Summer Fun

Summer in Morzine has been a cracker! Hot weather and lots of guests has provided the opportunity to be very active so my fitness is at a pleasing level. I have a new favourite cycle route which includes the awesome Col de la Ramaz climb, the sneaky views of mt blanc early are exciting and then the challenging part of the climb keep me focused to Sommand where the views are incredible and then as you pop over the top the panoramic sight is well worth the 14km climb up . Swimming at Lac Montriond has been a regular occurrence both wetsuit and non. The only day that has been affected by the weather was the day of the alpe d'huez triathlon, but it didn't matter in the end. A tough event but a must do for those that love a challenge.

Pre-Season

Spring is a wonderful time in the Alps. There might be a little bit of rain but the sun usually shows a regualr appearance, the snow starts melting and we start to think about the summer ahead.
May for us is usually 'get fit' month ready for the summer season. This year it has been a little easier than the previous two. I made a conscious effort to maintain my fitness over the winter. As my skiing has improved the energy required has diminished so I have had to up the level of alternative sessions to keep me in shape. An off season is great for the body & mind to rest and recuperate but maintaining a decent level of strength and endurance has made the preseason so much easier. I'm appreciating that right now having returned from a 4 hour ride. I feel tired, but not in a way that the length of the session was beyond my capabilities for this time of the year.
It is a positive sign for what lies ahead.

Romance is still alive

Joe & I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary recently with a romantic bike ride. Around Lake Leman. 180km. We started in Thonon and had coffee stops at Yvoire in France & Nyon in Switzerland. Lunch in Vevey and a much needed snack just before Evian for the final kms back to Thonon. It certainly was quality time together and a great achievement for us both!!

 

April Fools

It's hard to believe it's April already. The winter season has flown by. I have throughly enjoyed having such a wide range of activities to keep me occupied. Skiing has been great and randonee has been excellent for both the fitness and the off piste skills! The sun has started to shine and so I have ventured out on the Giant Propel a few times already. The first time since we have been in Morzine that we have been out on the road in March. We are now busy getting organised for the onslaught of summer. Bring on the triathlons and road cycling!!!

I heard about a new event that will start on our door step this September - The Evergreen Endurance 228. It's a 4km swim in Lac Montriond, 181km cycle to Chamonix via 5 cols and a 43km trail run. I had been tempted to race another Ironman and after hearing of this event I am excited to be able to be part of the inaugural race. My aim is purely to finish. It will possibly be the hardest Iron distance event in the world, but it will also be one of the most spectacular. I am looking forward to preparing myself for the challenge - no joke!!

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