A Winter Wonderland

We moved to Morzine for the summers because needless to say triathlon and cycling is what it's all about, but oh boy do I love the winter too! There hasn't been a heap of snow this winter yet but it's not stopping me from getting out and about for lots of cross training adventures. My choice of activities include:

• skiing
• randonee skiing
• snow shoeing
• yoga
• pilates 
• turbo trainer
• gym 
• swimming 
• running 

That's nine different physical activities listed there that I can choose from on a daily basis. Choosing different activities is an excellent way to stay inspired over the winter and prevents the body from becoming overtrained in triathlon. Yep, I love this kind of down time!

The highs and the lows

Triathlon is a challenging sport. Combining swimming, cycling, running plus transitions is one of the reasons I love it so much. Then throw in other factors such as nutrition, strength & conditioning, mental toughness and there's a lot to keep track of. I think this is one of the reasons it is so satisfying to make it to the finish line. Every competitor in every event has been on a journey to get to the start line and to cross the finish line. I've been in 2 triathlons this summer and my journey has been different to that of the many triathlons I have been in before. It's the fist time I haven't been part of my swim squad, the first time I haven't had a training program to follow. I've been training with our guests at tri4thealps, sometimes sneaking in a quick session on my own here and there too. The races have both been fun. The sprint individual time trial at Machilly and then the Olympic distance race at Passy. They were both hard but I enjoyed the challenge. Unfortunately there won't be any more tris for me this summer. I fell on some stairs the other day and have sprained my ankle. I'm doing everything I can for a speedy recovery but racing again will have to wait to next summer now. That's the highs and the lows of sport.

 

Above: Post Race interview at Passy then coaching from the blocks with my foot in a brace!

Professional Development

At Tri4theAlps this week it has been our DSquad Training Week. Not only have our guests had a fantastic opportunity to watch, listen and learn from some of the best triathletes in the world but I have as well. The DSquad boasts Olympic Silver Medalist Lisa Norden, Commonwealth Gold Medalist Jodie Stimpson and World Triathlon Series Grand Final Silver Medalist Aileen Reid as well as a bunch of other top and upcoming athletes coached by one of the best coaches in the world, Darren Smith. This week we have watched them go about their business, in a serious and professional manner but with an obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm for the sport.  We have experienced first hand swimming sessions with Aileen and Julia, bike sessions with Jess, run sessions with Cam, Lindsey and Melinda, gym with Rick and lunch, coffee and chats with Jodie & Aileen. The athletes have willingly told us what they do and why they do it, and it has been interesting and insightful. There is certainly an emphasis on quality over quantity and mastering good technique and form.  With a few sessions left to complete, most of us a feeling a bit fatigued but looking forward to learning just a little bit more before this wonderful opportunity comes to a close.

Swimming with Aileen & Julia

Run with Cam

Lunch with Jodie and Aileen (at Dotty's!)

Run with Lindsey & Mel

Bike with Jess

Helping others

My role as a triathlon coach is all about helping others. It is very rewarding when I see others inspired to improve and achieve. Sport does not always have to be about winning, it can be just as, sometimes more, satisfying to know you are out there doing your best.
A recent week at Tri4theAlps with some guests that are relatively new to the sport proved just this. It was a pretty awful week of weather but they were so keen to get out there and willing to learn that it really didn't matter. It was great to see them all improve over the week, in fitness, strength, endurance, skills and ultimately their confidence. I am really looking forward to following their progress and it gives me a buzz to know that I helped contribute to their future endeavours.
I've also been helping some locals. Keeping track of them over a month or so now and watching the progress has been incredible. I am excited to be able to continue to work with them over time and hope I can continue to help them grow not only in their sport but in life as well.
Keep up the great work team!!!!

Triathlon du Lac Machilly

Our summer season is well underway and so I thought it was about time to do a triathlon. It has been over 3 years since my last triathlon. I entered the Machilly Tri with the sole aim of participating for fun! I really enjoyed it and am inspired to put on the race suit again soon. The event was organised by one of the local triathlon clubs and they did a sensational job. The course was easy to follow and safe. The concept of the race was an individual time trial, with participants starting in 15 second intervals. My only hiccup prior to the race start was not having a number belt when it was announced to be a non wetsuit swim. Never fear - Joe ripped off the elastic band of his undies and there you have it a 'bonds' number belt. Disaster diverted I was on the start line. The swim felt good, I was pleased with the straight line I took from can to can and my pacing was suitable to how much swimming I have been doing (only a little bit), I had a sooth transition and was pleased to be feeling good when I jumped on the bike. The bike course seemed quite fast, no major climbs but some nice gradual ups and downs. I had the GIANT PROPEL ADVANCED SL flying around the course, overtaking many in front of me and only being overtaken by one guy. Onto the run I was a little concerned I'd spent too much on the bike but I pushed hard and found a rhythm. The whole course was stunningly scenic and I really enjoyed being out there and pushing the limits. Upon crossing the finish line I was informed that I was the fastest female so far so I was lead over to the 'throne' where I had to ring a cow bell and then sit to wait to see if any females would beat my time. It turns out they didn't and I was the fastest finisher for the day.

  

Pre Season

Embarking on a fitness campaign is never easy. But now that winter is over it is time to get fit ready for summer. Our first guests for Tri4theAlps arrive on 1 June so I really want to be in good shape for when they do! So building the base is all about consistent sessions, slowly and steadily increasing the duration and getting the job done. I've been working predominately on aerobic conditioning with some strength work thrown in too and I'm starting to feel ok. I've been concentrating on good form and technique too. The stunning views around Morzine have been making the hard breathing and sore muscles all that bit easier to handle. Another blessing that has inspired me to get out and about has been rejoining the GIANT family. A beautiful new Giant Propel and Giant Lust mean I can choose between road cycling and trail riding. I'm new to mountain bike riding and I am absolutely loving it so far. Riding the river trails have become my 'easy' rides and force me to get out of my comfort zone to go over rocks and tree roots and down steeper inclines. Out on the road I can't miss a climb so I have an early recorded time up Avoriaz to work on decreasing over the next few weeks. My swimming and running are coming along and I'm really noticing an improvement in my core from my weekly Pilates session at Mountain Rehab. So the next few weeks will be all about keeping up this hard work and fingers crossed the form will return!!!

Me and the Giant Lust getting out and about.
Showing off Joe's Giant Anthem too. 

Ski Season

So winter has flown by! It's now spring and the snow is starting to melt away. The ski season has been great. Joe and I have hosted Cairn Lodge, a luxury chalet for 17 guests. We've cooked and cleaned and skied in-between. My skiing has certainly improved since last season. As well as skiing I've been on some great 'snow shoe' hikes, been visiting the pool and managing a few runs too. The bikes will be dusted off soon and back on the road. The sun is out so getting excited for summer!