Cairns IM and 70.3IM
Another season gone and a time to celebrate and reflect on the successes of the past 12 months. We have had a big year with many challenges overcome and members doing things they previously thought not possible.
As always the Cairns IM and 70.3 was our main long course event of the year. We had just under 40 athletes compete on the day with some huge pb’s, great first up efforts and age group champions. Full results are on the website under races and results section.
The 2015 Cairns IM and 70.3 will again be the major long course event for the squad. We will also be at Gold Coast Challenge, Sunshine Coast 70.3 and will support members competing at other IM events but Cairns will be the focus.
End of Season Party
Another enjoyable night was had by all to celebrate the end of season on Saturday night. Thanks again to all our sponsors and major partners for their support over the last 12 months. As always we presented the major awards to acknowledge the efforts of some members.
MOST OUTSTANDING MALE – Chris Bailey – Competed at the 2013 IM World Championships in Kona recording a sub 10hr finish and despite a lingering back issue has recorded podium finishes in the very competitive 35-39 age group at Mooloolaba and Byron Bay triathlons.
MOST OUTSTANDING FEMALE – Ange Brearley – Raced very consistently all season recording wins and numerous podiums at just about every race she entered. Still a newcomer to the sport and with more development has the potential to be a dominant age grouper in Queensland.
MOST IMPROVED – Lauren Weedon – Has come from not being able to keep up in the warm up at a Tuesday morning run session to get through her first half IM swim and bike at the recent Cairns. Everyone will agree that her ever smiling face and pleasant disposition only hides a steely determination to improve.
MASTERS – Geoff Holt – Did a 70 min pb at IM Melbourne to record an 11.30 finish and just miss a Kona spot in the 60-64 age group and only on 12 hrs training per week. Then followed this up with a 20+ min win in his age group at the recent Cairns 70.3. Now he is getting ready for the 70.3 IM Worlds in 12 weeks.
ENDURANCE – Michael O’Connor – from beginner course athlete 5 years ago that could not swim 25m to an IM finisher at Cairns in 2014. This award is for someone who displays persistence, dedication and commitment to a goal over a long period of time. There could not be a more deserving winner for this year.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Jess O’Sullivan – had a great first year with a very fast time at Mooloolaba and some very impressive performances in other events. Is a fish in the water, runs herself into the ground at training and loves nothing more than seeing how far she can push herself in a Fri morning WT. Has a huge potential to go very fast in seasons to come.
CLUB SPIRIT – Todd Gibbons – Is there a more giving person when it comes to doing things behind the scenes. Whether it is collating results of club members at races, helping at Smile for Smiddy activities or just being the right man at the right time to help anyone he does it with a generous nature and a smile on his face. A true man for the people.
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR – Rowan Foster – At IM WA in December Rowan recorded a 45 min pb for a 9.30 finish. He executed the race perfectly with a smoking 3.17 IM Marathon.
Training focus
Now that the last big race of the season is over it represents a time to change the focus at training slightly. It is an opportunity to reduce the overall volume and intensity of training and enjoy some coffee rides, easy group runs and some fun sessions in the pool.
Now for some athletes they still have some key events in the not too distant future such as Gold Coast Challenge and different running events however for the majority it is down time with either complete rest or relaxed training.
Some of the squad sessions such as Tuesday morning will still remain quite challenging but for most of the others there will be more of a relaxed fun element.
We would like to move the bike session back to 5:30am from this week, at least until after August. Hopefully this little change will assist in picking the numbers up.
Wednesday mornings start time will change to 5:30am for August with the sessions meeting at Mt Coot-tha at JC Slaughter Falls. We are looking at introducing a Wednesday morning mountain biking group for something different next in addition to the usual road cycle. If you are interested please email us at qld@dev.tri-alliance.com.au to register your interest.
Once we get into August the focus will change again to include some structured strength work and assist those getting ready for the season ahead.
Healthstream Offer and Pool Passes
The reduced offer of $15.50 direct debit on a full gym membership at QUT Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses is only available until the end of June.
Or even cheaper at $14.95 per week and 3 months Free on a 12 month Paid up Front offer – works out at $777 up front and with the added free time brings that rate down to $12 per week.
Contact Andrew.riches@chm.com.au to take up this offer.
It also covers pool entry and gym entry for wind trainer sessions plus gives you access to all classes and full use of the state of the art gym.
For any unused pool passes from the Valley Pool they are willing to honour these passes to QUT Pool.
There will be a list of names at the front desk at QUT and you will need to advise how many passes you have left and they will be converted to the same amount of entry for QUT.
Smile for Smiddy
We have some entertainment books available with all funds going towards the Smile for Smiddy fundraising campaign. If you would like to purchase one please contact yas@schoolhours.com.au
Remember the World’s Biggest Garage Sale is only a few weeks away on Saturday July 12th . We need volunteers to assist on the day This year the committee are using The VolunteerSpot to help organise the volunteer schedule.
There are a variety of shifts to choose from, including logistics, sorting & setup, pricing, photography and sales. Shifts have been allotted throughout the day and also the night to allow for flexibility and variety. The inclusive dates range from Monday 30th June – Sunday 13th July.
Volunteers can register for multiple shifts if availability permits, and the WBGS team welcome ‘double shifts’ on the day of the sale (Saturday 12 July). There’s even an IRONMAN shift and Graveyard shift available – are you up for the challenge?
The WBGS team are very appreciative of your contribution to making this event a success. With up to 10 large trucks worth of donations to pickup, sort through and setup, it’s an event worth being involved in.
The target of $100,000 looks well and truly achievable. We’d love as many Tri Alliance members from Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts to be a part of this weekend. We also have the opportunity to provide Billeting for anyone requiring a bed for the night.
Please email Yas directly with your details to be involved. yasming@schoolhours.com.au
