The Store

Fastgear

Shop 2, 2-8 Campbell Parade
Bondi 2026
Tel: 9365 0409

Triathlon gear: Desoto, Lock laces, TNI
Sports nutrition: High5
Active swimwear: Rival
Wetsuits: Orca
Tyres: Tufo
Compression socks: CEP

Be inspired to run a bit more

From The New York Times

Ted Corbitt, who began running as a child on his father’s cotton farm in South Carolina and virtually never stopped, becoming a pioneer of ultramarathon running in the United States, died Wednesday in Houston.

***

By his own count, Corbitt ran 199 marathons and ultramarathons, which are typically races of 50 or 100 miles or 24 hours. (Marathons are 26 miles 385 yards.) He won 30 of those races and never dropped out of one until he was 75, he said. He trained by running as many as 200 miles a week. In his heyday, Corbitt — shy and slight at 5 feet 7 inches and 130 pounds — was a United States marathon champion and a member of the United States team at the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, where he finished a disappointing 44th in the marathon.

At various times, Corbitt held American records in the marathon, the 100-mile run and the 25-, 40- and 50-kilometer events. He also won national American Athletic Union championships in several distance running events. His fastest time in a marathon was 2 hours 26 minutes 44 seconds.

**

His training regimens were legendary. For a time, he ran 200 miles or more a week, often in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. He once ran the marathon distance every day for a month. He often ran a 31-mile loop around Manhattan in about 3:45. Sometimes he did two loops. He also trained with weights.

Canberra Half Results

Some solid performances on a wet and cold day.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

http://thechallengecorp.com/

Canberra Half

http://www.canberrahalf.com/

Brat membership

Membership 2008

Brat membership for 2007 runs out at the end of December. Brat Membership is for the CALENDAR year. Renew on-line at www.bratclub.com.au. New members can pick their cards up at the Icebergs 2-3 weeks later. Call first though to make sure it is ready.

Brat sprint - Dec 16th

BRAT ‘SPRINT’ TRIATHLON SUN DEC 16th 10.30AM

VENUE: Heffron Park Maroubra.

DISTANCE: 750m/20k/5k- 300m/10k/5k Junior and Beginners
TIME : 10.30 PM Start

REGISTRATION: From 9.45-10.15am. All racers at Brat events need to be a member of either BRAT CLUB OR any other affiliated triNSW club

Please bring evidence of your membership to races. If you are not a member or can not produce evidence, you will not be able to race.

COST: $15 for members/ $30 for non-members. Join/renew on-line @ www.bratclub.com.au or on the day. Cheque and cash only!

Pins and Needles

Meridian Healing Centre

Meridian Healing Centre is offering members of Triathlon NSW acupuncture treatments for only $45.00. This price includes massage, moxibustion and cupping where appropriate.

Meridian is conveniently located in the centre of Sydney ’s CBD and offers services in the ancient healing arts of acupuncture and herbal medicine. The centre is decorated in a chic modern Asian style with the intension of creating an ambience of comfort and relaxation to compliment the healing process.

Acupuncture is well recognised as being able to treat a range of sports related injuries such as sprains, cartilage and ligament damage, as well as corking and tearing of the muscles. However, to make best usage of this offer, we encourage all triathlon NSW members to look beyond how acupuncture can assist them with their training and injuries. Consider how Meridian may be of assistance in other areas of your health. Do you need to fine tune your health? Would you like to de-stress?

To find out what conditions acupuncture can treat, or if would like some general information about acupuncture, look at our web site at www.meridianhealing.com.au. To make an appointment, call us on 9231 3377.

NSW Club Champs

Club Championships

The TriNSW Club Champs continue in 2008 at One Mile Beach in picturesque Port Stephens. After consultation with the affiliated clubs, the Board has resolved “That one day licences be accepted at 2008 TriNSW Club Championships on 3rd May, however points will not count for that individual towards their Club.” What this means is that Club Members who are not full TA/ TriNSW Members may compete, however it will be solely for fun because their points won’t count towards the Club tally. So Clubs – if you want more points, encourage your members to become TriNSW Members now and reap the advantages for the full season.

Macca nomination

Macca nominated as NSW Athlete of the Year

TriNSW has proudly submitted a nomination for Chris McCormack as 2007 NSW Athlete of the Year. Additionally Panthers Australian Ironman Triathlon – Port Macquarie has been submitted as 2007 Event of the Year. Stay tuned for announcement of the winners at the NSW Sports Awards being held on 12th February.

Penrith Women's Tri

2008 Trishave All Women’s Festival

TriNSW is delighted to announce the signing of Trishave as the title sponsor for the 2008 Trishave All Women’s Festival, to be staged on 3^rd February at Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith.

Kurnell TWO

Kurnell #2 - Don’t forget that entries to the second round of the Sydney Triathlon Series at Kurnell on January 13^th will also close early January – early entries the Friday week before racing, late entries the Wednesday before racing – at 5:00PM. Entry and event details at www.trinswrace.org > TriNSW races > Sydney Triathlon Series…

Cronulla Tri

2008 Cronulla Triathlon

Early bird entries for the 2008 Cronulla Triathlon will close on 21 December. All early bird entries will go into the draw to win a night's accommodation at the official Cronulla Triathlon hotel, Rydges Cronulla. Also once you have registered you then qualify to receive discounts from the events sponsors including a free ocean swim session with icon coach Spot Anderson, a complimentary 3 month triathlon program from Hi Performance Triathlon Coaching services and 15% off Saucony runners at Runulla in Cronulla Mall.

Juan is a sub10 Ironman

Mea culpa .. an oversight on my part ..

A super Ironman debut for Juan .. he hammered the bike!!!

Charlotte captures 1st Ironman!

Charlotte Paul won her first ironman today and she did it by smashing the course record in WA by about 10 minutes!

She finished in 9:00:55!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW!!!!

Kristian posts a sub9 finish

He's more determined than ever. Kristian pulling off a 8:57 finish for JUST 5th in his age group!

Lisa's sub5 bike split

Wow .. a sub 5 bike ride .. Lisa fought all day .. another very very solid Ironman performance!!

Hill Eases to Victory

Mr Hill took first in his age group at WA! And he did it in style with a half an hour to spare!

Mr Fuel Belt's Lesson of the Day

Mr Fuel Belt wants all athletes to know about the importance of nutrition, including hydration. He says weather conditions must be taken into condition too or there will be a price to pay. He recently (a few hours ago) dropped into Vancouver to offer this simple advice in person.


As part of his presentation, he demonstrated what happens if you fail to refuel as you race.


Don't attempt this on your next brick or race day. Keep fueling! Visit John's new store for all your nutrition needs!!

Future Kurnell Races

Race #2	Sunday 13th January 2008 - New Year's Warm Up & PRO TOUR RACE
Race #3	Sunday 10th February 2008 - Got to do it!
Race #4	Sunday 9th March 2008 - The Grand Final & PRO TOUR RACE

It's $70 to enter and $20 more if you are NOT a Tri NSW member.

Kurnell race info

O'Doherty charges out of the gate

Paul was 2nd in his age group and 11th overall in the first Kurnell sprint of the season.

Alice was 3rd in her age group.

John took his age group and was 16th overall.

Dingo put in a solid performance for 7th in his age group and 25th overall.

Peter McLean and Monsieur Blanc were both 6th in their respective age groups.

Kurnell Results

Amanda turns pro

Word on the street - Amanda Balding has turned pro. Watch out!

Powder everywhere

Whistler Mountain is now OPEN for the 2007.08 winter season, one week early! On its opening day - Saturday - more 6,000 excited skiers and riders to took to the mountain.

Whistler Mountain has 1,200 acres and 1,821 vertical feet of skiable terrain for skiers and riders. Total cumulative snowfall to date = 135 cm (4.4 feet).

*Apologies to those who live in climates that don't tolerate fresh powder.

IMG on Lisa's race day

Coming into Round 5 of the Snap Australian Half Ironman Series the women’s series lead was being fiercely contested by Lisa Marangon and Elly Franks.

Both women desperately needed to win to gain an advantage before the series heads to Canberra in December for Round 6, and it was Sydney’s Marangon who ended up taking line honours.

“I am so excited winning today as I have had a huge week of training before I start tapering for Ironman Western Australia,” said Marangon who won the Busselton Half Ironman in May.

“The ride was tough today with the winds and the storm coming in but I felt great. I rode the whole way by myself and rode really well which I needed after having a slower than normal swim.”

Having gained a large lead on the cycle, Marangon traded her bike for running shoes and continued to increase her lead.

‘’My run is something I have been working on really hard for Busselton and today it seemed to click.''

Lisa takes Shep Half

Lisa Marangon takes out first place, with a winning margin of about 4 minutes. She had a 4:29 race time!!!!

Less than a minute behind Lisa, time wise, was Oli Lamb, getting ever so close to a sub 4:30!!!. He had the second fastest run split in his age group with a 1:25!!!

John Hill took out his age group including winning the swim and bike segments!! He eased back on the run.

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/

Nepean Results

Podium places for both Jacqui B and Tony G ..

And a return to competition for Tess.

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/

Triathlon booming in the U.S.

At the participatory level, the sport is booming. More than one million people will compete in a United States triathlon this year, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association http://www.sgma.com/, mostly in shorter sprint triathlons.


From The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/10/sports/othersports/10triathlon.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

IMG Oz Series Points Leader - Lisa

Elite/Pro Lisa Marangon has taken the lead after Round Four (Port Mac 1/2).

You're a 1/2 Ironman World Champ

David Ray setting the stage for an attack on a Kona assault?

http://vnews.ironmanlive.com/

PLAY magazine

Play magazine is a site of some of the best sports features written for The New York Times. You can sign up for an email note and get a reminder message every week. I think it's great so FYI.

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/sports/playmagazine/

High Five for Port Mac Efforts

By all appearances, a massive day of racing was had. Look at all those podium places and sub5:15 finish times!!!

Charlotte 1st, Lisa 3rd.

Jacqui 2nd!!!!!

John 1st. Paul 7th.

Oli, Alex, JC all within striking distances!!!!

Check the link in the previous post for more details.

Port Mac Half Results Link

http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/

Port Mac's Race to Watch

Leading the women’s race is Sydney’s Charlotte Paul, returning from her first campaign at the Hawaii Ironman in October.

Paul has set herself some lofty standards recently with consecutive top 3 finishes at Ironman Western Australia and top 10 finishes at events overseas. Paul’s strength is her running but an improved bike leg now sees her with a real shot of winning each race she enters.

Competing against Paul will be Lisa Marangon who finished second at last year’s Port Macquarie Half Ironman when it was part of the world-wide Ironman 70.3 series.

Marangon led for almost the entire race last year only to be overtaken by Belinda Granger with a few kilometres to go.

from IMG Australia

Jenny's site

Jenny's website link, also on the right-hand side:

http://www.thejennymckennafoundation.com.au/

Fundraiser for Jenny

A fundraising event is to be held for Jenny McKenna on the Monday 26th November 2007 at Randwick.

As most of you are aware Jenny is recovering from a cycling accident in April. Her recovery will take time.

Where: Cellinis Italian Restaurant, 62 Frenchmans Road, Randwick
When: 6.30pm
Tickets: $80 a person

John McLean will be the guest speaker. There will be a jazz band, an auction and raffle prizes.

Proceeds will be used to help offset some of the cost of equipment to help Jenny in her recovery.

RSVP: Before 19th November to Anna at 0417 047 391 or ciclismo@tpg.com.au

Vancouver

Hi everyone,

It's been a pleasure to run this blog for the group. Margreet and I have arrived in Vancouver and are busy getting settled.

I've already slowed down my output on the blog and it will slow further in the weeks ahead. I'll add what I consider to be interesting news/race reports but I won't be actively keeping the weekend training sked etc up to date anymore.

I'll offer one more time to help anyone in the group who wants to set aside the time to learn and to keep a new group blog running. I've always found it easy to do and it doesn't require a huge amount of time.

Thanks again. Train safe and enjoy the sunshine,

Tim

Jacqui's Kona

Well, I finally did it! I conquered my dream, achieved my personal goals and finished the Hawaii Ironman!

My goal was firstly to qualify, then to train as hard as i could just to finish. If all was to go well on the day, I set myself a time to finish under 11hrs. Along with this I was aiming to finish in top 20 in the world, plus to be 1st Aussie within the 30-34 age group (of 75 competitors).

Gratefully I accomplished all of my goals with completing this tough race in 10hrs 48mins;
- 3.8k Swim 1hr06m
- 180k Bike 5hr55m
- 42.2k Run 3hr41m

My time placed me in 16th in the world (of 75 competitors) and 1st Aussie, within the 30-34 age category.

Drilling down even further I was 85th female (including all 52 pros) of approx 600 females (beating 4 pros!), and 707th of all 1800 competitors (men and women - pros & age-groupers).
http://www.ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship?show=tracker&y=2007

Even though I didn’t win the race or even get a podium, but knowing I did my best leading up to this event and particularly on the day, to just be a part of a World Championships and race against the ‘best of the best’ was the most amazing experience!

The race started off at 7am, with the professionals already under way 15 minutes earlier, from 6.45am. I was warned the swim was going to be very messy with arms and legs everywhere, pushing and shoving and being swum over - worse than any other. So I prepared for this and set myself back a little from the start so I wouldn’t get clobbered. Whilst waiting in the water till the cannon sounded there seemed like there was loads of space. I thought to myself, “what are they talking about…”. Then the cannon sounded, a little tear in my eye after hearing the American anthem, and we were off. The crowd caught up with me and I wasn’t left alone for one minute! I was trying to mix it up a bit by trying to spot some fish (beautiful scenery down there – like one big aquarium!), and then I saw about 8 fish perfectly lined up side by side right beneath me. I thought “wow, look at that”. I put my head down again for another look and thought “hang on a second, that’s pretty bloody deep”….OMG it was 8 dolphins all deep deep beneath me! Just awesome! Lucky I only saw those, because a friend of mine honestly spotted a Shark (reef or tiger??) forcing him to do an accelerated b-line so he would be swimming near other competitors to avoid being singled out. Anyway, no one got eaten and I left the water in 1hr6mins with cuts and bruises on my hands, arms and feet from the identification bands (like hospital bands) we all had to wear, and a bruised bottom lip from another competitors foot trying to remove my goggles!

On to the bike, feeling absolutely petrified, as I was warned we would be faced with the worst head and side winds, which this island was renown for, but all seemed ok! The bike leg is not my strongest so I was passed by loads of excited people in the first 20-30k - I think forgetting they had a further 150k to go. Due to so many people passing me, I got a drafting penalty as I didn’t drop back “quick enough” (only 7 secs to do so in this race) so the first 50-70k for me was disappointing and very conservative.

The turn around point on the bike, at the 104 k mark, ended with a 30k continuous climb up into a town called Hawi (pronounced Har-vee) providing us with forceful head and side winds. Although this was quite tough and challenging, our winds during Sydney’s crazy winter, out at Kurnell and Buli, had mentally prepared me for worse than this. I ensured I kept hydrated (very hot with no cloud cover), as it was drilled into me to “save yourself for the last 30k of the ride….and save yourself for that 42k run!”, so I was drinking more regularly than I ever had in any race and got through all my food as planned – perfect! Finishing my bike a little slower than intended in 5hr55m but I felt ready for my run…..my favourite part of the race! :o)

Off the bike I came (i think around 25th in my age but i didnt know), into the transition tent for a quick change of shorts, a sun-screen top up, grabbed a fresh pair of sunnies and my cap to keep the sun out of my eyes still no clouds) and filled my hands full of caffeine gels. My belly felt full of fluid so feeling a little worried it may cost me time to stop at a toilet but thinking positive as this is a good sign as it meant I was keeping hydrated. Due to being in such a hurry to get out there, I sub-consciously decided to wear two pairs of sunnies, not realising till around the 14k mark! Of course I had already passed my spectators and any camera that took my photo…looking a bit silly, never mind!

The day was damn hot with no cloud cover the whole day but just dry and windy in areas. The temperature reached up to 50deg celcius on the highway during the run and up to 45deg in the famous ‘Energy Lab’ which is the turn point of the run where you know you’ve got approx 17k’s till the finish! A little annoyingly I had to make 3 toilet stops but I think I set a world record here as I was truly super quick!

This run would have had to have been the most mental of any run course I have ever competed in. Determined to run under 4hrs I kept chipping away passing a fair amount of people including 7 girls that were in my age group. 2 of which unfortunately were in the last 2ks so regretfully I didn’t get to enjoy a slow jog down the finishing chute (as i dreamed about) to give mum, dad and james a hug and kiss nor to wave the Aussie flag....damn! Instead I ran hard till the finish basically collapsing once over the line but completed my run in a goal time of 3hr41m - woo hoo! Not the finish I visualised, but still an amazing memory that I will never forget ever!

Doing any endurance type of event like this certainly involves so many people and after all the support James has given me and sacrifices he has made to help me achieve this goal I really look forward to taking a long break from Ironman, however hope to always keep fit, and enjoy our time ahead including our wedding coming up in January!

Thanks everyone for all your messages and support, as it truly meant the world to me - it was my dream!

Thank you!

Jacqui xo

Kona Awards Banquet

Chrissie Wellington was overjoyed but far from speechless. Her performance was stunning. Perhaps she was just being modest. She mentioned the need for a hat sponsor for the run and that perhaps she would benefit from an aero helmet for cycling. She said she didn't realize she was going to win until the final 5kms.

Macca was very humble in his thank-you speech, far from the fast-talking challenger of recent years. He named almost every previous champion with the exception of the two most recent German ones. He also talked about how he had dedicated his life to winning this race and how he drove his dad a bit crazy by watching and rewatching every triathlete race video he could get his hands on again and again, and then again.

Solid Maitland Results

Paul 1st, Dingo 2nd.

Jac 1st.

Oli 5th, Lisa 1st and Andrew just outside the top 10!

Tim's Day

I had an awesome day. I got what I wanted most - a Kona medal and I can't begin to describe how it feels to have it.

As far as my race is concerned, I was happy with my swim - particularly in light of the times of other people who also were slowed a bit on the return leg by the current. To be honest, I felt it was simply because I hadn't done much swim training :) until looking at the results.

[Note: Some non-wetsuit wetsuits chafe - some about the 1.5km mark of an Ironman in salt 9water! Ouch!!]

Onto the bike. It was a bit chaotic for the first 20km or so because of the volume of athletes. Lots of drafting simply because there was nowhere to go. As we got into the hills outside of town and the wind picked up a bit, there was a sorting out of the competitors. The wind though was far kinder to us today than in the few training sessions here last week.

I felt great until about 60km and then my bike became challenging. For the rest of the
ride, I struggled with huge highs and massive lows. I thought that my nutrition was good. I thought the heat was bearable. I was drinking a lot, taking salt tabs and downing my gel mix. At times I was flying with little effort, and others I battled to keep moving forward.

The rollercoaster nature of my ride left me somewhat deflated and it took about 10km of running before I could talk myself back into a more positive frame of mind. Still, my heart wasn't in the run until I could see the top of the road leaving the Energy Lab and passed the 30km mark.

At that point I was fully into getting to the finish line and stopping - though not quite as immediately as Jacqui did (I'll leave it to her to explain what happened in her race).

The final few kms were helped a lot by my loyal supporters on the day. Stephen on the bike out at the Energy Lab during the dash to the line - and Margreet, my brother and one of my sisters who really helped me deal with my many demons.

I have had tougher Ironman days. But as my time targets moved further and further away, and the desire or ability to hammer myself faded, I was able to enjoy my race more than any other. [That being said I think I would have been able to muster some joy at a sub10 performance too.]

One final thanks and it's a huge one - thanks John .. you've pushed, annoyed and encouraged me to be a better athlete and when I keep my head in the game, I think, a better-than-average triathlete. You've been a huge help and a huge inspiration. I will miss training with you and the group.

Not to discourage anyone but today's race was my eighth ironman - it took me seven attempts to get here and a solid six-and-a-half years of fairly consistent training too.

I'm not sure what lies ahead when Margreet and I hit the ground in Vancouver. We've already received a booking ahead of Ironman Canada 2009, with the objective of returning to the Big Island later that same year. Tonight of course isn't the time to look that far ahead.

Thanks also for all the messages of support from everyone back in Oz and around the world.

Kona results roundup

It was a busy day - Luke finished 19th overall, Alice crossed the line in 11:07, Amanda and Rod also crossed the line. (*Apologies as I first had heard other information.)

Charlotte finished in 16th in her debut race here as a pro.

Women's top 10

Only three of last year's top 10 women made it into the top 10 at today's race. A real changing of the guard in many ways.

Jacqui digs deep for 6th

Jacqueline Wrightson dug deep and powered through the run to secure a very very very respectable 16th place in her age group.

She swam 1:06, rode 5:55 and ran a very very solid 3:41.

According to finishing line watchers, Jacqui hit the finishing line and stopped! Awesome effort!!!!!

We look forward to her thoughts on her Kona debut?

John has a smashing run

John Hill had another superb race in Kona - his 13th!!!!! What a remarkable athlete.

He swam 1:10, cycled 5:14 and ran 3:17 for a 9:51 and seventh in his age - his final year in the 44-49 age group too!!

He looked in total control running for home as I headed toward the Energy Lab.

I think that may be a PB run in an Ironman for him - perhaps there is something to those compression socks after all - or perhaps it's a good thing to enter a 90km running race as part of one's preparation for Ironman!

No doubt JH will provide some comments on his race in the next few days.

Ironman mobile

www.ironmanwireless.com

live athlete tracking with SMS updates to your mobile phone .. I think we pass 11 checkpoints through the race

Weather conditions

Of course, it's dangerous to put too much into a weather forecast but here's what one site is saying:

Clear overnight .. with diminishing humidity

Sunny in the morning .. the humidity will remain low and the temperature is forecast to reach about 27 degrees Celcius by 11am .. with the wind at just 6 miles/hour (so on the light side)

Early afternoon (about 2pm) the weather will change .. the clouds will roll in and the chance of showers will rise as the day progresses ..

So very promising for race day

Hottest new gear

1. Knee high compression socks - JH will be stocking these beauties back in Oz .. (about$60)

2. Non-wetsuit wetsuits - I'd have to say at least half the field will be wearing one .. (starting about $200)

3. Aero helmets - lots and lots and lots of these ..

**

New products displayed here .. some amazing new Tri running shoes (training and racing) by Zoot .. the shoes will come onto the market in the US at least earlier next year .. No socks necessary and a new lacing style .. about $135

The Newton shoes are being sold here .. pricey though at $175

For the athlete in search of an edge, there's now an Ironman specific mattress ..

Kona Stats

The field racing here in Kona on Saturday will include just over 1,800 athletes.

Of that group, 73 per cent are men.

There are 90 male pros and 52 women professionals.

The largest category is the men 35-39 with 259 athletes, but the men's 40-44 is only nine behind on that front.

The largest women's categories are the 30-34 and 40-44, each with 75 participants.

from ironmanlive.com

Kona Race Numbers

530 John Hill

553 John Mergler

1582 Jacqueline Wrightson

758 Timothy Moore

131 Nick Saunders

156 Charlotte Paul

1592 Alice McClure

1649 Amanda Balding

97 Luke McKenzie

One Week

Team HighFive - consisting of JH, Jac and me - opted for a loop of the swim course this morning before a few running efforts along Alii Drive.

Lots of people were milling on the pier, not as many were swimming. Every session offers a chance to test a different look and so it was the same in the water. JH in his 2Xu and Jac seeing how many layers she can sport at the same time and still glide with the mild swell.

As for me, the allure of a non-wetsuit wetsuit continues to rise. Though I still find it hard to justify $200 for one swim!

In any event, the water was clear, there were few athletes in it and we had a relaxed session getting ourselves oriented for what lies ahead next Saturday.

After a short bit of running work after the swim we all headed back to our respective condos to rest away the day.

*Pro spotting is on the rise as more athletes filter into town. Stadler and Michellie both are here now.

Coaching clinics

Future L0 and L1 Coaching Course

A very successful Level One Triathlon Coaching Course was conducted in Wollongong on 22-23 September, with 20 candidates in attendance receiving excellent tuition from accredited presenters. Future dates of L0 and L1 Courses are currently being considered. We will travel anywhere within the State if 10 or more candidates are available for the Course. Further enquiries can be directed to Mark Scott on marksc@uow.edu.au

Child Protection Checks

TA only requires Child Protection Checks from accredited coaches every four years. TriNSW is more stringent and administers that particular component of the State’s Member Protection Policy on an annual basis. All accredited coaches within NSW can expect some paperwork from Development Officer Mark Scott very shortly.

Kurnell Series

TriNSW Sydney Triathlon Series

Entry is now open for the annual Sydney Triathlon Series events at Kurnell. Entry fees for 2007/08 are set at $70 for members – more for non members… but our first rise in costs in three years. Entries are open to individuals and teams. And stand by for some surprises as Sydney ’s favourite open sprint series returns for another summer of fun in competition… and check out the Series entry discount!

November 25

January 13

February 13

February 23

Tri NSW calendar

October / November Open Events

Check out http://www.trinswrace.org/default.asp?PageID=6753 for all the coming sanctioned triathlon and multisport events and contact details… including a new sprint event at Drummoyne in Sydney !

Training with Oli

Sunday 6:15am – Ride and run. Various distances according to you programmes, between 2 and 4 Laps of Kurnell. I will be riding 120-130km, so 3 laps. For those with 80km hits and upwards, hit starts after the airport tunnel. For those with 40km hits, just hang at the back of the pack until Kurnell.

Quick stop at the servo on the right just before entering Kurnell if needed. Regroup at the same servo before heading home.

Swim - 2:30pm, north Bondi if flat, iceburgs if choppy. I won’t be at this one.

It’s set to be a warm weekend so don’t forget the sunscreen and keep the fluids up. Fingers crossed the wind doesn’t get to strong at Kurnell!!

Cheers, Oli.

Kona Kountdown

It's late Thursday afternoon here in Kona and it's been a breezy day! White caps glistened in the ocean as a group of us headed out of town to cycle part of the bike course. The course is one lap - essentially out and back along the Queen K Highway.

In all we cycled 94km, stopping to refuel at Hawi and for a bit of a respite from the wind. Looking at the speedometre was NOT a very encouraging experience. According to John Mergler, it was as windy a day on the course as he's ever experienced.

On my speedo, I had an average speed of 26km/hr for the first half of today's ride. At the end of the ride, it had risen to 29km/hr. At one point, heading towards Hawi, the speedo was reading about 18km/hr and near the end of today's ride, it was a little higher than 60km/hr - that should provide some perspective on the wind.

As those of you who have raced here know, the wind has a mind of its own. It reflects the landscape through which the bike course lies. There are no trees of any significance nor rock formations to provide protection.

Yet the course is on what must be one of the smoothest and well kept roads anywhere in the world. It's beautiful.

It's deceptive too as the long undulations and 20km of gentle but continuous uphill before reaching the turnaround at Hawi are ideal for time trialling - depending on the wind!!

Croft as adventure racer

Known for his quiet attack approach to racing, Michael Croft has made the transition to adventure racing. He says it hurt, a bit!

http://www.rapidascent.com.au/Results/ResultsDetails.asp?y=2007&c=1&e=2&ev=2&bib=75

And those half marathoners!

Oli Lamb posts a 1:18:08 for 26th overall and sixth in his age group.

Jacqui Wrightson, hitting her form weeks out from the big day, with a 1:27:32 for fifth in her age group.

Tony Golden - Mr Consistency - clocks a 1:38:41.

Speedy marathoners

John Hill clocked 2:57:45 for 43rd overall and third in the 45-49 age group.

Just a few strides back was Juan Jimenez in 2:57:57 for 45th overall and seventh in the 30-34 age group.

Weekend running results

Results are here, apparently!

http://www.sydneymarathon.org/

Lisa's spring cleaning

Cervelo P2C - 51 cm dura ace shimano gears with vision aero bars (colours: blue, black and white) *list price at Cheeky Monkey is $5599 http://multi.cheekymonkey.com.au/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=15&Itemid=13

race wheels hed carbonlite stingers 5.0 just over one-year old with brand new tufo singles only used for races *price list at hed says the pair will cost $1950 http://www.hed.com.au/pricing.htm

new wave shoes (just two months old) size 42, black and white

Contact Lisa if interested in any of the above items. Her pricing is very very competitive! Don't wait long as these items should sell fast.

Competitor - online

http://www.competitor.com/

70.3 in Boise

Boise, Idaho-- The city of trees will be the sight of the Ironman's newest event - the Boise Ironman 70.3 Triathlon.

Coming in June, about 2,000 athletes from nearly all 50 states and roughly 20 countries will descend on the city.

The race will start a Lucky Peak Reservoir, with a 1.2 mile swim, then a 56 mile bike ride, followed by a 13 mile run that ends downtown.

The triathlon will be a qualifying event for the championship race in Clear Water Florida in November.

70.3 Races in the US

North America Sports is pleased to announce that the entry process is open for the 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 California and Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida. Athletes may enter these events on-line, through their respective websites.

The 2008 Ford Ironman 70.3 California will take place for the seventh time on Saturday, March 29, 2008 in Oceanside and Camp Pendleton, CA. Athletes will compete for a $30,000 prize purse, qualifying spots for both the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. For more information or to enter this event, please log onto www.ironmancalifornia.com

The fifth annual Ford Ironman 70.3 Florida triathlon will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2008 at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. General entry for the event is now open through the event website, www.floridahalfironman.com

BRAT race calendar

· New Brat race calendar now available on web site

· Wear brat clothing in races and gain valuable points

E: info@bratclub.com.auW: http://www.bratclub.com.au/

Tri Team Champs

The Scody ATCTC Event has changed from late in the Triathlon season to early this coming season (Sat 6th Oct 2007).

This gives the BRAT Club the opportunity to be the best Triathlon Club in Australia twice in the one year.

Can we do it? You bet we can.

As usual with these events it is primarily a numbers game and we need numbers to help the BRAT Club ensure another win. To get the Brat subsidised rate, could competitors please send their details to Luke Littler (luke.littler@qenos.com ) ASAP.

Sydney marathon kit

You can collect you're event kit from Monday 17 September from the Event Registration Expo, Circular Quay.

You must remember to bring your eTicket, confirmation email or photo identification with you to collect your Event Kit which includes your race number and timing chip.

You will find us at First Fleet Park, next to the Museum of Contemporary Arts.

JH returns

He's back! Where are you going to be at 5:44 am on Tuesdays ???

Jacqui W .. 10k champ!

hi all yes i,m back....rain hail or shine but mainly bloody rain so far yuk !!

hope to see you all at cycling in the morning......u know when i,m back that summers coming which means racing so i hope you can all turn up and get yourselves fit for the busy season ahead !!!

well done to the few that turned up for the brat 10k run champs on saterday

brat female 10k champion jackie wrightson yayyyyyyyyy

brat male 10k champion dean king yayyyyyyyy

jh 3rd yay :-)

also alisa wells doing the glouster adventure race and winning a bloody brand new ski paddle boat !!!!!!!!!!!!!

c u all soon

jh

Singapore Sling!!!

Singapore 70.3 results

David "Sugar" Ray 4th in his age.

Alice 1st in age.

Port Mac Half - Nov 4th!!!!

Port Macquarie Half Ironman - new Race Date

Dear Ironman Competitor

Unfortunately the Port Macquarie Half Ironman Local Organising Committee have been forced to change their race date from the published 11th November to the 4th November due to circumstances and local issues beyond their control.

Melbourne marathon

The 2007 Samsung Melbourne Marathon has a new race format to celebrate its 30 year anniversary. On Sunday 7th October, both the elite and the recreational runner will be able to take to new courses which all finish with a lap of the iconic MCG.

The Samsung Melbourne Marathon expects to attract 15,000 competitors who will be racing for over $20,000 prize money and over $30,000 worth of prizes from Samsung, Asics and The Coffee Club.

With over 9,000 competitors already entered across all four events, if you haven’t already registered, go to www.melbournemarathon.com.au and register to avoid missing out!

Some links from Juan

From Juan:

Very good cycling tips-

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/default.asp?pg=fullstory&id=4969

Ironman videos! - for that extra kick before your sessions.

http://www.ironcrazy.com/2007/05/27/ironman-hawaii-2006-youtubecom-videos

other ironman stuff –

http://ezinearticles.com/?First-Ironman?-The-Ten-Most-Common-Mistakes&id=135968

http://www.triendurance.com/Articles.asp

http://www.endurancecoach.com/Tips_for_Racing_Ironman.htm

M-Dot NZ has 80 spots

We are pleased to announce we have 80 confirmed slots available for 2008 Ironman New Zealand athletes to qualify for the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

That’s 70 for age groupers and 10 for professionals, which gives you fantastic odds to achieve your dream of taking part in the holy grail of endurance triathlon – crossing that white line on Ali’i Drive in Kona-Kailua.

Jac conquers Bilpin

Mt Wilson to Bilpin 35k Bush Run (Sat)

Jacquie Benoit - 3rd Place Female (Overall). Jac worked her way thru the field, and run strongly in the last 7klm (uphill) to the finish, passing the other girls on her way.

Jac has now completed the three major bush runs held this year in the blue mountains, ie ( Six Foot Track 47k, Woodford to Glenbrook 25k, Mt Wilson to Bilpin 35K.)

Jac Benoit 3rd Overall 3:07

Des Suttle 3:12

Tony Golden 3:16

Bush wacked!

Congratulations to the Beach Palace Girls team (Fiona Skinner, Gina Unwin,Kelly Ashton, Ineka Kuiper) who finished in 21hrs 13min. (3rd- Womens Team)

They started at 7.00am friday morning and finished at 4:13am on Sat morning, to raise money for Oxfam approx $10,000 to date.

Fiona, said the new course this year was much tougher than in other years, and in wet conditions as well.

Supporting the team was Dingo, Ian Philips and Andrew Jordan.

Saturday forecast

Phuket - 31 degrees

Ibiza - 29 degrees

Istanbul - 33 degrees

Sydney - 18 degrees

Bevan goes Dutch

Bevan Leach will be racing on Saturday in the Netherlands at the Dutch ironman distance race in Almere.

http://www.upc-hollandtriathlon.nl/en/v

Bevan earlier this month won the ITU's Asian long-course race at Subic Bay in the Philippines. A 3k swim, 80k bike and 20k run.

Weekend Training

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

80-90k Easy - Kurnell return (National Park turning at the rough road) No Caltex.

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

120k - National Park in Via Waterfall - Easy out to servo (stop at usual Servo for drink refill) into NP via Waterfall turn right at the bottom ride 10k turnaround back through the NP climbing out at Audley - regrouping at Sutho. Hit starts at the servo and ends at Sutho regroup. Start hit again once over the bridge all the way to the park.

Some may have runs off the bike..

I won't be at this ride Please pick a ride captain and ensure everyone regroups at Sutho servo.

Dubai to Turkey

Some people have expressed an interest in following Margreet and I as we travel back to Canada. Rather than send out group emails, we have a weblog that we keep up-to-date as best we can.

We are now in Turkey, just on the outskirts of Istanbul after a week in Dubai. What a contrast!

http://ironman.web-log.nl/ironman/

Weekend with Damo

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

80-90k Easy - Kurnell return (National Park turning at the rough road) No Caltex.


Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

120k - National Park in Via Audley climb out Waterfall - regrouping at Sutho.
Some may have runs off the bike..


Attached is a flyer for the Oxfam Trail Walker girls - If you don't come I believe you can donate via the Net.


GOODLUCK to Lisa Marathon who's racing at Yeppoon this weekend... GO LEE LEE!!

Update on Jenny from her parents

Dear Friends,

It is now two months since Jennny was transferred to the Brain Injury Unit (BIU) at Westmead. During this time she has made steady but very slow progress, hampered no doubt by the intervention of operations to remove her external orthopaedic braces, a couple of drains to remove build up of fluid creating pressure on the brain and the odd bacterial infection. These procedures impacted on the removal of her tracheostomy but I’m pleased to tell you this device was removed today and she seems to be coping well.

After our regular monthly meeting with Doctors and Therapists and bearing in mind that her fractures have basically healed we are looking to 4-6 weeks of increased intensity in her rehabilitation. This will involve such things as Botox injections to relieve some spasticity in her muscles, medication to increase neuro transmitter activity in the brain and much more intense physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Her nutrition is being modified to offset loss of weight, muscle mass etc.and the naso-gastric tube will give way to a direct line into her tummy. At some time she will be trialled with some nutrients by mouth.

All of this activity is of course dependent on the brain’s response and although we can see that Jenny is infinitely more alert than at any other time, the therapists have referred to this period as a sort of ‘crunch time’ for her. We feel that Jenny is trying to ‘take in’ our efforts at communication but can’t respond (incidentally her right eye is almost fully open) and we are encouraged by that. During this challenging period in Jenny’s recovery we know through her determination she will do her part but we ask for all your positive thoughts and prayers as she rides the road to recovery.

Several people have kindly offered financial support but don’t know how. A trust has been established and further details, including fund raising on Jenny’s behalf will be forthcoming. Our sincere thanks for your support thus far.

Judith and John McKenna

No more 6k loops

Well I ran my final 6k loops in the park on Sunday with Damo, Sugar and Paul. Thanks guys.

To everyone else, til the next block!!

New blog

Hey there .. I will be departing this Lucky Country in less than a week. I've had a few expressions of interest in setting up a blog to chronicle the group as I've attempted to do with this one.

It's a fairly simple process .. and there can be more than one contributor.

http://www.blogger.com

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. But note, I'll be on the road for most of the next two months and won't be as accessible. I will respond!

Fine Forecast

Well as hard as it may be to believe, the forecast calls for sunshine for the next four days.

http://weather.smh.com.au/local.jsp

Weekend Training

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

80-90k Easy - Waterfall

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

Calga TT on this weekend refer to your prog regarding warm up and ride after - plus running off the bike.

OR You have 2 options

1) Easy out to the NP - Enter at Audley climb out at Waterfall (all E3) Regroup at Sutho servo - Back to CP in E2

2) Damo session dedicated to Tim Moore..

from 6:15 warm-up till 6:45 rolling round CP easy

Then 50K TT race pace followed by 6k loop

40K TT race pace 6k loop

(feel free to do more if you desire)

This is not on people's programme and isn't a coached session.

Sydney September Singlet

Free Blackmores singlet offer.
Last chance to enter the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival and receive a Blackmores early-bird singlet. To take advantage of this offer you must enter before 7 August and pay $2.50 postage and handling fee. Your running singlet will be posted to you in August, but you better get a move on as this offer is only available while stocks last.

Robbie going to WA

He's not moving - just going there to race later this year at M-Dot WA!!!!!

Reflections on Tuesdays

There is no single session that I’ve embraced more than the Tuesday morning ride. It’s always a challenge.

From chasing Michael Croft, Paul Morris, Pete McLean to Declan Hogan, David Thomas and Ian Depree in the ``old’’ days to Damo, Dingo and Lisa in the most recent past to keeping pace with Oli, Juan and the surging Robbie more recently, it’s been a learning experience. [There are many many others who’ve pushed me over the years.]

Lisa made a comment to me about six months ago about how determined she gets NOT to be dropped - to find that little bit of extra something - when the group starts to inch away. It’s good advice and so I’m sharing it here. I try to use that to encourage me forward every Tuesday.

Most of the time I think we have more to give than we realise. Without a doubt that understanding is helped by experience. And besides, the idea of the session in my opinion is to hurt – it’s meant to be tough!

Of course, there are some mornings when I am energy deprived or sleep deprived or simply can’t be bothered to hurt myself enough! That’s ok.

Timetrial

Did you catch the timetrial in France on Saturday night/Sunday morning? It appeared that the average speed was about 50km/hr - not too shabby.

And at one point, the camera on the motorbike tracking Cadel Evans was turned on the motorbike's speedometre .. 60km/hr.

Top speed for us in our Tuesday TT's is 35-40km/hr. Perspective!

Perhaps there is something special in their bikes.

A Week of Sunshine

What an awesome weekend of weather for training .. and the forecast suggests it will last through most of the week.

Thanks very much!

I started to write this post at 5.30am one day last week. I've been waking up at that time so often these past few years that it's almost innate.

Early next month Margreet and I will depart Sydney for Vancouver. Our journey won't be quite that direct but it's where we'll resettle later this year - after a few days in Kona.

We arrived here a month apart seven years ago, just before triathlon debuted at the Olympics. After completing two half ironman races on our own, we began training with John and his collection of like-minded and crazed athletes in late 2000. So far, Margreet has five M-dot races on her athletic resume, and I have seven.

I wanted to say thanks to John for his patience and advice. With his guidance, I’ve excelled as an athlete beyond what I had ever imagined.

Two key lessons that I take from John: consistency is critical; and, there is no substitute for hard work.

What lies ahead has yet to be decided – I don’t want to limit myself in any way.

**

No matter how disciplined we are, we all struggle with motivation from time to time. I’m no different.

Notwithstanding the occasional Red Bull, Mars bar or both, it’s the camaraderie of the group that has kept me going. I’ll miss that the most.

Thanks very much to all of you for helping to push me around the park and up the hills these past few years.

**

As my time winds down here in Sydney, I am looking to pass the baton on this blog to someone else. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll offer whatever advice is sought. Change is always positive and so I'd encourage a fresh start as the 2007-2008 season begins.

Road safety

MELBOURNE, July 26 AAP - A coroner has recommended closer monitoring of road cycling safety after a cyclist fatally struck an elderly pedestrian during one of Melbourne's notorious Hell Rides.

The coroner in Melbourne found 77-year-old James Gould's death could have been avoided if the cycling pack travelling at speed had obeyed the road rules on Beach Road on August 26 last year.

Coroner Graeme Johnstone recommended that groups of cyclists travelling at speed on main roads or suburban streets be managed by road safety authorities and cycling groups.

``Undisciplined large groups of cyclists like the Hell Ride need to be discouraged as they are a significant safety risk to the public as well as themselves,'' Mr Johnstone said.

He said extensive research on dangerous cycling behaviour should aim to develop action in a bid to avoid catastrophic events.

M-Dot WA Early Bird Reminder

You have until the of July to get the current $595 individual entry fee to the race. As of Aug. 1, it rises to $640.

http://www.ironmanwa.com/ironmanwa/entry-individual.htm

Newcastle Duathlon in ACT

Triathlon ACT’s Championships on the 23rd September 2007 will also serve as the 2007 Australian Duathlon Championships.

The Olympic distance Duathlon run, 40km bike, 5km run will be located at Stromlo Forest Park.

Competitors from Newcastle will be offered free-entry to the replacement competitors who would like to take advantage of this offer should contact office prior to race day on 02 6257 2230 or admin@triathlonact.com.au

What your friends eat!

Obesity can spread from person to person, much like a virus, researchers are reporting today. When one person gains weight, close friends tend to gain weight, too.

Their study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved a detailed analysis of a large social network of 12,067 people who had been closely followed for 32 years, from 1971 to 2003.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/26/health/26fat.html?hp

http://content.nejm.org/

Weekend Training

Thursday - 6:00pm Track at ES Marks

Various with Tony Golden or as per your program

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

100-120k - Waterfall (stop at Servo for quick stop) hit starts here- down into the NP - turn right - follow the road and turn right at the Helensburgh roundabout back to Sutho servo stop hit and re-group. Return to CP moderate tempo pace.

If you need to go longer - turn left at the roundabout - check your K's. Either return via the Highway or back via Otford and climb out via Waterfall.

I won't be at the is ride - no comment from you thanks Trent (-; Please nominate ride captain/s before leaving CP

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

80-90K Easy Kurnell/Cronulla/Sutherland - home to CP

Damo

Who's not doping?

Geez .. enough already!

Timetrial Tuesday

Time for another timetrial tomorrow with a short few laps before the stopwatch starts.

The forecast is good!

Belinda takes Placid, Charlotte 6th

Belinda Granger won Lake Placid Ironman on Sunday - the pro women's key race for the season. She swam 54, cycled 5:14 and ran 3:24 for 9:40 overall.

Charlotte Paul had the third fastest bike split, and finished 6th overall in 10.09.

Sutho to Surf - results

Still pending

Ah the sun shall return

MondayIncreasing sunshineMin: 8°C Max: 18°C

TuesdaySunnyMin: 8°C Max: 19°C

WednesdaySunnyMin: 8°C Max: 19°C

Nature's need

Through the first 12 stages of the Tour de France, at least 10 riders have been cited for violating Articles 12 and 29 of the cycling code, regarding correct comportment on the race course.

According to the citations, the riders “satisfied nature’s need in front of the public.” The cost was 100 Swiss Francs per rider, or roughly $US83.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/22/sports/othersports/22bike.html

Benwa's away and running

It’s true – Jacqui Benoit’s getting faster and faster. In fact, she recently broke through the 4-minute-a-kilometre mark on the track, which is a huge psychological barrier to clear.

Jacqui rarely says anything about her races so it seemed appropriate to point out what she’s accomplished in a short few months so far this year.

In March, she ran Six Foot Track in 5:30 , which put her 8^th in the competitive 20-29 age group and gave her a top 50 finish among all women. She was 46^th overall.

In April, she ran another marathon – this one in Canberra in 3:47 .

Marathons aren’t her only distance of course. She ran the Sydney half marathon in May in 1:39 and then the Gold Coast half marathon on July 1^st in 1:40 .

The breakthrough race came just two weeks after the Gold Coast.

At the 25km Woodford to Glenbrook earlier this month, Jacqui ran 2:01 – securing 4^th place in the 20-29 age group!

Jacqui is putting together a solid running resume and building a wider and wider base for what achievements lie down the road.

Believe it, Achieve it!