Word From the Coaches
Last weekend was a great weekend for racing and training as a high proportion of our short course (and some long course) athletes took on Race 4 of the Gatorade & Active Feet Tri Series at Sandringham – which incorporated the Victorian Olympic Distance Championships. Well done to everyone who raced and came down and cheered everyone on – it was a great atmosphere for racing! There were a number of athletes completing an Olympic Distance for the first time, and we now have some athletes with Victorian Championship Podiums to their ‘triathlon resume’ including:
- Ryan Bourke – 3rd M25-29, 2:08.00
- Lisa Dominequez – 3rd F30-34, 2:25.56
- John Grant – 2nd Clydesdales, 2:28.29
With a number of athletes who just missed out on a podium place finishing top 5 in their age groups including Ollie Allan, Peter Rainey, Brett Archbold, Geoff Taylor, Andy Wood-Rich (although did get his time in the limelight!) Kathryn Siddle and Jill Sultan.
Click here to read to read our race report including full Tri Alliance results and Active Feet and Sprint podium finishes.
Click here to view pictures from the race.
New Zealand national sprint titles – Kinloch 5 Feb 2012
Also on the weekend Brett Miller competed in theNew Zealand National Sprint Titles in Kinloch.
Brett in NZ with Chris 'Macca' McCormack
“Last weekend I ventured over to New Zealand to compete in the the national sprint distance titles in New Zealand. The goal was a spot in the New Zealand team for the world triathlon champs in Auckland later this year. I had to make the switch to shorter distance racing due to 3 achillies operations in the last 2 years, the last one about 5 months ago.
I had only been back running for about 4 -5 weeks so was relying on a solid swim/bike to put me in a good position. The course wasn’t really suited to me. The ride was quite hilly and the run undulating with a lot of uneven ground.
The swim in lake Taupo is always so nice. The water clear and crisp, so the swim was great. I exited transition about 2 minutes down on the lead swimmer and had a solid bike, not with out excitement. A cyclist in front of me came down at a decent speed, but I escaped unscatherd.
I found the run tough and after about 3km was really struggling but managed to get to the line finishing 5th fastest qualifier, with 2 guys in my age group passing me literally in the last 100m. There were 10 places for qualifying. I now have 7 months to get the achillies right to run a much quicker 5km, so a top 10 in my age group will be the goal.
The ITU men and women raced after the age group race in the Oceania champs and it was awesome racing. Chris McCormack was the highlight and has certainly got some speed back in the last few months. He finished 7th but was able to catch the bunch in the ride after the leaders swam the 750m in a blistering 8 minutes. Local gatorade regulars mixed it up as well with Jamie Hugget finishing 3rd and Peter Kerr 4th, in a strong field which aussie Aaron Royale won.
Well done Brett and good luck with the the contining rehab!!
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RACING THIS WEEKEND
This weekend is another big weekend of racing – and even more so for our long course athletes and those looking at securing themselves a place for the Olympic Distance World Championships in New Zealand, with Geelong being a qualifying race. 
Falls Creek Long Course Championships
The weather has been the talking point with this race, with a forecast maximum of 9deg set for raceday. But Coaches Ollie and Sarah rode over the bike course this morning and although it was chilly, it wasn’t freezing. Generally the temperature feels around 5deg warmer than forecast – particularly when the sun is out. Nothing a wind vest, gloves and a pair of socks won’t fight off. So hopefully come Saturday the sun shines and it will be a great days racing.
Best of luck to the following athletes racing:
- Ollie Allan
- Sarah Grove
- Paul O’Dowd
- Natalie Howard
- Jennifer Ring
- Jason Sweeney
- Bob Van Zuiden
Race kicks off at 8.30am on SATURDAY, and you can track our athletes LIVE via the SuperSprint iPhone app. So if you haven’t downloaded this free app – make sure you do!
Geelong Multi-Sports Festival
Including the Geelong Long Course 2/80/20 and Sprint and Olympic Distance races is being help this Sunday and is set to be a huge one. Tri Alliance has a large number of athletes racing and will have the TA Taj on course thanks to Coaches Emma and Darren. So make sure you read details below regarding a pre race course overview on Saturday followed by tent set-up and rego.
We have around 30 athletes racing the Olympic Distance Triathlon and the following athletes racing the Long Course:
- Brett Archbold
- Morris Caleca
- Gordon Spargo
- Mark Jenkins
- Kerri Whitney
- John Grant
- Daniel Steadman
- Dax Stanley
So best of luck to everyone racing – we look forward to seeing your results!
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Goodbye and Goodluck
Claire Furyk (Gifford) leaves us (and Melbourne) today as she and hubby Jeremy head North for warmer weather – oh and work. Claire has been with the squad for around 2 years and has had some fantastic results during her time, inlcuding a number of Gatorade podium finishes. Claire and Jeremy now head into the next phase of their lives as they settle down with a little one on the way in a couple of months. But that’s not going to stop Claire in her triathlon career as she and Jeremy have locked themselves in for Noosa 2012. So from everyone at Tri Alliance, Claire we wish you and Jeremy all the best on settling in and the safe arrival of your little one. Look forward to hearing the baby news!
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WIN a FREE massage from Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre
We are currently running a facebook promo for you to have the chance to WIN a massage from our valued partners Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre. All you need to do is:
1 – ‘like’ Lakesides facebook page
2 – Write a ‘caption’ for what Tim ‘burger’ Watts is thinking during his massage pe race in the comments section here, and best caption WINS!!! CLICK HERE and leave your caption to Win!
Draw closes this Friday 10 February, so get your thinking caps on… GOOD LUCK!
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ATHLETE GOAL SETTING WORKSHOP
Last years Goal Setting Workshop was a huge success with around 90 athletes attending our race specific goal setting workshops in preparation for planning their goals and races for the 2012/2013 Season.
For some of you it may seem early to be thinking about next season, but before you know it this season will be over and you will be wondering what to do during the winter season and what races to focus on.
The workshops will include an overview of the training calendar for the 2012/2013 season, Tri Alliance ‘focus’ races, goal setting and we also hope to secure The Performance and Sports Psychology Clinic to be involved in ‘mental training’, so it will be a great workshop to be involved in!
We will have different timeslots available for each race distance ie Sprint, Olympic, Half IM & Full IM during a 1.5hour workshop. Full details will be provided shortly.
In the meantime, make sure you lock this date into your ‘triathlon calendar’ and CLICK HERE TO RSVP so further details can be provided. (if you are unable to attend, please provide a comment as to why you cannot make it)
*Please note we are aware it is a long weekend and it is the same weekend as Victor Harbour, but with so many races on the calendar this was the best available weekend.
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Shotz Sports Nutrition – PRIZE PACKS UP FOR GRABS!!
Shotz have been a valued partner of Tri Alliance for the past 2 years, with athletes loving the variety of GEL flavours (Gluten free!), 
ENERGY BARS and my favourite – the Hydration Tabs – hydration without the sugar! Shotz provide training nutrition at all our camps and have provided samples at training sessions and new starter packs. So thanks to Shotz for their ongoing support. If you haven’t had a chance to try Shotz, make sure you do!
CLICK HERE to ‘like’ Shotz Sports Nutrition Facebook Page and have the chance to win one of many Shotz Prize Packs going in February!
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SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW IRONMAN ATHLETE
Ironman Melbourne Charity Raising Drive
One of our new Tri Alliance athletes, Dax Stanley, is completing in his first Ironman event in Melbourne and in doing so is raising money for an important but mostly unknown disease supported by Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA).
His wife, Amanda, has been diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis last year. Amanda has not let the disease stop her reaching her goals and she is completing in the Active Feet Series. This provides a confidence boost for other people with the disease that they can do it too. We would like to get behind Amanda and Dax in their drive to make a difference in combating this disease by raising money to find a cure so people like Amanda can stop suffering.
CLICK HERE to read more on Dax’s journey and details around why they are doing it and what the $$ are going towards. And Visit their Charity Page to donate – every dollar counts:
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TRIATHLON TRADING POST
Looking for triathlon gear at a chaeaper price? Why not check out our Triathlon Trading Post!
We’ve had some new inclusions this week including a FELT road bike, cycling shoes and runners – all next to new. Click here to find out more!
If you have something you want to sell, email full details to [email protected]
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TRAINING DETAILS THIS WEEKEND
FOR THOSE RACING GEELONG MULTI-SPORTS FESTIVAL:
Pre Race Session Saturday for Geelong Triathlon
Saturday 11 February, 9am
Meeting at Eastern Beach Car Park 9am (race venue)
Long Course and Short Course Athletes Welcome
Session to include:
Cheering on the Carter Group Special Tri Kids race start followed by an easy Ride, Run & Swim over part of the course.
We then ask for athletyes to assist Emma put up the TA Taj – then rest/coffee/food and a stroll around the expo.
Olympic Distance Registration opens 12 pm at Steam Packet Gardens followed by compulsory bike racking 1pm at Eastern Beach.
Then we recommend a relaxing afternoon and early night!!
Following the race on Sunday we would also appreciate the help of at least 4 athletes to pack up the tent before you head back up the highway to Melbourne.
SATURDAY
SHORT COURSE: Long Run & Open Water Swim Session
Elwood Beach 7.00-8.30am
This week is recovery week, so an easier run and open water swim. 30-60min run, followed by 15-30min open water swim and open water swim skills.
Coach Mick
TRY-the-TRI’s / NISSAN CORPORTES: Triathlon Skills
Elwood beach 9.30-11.00am
Bring all swim/bike/run gear. Coach Bernadette, Mick & Paddy
LONG COURSE:
Long Flat Ride LEAVING from ELWOOD BEACH (non-coached)
There are a number of athletes meeting up at 6.00am at Elwood Beach for a long ride. Please follow your programs for ride distances.
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SUNDAY
SHORT COURSE: Long Ride (non-coached) OR Geelong MultiSports Festival
Follow your programs for ride distances.
LONG COURSE
Long run – uncoached. Follow your programs for run distances.
If you have any queries on distances for your specific races please ensure you contact one of our coaches.
Happy Training & Racing!
Team Tri Alliance
