came in handy when we got hungry. Natalea, Bill and the ladies from my aqua classes donated some really worthwhile items. Johnno's contribution was to make us laugh with his antics on a broken scooter, and cook some yummy snags.
All in all we raised more than $450 which covers our return flights to Sydney.
On the 30th will be our next fundraiser, a trivia night at Tamar Yacht Club from 7pm. $15 a person. Come along for some fun, nautical themed trivia, yummy homemade supper and the bar will be open.
As far as training went on the weekend, I was down for a short recovery ride Saturday morning which to my frustration (I always make the mistake of going with a bunch) turned into a 1hr45 harder-than-recovery session. Johnno & I then had to do the LAC Hillwood 10km feature race later that day which is always a challenging one. Didn't have much left in the legs but still managed to scrape into second-fastest female place. I did miss a swim session in the afternoon, but we just don't have time for everything do we!
Yesterday I allowed myself a bit of a sleep in (til 7.45am) then got up to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and ride 110km from home to Pipers River, across to Pipers Brook, down to Lebrina and back through Lilydale. A tough ride taking 4.5hrs. Then it was off the bike and into the runners for a jog down to the Tailrace and back. Never easy after a long ride! A good solid training day. It was pretty hard to get up for work at 5am though I can tell you.
So week 1 of my last training block finished successfully with 25 hours ticked off.
Now just need the energy to maintain that for another four weeks or so and then I get to start resting up! Sounds good in theory, not sure how it will go in practice though. Luckily I will have a bit more work on my plate then to take my mind off things.
So while I'm on the bandwagon - this seems to be the only chance I get to blog - there are a few other people I need to mention.
Mark Connelley and Craig Boon from EFM Health Clubs have let me use their gyms for free for I can't remember how long, which is a huge help. I'm not big on training inside but Windsor is a lovely new gym with all the gear yet not too big or busy. And you always get to have a good chat with Craig - mostly running related!
As well as businesses there are a lot of individuals who have helped me get where I am today, and where I am going in less than two months.
I might be waxing lyrical about this but Melissa and Dan have been a pillar of fundraising strength. While I was losing my mind at the trivia night, Mel was making sure everything was running smoothly and entertaining everyone. She also put together all of the songs and videos, and generally organised the whole night.
Mum and Dad also helped out with the trivia night and are organising the second for me. This takes a lot of pressure off me while I'm trying to train/work/do the housework so I am very grateful :)
It goes without saying that my husband Johnno, who is also my running coach, mechanic and all round number one support crew, has put up with a lot in the last few months. A wife that is rarely home and when she is, usually tired/grumpy/completely stressed out, is not fun! Hoping it is all worth it come November and then I'll let him have a bit of time for cars, sheds and things :P
Anyway, regardless of how the race goes - and we shouldn't put too much store in the result of a race anyway, because there are so many variables outside our control - I know I have learnt stacks and gained a lot of confidence throughout the last 6 months of training, which will pay off in the future.
Thanks for your interest (if you're reading all the way down to this bit you're obviously very interested or very bored!) - til the next blog... Holz
Sunday 11 September 2011
Congratulations Hodgey!
Monday morning, work again (or as I call it, "recovery" :P)
Weekend saw a fish shop ride and quick run off the bike Saturday morning before work, and an easy recovery run after work (I even took Max and to my surprise he behaved quite well!).
Sunday was another early morning as I joined Nath, Rob, Lisa & Brian who are training for the Great Ocean Road Cycling Classic - a 120km time trial in Victoria next month - for a ride out to the Midlands. We went Longford via Pateena Rd and then out toward Bishopsbourne before I had to turn around and ride back to Symmons Plains; all up somewhere between 55 and 60km. Struggled in the last bit on my own against the strong headwind! I got to Symmons Plains and it was windy and freezing, though sunny.
I didn't really feel like racing in the LTC duathlon but I entered anyway and reluctantly took off on the 2.4km run/19.5km ride (8 laps)/2.4km run. My legs weren't feeling great for the run and 2.4km pace is not exactly my "race pace" (for the record I'm aiming to run 4.20min/km at the worlds) but after 2 laps I pulled ahead and was the first female onto the bike. Quickly worked out why we don't normally wear socks in triathlon - they stick to the velcro on your shoes, making them very hard to put on!! So after a couple of laps of fiddling round with that I settled into a rhythym for the next 6 laps: struggle to the top of the track barely making 15km/h into the headwind spinning my legs out of control and going nowhere; take the hairpin (fun) and click down into the lowest gear, take a drink and then get blown at up to 50km/h down the back straight; panic about getting blown over round the big sweeper; then click down to the highest gear past pit lane and start it all again.
Uber biker Mel caught up to me just by the end of the bike, and when I got off my legs were shaking (after only 20km!!!). Quick transition and I was off, running with what felt like a 10cm long stride. Into that damn headwind again and I really felt like just stopping, but with 2.4km to go I figured it would all be over in 10 minutes or so anyway. Until I had to ride home. But that was only 30km or so, and there was a good tailwind.
So I did all that and then I got home, had a shower and then ate steadily for about an hour... then cleaned the house and did the supermarket, all that fun sunday afternoon stuff... making me stress about how that's all going to get done for the next five weeks when I need to train morning and afternoon... well the answer is it won't, and the house will be disgusting, and we will be eating crap food because I haven't got time to go to the shops. Oh well, this is the life of a triathlete and I chose it so I must put up with it!
Oh then we went to Melissa and Dan's for movie night/dinner and that was a lovely relaxing end to the weekend as always. Thanks guys :)
Also over the weekend we learnt some exciting news - James Hodge won the Olympic distance age group world championships in Beijing! I belive a first world championship for an LTC athlete! He is just amazing, what an awesome effort. I am in awe. I wonder if it would be too much to ask for LTC to have two world champions in one year?
On the same day, Joe Gambles finished fifth in the World Championship 70.3 in Las Vegas - actually almost exactly the same course to what I will be doing in 2 months time. Congrats to Joe as well, I'm sure he'd be a little disappointed with that result but what fantastic time for such a tough course, and against some really really tough competition. Those pro guys are insane - some of the data they put up on Ironmanlive had them putting out average wattages comparable to Lance Armstrong's in the Tour... they're not exactly weekend hacks. And Joe has to go on and compete at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in just a few weeks' time, so that would have been on his mind too.
So there are two home-town heroes and speaking of Hawaii, we also have Hayden Armstrong, a former Launcestonian who now spends most of his time in Hobart, who is also going away to Hawaii for his third time. In his age group, you pretty much have to be a pro athlete to even qualify for Hawaii (he finished inside the top 10 at Ironman NZ in March).
Does anyone else think that Launceston must produce a significantly higher-than-average ratio of elite athletes? For a small town in the middle of nowhere, we seem to have a whole lot of really competitive athletes in many sports. I'm very lucky that I get to train with a bunch of experienced triathletes, many who have done Ironman or World Championships and raced at a high level. We are really spoilt for resources here in northern Tas. We have Olympic and Commonwealth games medalists, former professional triathletes, one of whom is Tri Australia's national elite development coach! Of all the places in Australia! So we should make the best of these resources, ask questions, pick their brains at every chance we get.
Speaking of questions... here are a couple (don't worry you don't need to be an elite athlete to answer). Firstly, goggles. Does anyone have any recommendations of good open water goggles? Something that stays on no matter how many times you get punched, doesn't leak or fog up, has good peripheral vision and light lenses? Even if you have an old pair I could try.. still no idea what I'm going to wear in Lake Las Vegas.
Similarly, bike saddles. Suze Dowling lent me her ISM Adamo TT seat and that was OK after a while, but I'm thinking of getting the new Selle Italia Tri Gel. Anyone had any experience with this?
Lastly, and this is not even a sport related one, but my iPod died and I'm not facing two days on a plane without an MP3 player. Recommendations? No I won't pay extra for a picture of a half-eaten apple on it, and I want something that works with all computers with no extra software. Is there such a thing that combines an MP3 player and e-book reader? That would be awesome. Got any good motivational or relaxing song recommendations?
Well enough questions for now, better get back to work.
Today is the first day of my last training block -about another five weeks hard then a rest and then start to taper for the race. Scary!
Did I mention my "Big Day" before? Well Johnno has come up with a potentially better idea - finish the ride and run at his family's shack at Bridport instead of Scottsdale so we can all have showers and relax at the shack. Of course this would be better if we did the Big Day on a Saturday so we could stay the night and chill on Sunday. So I'm thinking I will see if I can swap my work Saturday to the following weekend so we can do it Saturday. If not, we may swap Big Day to the following weekend, the 1st October. Will keep you updated... please think about coming and doing one or more of the legs with me :)
Til next time,
Holz
Weekend saw a fish shop ride and quick run off the bike Saturday morning before work, and an easy recovery run after work (I even took Max and to my surprise he behaved quite well!).
Sunday was another early morning as I joined Nath, Rob, Lisa & Brian who are training for the Great Ocean Road Cycling Classic - a 120km time trial in Victoria next month - for a ride out to the Midlands. We went Longford via Pateena Rd and then out toward Bishopsbourne before I had to turn around and ride back to Symmons Plains; all up somewhere between 55 and 60km. Struggled in the last bit on my own against the strong headwind! I got to Symmons Plains and it was windy and freezing, though sunny.
I didn't really feel like racing in the LTC duathlon but I entered anyway and reluctantly took off on the 2.4km run/19.5km ride (8 laps)/2.4km run. My legs weren't feeling great for the run and 2.4km pace is not exactly my "race pace" (for the record I'm aiming to run 4.20min/km at the worlds) but after 2 laps I pulled ahead and was the first female onto the bike. Quickly worked out why we don't normally wear socks in triathlon - they stick to the velcro on your shoes, making them very hard to put on!! So after a couple of laps of fiddling round with that I settled into a rhythym for the next 6 laps: struggle to the top of the track barely making 15km/h into the headwind spinning my legs out of control and going nowhere; take the hairpin (fun) and click down into the lowest gear, take a drink and then get blown at up to 50km/h down the back straight; panic about getting blown over round the big sweeper; then click down to the highest gear past pit lane and start it all again.
Uber biker Mel caught up to me just by the end of the bike, and when I got off my legs were shaking (after only 20km!!!). Quick transition and I was off, running with what felt like a 10cm long stride. Into that damn headwind again and I really felt like just stopping, but with 2.4km to go I figured it would all be over in 10 minutes or so anyway. Until I had to ride home. But that was only 30km or so, and there was a good tailwind.
So I did all that and then I got home, had a shower and then ate steadily for about an hour... then cleaned the house and did the supermarket, all that fun sunday afternoon stuff... making me stress about how that's all going to get done for the next five weeks when I need to train morning and afternoon... well the answer is it won't, and the house will be disgusting, and we will be eating crap food because I haven't got time to go to the shops. Oh well, this is the life of a triathlete and I chose it so I must put up with it!
Oh then we went to Melissa and Dan's for movie night/dinner and that was a lovely relaxing end to the weekend as always. Thanks guys :)
Also over the weekend we learnt some exciting news - James Hodge won the Olympic distance age group world championships in Beijing! I belive a first world championship for an LTC athlete! He is just amazing, what an awesome effort. I am in awe. I wonder if it would be too much to ask for LTC to have two world champions in one year?
On the same day, Joe Gambles finished fifth in the World Championship 70.3 in Las Vegas - actually almost exactly the same course to what I will be doing in 2 months time. Congrats to Joe as well, I'm sure he'd be a little disappointed with that result but what fantastic time for such a tough course, and against some really really tough competition. Those pro guys are insane - some of the data they put up on Ironmanlive had them putting out average wattages comparable to Lance Armstrong's in the Tour... they're not exactly weekend hacks. And Joe has to go on and compete at the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in just a few weeks' time, so that would have been on his mind too.
So there are two home-town heroes and speaking of Hawaii, we also have Hayden Armstrong, a former Launcestonian who now spends most of his time in Hobart, who is also going away to Hawaii for his third time. In his age group, you pretty much have to be a pro athlete to even qualify for Hawaii (he finished inside the top 10 at Ironman NZ in March).
Does anyone else think that Launceston must produce a significantly higher-than-average ratio of elite athletes? For a small town in the middle of nowhere, we seem to have a whole lot of really competitive athletes in many sports. I'm very lucky that I get to train with a bunch of experienced triathletes, many who have done Ironman or World Championships and raced at a high level. We are really spoilt for resources here in northern Tas. We have Olympic and Commonwealth games medalists, former professional triathletes, one of whom is Tri Australia's national elite development coach! Of all the places in Australia! So we should make the best of these resources, ask questions, pick their brains at every chance we get.
Speaking of questions... here are a couple (don't worry you don't need to be an elite athlete to answer). Firstly, goggles. Does anyone have any recommendations of good open water goggles? Something that stays on no matter how many times you get punched, doesn't leak or fog up, has good peripheral vision and light lenses? Even if you have an old pair I could try.. still no idea what I'm going to wear in Lake Las Vegas.
Similarly, bike saddles. Suze Dowling lent me her ISM Adamo TT seat and that was OK after a while, but I'm thinking of getting the new Selle Italia Tri Gel. Anyone had any experience with this?
Lastly, and this is not even a sport related one, but my iPod died and I'm not facing two days on a plane without an MP3 player. Recommendations? No I won't pay extra for a picture of a half-eaten apple on it, and I want something that works with all computers with no extra software. Is there such a thing that combines an MP3 player and e-book reader? That would be awesome. Got any good motivational or relaxing song recommendations?
Well enough questions for now, better get back to work.
Today is the first day of my last training block -about another five weeks hard then a rest and then start to taper for the race. Scary!
Did I mention my "Big Day" before? Well Johnno has come up with a potentially better idea - finish the ride and run at his family's shack at Bridport instead of Scottsdale so we can all have showers and relax at the shack. Of course this would be better if we did the Big Day on a Saturday so we could stay the night and chill on Sunday. So I'm thinking I will see if I can swap my work Saturday to the following weekend so we can do it Saturday. If not, we may swap Big Day to the following weekend, the 1st October. Will keep you updated... please think about coming and doing one or more of the legs with me :)
Til next time,
Holz
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Sponsorship
We all know how hard it is to get these days, especially when you're not even mildly on the professional radar (by the way if you're looking for an athlete to sponsor I firmly recommend you check out the blog of my friend Bel Fong) so I wanted to mention those sponsors that I do have to let them know how much I appreciate their help.
No, I don't have any paid sponsorship as yet (this is OK, I need something to aspire to when I am a real pro!) but I have received generous in kind sponsorship from:
Harvey Griggs (Positive Strokes soft tissue therapy) One of the first to come on board and help me, Harvey is truly the best sports masseuse in Launceston, most probably in Tasmania, Australia, etc etc.
Having completed numerous Ironman including our holy grail, Kona, Harvey is somewhat of an idol. If there is one thing better than spending an hour having all your aching, tight muscles pummelled about, it is doing that while talking continuously about triathlon with someone who knows what they're talking about! But one of the great things about Harvey is that he knows lots about everything, not just triathlon, so it makes for a very interesting hour. So thanks Harvey for your help and friendship :)
Next up is my wonderful pilates instructor Jude Hillhouse, and Nat who owns In Balance Physio & Pilates in Paterson St. Jude has given up hours of her time to teach me in one on one lessons and is now offering me free studio lessons (or access to all the fantastic pilates equipment) until the race. If you have never done pilates, and you aspire to be good at any sport you do - or just strong, healthy and flexible - you should start right now. My swimming and cycling have improved out of sight since I improved my core strength, and in 5 months of training I have not had ONE INJURY! Compared to last year where I had consecutive injuries that put me out of training for months. Plus I consider my pilates classes "me time" - rarely do you get an hour to just put everything out of your mind and concentrate hard on tiny, subtle muscle contractions and movements. Enough rambling! Thanks In Balance.
Lastly the support of the most dollar value, my employer of several months now - Cycle Torque and Coffee (46 Brisbane St). I walked into the shop one day when things were pretty bad, the bank was knocking on the door and there was no money in the account, and just asked if there was any work going. I had ridden with the CTC boys a few times but didn't really know them. Amazingly they took me in and here I am a couple of months later, in the shop 4 days every second week, 3 days the other week. Not too long into this arrangement Nathan decided to teach me how to clean a bike properly - a rather nice looking BMC Time Machine time trial bike. Rather curious as to the ownership of this lovely machine I did enquire and was eventually told it was to be my new ride for the Worlds! I was so surprised I was speechless for hours (clearly not a common ailment for me). Nath also fit the bike to me, the first time I've ever had a proper bike fit. His triathlon experience and knowledge is invaluable in this whole process.
I'm now also modelling the brand new eyecatching ladies CTC shop kit, so look out for that on the road!
I've surely missed out stacks of my helpers but unfortunately that's all I have time for right now - til the next blog. Holz :)
No, I don't have any paid sponsorship as yet (this is OK, I need something to aspire to when I am a real pro!) but I have received generous in kind sponsorship from:
Harvey Griggs (Positive Strokes soft tissue therapy) One of the first to come on board and help me, Harvey is truly the best sports masseuse in Launceston, most probably in Tasmania, Australia, etc etc.
Having completed numerous Ironman including our holy grail, Kona, Harvey is somewhat of an idol. If there is one thing better than spending an hour having all your aching, tight muscles pummelled about, it is doing that while talking continuously about triathlon with someone who knows what they're talking about! But one of the great things about Harvey is that he knows lots about everything, not just triathlon, so it makes for a very interesting hour. So thanks Harvey for your help and friendship :)
Next up is my wonderful pilates instructor Jude Hillhouse, and Nat who owns In Balance Physio & Pilates in Paterson St. Jude has given up hours of her time to teach me in one on one lessons and is now offering me free studio lessons (or access to all the fantastic pilates equipment) until the race. If you have never done pilates, and you aspire to be good at any sport you do - or just strong, healthy and flexible - you should start right now. My swimming and cycling have improved out of sight since I improved my core strength, and in 5 months of training I have not had ONE INJURY! Compared to last year where I had consecutive injuries that put me out of training for months. Plus I consider my pilates classes "me time" - rarely do you get an hour to just put everything out of your mind and concentrate hard on tiny, subtle muscle contractions and movements. Enough rambling! Thanks In Balance.
Lastly the support of the most dollar value, my employer of several months now - Cycle Torque and Coffee (46 Brisbane St). I walked into the shop one day when things were pretty bad, the bank was knocking on the door and there was no money in the account, and just asked if there was any work going. I had ridden with the CTC boys a few times but didn't really know them. Amazingly they took me in and here I am a couple of months later, in the shop 4 days every second week, 3 days the other week. Not too long into this arrangement Nathan decided to teach me how to clean a bike properly - a rather nice looking BMC Time Machine time trial bike. Rather curious as to the ownership of this lovely machine I did enquire and was eventually told it was to be my new ride for the Worlds! I was so surprised I was speechless for hours (clearly not a common ailment for me). Nath also fit the bike to me, the first time I've ever had a proper bike fit. His triathlon experience and knowledge is invaluable in this whole process.
I'm now also modelling the brand new eyecatching ladies CTC shop kit, so look out for that on the road!
I've surely missed out stacks of my helpers but unfortunately that's all I have time for right now - til the next blog. Holz :)
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Fundraising
Two posts in two whole days :) Although I haven't managed to get onto Facebook in between to actually post the link to this blog :P
Recovery from the marathon going well, legs feeling a little more normal today (7 hour shift sitting on my bum at the pool has helped!) although like all anal triathletes, definitely stressing about the lost training time it has cost me and also the fact that I'm still eating like I'm training 20 hours a week! (Thanks for the pizza last night Stew ;))
So, fundraising... For those of you who didn't know, we held a trivia night and silent auction at Toro's at the end of July. About 50 people attended and it was very successful, raising almost $2000, which went on our international airfares. I haven't had the chance to formally thank all those who donated auction items/food/their time/expertise etc etc to make it a success, but I will do so when I can let them know how I went in the event and how they helped me.
We had another trivia night pencilled in for the 16th of this month, to be held at the Yacht Club, but my parents - who were organising this one on my behalf - have decided to jet off to Tonga, leaving us to raise the answering pennant and postpone the event until next month! Stay tuned for further details...
On the other hand, we have now locked in the 17th as GARAGE SALE day, to be held at Melissa and Dan's place in Mowbray. If you have things to donate, please contact me ASAP! Yes I know I never answer my phone because I'm either working or training, but text or email me (hollyransonPT@gmail.com) and I'll get back to you. Promise.
Ok, that's all... until next time. Holz
Recovery from the marathon going well, legs feeling a little more normal today (7 hour shift sitting on my bum at the pool has helped!) although like all anal triathletes, definitely stressing about the lost training time it has cost me and also the fact that I'm still eating like I'm training 20 hours a week! (Thanks for the pizza last night Stew ;))
So, fundraising... For those of you who didn't know, we held a trivia night and silent auction at Toro's at the end of July. About 50 people attended and it was very successful, raising almost $2000, which went on our international airfares. I haven't had the chance to formally thank all those who donated auction items/food/their time/expertise etc etc to make it a success, but I will do so when I can let them know how I went in the event and how they helped me.
We had another trivia night pencilled in for the 16th of this month, to be held at the Yacht Club, but my parents - who were organising this one on my behalf - have decided to jet off to Tonga, leaving us to raise the answering pennant and postpone the event until next month! Stay tuned for further details...
On the other hand, we have now locked in the 17th as GARAGE SALE day, to be held at Melissa and Dan's place in Mowbray. If you have things to donate, please contact me ASAP! Yes I know I never answer my phone because I'm either working or training, but text or email me (hollyransonPT@gmail.com) and I'll get back to you. Promise.
Ok, that's all... until next time. Holz
Sunday 4 September 2011
Where to start
Hello & welcome to my new blog.
I've decided to start a blog on account of my overwhelming guilt about never updating my friends & supporters on my progress via Facebook, primarily because I mostly only use the internet at work, where Facebook is of course banned. By the time I finish work, training, cooking, housework, training diary and (hopefully) stretching for the day, the last thing I want to do is open up the computer and spend an hour lost in the wonderful world of Facebook!
So, now I have plenty of room to write... what shall I start with?
Well as you most probably know if you are reading this, in 7 weeks myself and my number 1 support crew/coach/husband Johnno are off to the good ol' US of A so that I can compete in the International Triathlon Union Long Course World Championships, in Henderson, Nevada on November 5. I qualified for the Australian team for this race by completing the Coles Bay 100 triathlon in Tassie last March.
It will be my first big important race (and certainly first race overseas) but I am hoping it will be the first in a number of stepping stones to qualifying for a long course professional racing licence from Triathlon Australia, and ultimately a career as a professional triathlete - in the long term of course!
I haven't got much idea of what to expect at the Worlds except for a hilly, tough course in the middle of the desert. Training started about 7 months ago and has been progressing well with no major injuries or illnesses, touch wood.
Yesterday was a major test along the way whereby I completed the Ross Marathon, winning the women's race in a time of 3 hours 5 minutes. I will admit I was hoping to crack that elusive 3 hour barrier and after 30km I felt great and was on track to do so - it was the last 10km that killed me! Luckily, the run in Vegas is only 30km... but will it feel good after swimming 4km and riding 120km??? I doubt it!
In order to (attempt to) make it hurt a bit less, I'm putting in up to about 24 hours of training a week (in an ideal week- of course "life" tends to interfere with that rather more than I appreciate) in between working around 40 hours across my jobs at the pool (front desk, office and aqua instructor) and bike shop (Cycle Torque and Coffee).
It makes for a busy life and a messy house, but I love it. Johnno is very good at putting up with me being constantly stressed, time-crunched and grumpy, and making tea for me :) even if we do normally eat at 10pm!! (forget the "no carbs after 8pm" rule!)
Anyway work is busy - HATE school holidays - so I have to go. Next blog coming soon!
Yours in tri,
Holly
I've decided to start a blog on account of my overwhelming guilt about never updating my friends & supporters on my progress via Facebook, primarily because I mostly only use the internet at work, where Facebook is of course banned. By the time I finish work, training, cooking, housework, training diary and (hopefully) stretching for the day, the last thing I want to do is open up the computer and spend an hour lost in the wonderful world of Facebook!
So, now I have plenty of room to write... what shall I start with?
Well as you most probably know if you are reading this, in 7 weeks myself and my number 1 support crew/coach/husband Johnno are off to the good ol' US of A so that I can compete in the International Triathlon Union Long Course World Championships, in Henderson, Nevada on November 5. I qualified for the Australian team for this race by completing the Coles Bay 100 triathlon in Tassie last March.
It will be my first big important race (and certainly first race overseas) but I am hoping it will be the first in a number of stepping stones to qualifying for a long course professional racing licence from Triathlon Australia, and ultimately a career as a professional triathlete - in the long term of course!
I haven't got much idea of what to expect at the Worlds except for a hilly, tough course in the middle of the desert. Training started about 7 months ago and has been progressing well with no major injuries or illnesses, touch wood.
Yesterday was a major test along the way whereby I completed the Ross Marathon, winning the women's race in a time of 3 hours 5 minutes. I will admit I was hoping to crack that elusive 3 hour barrier and after 30km I felt great and was on track to do so - it was the last 10km that killed me! Luckily, the run in Vegas is only 30km... but will it feel good after swimming 4km and riding 120km??? I doubt it!
In order to (attempt to) make it hurt a bit less, I'm putting in up to about 24 hours of training a week (in an ideal week- of course "life" tends to interfere with that rather more than I appreciate) in between working around 40 hours across my jobs at the pool (front desk, office and aqua instructor) and bike shop (Cycle Torque and Coffee).
It makes for a busy life and a messy house, but I love it. Johnno is very good at putting up with me being constantly stressed, time-crunched and grumpy, and making tea for me :) even if we do normally eat at 10pm!! (forget the "no carbs after 8pm" rule!)
Anyway work is busy - HATE school holidays - so I have to go. Next blog coming soon!
Yours in tri,
Holly
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