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!

Weekend Training

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

80-90k Easy - Waterfall and return or Cronulla ride

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

No ride due to easy week.

Sutho to Surf Fun Run.

Rgds, Damo

Forecast

Friday Showers
Min: 9°C Max: 14°C

Saturday Showers
Min: 8°C Max: 15°C

Sunnday Showers easing
Min: 9°C Max: 16°C

Monday Increasing sunshine
Min: 8°C Max: 17°C

Accupuncture/Massage Therapy

Point Therapy 9369 5588

first session $100, subsequent sessions $85

www.pointtherapy.com.au

in bondi junction, across the street from the cash converters on ebley

Brat City to Surf Teams

City to Surf BRAT Teams

WAIT ! Don’t send in your City to Surf application, send your application to the BRATS and become a part of a BRATS C2S team. You can download the application form on the City to Surf website. city2surf.sunherald.com.au
Post your application form to the BRATS at PO BOX 1621 Bondi Junction, NSW 2022. BRATS will put youin a team and submit the application on your behalf.

If you have any queries regarding the City to Surf please contact Angie Bainbridge on 0414903244 or by email at dancingsneakers@yahoo.com

Cedo Memorial Run on Saturday

BRAT RUNNING

CEDO Memorial Run July 21st

This annual event will take place on July 21^st at 2pm in Queens Park , Northern side. Register by 1.45pm . NO COST!

Brat dinner - Saturday 21st

BRAT PARTY and AGM NEXT SAT JULY 21^st CLOVELLY HOTEL

Last July we donned some wigs and partied hard at the Icebergs for the 'Winning Is Glorious" party. Recently we celebrated our close second place at the NSW Club Championships and shared multiple toasts to regaining the championship in 2008. Now once again it is party time...

Come and celebrate the end of the triathlon season with a "Touch of Gold" at the Clovelly Hotel on next Saturday 21 July. This party promises to be the best in recent times and we want you there!

Theme: Touch of Gold
When: Saturday 21 July - AGM from 6pm, Party starts at 7pm with free drinks
Where: Upstairs function area, Clovelly Hotel
Tickets: $30 pre-purchased online (see www.bratclub.com.au) and gain entry into lucky door prize; $40 at the door unless sold out

What is on? ...basic catering and open bar until the tab runs out - get there early! The night will include the speedy presentation of club awards, great raffle prizes, selected auction items and give aways thanks to our great sponsors.

Please call Stirling Keen on 0407 745336 or Angie B on 0414 903244 if you have any questions

Cold and dark

NSW: Sydney's coldest morning since 1986 Cold (SYDNEY)

SYDNEY, July 17 AAP - Sydney has experienced its coldest start to a July day for 21 years.

The temperature plunged to 3.7 degrees in the city at 6.54am (AEST), which the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) confirmed as the most frigid recorded since 1986.

Meteorologist Peter Zmijewski said a calm, clear night was to blame for the shivery conditions.

``Clear skies and little wind and, of course, it's winter,'' Mr Zmijewski said.

**It was a brisk session in the park this morning. The TT was abandoned due to poor visibility, but everyone who made the effort would be hard pressed to say that they didn't get a solid start to the day.

Sutho to Surf - FYI

Entry Fees Adult: $30.00

From July 16 there will be an extra charge of $5.00 for Late Online Entries

http://www.wandasurfclub.com/

Tuesday Session - 40km TT

Be prepared .. it's a 40k TT on Tuesday this week ..

Three Aussies Out

Yup .. O'Grady, Rogers and McKewen are out of Le Tour .. injuries from crashes.

Cadel Evans in 6th overall as at the end of yesterday's stage.

King of the Mountain

Oliver Lamb does it again .. running 32km in the King of the Mountain bush run in 2.12 for 7th place. [Just two weeks after running the Gold Coast Marathon]

It's described as:

"A challenging run from Cambewarra Public School, over Mt Scanzi to Kangaroo Valley Showground on quiet gravel back roads with some bitumen. This is an arduous event and entry by young or unfit competitors is NOT recommended. The run will proceed in any weather and, if necessary, the route will be changed to ensure your safety."

Busy Weekend

Ok - it was a busy weekend across the board.

A few reminders - when cycling at Kurnell .. it's really important because the entry/exit road is so narrow to yell out when a truck is advancing on us or when there's a hole in the road. Please don't hesitate to shout.

The more we ride as a group, generally the safer it is. If you're going to turn early, that's OK. Just let as many people know exactly when you're going to turn. Someone else might go back with you.

Sunday's early ride was huge .. 185km .. it was also a reminder to one of us (me) that you can still get dehydrated when it's cold. I made a big nutrition mistake by not drinking enough. Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition!

Weekend Training

Sat - short ride

Sun - long ride with run .. Lisa, Tim have 160-180k rides planned

King of the Mountain run on Sunday .. Go Oli!

Damo recuperating from the flu and hopefully will be back in action next week.

Amanda in Oregon?

Amanda and Luke are busy racing around the US and are preparing to head to Europe next.

Check out their latest adventures on www.xtri.com and stay updated with the rest of their activities on www.amandabalding.com/blog.html

auf Wiedersehen Thomas!

Thomas is heading back to Germany after more than two years here in Oz.

Though we haven't seen a lot of him lately, we still miss having you pushing the big gears on the long rides.

Safe travels!

How wise are you?

From a US newswire story:

When asked to define wisdom, Socrates just shrugged. He said he couldn't find it, whatever it was, either in himself or in any of his fellow citizens.

The news from Monika Ardelt is more encouraging. Yes, she reports, wisdom is rare. No, it is not extinct. If you know where to look, you can catch glimpses of it, darting in and out of its usual habitat.

Most scholars seek wisdom in folklore, ancient texts and the spiritual visionaries of the ages: Siddhartha, Confucius, Lao Tsu, Buddha, Abraham, Muhammad, Jesus Christ.

Ardelt, a 47-year-old University of Florida sociologist, bypasses the usual suspects, searching instead among ordinary souls.

She finds wisdom in a 77-year-old retired school administrator who learned, over his lifetime, to see problems as games, meant to be played out rather than feared.

``I've never allowed any outside force to take possession of my being,'' he says.

She finds wisdom in an 85-year-old homemaker who lived by the creed: ``Do whatever has to be done, whether you want to do it or not.''

...

Most dramatically, while wise individuals rarely complained and talked often and with obvious delight about the welfare of those they loved during interviews, their low-scoring counterparts much preferred to discuss themselves and their own never-ending catalog of complaints.

Self-absorption, and the unhappiness that comes with it, has become a recurring theme in Ardelt's observations.

``It's striking to me just how harmful self-centredness is to the individual,'' she says.

Weekend Training

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

2 options probably

1) 80-90k Easy - Waterfall and return. (could be a bit pacey)

2) 140-160 As per option 1 but enter National P at Audley through National P climb out at Waterfall - back through the park - down garie - down wattamalla - climb out at Audley - back home via LaPa if K's required.

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

2 options probably

1) 80-90k Easy - Waterfall and return.

2) 120-140 Easy - Bulli return

Some have runs off the bike.

Damon

Oxfam fundraiser - August 17

Hello Friends

re: Oxfam Trailwalker Team 19 -

Beach Palace Girls Go Bush

We will be running through the bush for 100km on Friday 24th August with a goal to finish in the top 3 all female teams!

We are also having a massive fundraiser at the Beach Palace Hotel, Coogee Bay on Friday 17th August to raise $15 000.

Tickets are $30 and tax deductible -

Auction Prizes include:

Dinner for 2 at Tetsuya's

Finals Tennis Tickets to the Medibank Private International

Sydney Dance Company Tickets

Massages

Revlon Skin Products

Sporting memorabilia

Microsoft Windows VISTA

Beauty Vouchers

Hair Dresser Vouchers

1 Years Supply of Cadbury Chocolate

Cases of Wine

Original Artwork Canvas's

And MUCH MUCH MORE.....

Thanks for your support!!!

Cheers Gina / Fiona / Kelly / Kristy


contact Gina (Dingo's partner) at clearplace1@yahoo.com

Brat Club Info

Cedo Memorial 6km Run - Sat 21 July.North Side, Queens Park 2.00pm start

AGM Presidents Awards and BRATS 'Touch of Gold' End of Season Party - Sat 21 July AGM starts at 6.00pm party to start at 7.00pm at the The Clovelly Hotel. Tickets $30.00 per head.

More details at BRAT MEMBER AWARDS> BRAT 'Touch of Gold' Party 2007

http://www.bratclub.com.au/

Oli stuns gold coast!

In a performance that sets a very high standard, Oli Lamb smashed himself and the clock at the Gold Coast Marathon.

And he did it with a consistent pace too!

His first 10k: 39:08

Second 10k: 38:37

Third 10k: 38:39

And a final net time of 2:45:53!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That put him 12th in the 25-29 age group ..

In other Gold Coast news

Lisa had a superb marathon debut in 3:02!!

Tim had a PB of 3:10. Margreet (who set a marathon PB three months ago) crossed in 3:15.

In the half marathon, Tony Golden was 1:33 and Jacqui Benoit was 1:40.

**

I've raced here three times and set PBs each time. It's basically a flat course. A very good overall atmosphere as there are also 1/2 marathon, 10k and 7.5k events the same morning. It's definitely worth the effort to get there at least one time!

Keep moving forward

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time."
Thomas Edison

Weekend Training

Saturday - 6:00am York rd gates

2 options probably

80-90k Easy Kurnell / Cronulla / Sutherland ride (I'll be doing this) or

Those needing to go longer go to Waterfall and Bulli return

Sunday - 6:15am York rd gates

2 options probably

Option 1 - 90-100 k Waterfall - down the Nasho - left at the bottom - down Garie - climb out at Audley - stop at Sutho (regroup) - go back home together. (no hits will be easy low strength ride)

Option 2 Turn off at Kurnell and complete 60k TT returning easy to the park.

Calga Time Trial is also on the Sunday

I'll be doing Option 1 . For those beginners - feel free to to do option we will wait for you or you can turn early at Garie.

Some have runs off the bike.

Damo

Drying out

Saturday
Clearing shower
Min: 9°C Max: 17°C

Sunday
Mostly sunny
Min: 9°C Max: 17°C

Monday
Sunny
Min: 7°C Max: 18°C

Tuesday
Sunny
Min: 8°C Max: 20°C

Wednesday
Sunny
Min: 9°C M

Roth Too!

It was a busy weekend of racing .. at Roth ..

Macca took out first .. again - fourth in a row .. with another sub 8 hour finish and pledged to return next year. 7:54:27.

In the women's race, a Dutch athlete won her DEBUT ironman in a sub 9 time!!!!! She ran a sub3 hour marathon to catch both Jo Lawn and Belinda Granger.

The Dutch athlete: Yvonne van Vlerken, who happens to be the world duathlon champion. Her time: 8:51:55.

Luke takes 6th

Luke McKenzie had an awesome day at Coeur d'Alene, finishing 6th overall in 8:53!!!!!

Superb effort!

Swim: 51:32
Bike: 4:45
Run: 3:13

Sarah Just Outside Top 10

Sarah finished within striking distance of top 10 in the 25-29 age group.

Swim: 1:27
Bike: 6:03
Run: 4:35

End: 12:15

*Her Dad was on the course today too, finishing in less than 15 hours. Very cool!

Coeur d'Alene - ongoing

The race in Idaho is still in progress - a windy day.

``Over 2000 athletes have entered the water here. The water is rough but but do-able. Athletes have been offered the option to do a duathlons if they are uncomfortable with the swim conditions. Very few appear to have accepted the offer.''

Sarah Kubsch had a 1:27 swim and a very solid 6:03 bike. No run splits for her yet.

Gez - a French Ironman!!!

Gerard Sazkozy secured another M-Dot for his racing resume yesterday competing in Nice, France.

He had a solid swim of 1:04 and a solid bike of 6:13 and then a 5:14 run for a 12:45 day.

Looking forward to hearing more about the day.

Feels like .... brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

• Current temp: 6.3°C
• Recorded min: n/a
• Recorded max: n/a
• Feels like: 2.3°C

This is the weather report for Sydney at 7:45am on Friday!

Ironman Weekend

Go Gez and Go Sarah ..

For ironmanlive: http://vnews.ironmanlive.com/


For M-Dot France and Gez: http://www.ironmanfrance.com/


For Coeur d'Alene and Sarah: http://www.ironmancda.com/

Winter Wipeout Sale

Starting tomoro .. get to Katmandu and get some more thermals .. it isn't getting any warmer out there .. yet!!!

The Comrade!

An excerpt from John's day in South Africa:

... I could feel my pain killers wearing off, by this time I had hit the other major mother of hills - bothas hill.fields hill and cowies hill, the damage on my quads had now hit me rite between the eyes. I looked at my watch and it told the story, I only had 3 mins up my sleeve to make my 7 hrs 30 time that I was going for if I could hold 5 mins per km pace.

every step I dug deep, the pain was just not tolerable, I remembered all my mental plans that I had made before in case of times like this but for some reason throughout the race all these psychological things just came to me anyway, I thought of so many deep things in my life during this run and twice had tears, it wasn't pain it was just emotion which can happen when your in this other world...

I planned to do these things when I needed them but it happened the other way around,an ipod tune would spark off a memory and the emotion followed, but Jesus did it fire me up...

problem I had now at 10k to go was I needed another but it just wasn't happening, the pain was over riding anything I could dream up, I laughed at myself at one point coz every step I was chanting in my head "don't give up don't give up".

I had 7:30 in the palm of my hand, I also knew that usually I'm quick at the end with adrenalin etc so I always had hope.

.....

that was one special journey for me which I advise everyone to do at some time in their lives, whether it be for motivation, balance, fun or personal reasons....stepping out the comfort zone can do you wonders !!

john hill 19/6/07

now in sunny Roth Germany

legs still smashed

Cyclonic Storm!

So much for the forecast for Fine weather!!! The bureau of meteorology has changed its mind.

****

Cyclonic winds are forecast to hit Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle tonight, and the weather bureau warns the wild storm will "pack a mean punch".

Gusts of up to 100kmh, enough to tear off roofs, will hammer the coast.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/cyclonic-winds-to-batter-sydney/2007/06/18/1182019030766.html

You are a Comrade!

John Hill .. 7:38:55 for 89.3km .. (He ran the first 44.3km in 3:35)

He was 145th in the 40-49 age group .. He was 664th overall male .. There about 9000 men on the start line

http://196.38.150.246/Splits.aspx?RaceId=87&EventId=1&AthleteId=90417

Winning male: a Russian in 5:20 ... Winning female: a Russian 6:10 (difference between 1st and 2nd - 29 seconds!!!!!)

John's splits:

Lion Park	15.9	73.4	01:13:31	06:43:31		4.62	226	1183
Camperdown	26.9	62.4	02:04:52	07:34:52		4.64	233	1188
Halfway	45	44.3	03:35:38	09:05:38		4.79	206	1010
Pinetown	68.9	20.4	05:42:43	11:12:43		4.97	157	724
Mayville	82.3	7	06:55:50	12:25:50		5.05	138	615
Finish	89.3	0	07:38:54	13:08:54		5.14	145	644

Weather to improve

From the Bureau of Meteorology:

Forecast for Tuesday
Shower or two increasing to rain overnight. Fresh and gusty west to southwest winds tending strong and squally southwest to southerly, after midnight, and reaching gale force at times.

Precis: Shower or two increasing to rain at night. Very windy night.

City:  Min:   11  Max:   16
West:  Min:    7  Max:   16 

Wednesday Rain easing. Very windy morning.

City:  Min:   10  Max:   16
West:  Min:    6  Max:   15 

Thursday Fine morning, coastal shower later.

City:  Min:    7  Max:   15
West:  Min:    2  Max:   14 

Friday Mostly fine.

City:  Min:    7  Max:   17
West:  Min:    2  Max:   15 

Saturday Mostly fine.

City:  Min:    9  Max:   17
West:  Min:    3  Max:   15 

Sunday Mostly fine.

City:  Min:    9  Max:   17

Map Your Run!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/

tnks for the tip from kathy

Mini Mos - Oli, Lisa, Jacqui

It was a wet morning and the ground was a bit slippery in parts but it didn't stop Oli, Lisa or Jacqui from tearing up the course.

Oli took first in his age group and was top 10 overall in a sub 36 performance.

Lisa was also first in her age group with a solid 39:54. Jacqui was fourth in her age group.

Wet Weekend Ahead

Forecast for Saturday

Rain, with moderate to locally heavy falls, easing later. Chance of a thunderstorm. Fresh southeast winds, strong and squally near the coast. Dangerous surf conditions. Windy.
City: Min: 11 Max: 16

Forecast for Sunday

Shower or two.
City: Min: 10 Max: 17

http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw/

M-Dot Japan

It's on Sunday. Bevan Leach is on the participants list!

As are: Kate Major, Belinda Harrison and Yoko Hori.

3.8k swim - that's nothing!

The New York Times
June 14, 2007

Crawling Around Manhattan, One Arm at a Time

By KATE TORGOVNICK

The visibility in some of the waterways surrounding Manhattan is so poor that a swimmer can barely see his own hands.

The water is cold, the currents are powerful and debris can include plastic bags and dead fish.

Despite those conditions, demand far outstrips the number of spots available in the annual Manhattan Island Marathon Swim, which on Saturday morning will send freestyle swimmers on a 28.5-mile course around the island.

So many swimmers want to participate, in fact, that the race’s organizers added three more events to the calendar.

When the marathon swim began in 1982 (a revival of an event popular in the 1920s), it had only 12 swimmers. Nearly 90 are registered this year, and they range in age from 18 to 76. Many live in the New York area, but others arrive from throughout the country and the world — including participants from Italy, Guatemala, Australia and Japan.

“It’s like applying to college,” said Morty Berger, the founder of the Manhattan Island Foundation, which organizes the annual race. Manhattan Island Marathon Swim hopefuls must complete an online application, submit an essay about why they want to be part of the race and pay a fee of $US1,285.

Because the race can last more than nine hours, contenders must also complete a qualifying swim to show they have the stamina. Still, Berger said, “We’ll never be able to satisfy the demand.”

When registration began Dec. 1, the slots filled in 1 hour 40 minutes.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/14/sports/othersports/14swim.html?ref=sports

Coach Damo

While John is away - I'll do my best to make all sessions. If I can't make a session due to work or illness I'll advise a few people to ensure the groups has a leader.

Tuesday rides will be as per progs so PLEASE be aware of what is on YOUR prog every Tuesday. This should save time explaining things 2-3times at the start of each Tuesday session - I will go over the session for those casual riders.

Thursday rides will be a mix of Watsons Bay/La Parouse and sessions in the park. There will be no 2nd meeting place as per Tuesday (we will only meet at York st gates)

Spares and Lights - Please make sure you're self sufficient with spares/pumps and tyre levers. Also please make sure you have at least 1 fully functioning bright front and back light - no lights = no ride.

Be on Time - If the ride starts at 6 it will start at 6 not 6:10

I've attached a document that covers bunch riding borrowed from a cycling club - most of it refers to the way we ride (or should ride) so especially those new faces among us, take 5 minutes to have a read. [Contact Damo if you need this document]

If you have suggestions or dramas please feel free to let me know.

Stay safe people

Damo

Weekend Training

Saturday

6:00am York road gates
80-90k easy Waterfall and return (stop at Sutho)

Sunday

No-ride

Some doing Mini Mos 10k fun run at Mosman

Damo

Vi-tamins!

June 12

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Guillermo Coria, once the No. 3-ranked tennis player in the world, is suing a New Jersey supplement manufacturer, claiming its steroid-contaminated vitamins led to a positive drug test and a suspension that cost him millions.

In a trial set to begin Monday in New Jersey Superior Court in New Brunswick, N.J., Coria will seek to clear his name and will ask a jury to award him in excess of $10 million for lost prize money and endorsements, his lawyers said.

Mini Mos - Online Entry Closing Soon

http://www.minimosmarathon.com/index.php?crn=201

PRIZE MONEY:
The MiniMos 10km Run is our premier event, with more than $6,000 in prize money on the line. This year, due to popular demand, we’re paying deeper into the field. Prize money will be awarded as follows:

• 1st-Place Overall Male & Female: $1,250
• 2nd-Place Overall Male & Female: $800
• 3rd-Place Overall Male & Female: $500
• 4th-Place Overall Male & Female: $350
• 5th-Place Overall Male & Female: $200

Macca on the move

Not only has he moved his family to Boulder, Co for the time being, he has switched bikes to Specialized from Kestrel.

And he's also tapped Mark Allen as a coach. This comment is from Allen on xtri:

You are working with Chris McCormack this year. When did you meet, and how did you decide to become his coach?

``I have known Chris for many, many years and have always liked his approach to his training and racing. He asked if I would help him several years back, but at the time I was working with Peter Reid and it would have been a conflict of interest. But now I am free to work with him and am really looking forward to being a part of his team of support.''

http://xtri.com/features_display.aspx?riIDReport=4085&CAT=3&xref=xx

Kiplagat - Just Go!

The New York Times
By LIZ ROBBINS

Published: June 10, 2007

At the hint of the horn, Lornah Kiplagat broke like a sprinter out of imaginary starting blocks. In two steps, she was in the lead on Central Park West. Barely a block later, Kiplagat again made the New York Mini women’s 10-kilometer a race for second place.

She cut a solitary but familiar figure yesterday morning as she entered Central Park, surging up the hills and gliding elegantly down. Fans cried out, “Lornah!” or her nickname, “Simba!” — Swahili for lion — while Kiplagat, a Kenyan-born Dutch citizen, left the elite women’s field in the dust on the way to her third straight victory.

“When I start, I don’t have a strategy,” Kiplagat, 33, said, smiling. “I just go.”

Her five-second lead in the first mile grew to 25 seconds at the halfway mark, 3.1 miles. Kiplagat slowed toward the end to high-five fans and finished in 32 minutes 10 seconds for her fourth victory in the 36th running of this race.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/10/sports/othersports/10run.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Mottram - size matters!

Craig Mottram sent world championship expectations soaring with a record-breaking two-mile victory over a crack field at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on Sunday.

Mottram sliced nearly eight seconds off his best to clock 8:03.50, the fastest two miles ever run on US soil and an Australian and Oceania record.

The time is also the sixth fastest ever run for the distance, elevating the 26-year-old Victorian to the third fastest of all time, behind world record holder Daniel Komen (Kenya) and Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) who hold the five fastest times between them.

Mottram made his victory even more memorable for US fans by declaring on NBC's live broadcast after the race that when the pace is on it comes down to the size of your balls.

Drafting ..

Some rather interesting comments in this story on drafting:

http://www.triathletemag.com/Departments/Race_Coverage/2007/Badmann_sets_world_record__Tollakson_dominates_at_Eagleman.htm

Wild Weekend

Well the weather kept most of us indoors all weekend. But a perfectly good day for cycling today and the forecast indicates the same for Tuesday before the wet weather returns.

Forecast for Tuesday
Fine. Some morning cloud then mostly sunny afternoon. Moderate to fresh south to southwest winds.

http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDN10064.shtml

Wet and Wet

June 7, 2007 - AAP

Up to 50mm of rain has soaked parts of Sydney as a three-day weather front moves through coastal areas and the central tablelands of NSW.

Most of the storms are currently over the the Hunter region, but the Bureau of Meteorology says they will move south, dumping up to 100mm of rain in some areas.

"Sunday will clear up, but tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite wet and windy across Sydney," bureau weather services manager Deryn Griffiths said.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/sydney-soaked-by-rain-more-to-come/2007/06/07/1181089194435.html

Cookie Monsters Unite!

From the weekend training camp in Kiama, a tip on some amazingly healthy cookies that pack a punch.

Freedom Foods makes the cookies. Blueberry Bliss and Apricot Temptation were the two varieties consumed on the weekend.

97 per cent fat free, no added sugar, high fibre, dairy free, GMO free, vegan and nut free

No artificial flavours or colours. Low GI!!!

There are nine cookies in each package. Each cookie is about 25g, containing 83 cals!!!!!!

You can find them in Coles in the health food section, $2.95 a package.

http://www.freedomfoods.com.au/

Australia Half Ironman Series

http://www.halfironmanseries.com/

Port Mac site open

PANTHERS IRONMAN AUSTRALIA –
2008 WEBSITE NOW OPEN!

www.ironmanoz.com

Kona 1/2 Results

Sixth in her age group for Grace!!!!

Seventh in her age group for Amanda!!!!

Luke dropped out during the race, which was won by Macca in 3:57.18, a course record.

Wheels for sale

Mavic Cosmic Carbone race wheels

Come with Tufo singles and 23 cluster.

Rear wheel recently serviced/trued by Mavic.

Excellent condition ready to race.

Price: $950 ono.

Call Steve: 0439605765 or e-mail smurray@mipi.com.au

GC Marathon

The number of entries has reached the 5000-mark which is more than 35 per cent more than last year.

Gold Coast Airport Marathon General Manager Cameron Hart said at the current rate of entry, this year’s participation will not only exceed last year’s record of 13,814 but also the 2007 target of 14,500.

"We also encourage people to enter before next Wednesday June 6 to take advantage of the cheaper entry fees. A late fee applies from Thursday and late entries will be accepted right through until Saturday June 30.”

High profile marathon runners attending this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon in various capacities are Rob de Castella, Steve Moneghetti, Pat Carroll, Lee Troop and Kerryn McCann.

Weekend Running

Congrats to Oli and Jacqui .. superb 8k Sunday run efforts .. And apparently running a lot of km's does help you run faster, just ask JH.

Epic Camp

More than 300km of cycling and more than 60km of running, with one swim, over three days.

It was a weekend of endurance and strength training in and around Kiama. And the weather couldn't have been any better.