Exciting times ahead!!

Last night, we had our Tri Alliance coaches meeting. It was a great way to re-cap the last 2011-2012 season, thanking the coaches and talk about the future and what Tri Alliance will be looking into doing for the next period. Something BIG is happening and I am getting so excited about it! It is still a secret which only the coaches know about but all I can say is the Tri Alliance business/family will be massive and there will be so many changes (for the better). Things which have been disclosed by Tri Alliance is that there will be a change in the location of the headoffice, we will be partnering up with a major bike brand, which will benefit Tri Alliance members in a massive way and there are several specialist coaches who will be providing their expertise to members of Tri Alliance.

When I heard about the news last night, I was over the moon!!! I seriously cannot wait! So grateful to Ollie and Sarah for welcoming me into the Tri Alliance coaching circle. I can't wait to contribute to the growth of the squad.

I am also going to be using the existing Tri Alliance facilities such as Altitude as it is not as expensive as I thought!!! Will look into altitude training for my running and biking. I will also be looking into the one-on-one swim technique with Ryan for a couple of sessions. Although this service is not cheap, a session with Ryan would pay back with wonders.

Timing is Everything...

As Tri Alliance manned two drink stations as part of IMMelbourne, we were provided with two entries into any IM races in Australia for 2012-2013 - this included IMWA in Busselton 2012 (sold out) IMAus at Port Macquarie and IM Melbourne which opens its entries today 30th March at 11am.

The "Golden Ticket" lottery was available to all Tri Alliance members and if you volunteered, you get a double chance into the draw. I entered into the lottery. Why? Why not?! This is not a scholarship which is given to an athlete who deserves it most, it is a lottery. Tri Alliance did make it clear that you only enter if you are serious about the training loads and about the dedication you need to have to do this event. I am a dedicated person and would be humbled to have won the ticket (for IM Melbourme) and would put my honest heart and soul into training for this. I even said to a few of the girls in the squad - if I get it, it would be awesome, if I dont, its a sign that I am not ready.

The draw occured this morning at 9am and the winners were Alex and Andy from the squad. Even though this is a lottery and not a scholarship - I would still say that they are both deserving winners. Great guys!

As for me - I would love to enter as a relay team for IM Melbourne 2013. I would love to do the 3.8km swim and the 42.2km marathon. Just need to find someone to do the 180km bike ride in between the swim and the run! I think entries for relay team open later in the year so would be good to assess then. I would have done 2 half marathons (October for Melbourne Marathon and as part of the Shep 70.3 halfironman) - IM Melbourne is 12 weeks (or so) from Shep. A marathon should be do-able.

IM Melbourne for 2014 is definitely on the cards. If everything goes to plan, I would like see if these are on the horizon over the next 12-18 months:

Noosa 2012 - Confirmed
Shepparton 70.3 2012 - Confirmed
Geelong Long Course 2013
Singapore 70.3 17th March 2013

I would love to do a race overseas and not too far from home so thats why I chose Singapore 70.3. I know family there and it would be a great environment to race (hot & humid). Hawaii 70.3 would be an awesome race to do as it is in a similiar location to the Kona Ironman course but the amount of money needed for this event is too much. Flights $3000 - $5000, accomodation $100-$200 per night and living allowances would mean that I would have to save $5000 - $10,000 for a race. Singapore would be much cheaper and in an environment which I am very comfortable with. It would also be a great spot for my family to support (mum & dad may be able to go back to Malaysia on their way through and Kai being in Perth).

Before I forget - I purchased my ROADID today. I highly recommend everyone to buy (and wear it) when you are out on your bike or even on your run. It has proven to be a great asset by Michelle from my squad when she fell off her bike 3 weeks ago. When the ambulance came, they knew her name and her medical details.

Just as I type the final words of this entry - IMMelbourne 2013 sold out in less than 5min.

Lessons Learnt

Yesterday, 25th March 2012 was the inaugural Ironman Melbourne. Ironman is the "true" triathlon distance of 3.8km swim, 180km ride and a 42.2km run. As part of this event, Tri Alliance were manning 2 drink station along the run course. The first was Mentone at the 22km mark and the second was at the 38km mark at Elwood. I was at Mentone from 11am onwards helping to set up and manned the "food" station from about 12 - 6pm. My shift was suppose to be from 12:30-4:30 but it was hard to leave the station as the triathletes were going through, I just didn't want to miss out on anything - its a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Many people have a goal of doing an ironman distance triathlon one day. Yes I have to admit that it has been in my mind before when I first saw the Ironman event on ESPN when I was in my teens. It was only when I did my first swim in the pool, my first ride on a bike or even my first ever proper run did I realise how hard doing an ironman distance actually is.

My longest triathlon distance to date is an Olympic Distance which is a 1.5km swim, 40km ride finishing off with a 10km run. I have done 2 of this distance triathlon before. The first being at Noosa 2011 (no wetsuit swim, hot and humid conditions with one steep hill), the second being at Geelong Feb 2012 (long 1.8km wetsuit swim, hard undulating ride and a hilly run). My next distance goal is my half ironman at Shep 70.3 - 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run.

Before doing an ironman distance, personally, I would need to do at least 2 half ironman distances (or long course equivalent) which includes one race overseas. I would really love to do my first ironman distance in Melbourne. Doing the Ironman distance in Melbourne has its advantages which outweighs its disadvantages:

• Knowing the course - its terrain, wind directions, temperatures
• Having friends and family close by to support throughout the day
• Little to no additional money needed to be saved apart from the $800+ or so for registration - no airfares, no accommodation, little to no living expenses needed

With such an epic event to go through, the last thing you want to do is worried about the unknown. 

Doing a triathlon race is as much about the mental battles to get through this event and not just how your body can physically get through 14+ hours (this is the time I estimate my ironman). I must first get through my goal of my half ironman and embrace the journey along the way - it will be tough, no doubt about it.

I think if everything goes according to plan and I still have my health and my body is able - an ironman will be a goal to tick off. I know that my body will not be ready for Ironman Melbourne 2013 - 362 days will not prepare me for an ironman. Maybe it will be (near) possible in 2014 but will this goal be too early to achieve? To some - they say yes, you can do anything if you put your mind to it, believe in yourself, believe in your dreams. To the realist, the perfectionist, the logical - I will need time to train my body to do the distances, I will need to prepare mentally to overcome the fear of failure and fear of injuries.

Yesterday during the 15 hours I was out there volunteering and supporting, it was the most incredible experience I have ever had in my life. I see the pro (professional triathletes) come through, they didn't even look like they were in any pain whatsoever through to the average joe and jane who signed up and with the sheer determination, wanted to finish this race within 17 hours and call themselves ironman. It was amazing. I had so much fun yesterday helping people out in the run leg and handing out lollies and bananas. It was amazing seeing the people I know through Tri Alliance go through this event. It was also mind blowing that Ollie has his place now at Kona, its going to be an amazing year ahead for the club. 

You are better than you think you are...

Tonight, Tri Alliance was treated to an evening with Joe Gambles (supported by Ascend Sports) then there was a small presentation by Dax Stanley, one of the guys who trains with us.

I enjoyed both presentations but I could relate to Dax's story more than Joe's. Joe would be one of the guys who had always been good at sports, competitive and will only compete in a race if he knew he would podium. Joe is an elite athlete, he is sponsored. Dax on the other hand, only started triathlons 3 years ago to lose weight and get fit. He use to weigh over 100kg and only started to watch for his weight due to 'fear'. Fear is something which Dax brought up this evening as one of the motivators in his life. Doing triathlons and losing weight because his fear at that time was about being there for his son. Now he is raising money for his ironman in support of colitis which is what his wife Amanda has. Although Dax is sponsored in small ways, he still has a full time.

Which brings me to the most lightbulb moment of the evening. There is definitely pressure in being a full time athlete which many age group triathlete out there don't realize. Many people just want to quit their job and just train and race. When you take things into the real world, no brand want to associate themselves to someone who won't be winning races as their competitors names are being seen by winners, not average triathlete. If you don't have a good race, there is a pressure that the sponsorships can be withdrawn. You also have to pick the races which will bring your sponsorship the biggest exposure. Forget your small no name, no media and fun triathlons. You have to race with big name (fast) triathlete as they are the ones that attract the money.

I guess that is what I have always said about mixing money with your hobbies. A hobby is no longer a hobby if money is brought into it and it no longer becomes fun and thats when you enjoy it less which eventuates to you moving onto the next hobby. I guess I am still enjoying triathlon and it is also part hobby/part using it to maintain a good weight. There is no way I am want to be a professional as one, I know that there is no way I am fast or good enought to be a professional and secondly, I don't think a professional triathlete lifestyle is for me. I like being 'home' and having my dog with me. Being a professional triathlete would not only require an increased load in training but you have to constantly prove to your sponsors that you are worthy of their money. I am doing triathlons for me and not for someone else. That's the most important thing.

To cap this entry off, Dax said something which will remain with me for my build towards Shep.

"You are better than what you think" with this quote, I will now consider myself as a triathlete - which is something which I have never thought I deserve the title of.

I AM A TRIATHLETE!!

The Race

On the 30th Jan 2012, I registered to do my first half ironman event. This event is a sanctioned 70.3 ironman event at Shepparton on the 18th November 2012. For those who are not familiar to what this event is (or even what a triathlon is about), there will be 3 main legs.

The Swim - The race starts with a 1.9km swim. For many, the swim is the hardest part of doing a triathlon as (for me personally) the hardest to learn as the sport is very technical. In 2008, when I did my first triathlon as part of the Brooks Fun Tri (now commonly known as Active Feet Fun Tri) organized as part of the Supersprint series, I trained so hard to just do 300m in open water. Since joining Tri Alliance, I am more confident in the water as I am more aware of technique and what is required to be a more efficient swimmer. A full ironman swim leg is 3.8km swim. I have swam close to this distance as part of the Jalna Big Bay swim from Port Melbourne to Williamstown on 26th Feb 2012 of 3.2km.

The Bike - the halfironman ride is a 90km time trial ride. What is the difference between an ordinary 90km and one which you have to do for a triathlon? For a triathlon, you have to ride your own race. You are not able to draft off another triathlete and you have to ride fast on your own fuel and determination. I have ridden several distances over 90km before but never on a tri bike (always on road bike) and never had to do a half marathon afterwards. This brings me to the next (and last) leg of a triathlon.

The Run - the last part of a half ironman triathlon is the 21.1km run off the bike. I have done 2 half marathon runs in my life and both were done in 2010. As part of my build towards my half ironman, I will be doing several running events during the winter training season which includes 10km Run Melbourne, Perth City to Surf and the half marathon as part of the Melbourne Marathon running festival. My aim for this half marathon to be done in October is below the magical 2hour mark.

The total half ironman distance must be achieved within 7 hours. I am aiming to be as close to 6.5 hours as I can.

Swim < 00:50
Ride < 03:30
Run < 2:30

My demon which I have to overcome will be my running ability. 2011 was a terrible year for me, my legs and the ability for my to run. I was injured 7 days prior to Run Melbourne due to overloading and poor technique and I have had a few set backs even after Noosa 2011 due to shin splints.

It is not just the care I need to take when it comes to running which I need to be aware of, it is also my enthusiasm for running which is nothing - compare my swimming and cycling. This is something which I need to learn to enjoy. I guess I will love running when I see myself actually being good at it and also achieving the goals I have set out to tick off my bucket list.

For the moment, I need to set some time aside for my first running event for 2012-2013 which is the 14.38km Run for the Kids which is on the 1st April 2012 which is also the same day as Tough Mudder Melbourne and the last triathlon for the season at St Kilda.

New Beginnings

I decided to start a new training blog to focus more on my journey towards my first half ironman. Minus my personal life and concentrating on my goals.

Here's to a new journey.

Nissan Corporate DUATHLON

Yes, you heard that right. I did another Duathlon! Due to the crazy rain we had during the week and over Saturday, the Nissan Corporate Triathlon became a Duathlon. The 400m swim was replaced by a 800m (400m beach, 400m concrete) run. Same format as last year.
I was the second person off after Lidia. Pretty much after I saw her getting into T1, I decided to not wait around too much and decided to wait within the transition area known as the "pen" due to the fencing and the number of people squeezed in an area. It was interesting to see the dynamics of the people in transition. Some people don't pay too much attention and didn't realize that their team mates haves finished. There was one guy who got angry as he waited for like...2 minutes and when his team mate came through he mentioned that he had been waiting and was not happy!! Even the commentator said "calm the farm down" followed a friendly reminder to people that this is a fun event!!! Chill out!! God I would not like to be in her shoes (the team mate) having to deal with that person!

Run 1
This part was not too bad. I kept a good pace but there were people who were quick off the mark and sprinted past me. I was trying my hardest to stride out and increase my cadence but a sand run is difficult. I had passed a few people and even more during the run into transition. Running on concrete was difficult as the small rocks and hard surface was not nice. I am glad that I ran bare feet as shoes would have been difficult! Last thing you want to do is get sand in them.

T1
This was LONG! The transition area itself was long. As we were running on wet grass, I was able to pass a few people which was good. As I had my sunglasses on during the first run, all I had to do was out my helmet on and off I went with the bike. As I was pushing the bike on the saddle, I passes a few people too.

Bike
I actually found this part to be difficult. I had trouble getting my shoes on as my feet were so dirty and wet. Eventually I had my left feet into the shoe and strapped in but took forever to put my right feet into the shoe and the strap was not prepared properly so I rode the entire way with it unstrapped. It was only a 10km ride anyway so it didn't matter. As I had breakfast at 4:30am and nothing else to eat and I raced around 9am, I was low on energy. Thank god I had a gel taped to my bike. I wasn't going to but thank god I did! That was the only form of energy I had and I took it about 3km into the ride. I passed many people on the ride and only had 2 people pass me (one guy looked like a triathlete) and another guy looked like he wash keen cyclist. I found it tough on the bike as the roads were wet and my legs were not cooperating! Gotta do a long ride next week before Portarlington.

T2
I couldn't do the tri alliance dismount as there were too many people. There was also a slight hesitattion as it was this race 12 months ago that I fell off my bike and had a minor concussion. I didn't wear a hat for the race so all I had to do was put my shoes on, ventolin and my just in case gel in my top and off I went.
Run
The beginning of the run was not great. My legs were hurting and my chest was also in pain. After a few hundred meters, I could pick up my pace more and I made sure that I was under 6min/km. Good news was that after the initial warm up, I was actually running close to 5:15-5:30 pace which was awesome! I kept telling myself, "all you got to do is a 4km run today and that was it"! I kept increasing my pace and whenever I felt my legs decreasing in speed, I just picked out people in the run that I decided that I was going to pass. Best run ever!

Overall, my time was close to 53min according to my garmin. Oh, and I forgot to press lap on the bike so I just decided to just leave it and record the entire thing as a long run! I will know which part is the ride as the pace and speed picks up.

It was a fun day. Kraft put on a great spread but I was not hungry and just had my protein shake and drank water. I did have a few pieces of bacon from the spread but nothing else.

The uniforms we had was another thing to note!! Bright yellow and green!! Not the most flattering of colors! And thank god I was able to exchange my (small) tri suit to a 2 piece men's outfit as it fitted so much better!! I prob won't wear the top again but the shorts were great!

Another race done and dusted! One more to go. Let's see if we can pull a rabbit out of the hat for this one hey!

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

As the uniforms we had to wear last weekend were yellow (and green) - they are not the most flattering colours for the body. As I was wearing a two piece (male) - it did not sit well during the run as you can see from the photos below. Once again - a word of warning - pictures may bring a bout of laughter - you may pee your pants.