I've experienced a few crazy things while out on the bike - Ozzer's wheelies over speed bumps, 95mph crosswinds riding in Lanzarote, skidding through ugly rotting roadkill - but our latest rides have come up trumps for the scariest, most bizarre bike experiences: we've been attacked by birds. Not the drunk Aussie Sheila variety, but the two-winged type. I kid you not.
We were about an hour into a hot and humid ride, foolishly timed mid-afternoon so we were sweating like ba$tards, when we crossed a bridge and admittedly I was starting to struggle as we'd been putting the hammer down for some time. The next thing I know there's squawking in my ear and then my helmet's knocked sideways. Freaking out thinking I've lost the plot, I then see the shadow of a bird swooping down at me for take two and realise a huge magpie is trying to peck my lovely Specialized Decibel off my little bonce. I waved it off a couple of times before it finally realised I was not bird food, but it was seriously scary. Ozzer thought I was nuts when I told him about it the next time we stopped - until our return journey saw the magpies swoop down for a bit of Ozmeat. Ha ha. We are now going out riding armed with not just Powerbars and energy drink but catapults too...
Apart from the wicked magpies, all is good in Sunshine Beach. We've been training hard and have logged about 12 hours so far this week. We're off to squad tomorrow (swimming). Earlier in the week I ended up in the same lane as Belinda and Justin Granger (she's an awesome Ironman athlete) and got sent to the front of the lane - that had to be the hardest 5k swim session of my life!
Off to Byron Bay this weekend so will report back soon with more news of our adventures.
TTFN, Eek and Ozzer
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Sunday, 11 November 2007
5am Hell
Those that know me understand I'm not a great early bird. So life here is tough right now. No honestly. Getting up at 5am is never easy even after an early night. I am really struggling to get into this Aussie way of training at silly o’clock. It’s just not something I have had to do.
I know the sun is smiling at 4.30am and it’s best to train before the heat but my poor little body refuses to move properly at this hour and I look like a mole on valium. Peeps here do all their stuff early doors and look at me as if I’m nuts if I question this protocol. I guess I’d better start getting used to it.
We recently joined a swim squad and yes you guessed it they kick off at 5.30am. Gutted. Having never done one before I had no idea what to expect but thought it might be like tri club swim session. 4.5km later in the 50m outdoor pool, knackered and ready to eat a small Shetland pony I knew it was a bit more than our average session.
It was great to get some good coaching from Max though and look forward to hopefully improving over the coming weeks. At the end of the session Max let it slip that he does the same squad session at 9.30am. I didn’t know whether I was tripping out from tiredness but gave him a kiss anyway. So at least three days a week we’ll be getting some coaching along with one session in the sea, which is just too warm to wear a wetsuit in.
Apparently both Greg and Laura Bennett come along to the squad as does Belinda Granger so we’re swimming with some good kids. Hopefully their speed gene will pass through the water and help my swim times;-).
PS I wrote this last night and at our more civilised 9.30am session this morning Eek had to lead out Belinda Granger and her hubbie. I’m sure she’ll tell you more soon.
I know the sun is smiling at 4.30am and it’s best to train before the heat but my poor little body refuses to move properly at this hour and I look like a mole on valium. Peeps here do all their stuff early doors and look at me as if I’m nuts if I question this protocol. I guess I’d better start getting used to it.
We recently joined a swim squad and yes you guessed it they kick off at 5.30am. Gutted. Having never done one before I had no idea what to expect but thought it might be like tri club swim session. 4.5km later in the 50m outdoor pool, knackered and ready to eat a small Shetland pony I knew it was a bit more than our average session.
It was great to get some good coaching from Max though and look forward to hopefully improving over the coming weeks. At the end of the session Max let it slip that he does the same squad session at 9.30am. I didn’t know whether I was tripping out from tiredness but gave him a kiss anyway. So at least three days a week we’ll be getting some coaching along with one session in the sea, which is just too warm to wear a wetsuit in.
Apparently both Greg and Laura Bennett come along to the squad as does Belinda Granger so we’re swimming with some good kids. Hopefully their speed gene will pass through the water and help my swim times;-).
PS I wrote this last night and at our more civilised 9.30am session this morning Eek had to lead out Belinda Granger and her hubbie. I’m sure she’ll tell you more soon.
Glorious Chook
This is a pic for Taff. I saw this Chooka place and laughed so much thinking about Taff and his love of chook. Jokes aside Taff you’d love this place it’s a true chicken emporium. All it sells is grilled chicken from wings to whole birds.
Talking of food and Taff he’d love the pie shops here too. They sell just pies, only these are actually tasty and contain what they say unlike the classic dog shit slice Bucky used to have every morning when working at the Ming. Naturally I have had to give these up in the name of training but the one I sampled was delicious. I haven’t eaten one of these things back home for over a decade, probably two.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
One Pom, Mashed and Fried
As Ozzer has explained, it’s been damn near impossible to get on the internet recently. It is worrying how much you take it for granted and then when it’s gone – yikes! The same can be said for my fitness following Sunday’s race L After the Worlds in Hamburg in early September I had promised myself a bit of a break. Unfortunately, for one reason and another such as moving house and organising our trip out here, that break became a two-month spell with no real consistent training. I tried to put in a few speed sessions in the fortnight leading up to the race, but deep down I knew it was a case of too little, too late. This was a real shame as I’d been entered into the elite age groupers race with 20 or so of the top Aussie girls. I knew the competition was going to be tough. And boy, wasn’t it just...
Unusually for me I got out of the water mid-pack, had a disastrous T1, and then took ages to find my biking legs. Considering I’m usually a lover of the fast flat bike courses, it was strange to find myself really enjoying the winding 2k 10%+ climb about 8k into the bike course. I then clocked a fast and furious 47mph on the main descent in a bid to make up some of the time on the five or so girls ahead of me, but it seems they were no slouches on the drops either. And then came the run. Uh oh. It was an absolute scorcher. 30 degrees C and 85% humidity. I usually take the run out at around heart rate 160 (160 beats per minute) but knew I was in trouble when I looked at my watch and saw HR 169 on my Polar. That’s high for me.
I’d drunk so much water and race fuel to keep hydrated that my bladder was bursting and I just felt like I wasn’t racing, more surviving. A 44-minute 10k said it all and I crossed the line in ninth place in 2:19. What was frustrating to see was the girl who won my race (and who pocketed AUD$500 prize money) I’d stuffed in Hamburg, so it just goes to show that when it comes to fitness, if you don’t use it, you most certainly lose it. I felt like a Pom who’d been both bashed and fried by the competition and the conditions, but hey, as our new landlord and 25-time Noosa Tri legend Peter O’Neill told me in typically Aussie fashion: “If you don’t train, EK, what else can you expect”.
In many ways, having this type of race has put the fire back in my belly to get training for next season and fulfil my potential rather than squander it.
Laters, alligators
Eek
Unusually for me I got out of the water mid-pack, had a disastrous T1, and then took ages to find my biking legs. Considering I’m usually a lover of the fast flat bike courses, it was strange to find myself really enjoying the winding 2k 10%+ climb about 8k into the bike course. I then clocked a fast and furious 47mph on the main descent in a bid to make up some of the time on the five or so girls ahead of me, but it seems they were no slouches on the drops either. And then came the run. Uh oh. It was an absolute scorcher. 30 degrees C and 85% humidity. I usually take the run out at around heart rate 160 (160 beats per minute) but knew I was in trouble when I looked at my watch and saw HR 169 on my Polar. That’s high for me.
I’d drunk so much water and race fuel to keep hydrated that my bladder was bursting and I just felt like I wasn’t racing, more surviving. A 44-minute 10k said it all and I crossed the line in ninth place in 2:19. What was frustrating to see was the girl who won my race (and who pocketed AUD$500 prize money) I’d stuffed in Hamburg, so it just goes to show that when it comes to fitness, if you don’t use it, you most certainly lose it. I felt like a Pom who’d been both bashed and fried by the competition and the conditions, but hey, as our new landlord and 25-time Noosa Tri legend Peter O’Neill told me in typically Aussie fashion: “If you don’t train, EK, what else can you expect”.
In many ways, having this type of race has put the fire back in my belly to get training for next season and fulfil my potential rather than squander it.
Laters, alligators
Eek
Long time no chat
We started out well with our blog and it might look like we’ve lost interest. Don’t worry it’s not the case. Post race we moved to our new home at Sunshine Beach and there’s no wireless. So we have been struggling to do all things computer. We did go to a backpackers with wireless but were so busy with work didn’t get anything on the blog. Sorry peeps.
It was quite funny being in the backpackers seeing kids walking round with hangovers, living off fry ups and watching telly rather than going to the gorgeous beaches, especially as it was sunny. The last day or so though has seen far too much rain. Our morning ride that we set the alarm for (at 5am!) was called off as the peeps don’t like to ride in the rain apparently.
Yesterday we ventured into the national park and ran along the sandy trails through tropical forest. After getting my off road head on (many of you know I don’t love this type of running) I started to ‘enjoy’ it even though it was lashing down. Naturally we got lost and the planned hour run turned into 1:30. It was quite weird as things started to get dark but luckily we escaped before the demons and trolls came out.
As for the race, which seems like so long ago, we had stinkers. My wave was after the elites, open racers (Eek’s lot), all the old peeps and women. So it wasn’t long before we caught the waves in front and the carnage began. It was busier than an Ironman swim start yet lasted the whole last km(even worse then Antwerp Goblin). I had my goggles kicked off twice and head dunked too many times by the aggro style of the surf lifesavers. I even saw peeps running on the sandbanks on the sides. What’s that about?
Out of the water and into T2 I eventually got to my bike a zillion miles away and headed out. Getting on was hard with so many people stopping in front to get on while stationary. I even had a faller directly in front of me. Out on the bike it was huge train for as far as the eye could see. As for drafting it was inevitable with 5500 peeps on the course at the same time. Less said about that the better. The big climb was the best bit ‘cos I broke away from the packs and just zoomed past lots of peeps hoping they were my dunkers in the swim.
If the bike felt hot then the run was like being in a furnace. With little shadow the heat really was hard to cope with. Aid stations each km couldn’t come quick enough and most of the water went over my head to try and cool down. Even though it was only an Olympic race it felt like Ironman - survival rather than racing. I guess no training and bad living never equals great racing.
We have since changed our ways eating and sleeping well while putting in the miles again. I certainly feel better already. The really big news though is that Tom and Helen are getting married. What a brilliant couple who we know will be ace together. They’re a great team, wonderful peeps and we send you our love from down under. We can’t wait to the wedding Mr & Mrs Statto.
It was quite funny being in the backpackers seeing kids walking round with hangovers, living off fry ups and watching telly rather than going to the gorgeous beaches, especially as it was sunny. The last day or so though has seen far too much rain. Our morning ride that we set the alarm for (at 5am!) was called off as the peeps don’t like to ride in the rain apparently.
Yesterday we ventured into the national park and ran along the sandy trails through tropical forest. After getting my off road head on (many of you know I don’t love this type of running) I started to ‘enjoy’ it even though it was lashing down. Naturally we got lost and the planned hour run turned into 1:30. It was quite weird as things started to get dark but luckily we escaped before the demons and trolls came out.
As for the race, which seems like so long ago, we had stinkers. My wave was after the elites, open racers (Eek’s lot), all the old peeps and women. So it wasn’t long before we caught the waves in front and the carnage began. It was busier than an Ironman swim start yet lasted the whole last km(even worse then Antwerp Goblin). I had my goggles kicked off twice and head dunked too many times by the aggro style of the surf lifesavers. I even saw peeps running on the sandbanks on the sides. What’s that about?
Out of the water and into T2 I eventually got to my bike a zillion miles away and headed out. Getting on was hard with so many people stopping in front to get on while stationary. I even had a faller directly in front of me. Out on the bike it was huge train for as far as the eye could see. As for drafting it was inevitable with 5500 peeps on the course at the same time. Less said about that the better. The big climb was the best bit ‘cos I broke away from the packs and just zoomed past lots of peeps hoping they were my dunkers in the swim.
If the bike felt hot then the run was like being in a furnace. With little shadow the heat really was hard to cope with. Aid stations each km couldn’t come quick enough and most of the water went over my head to try and cool down. Even though it was only an Olympic race it felt like Ironman - survival rather than racing. I guess no training and bad living never equals great racing.
We have since changed our ways eating and sleeping well while putting in the miles again. I certainly feel better already. The really big news though is that Tom and Helen are getting married. What a brilliant couple who we know will be ace together. They’re a great team, wonderful peeps and we send you our love from down under. We can’t wait to the wedding Mr & Mrs Statto.
Saturday, 3 November 2007
Race Eve
Before most races the plan is to stay off your feet and not spend too much time in the sun if there is any. Here in Noosa things are set up so you have no choice with all the cool stuff going on such as the women's bike crit, the Noosa bolt 5km running race and the Ridley Dash men's crit.
Firstly we had to rack our bikes before 4pm. We left it until a little later to avoid the heat and not spend too much time on our feet. Bad move 'cos like a hotel pool surrounded with German towels it looked like the early bird got the worm or rack places in this case . When over 5000 bikes are racked in front of you finding that one spare spot in a free for all set up was like getting cash out of Peros. Lucky for Eek being in the open category she got a special slot next to the elites.
After this we caught the end of the women's crit and settled in for the 5km Noosa Bolt. It was four laps and the atmosphere with so many spectators was electric. Watching the men turn it up for the line was simply amazing to watch. Martin Dent took his third win but was chased hard by Collis Birmingham all the way to the tape. In the women's race Lara Tamsett snapped the others on the final lap for a convincing win.
After we hooked up with Welsh bloke Paul, a friend of a friend, and met his mates Luke and Brad to watch the Ridley dash. With $50, 000 on the line and a couple of $5000 sprints the racers were red lining from the start. They were so quick it was scary. Robbie McEwen showed his skills but didn't take the cash. At the line it was the Astana rider whose name escapes me. He just happens to be staying in the room next door to us.
Once again the crowds were huge and going nuts. It felt like the final event yet the tri, which is still to come, is the top dog that we're told draws the biggest crowds. It's great to see tri as the grand fromage for a change rather than being viewed as a group of skinny fools racing around a field in the arse end of nowhere where even the local wildlife gives it a miss.
I can't wait to be part of this big event. Just hope I get to the end in one piece and not collapse in the heat. That's about it from us as we do the mandatory pre-race shave and gather our stuff ready to race tomorrow morning.
Friday, 2 November 2007
In the swim - or is it spin?
As a kid, I did a fair bit of swimming. My first memory of swimming lessons involved the instructor taking my mum to one side and saying "Err, Mrs Eek, your daughter seems to have more than her fair share of talent in the pool" as I effortlessly swam back and forth through the water while the other kids could barely do doggie paddle.
Aged about 9 or 10, I signed up to a small swimming club and then a couple of years later joined a larger club, Tigersharks, in Swindon, which had a full-time professional coach and was one of the best teams in the South West. I was soon in the top squad and from the age of 13 to 18 would spend upwards of 10 hours a week in the pool, competing at national level in sprint freestyle events and racing at the European and Commonwealth Trials.
Although I have never been a brash or arrogant person, my years of swimming at elite level have led me to always be quietly confident in my aquatic abilities and this is something I have certainly enjoyed carrying with me since getting involved in triathlon two years ago.
However, after signing up for the Noosa 1000 Ocean Swim today, I can honestly tell you that for the first time in my life I felt very nervous about a swim race!
After handing over my 35 bucks and signing on the dotted line there was no way I could go back and Little Ozzer was jumping about with excitement at the thought of me tearing up the swim, but as soon as we stepped onto the beach and I saw the huge waves crashing in I did a bit of a double take. I was going to have to swim through that?! Yikes!
Fervently trying to hide my nerves I went off and put my kit on and said to Oz I ought to get in and warm up before kick off. Off I go into the ocean with the surf crashing down and I'd barely got a few metres in before I was literally knocked off my feet. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" I kept telling myself and kept battling through the giant waves - and all this was 'warm up'.
Those who have been around me pre-race know I'm never at the start line on time so I was eager to make sure I didn't repeat my favourite mistake and turned around after a few minutes to make it back to shore ready for the start. The waves were getting no smaller though and before I knew it I was actually being flipped 360 through the surf. At one point I realised I was actually just spinning around, my head near the sea bed and my feet in the air doing handstands through the water - nothing like swimming in the Dragon! This was like being in the washing machine on ultra spin!
When I finally surfaced I realised my goggles had been whisked off by the sheer force of the waves so I bobbed about for a bit trying to remember my name, where I was and more importantly where my fave race goggles were. Miraculously I found them, found Oz on the shore (who was trying not to laugh too much) and then went down to the start.
The gun had soon gone off and before I knew it I was getting barged and battered by the Aussie chicks all racing across the beach and into the surf. We were all diving through the waves attempting to get through them in the line of least resistance but I soon realised there were a lot of girls here who are surf dudes and just knew how to cut through the crashing surf. There was barely any swimming involved here - it was more a case of who could ride the waves best, swallow the least water and not get too battered by the ocean. What was really ace was the fact you got to run onto the beach and back out into the ocean at the halfway point, at which point Ozzer was yelling at me "C'mon Eek!". I got back in, made up some places and was soon racing home towards the finish line, which was about 50m up the beach. As you'll see from the picture, as I was battling through the waves for the final time I realised I had a girl right on my shoulder. "Chinatown", I thought (that one's for H!), and just outsprinted her up the beach to the line.
I well and truly got my butt kicked - not just by at least a handful of other chicks, but by the ocean - an untameable beast - yet still had a totally brilliant time. Definitely one to remember!
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