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

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!

Having a blast!

What a summer so far! It has been busy, exciting and fun! We have had a variety of guests to Tri4theAlps from singles, groups and families tackling cycling, triathlon and multi-activity holiday. We have had World Champion and Olympians Emma Moffatt and Brad Kahlefeldt staying in the Chalet and the arrival of the DSquad in town has also been exciting. From helping beginners learn the ropes to taking a crew to the Alpe D'Huez Triathlon it has been an extremely rewarding experience! Looking forward to welcoming our next group soon!

A couple of snippets from Trip Advisor:

"Exercise plan- we cycled a different route every day and given the chance to tackle climbs famous in the Tour de France. What an amazing opportunity and to get advice and assistance on technique to assist you up the lengthy hills. In addition we did a run session structured by Amelia which was focused and specific to individual needs and ability. Many went swimming in open lake and local 50m pool. Technique once again given from Amelia to get the best out of each session. I think I have exhausted all compliments I can give to the most memorable holiday I've had since I went travelling round the world. Thank you team tri4thealps."

"Just back from a Cycling trip to Morzine with 10 friends. The Chalet was excellent, clean comfortable perfect for our base. The whole experience was enhanced by our guides Joe and Amelia, they where fantastic and could not have done more for us. I urge anyone who is thinking of cycling in this area to employ their services, you won't regret it!!"

There's no shame in walking

When my coach introduced the concept of the run/walk I was a little hesitant. Really, using a regular run/walk cycle in my long 'runs' was going to be valuable? What if people saw me out 'run' training and I was walking, what would they think? That was about three and a half years ago and now I have total belief in it's benefits and get my athletes to train using the same concept. I'm back running now too, after an extended layoff and using the run/walk to help me get my fitness back. Using all sorts of combos I am enjoying being back on the move, using the walk to recover throughout the run, increase the total duration I can run for and increasing the pace I can hold while actually running. Morzine is beautiful for running. The river trails are beautiful, the lake circuit is stunning and an odd hill or two keep it interesting!

Why Morzine?

If you didn’t know Joe and I are living in Morzine in the French Alps and on May 5 (less than 50 days away!) our new business Tri4theAlps will host its first guests.

Tri4theAlps is triathlon, cycling and activity holidays in the French Alps. We offer a personalized training and holiday service in what we believe to be the most beautiful place in the world.

I first stayed in Morzine in 2005. At the time I was living in the Brittany region of France racing for the Cesson Sevinge Olympic Club in the National Grand Prix. Brittany was reasonably flat and some of the guys were keen to train in the mountains in preparation for a race in Embrun. I had such great week training in an incredibly beautiful place. The village was quiet; there was a 50m outdoor pool, hills to conquer and trails for running. This kick started my professional racing experience and I was lucky to go on to travel to races all over the world. By 2012 I had lost the drive to train and compete at the highest level and we were looking for a new adventure. I had started coaching after completing my Level 2 Coaching Accreditation I was keen to use my knowledge and experience to help others. The idea of a training base in Morzine was born. Joe and I traveled back to Morzine and a group of athletes that I coach who were racing in the ITU World Long Distance Championships in Spain came over to train before heading off to there big event. It was a great success and we knew this was something we wanted to build on. From there Tri4theAlps was born.

So, why Morzine?

Morzine is nestled in the Portes du Soleil region of the French Alps. It is just one hour from Geneva so access is easy. The village, founded in 1181, is at 1000m so you get many of the benefits of being at altitude without compromising your training. The village is well kept and maintains it’s alpine character. On our door step are Tour de France climbs Col de Joux Plane (1691m, 11.6km, avg 8.5%), Col de la Ramaz (1610m, 16km, avg 6.1%) and Col de la Colombiere (1613m, 11.7km, avg 5.9%) there are then a long list of less famous but equally rewarding climbs to keep the bike interesting. We also cycle down to Thonon on Lake Leman, or Taninges for some flat roads too. Last year the Aquatic Centre was renovated at it now boasts a 25m indoor and 50m outdoor pool with stunning views of the mountain peaks. We also swim in the 1500m long Lake Montriond and lakeside pools at Thonon and Evian. Running is mostly along trails and we drive down to Chamonix for track sessions. For recovery days there are endless activities to be part of from taking the chairlifts up the mountains for hiking or mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, tennis…. the list goes on. It is quite incredible how much there is to do here. We also like going to the thermal baths just over the boarder in Switzerland for a relaxing afternoon.

So maybe you can start to see just why we love Morzine….

www.tri4thealps.com

Makeover complete

Hope you like the new design, now stay tuned for new (and regular) posts.......

Makeover

Ok, I've been missing in action for a while now, no excuses, I've just been slack. Originally I created my blog when I was racing at the top level of Ironman Triathlon. The idea was to keep anyone interested updated on my training and race schedule. If you haven't noticed I haven't been doing any training or racing over the past couple of years, so the blog updates have been few and far between.

However I'm about to do a makeover and be doing regular postings, hopefully very interesting!
From May to September I will be hosting triathlon, cycling and multisport holidays in Morzine in the French Alps.... can I tempt you to come and join me?

check it out - www.tri4thealps.com

Have been very busy working on our new Triathlon, Cycling and Adventure holidays in the French Alps.  Check it out.....

 

 www.tri4thealps.com

 

Can highly reccomend a trip to Morzine for the ultimate holiday experience!

A new love for the bike

The last 3 months have totally reinspired my love for the bike. I haven't counted distance or time but have loved every minute of it. I have been riding my bike and viewing the amazing scenery of the unbelievable French Alps. Taking in the villages, mountains,waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers and of course a bakery stop or two! I have conquered many cols including Alpe d'Huez, Col de Joux Plane, Galibier and the list goes on. I even rode my bike for 6 days straight from Morzine on the Route de Grand Alps to Nice on the Mediterranian. Now I can't wait to do it all again, and more, next year!!

Fitness Improving....

Sunshine and hills have been a great combination for working on the base fitness at Base Camp Morzine over the past few weeks. A different course for every cycle but always a Col or two is creating tired but satisfied legs! Have also been exploring the trails and roads with so much gorgeous scenery to keep the mind occupied. Carving it up in the pool too and so pleased to have our own lane most of the time. But its not all a hard slog, have also enjoyed outings to Mont Blanc, Annecy, Montreaux, Vevey, Sameons, Yvoire and the Thermal Baths at Lavey Les Bains to name a few.

Testing out the roads

Have arrived and setteld at Chalet Le Serac, the home of Base Camp Morzine for June and July. Lots of great training to be done! Still some snow on the top of the mountains but lovely down in the valley. Pool warm, roads filled with cyclists and trails look good. Athletes start arriving tomorrow!