WEEKLY TRANSITION, SWIM, BIKE, RUN, READ…..
- WORD FROM THE COACHES
- 2016 – AMBASSADORS
- IRONMAN OPTIONS – ATHLETE SURVEY
- PINK TRI
- FALLS CREEK CAMP – LAST FEW SPACES
- RACING ARTICLE – DRAFTING RULES
- NOOSA RACE ENTRIES AND ACCOMMODATION
- TRAINING SESSION UPDATES
1. WORD FROM THE COACHES
Yesterday up in Shepparton athletes were racing the Challenge event in beautiful conditions which for those who raced last year was a more than welcome change. For many this was the first time they had taken on the half distance event, for some repeat offenders and others it was preparation for races to come later in the season including World Championship qualification events. With a large support crew travelling up to enjoy the event and cheer on their friends and family it was a great weekend with plenty of smiles all round. The day started fresh and early but heated up and there was some pain and sore bodies coming across the finishing line as the sun was high in the sky during the middle part of the day. A massive thank you to those who helped out over the event and travelled up even though not racing or directly involved – your shouts and cheers were greatly appreciated.
Special mentions to Kate Huckstep (3rd in her age group), Joe Mead (top 10 in the tough 30-34 age group) and Andy Wood-Rich (8th best bike split in the very fast 40-44 age group). Full results can be found here and Tri-Alliance athletes here: Challenge Shepp Results 2015. Sorry if we have missed anyone. A massive achievement to all those who raced – well done and now ensure you have a good recovery week. Take stock and review your race too – it is important to take lessons learnt from each race. These could be technique to focus on before your next race, pacing in a race or nutrition to ensure no bonking towards the end. Chat with a coach to ensure you get the best from your training and go into the next one even more prepared.
Next up it is the short course guys in a couple of weeks at the season opener of the Gatorade Triathlon Series 2015/2016 at our home base of Elwood. For many it will be their first hit out of the season. Be sure to get your entries in soon as the field is getting full and you don’t want to miss out. Race 1 is 500m swim in the bay, 20k bike (2 laps up to Kerford road and back) followed by a 5k run along the coastal path almost to St Kilda and return. We train so much in this area so there are no surprises just a fast flat course (can’t guarantee that in the water though sorry). When entering ensure you search and select Tri-Alliance as your club to get your 10% off (this is applied when you check out). Go to the Gatorade Series web site here to enter.
Challenge Melbourne early bird club discount entries close at the end of November so to ensure you get your 10% off enter discount code “CLUB10” when registering and have the date of 31st January 2016 locked in. In additon to the half distance race there is the Giant Challenge Sprint Race consisting of a 700m swim, 30k bike (return to Mordi from Brighton) and a 7k run along the foreshore. Entries for both Challenge Races are here. Please also ensure you join as Tri-Alliance so we can easily see who is racing under the club.
As we are all racing now it is important to know and understand the rules especially relating to drafting on the bike – Triathlon Victoria have released a video (with someone you’ll all recognise on it) explaining this in more details – read on here.
NOOSA entries are tomorrow – do not forget to enter – details here.
Many thanks to our Ironman athletes who have completed the survey on your new racing goals following the disappointing cancellation on Ironman Melbourne. This helps your coaches plan for the season ahead and gives you the best shot at your goals. If you are yet to complete the survey please do so here.
Beginners or crew new to group riding: Coach Annemarie will be running a specific session this Sunday starting at Elwood at 630am. This will cover group riding etiquette and skills and is ideal for those new to the squad and beach road riding. A great confidence builder for a summer of riding.
Reminder: For short course athletes riding on Sundays please bring along your runners for the ride as your program includes a short (3/4k) run off the bike (followed by a soak or very easy swim). This is a very important part of your training in getting used to the feeling of heavy legs in T2 and on the start of the run. The more you are familiar with this the more it does not become and issue and you can run hard and fast from the get go. Many people bring a car so runners can be left in one on these.
This weekend’s training will be back to normal after road closures and events at the weekend so make sure you check below for updates and the timetable if you are not sure.
2. 2016 TA AMBASSADORS ANNOUNCED
At our Thursday night combo session Coach Ollie proudly unveiled the new season ambassadors. If you were not there, have not heard or have been off social media for the past week (the post almost went viral!) then we are very pleased to let you know and congratulate Ian Clark and Pam Tunas who both enthusiastically accepted the roles. We look forward to having you on board as official ambassadors. We’d also like to take this time to acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by last seasons ambassadors Al Al O’Toole and Geoff Houston. We truly appreciate the commitment you showed, all your efforts for the Tri Alliance team and send you a big thank you!
3.IRONMAN OPTIONS – ATHLETE SURVEY
After the meeting with Ollie to discuss the unfortunate cancellation of Ironman Melbourne 2016 we ask all IM athletes to please complete a short survey on your new goals for the season so we can best support you through towards these races.
Please use this link to open and complete the survey.
Ramsay Health Care Triathlon Pink is an all-female triathlon series which helps raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Whether you are taking on the short course or ultra distance, to us the accomplishment is the same – it is all about personal challenge & achievement! You will be spurred on by all the other ladies in Pink & our friendly volunteers who encourage you along the way. Many ladies are taking part in a triathlon for the first time or have moved up a distance since last season. Kids (boys and girls) can also get involved!
The Melbourne event is on Sunday 16th January and we are looking for volunteers to help out on the day. We have a couple of our female coaches already lined up to help but would like more people to assist. Please email info@dev.tri-alliance.com.au with an expression of interest for the event and we will then pass numbers on to the organisers.
5.FALLS CREEK CAMP
Our next home based training spike is Hell Week (just before Christmas) and the next Camp is Falls Creek at the beginning of January.
For those who wonder what Hell week is read about last year here – this year it will be from the 19th-27th December.
For the Falls Creek camp (1st-8th January 2016) we have a very limited number of spots so please email Scott to get your name down on the list.
6.RACING ARTICLE – DRAFTING RULES
Triathlon Drafting Rules Explained
Triathlon Victoria in collaboration with Triathlon Queensland have produced a short clip which explains and demonstrates drafting, blocking and illegal passing. This is very useful for reminding us all of the current rules or teaching new triathletes about what is ok and what is not out on the bike course. You do not want to be stuck in the penalty box or even disqualified so take a few minutes to watch. There is also a staring role from one of our own….
Watch the video by clicking on the image or following the link to YouTube here.
7.NOOSA RACE ENTRIES AND ACCOMMODATION
Online registration for the 2016 (October 30th) Noosa Triathlon will open for Triathlon Australia Members on Tuesday, 17 November 2015 (11am AEST) and general entries on Thursday, 19 November (11am AEST time). Vic is an hour ahead so midday.
http://ap.ironman.com/triathlon/events/asiapac/multisports/noosa.aspx
We also still have some space in the Tri-Alliance house close to the club tents and a short walk from Hastings Street and the main beach.
For those who are after accommodation for next year we have a house at 19 Witta Circle just behind the club tents and spaces are available. $625 per person for 7 nights weds to weds over the race weekend.
Bedding Configurations: 1 King (taken), 2 Queens (1 taken), 2 twin rooms (4 single beds).
Please email info@dev.tri-alliance.com.au if you are interested. 50% deposit upfront of $312.50 required to save your spot.
Please ensure you check the calendar regularly to ensure you know where and when sessions are. This weekends highlights (please ensure you check your program or consult a coach so you attend the appropriate session and that you know your distances – remember you are accountable too!):
- Saturday 21st – Elwood – Long course ride @6:30am with Coach Ollie.
- Saturday 21st – Elwood – Short course combo with coach Scott @7:30am – bring all your gear but be prepared to run first so leave everything else in your car.
- Sunday 22nd – Elwood – Long Course swim & run @7am.
- Sunday 22nd – Elwood – Short course ride @6:30am with Coach Scott. Bring your runners with you for a short sharp 3/4k of the bike followed by a soak or very easy swim.
- Sunday 22nd – Elwood – Beginners road riding Skills @6:30am with coach Annemarie.
When out riding please do so safely and pay attention to all the road rules and others using the road. Read on for a guide to cycling etiquette and bike road safety and ethics.
When riding on a Tri-Alliance coached road ride it is a requirement to wear team colours. This helps keep and identify the group together and provides more safety in the fact that other riders from outside the group are less likely to join in the group – we do not know them or their riding abilities.
Safe & Happy Training
Tri Alliance
