I've been meaning to write an update for the past month but training, work and uni have left me extremely time poor, and my uni assignments have rendered me sick of typing on the computer screen. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy the mental stimulation that university offers and find this, along with working and socializing paramount to my enjoyment of triathlon. This holistic approach keeps my life in balance.
Since the beginning of the year i have worked on many weaknesses i targeted after my brief stint in long course racing last year. This has given me the opportunity to be more competitive at the top end of 70.3 racing, and provided me with some results that i can build on in the future. I have however, been plagued with a niggling achilles ailment since January that seems to be quite fond of hanging around. Up until now i have kept it managed, but the past 2 weeks has forced me to cease my run mileage and increase my time on my two wheeled friend. After abusing the John Polson physiotherapy hotline with numerous text messages and phone calls, along with some rehab work thanks to Hawkesbury Physiotherapy i can confirm that i have started to build my running again to prepare for Busselton 70.3 in 3 weeks. When you're highly motivated and having success in training and racing, it is very easy to just focus on the physical demands of triathlon and overlook the one percenters that are required to compete at the top echelon of triathlon. It is paramount to longevity in this sport to complete the whole package, training is only part of the commitment to this sport.
Late march i decided to blow out some cobwebs at the Elite Energy Batemans Bay Ultimate Triathlon. This brutal race boasts arguably the toughest cycle course in Australia. Over 120km, 60 of this was flat road, the other 60 involved 1700m of lactic inducing of climbs. I was fortunate enough to take the win for the second year in a row after receiving a huge improvement on my bike due to a Retul bike fit from 3D bike fit studio in Penrith. This is a must for anyone looking to get the most out of their racing and huge rewards are to be found from a fitter that knows his stuff like Ryan does. If you're around the area, be sure to check it out. http://www.3dbikefit.com.au/
I have some exciting collaborations for the 2013 season:
- Shotz Nutrition company will be keeping this engine well oiled from now on. I am super excited to be working with Darryl from Shotz. His wealth of knowledge is second to none and his understanding of the human body and the nutritional requirements during racing led Pete Jacobs to victory at Kona. I can not wait to tap into this information and reap the rewards myself.
- I am also thrilled to have Scody Apparel keeping me looking sharp in my training and racing. Super comfortable and super fast garments.
- Whilst injury prevention is far more ideal that injury management, this sport is so taxing on the body and unfortunately injuries are part of this game. I'll be working with Hawkesbury Physiotherapy to address areas of concern and keep me on top of the game.
Just on the horizon for myself is Busselton 70.3 in a few weeks, before heading up to the tropical north for Cairns 70.3. I'm pleased with how far i have come in the past 6 months, and looking forward to what lies ahead of me for the rest of the season. Thanks for reading.
Sam
