The Fat Kiwi

Back into the serious stuff

2011-07-12T17:29:00.002+10:00

After 10day lay up i am now back into training, 25km bike yesterday and 11km run this morning and feeling good. now the tough stuff starts as the go natural is just around the corner.

Geoquest Rain could not stop us!

2011-06-15T18:54:00.007+10:00

We arrived to Nambucca heads (HQ) to blue skies and ideal cool conditions for racing. Myself and Marky travelling up Thursday to arrive around 6pm, settled in to the cabin after a day of eating. Through the night the remaining team mates arrived.

After a a relaxed morning sorting gear, plus the hand out of our new race gear from of the heavy rain warming forecasts.No roads, 2XU and Area 51. The new gear is awesome and everything we could need. Now time to register for the challeange of our lives, at this time we started to hear Gazza now took control as it was time for photos in the new gear.

Friday afternoon consisted of competency testing to ensure we know what we are doing (nav, first aid) and our gear (jacket, first aid) meet all necessary requirements to survive the next 48hrs of racing. Team numbers were presented and maps were given out at 3pm, at this

point the 4 of us quickly changed into race mode and our marvelous crew were sent into the other room so we could focus on the maps which would be our life blood for the race.

6am Saturday we rose to good conditions as we begun the 1hr of eating and final prep before we headed to the beach for the start, which was a 15km ocean paddle to the north. We arrived to the beach 20mins early so we took our time to review the map and discuss our dep

arture strategy from the beach.

8am we were off running down the beach with our 7m double surf skis, and given we missed the gun we got a little boxed in and were bumping boats as we got in. Off the beach, over a couple of lifts from waves and we were out into the ocean, as we settled into the paddle leg we slowly picked through the boats in front. by around 9km up the coast the swell and wind can up from behind us and we started to pick up some long runners (100-150m) which pushed us further through the field as quite a few boats in front of us were becoming uncomfortable in the raising conditions. We hit the beach on a nice little wave in 2nd place to Gazza shock.

With a quick transition we set off on our bike to a split Mtb rogaine and into a pack raft which we had on board plus a PFD which gave us around 6kg each extra weight. 8km after clipping CP2 we had to go through a thigh deep colvert under the free way with dirty water and mud. from this point our feet did not dry out from the rest of the race. Shortly after pulling our selves from the mud we split sending the boys south in the hill to pick up 5 cps with Mel and myself

opted to go north and collect 4 cp then head to the TA for the pack raft. we got through clean, rushed to get ready for teh boys to arrive with the pump and the second airbed. But after a

few minutes they were nowhere to be seen? we were starting to think they were either lost or a bike mechanical. we were just watching teams push off, luckily most we half geo teams but it did make us think. After 40mins they arrived and they had

a tough ride with one small mistake. We inflated our queen airbeds and loaded 2 bike on the back and us on the front and pushed off. We moved really well and passed a team and later discovered we were equal second in the fastest time for this leg.

A quick change into skis and we were off down Kalang river, through the quick transition we picked up a team and through the paddle we caught a team and passed them with 2kms to go.

Pack raft 2 took us across the Kalang river and on to the beach for a 5km trot to the bike TA. On the with some stops on the way to collect Cp's which were in water logged valleys as the rain started to come down. We got through the bike in good time and

we hit all our marks. into the trek and by now it was around 10pm, with a quick hot snack and dry sock we went on to the assault of Mt Dorrigo via the syndicate track. the track took us straight up

the south eastern face where the old tram line did run. We climbed 800 vertical metres over a 15km trek, but most of the this climbing we did over around 4km, at some stage we were on all fours as a river ran under our feet due to the rain, almost 4hrs later we reach the top, we were cold and wet. so into cars and down the hill as the race director called off a part of the bike leg due to the wet condition. we were given 60min to make the car move and start racing, it took us 60mins to get to bottom as we had a car bogged, and a question on how to get to the bottom. after departing the CP 40mins late we pushed off on the bike.

I felt like rubbish for the next 2hrs i did not know if loose my last meal or not? luckily i got some more food and water into and me and everything started to settle down. Shortly

into the ride we passed through a stunning creek in the middle of nowhere and then through into a latana forest, luckily the leaders had smashed a did of a track through, just after this were to hit a CP on our next junction turn, but is was nowhere to be seen we hunted for 90min up and down roads, checked distances and everything seemed to fit, were were there with another team and it was decided to push on with out it, this later cost both teams 4hr penalty. From this point the ride went vertical and once agin after pushing our bikes into the sky we got back int othe saddle and heading to Bellingen.

Arriving into Bellingen was a pleasant site where we were welcomed by a tried crew with hot food and sun breaking through so the next trek leg allowed us to dry out some gear. we set out with a trek along the road before climbing back up onto the ridge 2 CPs on route and a couple more to get, next CP in and out to a creek. one more then all our trek legs were complete, we paused at junction were the CP was and we were quickly met by two other teams, Macpac and instant humans. We clipped first and headed for TA, shortly after the TA we were met with a camera vehicle and we were told that the race was cancelled and the time to the TA will be our finish time. so we ran for the lives and finish 7th on the track, but given our penalty we ended up 9th, The CP we missed was 250-300 up one of the track, we just did not go quite far enough. So close but so far. But another Geoquest down and our best result to date and good solid hit out for XPD

Back Running

2011-02-23T09:27:00.002+11:00

Did an easy 5km run last night under darkness with knee taped, today all feels good, hopefully can do it again tonight, then push on from here towards Forster. Plus now doing leg weights and strengthening to get everything strong enough to preform.

Riding strong at the mo, legs a going well, rode Monday night in the rain with Marky, hopefully get in the boat tomorrow.

Dear Diary

2011-01-24T12:56:00.003+11:00

I have been in this position for quite a while, this would have been due to a very relaxed training schedule, if you can even call it training. But it has been a big week for me so i thought i would document it.

1. Arrival of son number 3 - Curtis Stanley Price on Wednesday 19th 4.10pm 3.215kg 7lb1oz, another great day in my life. All recovering well after the experience.

2. Riding over 330k on a bike, mainly road bike

3. Bobbin head paddle on Saturday in stunning conditions

Currently patella tendinitis has stopped me from running! hopefully get given the green light tomorrow from physio. but no great rush as we have a big year ahead.

Starting from scratch

2010-11-15T15:39:00.004+11:00

After another 2 weeks of R&R due to the flu and few days taken out for the Melbourne cup i almost feel normal, so it is official i am back into the swing of training, I do not think i have taken this much time off ever, but next year is a be a big year as entry for the world champs gets put in this week so bring on NOV 2011 in Tasmania.

But before then we have a lot of other races, including hopefully a few Lawson races, Club tri's, Ski races and once 2011 starts and the new addition to the family arrives i would like to complete at forester again in May, otherwise Geoquest, Kathmandu 24hr, then the big finale in Tasmania.

The body will hopefully never again feel like it does now, or the pain to get it back in condition as i need to drop 5kgs and spend a lot of time on the road or track.

Life back to normal

2010-10-27T15:46:00.002+11:00

After a month from the spot light (thus meaning any training) i almost have a body that feels normal agian. Blood work showed i just had a very bad virus, but you get these thing when you sit in the airport for 8 hrs when virgin cancels flights.

Big weekend last week approx 5km run and 2.5km swim (not back to back), that is about the extent of my fitness so i have a steep hill to climb to get back to anywhere near i was in may for Anaconda.

I have had to withdraw from up coming races as the body would not cope? so the wife is happy as i am around the house more, taking care of the kids! i am sure i will get sick of that.

Any way thats a sumary of 1 months training. now back to work

Go Natural multi sport

2010-08-19T12:20:00.003+10:00

After a extensive 16 day build up the body was ready to fire, or this is what i hoped!.

4am alert screened out in disgust, food in and gear in and on the car and off to pick up super mark (crew). Arrived to heavy fog and nice chill at Akuna bay at around 6am, i recalled the car telling me it was 6 degrees. Very fresh. registered and poured a hot cho

colate down the throat in an attempt to warm the cockles.

Gear all sorted i jumped on the bike for a 15 mins pre race.

Ride dropped a chain just before the turn around, so the bunch dropped me and worked to hard to get back.....

Paddle...toes were numb off the bike and could not get them into me booties, so lost time, on the water happy but should have pushed more, new boat was great.......

Run the legs were wanting and had to stop for a leak loosing time...... ran 12k

m no socks wore the skin of the top of toes!

Finished 20th 3hr 27min very happy

4 sleeps to go

2010-08-10T12:38:00.002+10:00

A productive weekend of bashing the body on the bike and around the river as i attempt to get settled on the new ski. Did a hard 6km paddle yesterday and touch rugby last night and the body felt good (surprisingly!). Now after a few sessions in the boat i am starting to get good pace from it, but she can be a twitching bitch sometime.

Ran this moring with sleep train in the rain which i do not think helped my head cold pre race. But oh well can not change that now. Legs stiffened out towards the end ofhte run as they were getting cold, and the touch rugby did not help the quads coming up sun valley.

Doom Day

2010-08-03T20:19:00.002+10:00

After almost 3months is the training abis i got an email from Max Adventure offer me a last minute spot due to a withdrawal. 16 day until race day. Given i can not turn down a challenge i took it with open arms and parted with my beloved $100.

This being last Tuesday i have since been out a about testing the body to see what state it is not, it is not where it should be but i still have not peaked, i now have 11 days to peak and taper my training. Thats right i need to train to have a peak or taper? While the body contemplates how to get fit the mind has been working on the body can gain mechanical advantage over the opposition. Race wheels, aero helmet, quicker boat, shave legs, loose weight, load with caffeine these are all things which may gain me seconds after loosing minutes due to fitness.

The plan is to enjoy race and push the body until it blows up.

Got the new ski on Sunday, very happy and will give me a little more speed. Mchanical tick number one.

Training is still light first five day

Run 28

Bike 62

Paddle 18

Anaconda Forster!

2010-05-04T15:06:00.009+10:00

It took 17weeks of training and a supportive family to get last weekend, plus Dr Phil and Family as support crew which was greatly appreciated especially in the rain of Saturday.

We arrived to Forster Friday arvo 30 degrees no swell, stunning beach weather, settled in, starting checking gear, but one thing was wrong my gut! for the previous few days leading up to now i was off colour, cramps, the runs, head arches etc... so once race brief was Done at 7pm it was dinner then bed. but given the small apartment we have bubs in the same room with us and he was off colour also, therefore after restless night with around 3hrs sleep, i was up trying to eat in prep for the race, (which could not really do) as it was now 6am. i had had 3 toilet stops by now!

4am a storm front came through with rain and wind.

DAY 1
Completed gear drops cold and wet rain, the swell was coming up with the tide, so things were going to be interesting.
8am start with a 3km run in a wetsuit to the swim start, this saw me overheat and given my condition did not set me up for a rough swim (1.9k - 500m run - 500m). The run took us around the shore line cliff and down a massive sand dune into the rolling surf, then all we had to do was swim back. Given the cliffs there was alot of re-bounding surf, so about 1km in i was getting sea sick as you were pitching sideways the whole time, got to the 500m run (very slow) mid swim. This settled me a little to jump back in to last drag home.
Out of the water very light headed and green (see pics on web) and was about to through the towel in, i battled to stand no balance, while getting Pfd / skirt on, perfect for paddling, but dr phil pushed me out to sea in my boat. Tried to settle in (13ks) with eyes set on the horizon in an attempt to settle the stomach but again alot of side swell, chop, rain and fog. But i was going better than other so picking through the pack. Half way i got spot in my vision, which did not help reading waves for runners. At the last can as we turned into the beach a jet was running around trying to guide people in as i could see this was going to hurt (1.5m swell pitching straight on to the beach). I picked a runner and headed for shore, trying to pick the rip so i move up the beach, the guy in the jetski saying go now you have a lul. So in i went, first wave popped my skirt so i was out of the boat near the beach, i was up the beach as Dr Phil grabbed the boat from the surf, i was happy to survive, later to discover the boat got beaten up with a couple of large fractures.

Happy to be on dry land and onto the bike (19k) to try to claw a few back, we road over roots, mud, rocks grass, mud and it went well as i picked up 12 places, but the gut was still not good. In a couple of the descents i could not see a thing, mud and rain filled eyes! On the bike i tried to force food in but it would not go! 3hrs in i had not eaten any solid food or gels, not good just liquid.

Off the bike for the final run home (11k), i keep telling myself get to the paddle board, then see what is left, the run was around a shore line of a lake with was alot of shallow mud and drain crossings waist deep, so got a bit of a wash. But made the legs burn after pushing on the bike. Still getting stomach cramps!
The paddle board was tough even through it was only 100m or so, the arms had shut down after the swim and paddle, so the triceps hurt, but this distracted me from my gut.
From here i was on 5-6k away from finishing a tough day, so pushed on with a pace that which was well below where i should have been. when a guy yelled 300m to go and got excited, turned the corner and it was straight up and over a large hill, 150m each side. but got there 32nd overall 10th in Category at the end of day 1.

DAY 2
A better health day 6hrs sleep, got to enjoy breakfast, sunshine, light winds. The drive to Seal Rocks via a bike drop was relaxed as we were early and organised, surprising what sleep and food will do for the mind.

After a stroll along a magical beach to the start line, we were off with a swim, straight through out into breaking waves, which i enjoyed and others did not. Got into a rhythm and got away clean, the water was clear and i caught myself taking in the scenery rather than swimming. we hit the beach around a can then back out around a head land, 2 can and back to the beach (8th quickest individual swim time 33:23). This transition was a mess crews and supporters all in the way gear spread everywhere. but Dr phil had me organised, wetty off and shoes on but no fuel belt and i started to swear! as i thought some one had pinched it! so i was not looking for to a 16k run without liquid. luckily someone had just moved and Dr Phil found in time before i ran away. I did not realise i had that good of swim until a few of the leaders started to run me down about 3k into the run, the legs were heavy as i did not recovery them after Saturdays effort. But settled in the best i could and start to run a few down. Just over half away we had 2 very large and vertical sand dunes to climb to take more sting out of the legs. Again just before the finish another climb but alot of the guiding tapes had been removed so it was hard to navigate, and time was wasted finding the right tracks (this was very common over the course, staff replaced some signs 3 times).
Off the run on to the bike (30k), and the body was firing. As i jumped into the saddle i just want everything to work as it had been filled with mud yesterday. Quickly i started to pick through the teams, this was a great ride, plenty of challenges, especially big deep puddle, with one he stopped us riding and we had to walk through as it was knee deep and rocky. 20k in the legs started to slow and then a group of us got lost and the signage stopped again? or was removed. a few guys in front of me went 2-3k up the wrong track, and we were only a 100m up when they came back. But this cost me 3-4mins. Disappointing when every minute counted to get me back into the mix.

Into the taped up boat for a 13k paddle home, the water was mirror flat, blue sky and sunshine, therefore tough on the body after running and riding now sitting the legs still for just over and hour, 10mins in the cramps start, and start to drink plenty to try to off set them, it did help. Against the tide and negotiating the oyster farm and dodging sand bars made for an interesting paddle. I rode others wakes and rested for a few k's, then when they slowed i went past, very happy with the paddle.

Out to and excited Dr Phil yelling i had a great paddle, shoes on for the last 15mins of fun, 3k run home, the toughest part was 50m up main beach in soft sand, but was greeted with a smiling OJ which took the pain away for the final 30m. The end to a enjoyable day.

23 overall, 7th in Category for day 2, 5:27:55

Results
Total Time 10:27:34 14th individual 7th in Category

First protest for kayak

2010-04-07T09:42:00.002+10:00

The day following the kayak for kids, there was a offical protest about the new baby due to its pace, the protest was based around my boat not being a Sea Kayak but being a multisport kayak. The organiser told the person to bugger off, check the regulations and that I would out paddle him anyway!

Love it

Week 11 & 12

2010-03-29T11:50:00.012+11:00

Week 12 - Again a low key week as i felt very drained early on, Ran BMMC Tuesday and Thursday and Ride/swim/run block Saturday, Kayak 4 Kids Sunday.

Kayak For Kids - 16km Kayak Race

Conditions that met us on the morning were more friendly than a couple of weeks earlier and with half as many boats the event had a very different atmosphere, this one was for the life start foundation for the kids. The 3 person sit on tops set off first around 8.30 with us to depart 925am. I entered the water with a few wobbles as there was no beach due to high tide and ferry wash bouncing off the stone wall next door. With a hand of a follow paddler the new skirt sealed me, which later proved to be water tight! yippee.

They yelled out once the ferry passes we will start, and before the ferry got to us the honked and we were underway, this was a shock to most as we were all rafted up in the harbour chop. So by the time we let go and got away the skis were heading for the horizon. Luckily i had a gap and pushed through to get away clean, as usual around the base of the bridge it was a mess, back wash, forward wash, side wash and the token idiot who can not paddle.

By the time is settled into a rhythm, i got away clean and set about catching a double mirage which i could use to ride, rest and drink, about 3km in i picked them up and had a good rest for about a 1km as they brought me up to 2 other skis, they started to drop off so i pushed past as another ski came up on me. Around middle head (about 11km in) was fun as we hit manly ferry wash right on the point so we had about a 3/4m swell from front and side of the rocks, the race photographer as there so should be so good pic's. As i turned into middle harbour a ski shot past on a runner which i also got but i was in deeper water so lacked distance therefore giving him around 3-4 boat lengths. Into balmoral beech and along the beach and i was catching the ski as he was not going well into the wind, 1.5k to go i had him the water flatten out and i pushed on home. On the beach where we had to drag boats up 50m and run 75m to finish. I think top 10? 1st Sea Kayak 1hr 29min. Very Happy.

Week 11 -This week was every low key with plenty of rest as wifey was diagnosed with glandular fever, so if i felt tried i rested to ensure i did not get it a few weeks out, luckily she is now on the improve and has colour back in the skin.

Fitted in 11hrs with a lift in intensity rather than distance/time with a good mtb/run block session on Saturday.

Run 28.6 Swim 3.5 MTB 84 plus 2 morning run/walks pushing the pram as bubs would not sleep

Week 10

2010-03-15T13:02:00.002+11:00

10 down and 6 to come, thus some nervous must do big days are coming, i am planning full race simulation block session at Easter.
This week was good as life has settled back down after travelling the country. Especially after a good result on Saturday.

Aroc Adventure Race - Nelson Bay
It started Friday night with a 3hr drive to Nelson via Maitland to drop off my kayak for a repair, this does not seem bad but i opted to leave late as wifey had been crock so i want to get a boys sorted for her. I arrived 11ish scrubbed the teeth and jumped on to the fold out which was a substitute for a bed for the next 7hrs. This bed was very hard, like sleeping on a table and i found out next day the carpet offered greater comfort, gutted!. So after getting around 3hrs sleep it was time to eat and prep (6am). To rego, got the maps and modified them due to strong easterlies they removed 3 x 8+metre cliff jumps into the ocean.
The weather was crazy with great sun shine then a heavy down poor and blistering heat again? everything was a little delayed as the buses did not arrive on time, due to this some teams started 15mins behind everyone else.
We started on the large stockton sand dunes 40min bus ride south of nelson bay with a aerial photo rogaine then a sand dune run to the waters edge, total run was around 6km but felt more like 8-9k we were lucky the last shower made the surface quite hard. The first rogaine (took 3mins) we made a hash of it and left that area in the bottom 25% of team, so we had to run ourselves back into it. Onto the bikes for a 11km blat through sandy 4x4 tracks, so we were regularly pushing bikes up sandy tracks. We made one nav error to put us back into the lead bunch. This bike finished with 2km riding along the beach, with a short hike-a-bike. We were all riding well and pulling away from the lead bunch. Onto a short run where i swam to an island to hit one CP, this was great to drop the body temp, but did weigh down the shoes.
By this stage it was down to 2 team, and we were one of them as we had cleared out from the bunch. A short ride to the start of the kayaks where we paddled across from Fingal Bay to the spit which we lead off the boat as we headed from the coasteer around the head land, by the tip of the headland after some crazy rock jumps we were both together. They were running better than us as cramps started to set in so they pulled away as were headed back to the boats. Given that we left the boats so far down the beach we opted to run ours along the shore as it was only about a 500m paddle where they went out through the surf. We came off the kayaks beside each and they were off on foot the a 1.5km beach run. Leg cramps set in so we backed off and cruised in as we were well clear of 3rd. Finish the run and a 500m ride brought us in to finish 2nd 1min 30 in 2:56:08. This was one of the most intense races i would have done, the pressure was on teh whole race. In the end the body felt good and i was running well thanks BMMC! i even went for a ride yesterday.

Swim 2.1k, Mtb 28k, Run 11k, Ride 20k,Paddle 8k (new PB) Race 3hr

Week 9

2010-03-08T16:45:00.005+11:00

This week was 4 days is Adelaide, a good run mid week with the body feeling good (15km) followed by up tempo 5k the next day. Finished on a high with Harbour Bridge to Manly paddle, 1st Sea Kayak home 1:09, slower than i would have like but testing conditions when it was only my second time is the boat.
The race started before the gun with 300 boats entering the water and staging started (thus moving 100m every 2 mins) but everyone was edging forward so they just started the race. What a mess 25 boats wide and paddles touching and bumping boats in a pea soap of chop and wash from the rocks. We rounded the first point into 15knot head wind, chop and swell, so i quickly worked out my spray skirt was leaking, leaking bad! especially when the bow went completely under. so as the race went on the boat got deeper into the water and slower it became even when i tried to push on. Ended with around 30litres in my cockpit and the boat very heavy in the water. My time reflected it, but still happy

Swim 2k
Run 20
Paddle 11km Race

Week 8

2010-03-08T16:40:00.002+11:00

Crazy week Return from NZ monday morning, straight to work, then Over night in melbourne and day trip to adelide for work but one highlight i got the new boat!! so got in 16k paddle and that was it. 3 starts this week before 4am.

Week 6 & 7

2010-02-24T16:42:00.002+11:00

A good week for week 6, but dropped the ball week 7 as the family headed to NZ for a weddings and week 8 has not started well with work bunting me around the country, now wednesday and have not had a chance to do one session this week, hopefully tomorrow. Then full day in adeliade on friday.

Week 6 the usual distances
Week 7: Run 41km plus a surf and dive

Week 5

2010-02-08T10:35:00.002+11:00

A light week with crazy weather so missed all my ride sessions due to various reasons and took a rest day yesterday as the boys were starting to drive the wife around the twist as they had been trapped inside all week.

The first twilight club tri was attempted on Friday night and it was an experience. We were all geared as the lightening and thunder hit the blue mountains. The organisers advised the rain should miss us as they had just checked on the web but they were wrong. They pull the plug on the swim due to OH&S and set us off on a 2.5km run, by the end of this the drizzle started. On the first lap of the bike the weather deteriorated further and by the end of the first lap it was heavy rain, paddles and flowing water, and i was expect to be waved in and the race cancelled. But no, we were waved through, down the back straight we had gusting cross winds and torrential rain. It was falling hard enough i could only just see and with a tail wind it was easy to get the bike up over 50km/hr which made everything interesting. When we turned into the wind and driving rain into the face it was blinding, quite a few had got off their bikes and were walking back to the start /finish. We were waved in and sent out on the run, at this stage there was water sheeting across the tracks and ankle deep puddles, i through off my shirt as it as it weighing around 8kgs and i could not move. Given the condidtions i was happy with the body performance.

Then the drive home in the rain, flooding at blaxland, and accident at the speed camera and no power at home. A fun night had by all.

Swim 8k, Run 20k, Paddle 8k, attempted club tri 2.5/10/5

Week 4

2010-02-01T11:46:00.002+11:00

Solid week again and body is starting to feel good with old muscles starting to wake up agian especially in the pool and boat. Australia Day i clocked the longest run ever for these legs 25.5km, the bike the next day was tough but glad i did it to blow cobwebs out.

Swim 6.5k, Mtb 45k, Road 25km, Run 51.1, Kayak 12
92kg

Week 3/ 13 to go

2010-01-25T11:45:00.003+11:00

A light week with rest day monday after 2 days of racing last weekend. Ran well Tuesday morn with BMMC. But had a lack of sleep forced rest day thursday with childern misbehaving in the early hours of the morning over a few nights. Tried to get it back over the weekend but failed. Introduced a night Mtb friday night which was fantastic but it put me further into the lack of sleep basket. Strained shoulder swimming a last week, so no swim for me this week.

Swim 0, MTB 57, Ride 25, Run 20, Paddle 10

Week 2

2010-01-18T11:40:00.003+11:00

Good Week : Run 20km, Mtb 15km, Swim 5.5km, Ride, 25km 2x races

Get the new kayak this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Club Tri

2010-01-18T11:34:00.002+11:00

The day started with my wife telling me i was stupid for doing two races back to back, but it was a good way to test the body. Given the body was stiff from yesterdays effort i was happy to sub 70mins which was the goal.

The strained shoulder held up for 3/4's of the swim then i had to back off, on the bike i felt strong for the first lap or so then started to cramp yes 25mins in cramp. Pushed on and was not looking forward to the run, 4 people passed before i had one shoe on as i used laces! but i did run 3 out of 4 down. Yes the running is improving thanks BMMC! a good benchmark to monitor progress ver the coming weeks.

68min05sec 750/20/5

BMMC Keeps the trophy

2010-01-18T10:40:00.016+11:00

After all the media hype over the week the mountains were alive, could the SUMMIT GEAR BIGFISH team maintain its hold on the Kathmandu sprint race in the Blue Mountains????

Myself and MH were as ready as we would ever be heading in well feed and watered.

The race commenced with a short rogaine around euroka clearing where we had to collect 5 out of 6 check points in any order, given MH's research midweek we pretty much knew where we were heading. We lead out of here under the 5mins.

Into the saddle and we had to climb our of Euroka up Bennets ridge up the oaks and down to red hand caves car park. In the climb up one team went past but at one of the check points near the top I could see & hear he had blown a lot of juice to catch us, and before we got to red hands cave we had them back.

A quick change of shoes and out on to the run, we started the run with 4 or 5 teams around us as they did not have to change shoes. we ran out hard to disappear out of site. We picked up 2 check points and started the climb back out of the creek, up the ridge to our bikes. A this point i was feeling strong but i could not say the same about MH, his legs were not firing. Therefore in the quick march up the steps we dropped the 4 spots before the transition back to our bikes.

Back on the two wheels beast and yet another climb, We had been going just over the hour and covered a 3km run, 10-12km bike and 6km run, so the pace was up. MH legs still did not want to fire so i had settled on trying to get us into 3rd given we could pass one team on the single track and one in the kayak. We pushed on and i gave assistance to MH when i could, drafting or pushing.
We hit the single track and we let rip, MH's focus went from his legs to the track and pace came up, there goes one team flat tyre know in 4th, 2 cp's and across Ironbarks and down the ridge, we could see another. So we pushed like crazy mountain men. They beat us to the cp so it was going to coming down the pace. It would take my a few second to clip and by this stage MH was in front of both of them so i had all the work in front of me as i wanted to lead through the gate into Euroka to the next cp as i knew they would not pass us on the kayak. Passed one of on the inside and the other in the air over a water channel, but this left me with to much pace and i could not get it off, as i had to go through between 2 metal posts less than a metre apart, it was to lead to the next cp, i could not do any thing so i lined up the best i could and slid through sideways, i do not know how i missed. But we lead to the cp and up to the transition. (thanks to the BMMC cheers squad)

We asked how far in front the leaders were, the reply we got was 'you are it' to our surprise 2 teams were MIA. A quick 1 km run to the river and into the boats, at the turn of the kayak leg we could see we had a few hundred metres on them and in these boats this was alot. Marched up out of the river and 1 cp and trotted for home, cramps just starting to set in but we knew it was only a few more minutes.

Done 2hr 32min 1st Male, 1st Overall

1 down 16 to come

2010-01-11T08:28:00.004+11:00

Happy with a solid start but was lacking condition so hopefully in a couple of weeks i willl be able to push harder in tough sessions. No paddle this week as i sold my baby but the new one should only be a week or so away!

Ride 85km
Mtb 52km
Swim 9km
Run 30km
13hrs
92kgs

Week 1

2010-01-04T10:52:00.004+11:00

Today it all starts, 17 weeks until Anaconda Adventure race 1-2 May, but saying that i arrived to the tri club swim session this morning straigth into a 6km session (note i have not completed a swim session for 3 months). I got through about 5.8 of the 6 which i was happy about with fatigue was setting in. It can only get better from here.

Last week i completed the biggest run week for a long time (55km) with 3 long runs with the BMMC, and the ankles and knees knew about it. Hopefully new shoes will help?

My week plan
Monday Morn - Swim / Arvo Run
Tuesday Run (Bmmc) / Off
Wednesday Ride (hills)/ Paddle (8km race)
Thursday Run (Bmmc)/ may Swim?
Friday Ride (easy) / Run (recovery)
Saturday Ride (long), swim / off
Sunday Paddle (long), Run / off

92kgs

The biggest disappointment ever!

2009-11-09T12:36:00.004+11:00

0530 the bag pipes started and continued until we started the race. We had arrived late Saturday night to ensure we got a nights sleep so we would be as fresh as possible for the 167km ride.

0710 race brief for a 0730 start. We placed ourselves three quarters of the way up the field to ensure we got away clean (which we did) as we have about 4km on hard packed gravel then farmland started. Half way through the farmland (this was paddocks with a mowed strip cut into the grass) i was around 100th then on a small climb surrounded by trees 80% of the people in front missed a turn to the right, this resulted in them heading up a hill and fence line rather than right along the face of the hill, I saw this mistake and was one the first on the correct track, then about 300m along the correct track there was a tight bit of single where a massive bottle neck was about to be created for all that took the detour.

0915 arrived at transition 34km in and on target, quickly changed bottles and took in some food before feeding out,
This was to be a long hilly stage of 54km and also the temperature was starting to raise as we had clear skies and little wind. About 10km into this stage we jumped into some neat single track and this is where the elite 100kmers went through flying and they started 30mins behind us. Shortly after this the cramps started in the legs as i was pacing my water (3 bottles for 2-3hr of riding). At one point when I was having a drink in the next single track approx 20km in this stage on a corner and the leg ham string locked up so i ate the dirt a good tumble and drew blood from the left knee. By this stage my bike computer stopped working so i was riding blind so i did not know where i was until i caught another rider or as passed someone that i could ask. The half way tent was in sight and i discovered there was a water drop, but i did not need any of this at this stage as i had passed my water well

12.15 into transition (4hr 40min in 91kms down) Food and liquid in the off out again, generally i was feeling good and ready to keep going. For the next 2 hrs did not see a sole (so had plenty of time to think?) until i passed a big boy who was battling with the 100km distance. At this stage the single track was very packed down the smooth perfect for riding. I was just cruising as i thought i had plenty of time to make the 1530 cut off, but without a speedo i did not know how i was travelling and the volunteers did not know and the lack of distance markers left me in the dark, so it was down to memory and at this stage fatigue was starting to hit in,
Stopping quickly at the half way tent to top up water as i had finished 2+ bottles in 26km compared to 1 on the first lap due to the heat. At this stage I was still on target given this was truly half way? So pushed on and started to feed the body caffeine gels this picked me up even through they would be the worst tasting thing i had eaten all day but they worked. I just keep saying i had to get to outer limits (last identified section) up the hill along the flats and i was in.

Got to the top and started to pick up gears and counting the clock and pushing into the head wind i was teh only person on the road, i hit the 5km marker, then a turn and a guy said 11mins until cut off and you have 4.5km to go, so I grabbed the biggest gear and hammered it to transition (passing around 8 people in the process and none wanted to help)
1531.15 I missed the last cut off by 1m15s (142km 8hrs in), absolutely gutted helmet hit the ground hard and tears almost flowed, a friend (official) came over a gave me a hug and said i can not do anything, even through i know you would gone under 9 1/2 hr completion time.
Only 14 riders got through the 167km course. I am sure if my speedo had not stopped things may have been different as i would have known where i was, as i was just cruising when I should have been pushing, also the volunteers did not know either until it was to late,

I had it in my legs to go under time easy but was saving them for the last 26km home which i never got to. Since then i have worked out all the locations i could have saved a minute!

Redemption Next year!!!!!!

A new hurt box!

2009-11-06T16:55:00.006+11:00

This was to be the longest ever kayak race I had attempt and I was going into this under done due to my wife having a baby 6 weeks earlier. Going in to the race we believed we could go around the 10hr as we had been told if you cut corners it was only be 99km not 111km, but I not do not believe this statement. This could have been achievable but I went into a hurt box like I had never experienced. The day unfolded like this

12noon depart springwood heading for Windsor for rego and safety checks, once this was complete we had a couple of hours to chill and eat for the journey ahead, when I was looking at other boats and personnel you could see some had done it many times with bladder systems and food lay outs.
We finalised our plan to push straight through to Wiseman Ferry 64km in and then bring it home, Once the Crew the solo hunk of a man arrived (this being sleep Train) he got a de brief on gear and food, and then he started to get excited about being involved in another endurance event, this made us nervous! As he could run off into the bush and never be seen again! And Mrs Sleep Train was also very pumped and flexed her guns a few times to intimidate others surrounding our boat.

1700 geared up and carried Cyril (the Kayak) to the river removed foot wear (This foot wear would never be seen again,) forgot something sleep train?

1715 in and ready to start and there was no turning back and everyone started to eye each other off. Then we were under way. Boats and blades went everywhere and we all tried to tuck in behind each other to ride wakes.
After 30min or so everything started to settle down and the pace came off a little and next time a checked the watch we were 2hrs and chewing through the km’s, we pulled out of the train of 6 doubles for food. Out the 6 boats we would have had the youngest average age, And the old boys were giving us a lesson how to paddle. There was still plenty of rubbing and bumping as we pushed each other around.

5hr, 35min (64km)in we arrived a Wiseman ferry and the body was feeling good all things considered so sleep train met us and was bouncing off walls and he proceeded to tell us a few times we looked better than most other people through. This picked us spirits but then he went on to advise us he could not get the stew from the can and could not get the gas cooker working (this had an electric igniters?) questions were raised at this point about his bush skills, as I had been told he could start fire with wet sticks?? No problem I can cook our food!

6hr re fuelled and back in the boat and heading east, from this point is was the unknown. We started to pass boats for the hour or so as we keep good pace but then the hurt box began to open! Shoulder was stiff and the right wrist started to give out sharp pain. So out came the nurofen plus and this took the edge off, MH was also starting to have the same issues and chucked some nurofen down.

8 hrs the body continued to hurt and the rain started to fall this making the river very dark as we were not meant to use lights (also sleep train ripped ours off the front of our boat at wisemens?)

9hr 15km to go the nurofen was now not working and the wrist was like running on a broken ankle (I have done this also) Aka a knife being wedged into the moving bones, this meant I could not put power through my right wrist and was lucky to still hang on the blade. Lucky we were running with the tide home. Once finished we worked out that our rights wrist had rotated over 22000 times! No wonder!

10hr 20min We could now see the finish line we had the tide behind us but it was still so far away 3-4kms so we tried to wind it up a little, but nothing was left, then the leading K2’s went through flying, and we wished we had something to give, but then we realised they probably trained for this?

10hr 45min Complete, tried to stand but were wobbled around the boat ramp must have been a little fatigued!

3rd in open Long Rec 2 class, Thanks Sleep train for the support and enthusiasm (a couple of little thing to work on for next time)

So close but so far

2009-10-19T13:21:00.005+11:00

Saturday morning 2am woken by a screaming baby (this has been pretty standard for the last 6weeks), then laid in bed trying to convince myself to go to sleep until the alarm at 4am, but no success.

0415 into car with my green tea and muffin heading to wyong for the AROC sport adventure race. bike drop at 0600 and started to eat as i will need all the energy i could muster to keep up with my other team members, then on the bus heading to start at 0730.

Start was 2km south of the entrance.
Leg 1 2km soft sand run, this proceeded to blow the chest and legs to bits and then a swim across the channel as we headed to the kayaks. I needed this swim to drop the body temp as i tried to stay with the leaders and my team members which were both 20kg lighter and alot fitter than me! Heart rate was up in mid to high 170's
Leg2 7km kayak across the lake heading NW to Wyong, conditions were perfect light southerly breeze and clear blue sky. But we were in bigger yellw bath tubs with shit paddles, tough going
Leg3 swim 120m across a brown jelly fish infested water, it was not pleasent as we did not know what we were hitting? and by the time I got half way it was starting to mess with my head and could not get out of there quick enough. Plus my pack and PFD was riding up making swimming tough.
Leg4 MTB 15km we headed west from Tacoma into Ominbah forest where we discovered groomed single track which was great fun. So we blasted through there with me hitting a small tree as i took in the scenery. I just wish i had my cleats on as my shoes were sliding around all over the place of the nylon flat peddles (or metal peddles)
Leg 5 2.5 Rogaine in the middle of the forest we jumped off the bikes and headed out on foot to collect 5 check points.
Leg 6 MTB 15km back in the saddle and finish the single track loop more fun to be had, and will have to go back. My first sign of cramp as on this leg which was no great surprise.
Finished Second and were sent back out on a bonus leg
Bonus 3km run around the Koringah Waters estate
Finished Second by 8mins 3hr.50mins- The winners are almost pro racers as they are about to go to New Caledonia for a 4 day race. So very happy after no real training for 6 weeks.

Off the Radar

2009-09-23T10:10:00.004+10:00

For 2 weeks i have been off the training radar with the BMMC as work and the lack of sleep with the new son has pushed the body enough let alone any additional exercise.

Hopefully next week every starts to settle down and i can free up a few hours to go bush.

Last weeks conference at Coffs did see 4 mornings surfing, tough days

Loosing my wisdom but gaining a son

2009-09-09T14:54:00.002+10:00

WHAT A WEEK!, Friday before last I got home feeling good after the morning ride and a day at the office, had dinner and the mouth started to feel weird, so a couple of panadol and off to bed, a few hours later the jaw started to swell more panadol and back to bed, and this went on until the morning panadol every 4hrs with very limited sleep. As the sun came up i started to ring all the dentists in the yellow pages and got in 1.45pm Saturday, walked in had an xray and in the chair around 2.30pm before he open my month he advised i had a chronic infection under a wisdom tooth and it was starting to go down my throat so 2 teeth had to come out. He did chuckle and said at least it is not acute only chronic otherwise I would be on a drip for the night. Instead strict instructions were given not to stress the body (less hours at work and no exercise) otherwise the inflection may grow and effect the bone.

Once the teeth were out and he had milked out all the puss from the inflection (which took around 20mins) i was released to go home but only got to the front desk as i opted to lay on the floor for a while as i was light headed, after about 10min got in the car and drove to the pharmacy for the 4 bottles of drugs and then home to bed before the local wore off.

5 days of R&R drove me mad, So wifey through in so action late in the week has i was requested to take her to her last baby scan, where the doc advised she we be induced tomorrow so she could have him naturally as he is a big boy. After being at the hospital all thursday night, on Friday Archer Kingsley Price was born 1.50pm 3.44kg / 7lb9o.

Hopefully now life will settle down and training can wind up again.

Blown Away

2009-08-25T09:36:00.002+10:00

This week was low key with the child becoming crook and therefore a lot of long nights and very little sleep. so the body was very fatigues but managed to drag myself out of bed Saturday after 4 hrs sleep to charge up and down the oaks with a quicker time, so happy.

More importantly the Kathmandu Blue Mountain race has been announced and with plenty of ban ta at the BMMC runs sleep train and bullant want their title back. But it will be tough as we do not want to let it go. Training has started with this title defence the main focus as this head to head battle will be second. You will hear sleep train talk about world champs but that is just a stepping stone to the big one on the 16th of January. Pride is everything! BMMC must hold on to it.

At the Sunday BMMC dinner the wings were spread and Mrs sleep train is in for the club multi sport (in stead of Duathlon) and it is set for 8am this Sunday, Panthers Tri club inaugural multi sport race.

Chasing the BMMC Boys

2009-08-18T12:57:00.002+10:00

Now the body has starting to settle into the early starts and exercising. The big thing this week was increased sunshine in the mornings and spring warmth! Over the week I acquired some new equipment which seem to be firing on all cylinders especially the Road shoes and peddles for the bike. They are like standing on a milk create, more drive and my feet are very solid. You do not move around in the paddle half as much as the MTB SPD peddles. Ay up lights, brilliant just got the new V4 kit for training and racing, simply brilliant for the size as most of the BMMC have now seen. 2XU compression bike knicks another stab in the dark that seems to have paid off as they seem to keep my bun's very tight (plus a great fitting chamois) and they fit my new Stella Italia gel saddle well, the old girl was flexing enough that it would fit the top of the seat on a moderate bump in the road. It was always a good jolt through the arse end that i will not miss. Thanks Kevin for my tax return!

Tues Run 11km BMMC
Wed Rest day
Thurs Forced rest day due to child
Fri Ride 25km, Swim 1.5 (good morning session)
Sat 56km MTB up oaks
Sun 27km recovery ride, Run with TE 13km
Mon 35km chasing TE on the bike
Tues 11km BMMC

Easy to be lasy on cold mornings

2009-08-10T15:17:00.004+10:00

Getting back into training is always tough (even harder with 8mth pregnant wife) so the only opportunity i have is in the morning so the alarm now religiously goes off a 5.40am. Therefore putting out of home by 5.45. i have been bouncing out of bed trying not to allow my mind to think about how warm comfortable i am. through on enough clothes to hopefully keep warm. Given latest weather conditions clear and cold it has been around 5-6 degrees.

Since starting back last monday i have not missed a day doing something and i am starting to see results. Now building to Oct/Nov

Mon27km Ride
Tues 11km Run
Wed 27 km Ride
Thurs 26km Mtb
Fri 2km swim
Sat 40km ride
Sun 26Mtb, 15km ride (towing trailer)
Mon 28 ride

Back in action

2009-07-24T09:53:00.002+10:00

This week i fronted for the Tuesday session with the BMMC feeling like a fat little brown kiwi who could not fly and had just pulled it self from the confines of hibination. I had been visualing the crisp morning for weeks, but that did not help as the boys were focused on the M7. So I knew this was no rehab run.

I just crusied as i did not want to push the leg, or lungs for that matter but i knew the pace was going to lift at some stage, thank fully it held steady until the dash along the top, which i let them go, still happy to cruise through under the hour.

Since been out running and the leg is coming good! and was on the bike sunday and monday

Good luck boys for sunday!

Rehab centre paid dividends

2009-07-15T10:08:00.004+10:00

The doors officially opened on Saturday down in the low lands nestled by the river. It seemed like a good resting place to curl up and die, crisp cold air, the silence as there was not a breath of wind, and no water movement to report as it seemed a like all participants had limited time before they were going to see the light, the addtion of calming influence of the hound to make the transition easier for all involved.

Then reality hit and all that could be heard is a truck 4 inchs from your head as we jogged over the railway bridge, and the dog pulled GPB arm from its socket. Bull ant surged as he had more to give but the rehad member put him back in line. and GPB was just happy to have friends!

Enough long winded stories

A massive weekend! biggest in 5 weeks.
Rehad Run saturday 6km - leg on the mend
Kayak - 20km
Rehad ride - 5km - little stiff

Tuesday - 4km run - feeling good

BMMC comeback is set for next week

the fat is going back on!

2009-06-26T15:01:00.004+10:00

At the mo post race depression is setting in as i am racing head to head with Scam to see who can do less training! and it look likes i will take the win.

i have a blown right calf from the bike in the race, towing up a hill for 45mins just straining the poor old legs to much, and today 3 weeks on i have given in and I am seeking medical advice. I could not go straight in as i am a guy, i had to put up with the pain for a few weeks.

But as the BMMC member, i tried to have come back last week and had to pull up sort, and also that did not help the recovery! should have rested it.

Been there done that!

2009-06-10T13:46:00.007+10:00

Thursday morning it all started with the packing of tubs of gear into the car, kayaks on the van and bikes on the back as we were about to set sail for Forster. we arrived to discover we had the smallest cabin ever made. so all the furniture went out and mattresses spread out to allow for maximum rest and space for gear.

Friday started slow with plenty of food as we sat around in the sun, whilst continuing to sort gear. Bib presentation and competency testing started at 12noon with kayak paddle and swim, first aid and a prologue for start position a 5 legged race for up a hill and around a tree, we went well getting 11th team off the start. 3pm the course notes were handed out, and the map prep started. The support crew arrived around 7pm and started to absorb information.

We had finished planning our course around 10pm and by the time we got out start gear ready we got to bed around midnight.

Saturday 5am we are up and filling the gut ready for the 2hr drive to get to the start line high up in the Barrington Tops. We arrived just in time as we just got gear on the start brief commenced, and i discovered i had a flat tyre, what a way to start. A quick change and rolled up to the start.

We were 11th off the start with each team leaving 10seconds behind each other in an attempt to prevent a mass pile up on the first major down hill. 9.5km in a 5 team pile up with one guy breaking a collar bone, so much for that theory. This just proved mountain bike riders can not bunch ride safely. We dropped 1000m vertical over 42km to get to the first TA a rogaine (6-8km) which we shot through in the 4th fastest time and started to pull in the leaders, back on the bike for another 30km, the boys settled into the work of towing Super Sal up all hills and flats, at one stage we were drafting with the two boys leading out and i had Super sal in tow on the flats doing 32km/hr and were starting to see a team in front, when sal hit a bump, dropped the tow line and it retracted back into my rear cassette, luckily no damage to the derailleur so 10min later we were rolling again, clipped a check point (CP) where i broke a chain, and back rolling again. Hike a bike time, a 2km push up a rutted old track to the ridge, this is where we started to pass the half geo teams as they started on the rogaine missing the first part of the ride, Nearing the end of the ride we descended through a grassy paddock this is where Super Sal went over the bars and drew the first blood for the race.

At TA the clock started we had 3hrs to drop bikes off & drive back to HQ before we could leave in the kayak. So we quickly through our bikes in the river in an attempt to give them a clean and get all the farmers grass out of the gears. (at this stage in 9th overall)

Timbrell went will the bikes to give them a quick service and we went directly to HQ to prep boats, super sal to get warm and rest for what lies ahead.

2.50min had passed we are sitting in the kayak waiting for Marky to be released, he's here and we are off 24km with the tide behind us, we settle in with good pace, until mark realises a little nav off, so the chasing team passes us. But we do not let them get away the vulcans (kayaks) had great pace, and they stopped for food and we got them back to lead them up the river to the next TA.

Back on the bike for an adventure gain leg, 11 out of 14 CP needed to be collected on bike and foot, so 70kms of bike later and alot of towing we get to bulladelah, as our nav was on target. But Marky had crushed a nut on a down hill section and it was starting to worry him. At this stage my arse end had had enough of my bike seat and the legs were starting to become fatigued from all the towing.

From TA we went out on foot with a trek up the nearest mountain where Timbrell completed a rock climb (grade 13), and we were off again, Marky was loving the paracetamol nad walking like he had a rugby ball between his legs, every step you cold see the pain in his face. At this stage i could not see him finishing the race! even the next 10km of this trek. we dropped into a valley were we bumped into another team and got talking about where we were, thus wasting time and putting questions of doubt in my mind. After an hour of circles we are back on track and Marky is chasing more drugs. we climb up a ridge with day break meeting us on the top and a light shower of rain. Now for the long slow decent, 3 CP's and on to the raft.

Arriving at TA we met the crew with hot noodles and Milo which hit the spot while we climbed into wet suits and built the raft for a 5 km paddle across a lake with a portage. we quickly discovered our design we not a speed machine as we had to much drag with the tyres on 45 degrees, but we had no alternative, we did take the opportunity to walk it along the bank when we had the chance to save the arms as the raft was to be followed by a 26km kayak. 3hrs later we got off the raft which was the mentally toughest section of the race, and this is the point alot of teams pulled out.

Into TA, hot creamed rice, dry clothes and into kayaks. As we geared up 2 teams pushed off in front of us. By the 3/4 mark across the first lake we had them both back but another team was gaining on us. Collected the CP and another short paddle to find an exit point to portage 800m to another lake for a 7km dash to finish, we past another team in the portage and pulled back the team who went past on the water. At the end of the paddle they had their spot back they were just to quick in the boats.

TA, we raced the sun as we had to tube/wade across approximately 1.5km wide inlet, and light would help us and be warmer. As we all stood nude on the opposite beach freezing trying to get clothes on for the 18km trek to the final kayak. I could not get my feet dry, we stabbed out tubes, packed our bags and started to walk off under moon light. Along sand and road nav was good until we went bush we got through a section alot of teams had problem but i had not drawn on a road on our maps which was a correction we were give before the start, so we did a couple of circles a wasted a couple of hours, and whilst this is going on Marky's nut sack is swelling super sal is starting to battle the sleep monsters as she is seeing things move that are not there. We get through to Blueys beach clip CP and head for Elizabeth beach up and over a hill and on to seven mile beach for the last part of our trek, by this stage my feet were falling to bits but i did not want to take shoes off so i just did up laces tighter and walked on.

Into TA, i sit down and try to change shoes to paddle shoes, and the remove of the running shoes was agony and blisters were tearing off my swollen feet. but i could not care a paddle to go. we came into TA with another team and i want to get out in front of them and race for home. Which we did Super Sal and I went out on the water first waiting for the boys but Timbrell forgot to clip so Marky ran over to get our release. We are off on a compass bearing to hit our CP which initially we stopped in the wrong bay but this was quickly corrected and then we clipped and pushed on. Next thing i knew Super sal is hard on the rudder yelling we are going to be hit by a boat, no just a river marker, go the sleep monsters. We quickly become tangled in oyster leases and they surround us so we have to go between them, so the goal was to put a 7m kayak down a gap less than a metre wide with a cross current otherwise the boat would get chewed up!

150m from the finish of the paddle another boat pops up and the race is on 43hrs in and it is going to be a foot race, we hit the shore first and dash to the nearest gate but it is locked, they are all over us as we ran with sore feet and tight legs through the gate, they beat us just as Marky could not stride out over the 60m dash due to the swollen nut.

Geoquest 2009 250+km 43.23hrs, 13th

Now the task of clean up and returning to home!

It is time to perform! Bring on Geoquest

2009-06-03T15:28:00.002+10:00

After a good week last week i now sit here feeling better than yesterday, and yesterday was better than the day before, so who know what tomorrow will bring. I woke Sunday feeling like i had been hit with a hammer between the eyes, sinus all blocked, headache. Thus i gave the first ever club multi sport race a miss with the focus remaining on geoquest! this now being 3 sleeps away, as we head to teh location tomorrow.

The BMMC has me in good stead as i am running better than ever, especially when i can breath through my nose!.

Anyway no stopping me racing, so track us live all weekend on www.gar.com.au team name www.summitgear.com.au / panther cycles

12 days of training to go!

2009-05-18T13:15:00.003+10:00

Firstly Congrats to the BMMC boys for taking control of the NorthFace 100! brillant, wish i could run like that! i will keep dreaming and one day it may almost happen.

The week that was

Monday - 9km run
Tuesday - 11km BMMC run - 30mins trainer
Wednesday - 10km Paddle
Thursday - 45min (up and down martins lookout steps) all BMMC members nowhere to be seen
Friday - Rode hawkesbury lookout, and evening MTB around euorka
Saturday - Paddle 15km, Mtb, 26km, Run 9km (block set high intensity)
Sunday - Paddle 20km, christening, and BMMC dinner!

Kayak; 44km
Run 36km
Road 27km
Mtb 42Km
Trainer 30mins

Count down begins

2009-05-14T14:51:00.004+10:00

2 weeks of training to go, then i can hibernate under a log and get fat for winter!

Last week was 3 days of cream buns and bacon egg rolls as i had a flying visit of WA, i did discover a great little bakery at Margaret river, brilliant food and was owned by Aussies! Highly recommend their long donuts as race prep food.

Monday 4th - Cream Buns and Bacon and egg rolls
Tuesday 5th - Cream Buns and Bacon and egg rolls
Wednesday - Cream Buns and Bacon and egg rolls
Thursday - recover from Cream Buns and Bacon and egg rolls
Friday - realty check 5km run mtb 90mins
Saturday - 25km Paddle - 3km run
Sunday - mothers day - baby sitting all day got in 30km road ride at nap time

Panther Tri (multisport) Club

2009-05-01T10:51:00.002+10:00

Just got the word, It's official there with be a multisport race on the 31st of may as part of the Club Duathlon, 5km paddle instead of the first run leg.

Tell one and all!

Yippee

I am a 80's child

2009-05-01T10:47:00.002+10:00

Born 1978 and lived much of life loving the 80's, and since then i have always been exceeding it as the 90's i was in the 90's and 00's pushing the 100's but now back to disco fever!

Tuesday evening i jump on the scales 88.5, and got off, got on, some thing must be wrong,

last night it become official 89Kgs and 80's child is born again.

Body starting to come online

2009-04-28T08:51:00.002+10:00

Last week was a positive week for me after having troubles with my gut (acid imbalance they claim). It was a solid base week to gauge where the body is up to but strained my calf slightly last Tuesday morning so i backed off a little to allow repair.

Saturday completed the usual hit out mtb up (1hr24) /down (1hr) oaks with a reduction in times then dismounted and trotted around red haves caves track sub 1hr. The body felt great at the lifted intensity. Then had the bubs all arvo as wifey headed out so played hard until he had no more to give.

Sunday caught up with a paddling coach to refine technique which was great and offered much needed guidance

Numbers
Kayak 25km + 90min technical session
Swim 2km (missed Sunday due to repairing kayak hull had gel coat everywhere- gutted)
Mtb 82km
Run 24km

Weight 90kgs (crazy never thought i would get to here)

The weekend cut short!

2009-04-21T14:16:00.004+10:00

Saturday was cut short a little but still got in a intense 4hr ride run, Mtb up / down oaks and run around red hand caves. Then ducked off to see the Waratah get a touch by the Force yippee!

Sunday started slow after the late night with the rugby in the city, and i got the "can you put the Ikea furniture together" by wifey, so to keep in the good books i did and lost the morning. Got to the Kayak mid arvo for a 1.5hr dash up river then straight to the pool for a relaxed swim with Sleep train.

Week Totals
Road 70km
Run 20 km
Mtb 82 km
Paddle 15km
Swim 3.5km

Monday rested in morning as we (the geo team) were heading to the boats for a session, 6pm on the water for 25km paddle. should held together until the 20km mark then started to feel the effects of Sunday.

Tuesday - missed BMMC session as i was fatigued from the paddle, but will have to make up for it tonight

Back on track

2009-04-17T12:42:00.000+10:00

With the dramas of last weekend behind me i am back on track. But the gut is still not perfect?

Monday committed to bed
Tuesday Nothing very fatigued (40min walk with dog but that does not count)
Wednesday 70km Road ride
Thursday 1hr10min BMMC session (off road run), missed a evening session as the wife sent me to Ikea!
Friday 2km Swim, and will be on the bike trainer tonight,

Tomorrow Bike run paddle session (5+hrs)
Sunday Ride, Paddle (4+hrs) low key swim

All things going to plan i should put a good ding in myself, whilst giving me a gauge on where i am at with 6 weeks of training before Geo.

Planning Wasted

2009-04-15T16:43:00.000+10:00

Easter weekend 4 days of training! I wish, Friday started on the trainer in the garage watch crap TV then the drive to Greenwell point (near Nowra). This was to be the base for training, Saturday started 20km paddle up tempo. Got back relaxed, ate, cleaned up and planned the next outing a night Mtb ride, but that never evaluated for me as around 5pm my guts turned upside down, (yes again). After emptying my stomach at both ends, i got tucked into bed to rest while MH went riding.

Sunday the body was no better so we packed up to head home, slept in the car most of the way up, 13hrs that night. and rested all monday and slowly improved. Therefore missed the Club Tri on monday.

It can only get better from here!

Close but no cigar

2009-04-09T13:43:00.000+10:00

Firstly last weekend I tried to do as much as possible but with pregnant wife and hormones peaking i could not sneak out of the house, but got in a 30road ride sat and 10km run, and Sunday a recovery MTB.

This week start well with light jog monday as the leg were weary after Saturday effort to run mt portal, and the evening got back into the boat with an intense 10km sub 1 hr, which was a surprise after not being in the boat for a while.

Tuesday came alarm went i was up ready and ran around the house trying to find my phone (which was located in the back of the shirt i had on!!) thus delaying departure and in turn missing Scam and BMCC kick off at 6am sharp, it was a matter of moments, so i punished my self with a dash into euroka.

Wednesday rode to work to give me a 70km day,

And today, running late for BMCC as i left the laptop at home making me back track, could not get the time back so called Scam to wait as i was 5min away, plus i followed Dr Phil down the hill to glenbrook. then we were off down into the gorge and into the park.

This week so far: (big weekend of paddling is planned to wear off choc from easter)
Run 20km
Ride 70km
Kayak 10km

weight 92kg

Visualisation is the key!

2009-03-30T12:34:00.000+11:00

I sat focused, I will win, I will win, visualising walking up to collect my prize, ‘126’ was called it was me!!! Spot prize yes! second to last draw but you must have faith. Well that was how the day ended. Stoked as that was all I was here for the rest is minor details.

5am the alarm went, time to eat and start hydrating, and the drive to Wisemans ferry (1hr30min). Body was feeling good, nerves starting and think they won on the day as I kept drinking and eating too close to the race resulting in uncomfortable racing.

Off in the in the swim, with the new goggles, brilliant, I could see without fog! settled in and slowly pulled through the bunch to come out 4th in main wave, 7.33mins, as i came out I realised Dr Phil was leaning on me the whole swim, rubbing arms as he battled to keep straight, whilst someone else keep grabbing my feet.

Transition was poor as I opted for lace up riding shoes (as I figured we would be pushing bikes) and had to pull on a shirt so all in tri suits and velcro shoes streamed passed.

The ride started well along the flats and started heading up the big hill which we were about to climb 3 times on the course. Up the first section my gut turned and almost lost breakfast. So this slowed me until the top, and by this stage I was pushing the bike and the loose rocks on the climb made it hard to ride. Over the top and the brakes came off and flew down pass all that went past on the climb as triathletes tried to cope with mountain biking, but when to pass one and pulled to the right where a big water rut was, the bike stood on end as I just caught myself. Then away on some great single track as you danced each side of the stream but each time I was held up a I caught up other riders. A short blatt on the flats to finish the first of 3 loops. At the end of the second loop I was starting to settle into my work and wanted another and I was starting to wind people in and gut calmed down.

Transition again was slow but smooth, and felt comfortable from the start along the banks of the river and up the steps, therefore began to open the stride. I pushed on with a very happy result after 2 laps.

Swim 500m 7.33mins
Ride 17km 1.04.54
Run 6km 27.51
16th overall, 7 in category

Taper was forced on!

2009-03-27T13:10:00.000+11:00

Last weekend the plan was to bash myself but social events hampered it a bit, but with an early start on sat I got in 58km on the road bike, then an arvo of lawn bowl trying not to strain a muscle.

Sunday started at 530am with a run around red hand cave track, and it was very dark as there was complete cloud cover, i felt very alone as i headed up a gorge, just me and my light.
Then on to the bike (MTB) for a ride up and down the oaks with geo team mates, I was late from my run so the team mates had 5-6min head start up the track so the chase was on once I got changed and fuelled up, the body felt good after the 1hr10min run. so a charged long catching them just through a gate, then cruised with them and towed on team mate up most hills. And got I a hill repeat coming out of the gorge.

The ride was made more interesting as my bike was serviced late last week, this being the first ride back on it, and it did not miss a beat for the first 2hrs, then the cable started to slip through on my rear derailleur resulting in me losing my bottom 3 gears, not ideal for towing. But it pushed the legs more!

Monday started poorly after some dodgy food, got to the pool, started to circulate and tryed to keep dinner down. Gastro hit hard and really rocked my cage for 3 days of this week, i was sleeping 11hrs each night, with now (Friday) i am just starting to feel normal again. So rest tomorrow and then race Sunday.

Week totals:
Run 13
Road 58
Mtb 53
Swim 2

One week out!

2009-03-23T13:40:00.001+11:00

Last week was disturbed with work pushing me around the country so missed 3 days of training,

Monday night i linked up with Dr Phil on his MTB for a blat around bees nest / blue gum, he rode it like a BMX, i was funny to watch, but was a good hit out under the cover of darkness.

The middle if the week went walkabout.

The weekend came with high intentions but!.....missed sessions due to social commitments. Sat: road the agnes banks loop, which felt good, Sun: with a 530 start ran Red hands cave loop and was joined by other geo teammates to go up and down the oaks, so finished feeling worn (after pushing another rider up most hills) but happy so bring on the trex.

Now the weight is down a little i am running and riding better than ever, so it is all coming together at the right time.

Weight 93.5kg (lightest i have been since i was 13)

Totals for last week
Road 58
Kayak 25
Run 18
Mtb 26
Swim 2.5

16 days to go to Tre-x

2009-03-13T16:20:00.000+11:00

Wow, how time fly's when you should be training, not a good week for me in regards to distance as every morning would start well at 6am, but each evening i was required to take care of the child as morning sickness (which goes all day) took its toll on wifey. So i add some lounge room exercise, palates and stretching.

The swim this morning was very good, the best i have felt to date with 10x100m on 1.45 (plus warm up /down and paddle work), must have been all the stretching.

Last weekend I successfully blew myself to bits on the club tri. Sunday we met up with our potential team mate for Geoquest so a relaxed ride through the oaks, and paddle up the nepean, was needed to have a chat.

Big week needed this week to lift the power.

Week Totals
Road Bike: 47km
Mtb: 28km
Run: 19km
Kaddle: 12km
Swim: 5.45

Win or Bust?

2009-03-09T13:50:00.000+11:00

Bust! did the club tri Saturday night (a great little race, and surprised with the number of entrants). I think I was the fattest person there and the only one without a tri suit or even tri Knicks, and I had laces in my shoes. i was about to do a race in old school style!

The stroll to the start of the swim was daunting as there were a lot of fitter looking people surrounding me. Jumped in for a few strokes and I was ready to go. Got away well and settled in but just before the start I cleared my goggles, and by now 2 mins in I could not see more than a 3m in front of me due to the fog. So I slid over towards the bank until I found a row of buoys, the plan was for this to guide me down the course with my limited vision, and it work and started passing people. Coming to the end of the swim I found it hard to see the large buoys we needed to circumnavigate before coming into the ramp, so had to divert back around the first buoy loosing time which was disappointing.

On to the bike, slid down on to the bars and started to work, the legs felt strong (surprisingly) so I pushed on, picking up traffic. Then my cleat pulled off the of my right shoe, so I seemed to lose half a leg as my shoe slipped around everywhere. So pushed on for the last two laps (10km).

Off the bike, shoes on once I stopped to do my laces up) and away on the run, legs felt alright and set into a rhythm, then before I turned at the mark (1.2km) my stomach turn upside down. I think all the liquid from on the bike dropped into my stomach in one hit and the knots started as it had not been hunched over on aero bars for a long time, let alone at this intensity, I did not know if I was going to spew or fart, so the pace on the run came right off as a prodded a poked around in my stomach as I tried to get it to move without success. so a very disappointing run.

A good lesson learned, with so much to improve for next time.

Finished 1hr 14min, (14min swim, 34 min ride, 26min run)

King of the mountian!

2009-03-06T15:09:00.000+11:00

Breaking news! a new king of the mountain is crowned. I yes I the fat kiwi trumped sleep train up sun valley hill, we ran stride for stride, eye balling each other, who could push more, then suddenly he broke, keeled over and pulled down his pants, I saw the light and went for it pulling away 30metres to go over the mountain in front! And that is how i saw it, his story may be a little different? Sleep train may go on about sore legs and the need pee making him stop, but that not the way i saw it, he was a broken man!

This was a very positive week for me as I gained greater control running and swimming as the strength and balance comes back. This will allow me to push harder this week. Still need a lot more power work on the legs especially for the bike.

Run 32km
Road Ride 78km
Mtb 45.5km
Swim 9.7km

But no paddle this week as i focus on the club tri this Saturday arvo, and tre-x on the 29th

Weight: 96kg after big dinner and rehydration post ride

The fat kiwi will soon fly

2009-03-02T09:29:00.000+11:00

Had a good weekend,

Saturday - hard 25km road ride, with 5km run, a good block with a body feeling good throughout and ran free, so happy, late arvo swim and tried to pace with sleep train but after the morning session the legs had nothing to back the arms up so i slowed to 200m @ 3.30 pace and left him to it. One day i will get there!

Sunday - body was jaded, but peeled myself from bed to join MH for a MTB through the oaks and back up to springwood (45km) the legs felt like rubbish for the first 25km then they started to come good with a good climb out of the gorge to the ranger station. Then the push home up the road. Missed the recovery swim with the crew due to babysitting duties as wifey headed out.

This morning had a very bad run, leg were tight from Sundays ride, 90secs slower over 5km, not happy.

Weight this morning 95.5kgs

The start of it all, the come back is on

2009-02-27T13:48:00.000+11:00

Back in the groove, 2 weeks back and have been getting the body back in the groove of training, first week dropped 1.5kg of the kiwi kai, which was needed.

Up coming races Trex 29/3/09 Geoquest 5/6/09

First Week, 100kg started running 5km each night with a 15min indoor bike training straight after, with swim on Sunday, paddle Friday a lazy 6km.

This week, 98.5kg Body is starting to settle into running each night so joined sleep train and bull ant on a easy run (so I could keep up) on Tuesday morning I hung on until the sun valley climb, they just cruised away out of the mist of the valley. So 45min of the 65min I was happy. The call up came through for Thursday morning the blue mountain marathon clinic, but the body was shot and needed R&R so slept in. After Tuesday's run my knee was doing weird things dam rugby injuries! floating cartilage on the move, but settled down 24hrs later, maybe a reminder to ease back into.
Swim Wed, and Fri this now coming along well, just need to refine the technique now the strength is coming back,
MTB Thurs night through blue gum, bob the builder spanked me up the hills so need more power work for the bike (no real surprise there). First real ride back so I know what lance Armstrong was going through when I first got back on his bike for the comeback.

So my comeback is on.

The Fat is Back

2009-02-27T13:35:00.000+11:00

Christmas was good for the fat kiwi, good kia in nz helped the waist line expand, had a 2 week crash course in getting fit before the Kathmandu Blue Mountian Sprint, which we won 2.42hr due to sleep train and bull ant not racing, otherwise it would have been a push.

When more vino and kai at the home land, good for a waist line again, (+3kgs) over the two weeks, to many crackers and cheese.

Returned 12th feb with the trex off road tri in mind, now 6 weeks out and have to learn to swim run and ride, i think i have the ta's sorted, but not quite ready.

100kgs, 186cm,