This week we witnessed one of the greatest sporting achievements in Australian history -Cadel Evans winning the Tour de France. The reaction from individuals in response to Evans' win has been astounding and has been felt across the globe. To most, this is a feel good news story that brings about a sense of pride to be an Australian. However, as evident in Mia Freedman's comments on the Today Show, where she publicly dissed Evans, it appears that not everyone feels the same amount of pride and excitement with Evans claiming the victory and being labelled as a hero. While everyone is entitled to there own opinion, the platform that Freedman declared hers was possibly not the most appropriate and as such she has received a backlash of criticism.
Freedman's issue is centred around the publicity that Evans has obtained and the hero status that he now owns. In her eyes a hero should be someone who saves lives and has a positive impact on the community, such as nurses, doctors, fire fighters, etc. Whilst I totally agree with her opinion there, a hero is that and so much more.
Everyone's definition of a hero is different. My definition of a hero is a person that someone can look up to and who has a positive impact on ones life. They do not have to directly save lives, as with doctors and nurses, however they can give someone something to live for and the morals to strive towards. To some people, professional sporting people are a a bunch of overpaid ego-centric individuals, however to others they are the role models that kids look up to. They give them the determination to succeed not just in a sporting context, but in life. Evans victory will inspire children across the country to take a chance, believe in themselves and work towards a goal, thus having a positive impact on their life. Additionally, what his victory has done for Australian cycling is yet to truly been seen. However, if it means that people are more active, more health conscious and more driven to succeed, then I believe that someone such as him should be classed as a hero.
Like so many other individuals, both in a sporting and non-sporting context, Evans victory did not come easy. He opitimizes the Australian spirit. What we viewed over the past three weeks was not an overnight success. Evans put in years and years of hard work and sacrifice. What we as spectators do not see is the countless hours of pain, hurt, disappointment and frustration that he has gone through to achieve his goal. He has showed that through belief, hard work and a strong support network that nothing is impossible.
To many Cadel may have come across as the underdog. Many had written him off from the start. However, that is what makes success such as his all the more special. In a sometimes confusing and negative world, he may have given hope and confidence to people to pursue their dreams and something to live for. As seen in the 2008 AFL Grandfinal, from the outside Hawthorn were given next to no chance of winning the flag, however through perseverance and belief they showed that they could achieve what others thought impossible. In my eyes, that 2008 Hawthorn team are my heroes. Crawf is my hero. He does not save lives and conquer the worlds issues, however he is the type of role model that children can look up to and that I look up to. Not because he is a footy player, but because he has the attitude towards life that I strive for.
The way I see it, if someone positively impacts your life, gives you a reason to live for, gives you someone to look up to and shows you that through determination and hard work that the impossible can be achieved, then that person should be classed as a hero.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Vegas!
The main goal for this year was to qualify as a professional triathlete for the 2011 World 70.3 Championships, which are to be held in Las Vegas on September 11. While it came down to the wire, I am stoked to say that I made the first round cut, qualifying in 21st position. The road to qualifying has not been an easy one, with five 70.3's in 10 weeks, however with the support of my coach Josh Rix, sponsors, family, friends and Sam, it has all been worth it!
To go from my first attempt at the distance at the Shepparton Half Ironman in November 2010 where I swore I would never do one again, to now where I have qualified as one of the top 25 girls in the world is a huge achievement for me, especially at such a young age. While at times it can be super intimidating lining up against the best of the best in 70.3 racing, it has been such a great opportunity and a huge learning curve.
With less than 7 weeks until the big day, it is time to knuckle down and put in some more hard yards to ensure I am the fittest and strongest that I have ever been. I am looking forward to putting in a big block of training after having raced so often recently.
I am planing on competing at the Alcatraz triathlon on August 21 as a lead up race to Worlds. Alcatraz is one of my favourite triathlons and I can't wait to race there again!
Once again, thanks to all who have and continue to support me along the way of this amazing journey :)
To go from my first attempt at the distance at the Shepparton Half Ironman in November 2010 where I swore I would never do one again, to now where I have qualified as one of the top 25 girls in the world is a huge achievement for me, especially at such a young age. While at times it can be super intimidating lining up against the best of the best in 70.3 racing, it has been such a great opportunity and a huge learning curve.
With less than 7 weeks until the big day, it is time to knuckle down and put in some more hard yards to ensure I am the fittest and strongest that I have ever been. I am looking forward to putting in a big block of training after having raced so often recently.
I am planing on competing at the Alcatraz triathlon on August 21 as a lead up race to Worlds. Alcatraz is one of my favourite triathlons and I can't wait to race there again!
Once again, thanks to all who have and continue to support me along the way of this amazing journey :)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Muncie 70.3 Race Report
Back in February Josh and I decided that I would to attempt to qualify for the 2011 World 70.3 Championships which are to be held in Las Vegas in September. The new WTC qualifying criteria for professionals state that the top 25 females on the ranking points as of July 18 would gain a start, with points from an athletes best five 70.3 results going towards ranking points. As of the end of April I had not yet raced in any 70.3 races, so it was always going to be a tough ask to fit in 5 races between then and now. However we worked out a plan that would hopefully provide me with the best opportunity to make the cut, as such I have raced five 70.3's in the past 10 weeks - Port Macquarie (April 29), Busselton (May 7), Kansas (June 12), Buffalo Springs (June 26) and Muncie (July 9). Not surprisingly my best results have come when I have been at my freshest (2nd at Port Mac and 4th at Kansas).
After having a more than average race at Buffalo Springs two weeks ago, I was looking at putting in a better performance at yesterday's race in Muncie, Indiana. I had managed to recover well from Buffalo Springs and had put together a week of really good training between the races. I was confident going into the race, with an aim of gaining a top 8 finish and some more valuable ranking points. The field was stacked, and it was once again awesome to race against some of the best athletes in the world (congrats to Mel Rollinson for a rocking 1st place and smashing the field!).
I raced fairly well but didn't feel my usual speedy self, with my legs feeling flat and the body tired. However, I still managed to finish within 5 minutes of my best time, finishing up in 9th place (one place out of my goal). It is going to come down to the line as to whether I make the cut for World Champs. I have done all I can in such a short period of time and it will now depend on results from athletes racing next weekend. I have learnt more about myself over these past 10 weeks than I could possibly have from just training, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to race at the highest level in 70.3 competition.
I am looking forward to having about 6 weeks off racing and putting in a huge block of training up here in Boulder. I am still having the time of my life and I am loving training in such a great environment. Once again, thank you to my sponsors Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks, Selle SMP and Giro for joining me for the ride and making it that bit easier to achieve my goals :) Also thank you to Bill and Melissa for providing a great home stay in Muncie, I will definitely be back to race again next year!
After having a more than average race at Buffalo Springs two weeks ago, I was looking at putting in a better performance at yesterday's race in Muncie, Indiana. I had managed to recover well from Buffalo Springs and had put together a week of really good training between the races. I was confident going into the race, with an aim of gaining a top 8 finish and some more valuable ranking points. The field was stacked, and it was once again awesome to race against some of the best athletes in the world (congrats to Mel Rollinson for a rocking 1st place and smashing the field!).
I raced fairly well but didn't feel my usual speedy self, with my legs feeling flat and the body tired. However, I still managed to finish within 5 minutes of my best time, finishing up in 9th place (one place out of my goal). It is going to come down to the line as to whether I make the cut for World Champs. I have done all I can in such a short period of time and it will now depend on results from athletes racing next weekend. I have learnt more about myself over these past 10 weeks than I could possibly have from just training, and I am so thankful to have the opportunity to race at the highest level in 70.3 competition.
I am looking forward to having about 6 weeks off racing and putting in a huge block of training up here in Boulder. I am still having the time of my life and I am loving training in such a great environment. Once again, thank you to my sponsors Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks, Selle SMP and Giro for joining me for the ride and making it that bit easier to achieve my goals :) Also thank you to Bill and Melissa for providing a great home stay in Muncie, I will definitely be back to race again next year!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
WEEK 26 - Winter Wonderland
The one (and possibly only) bad thing about having an endless summer is missing ski season. However, the next best thing to do when one can't ski is to go play in the remaining snow that is left on the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. While it was 30+ degrees down in Boulder, it was a lot cooler up at 3000m where the winter wonderland awaited!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Buffalo Springs 70.3 Race Report
Buffalo Springs 70.3 was one of the toughest races I've done during my four years in the sport of triathlon. To put it bluntly, it was a race that I'd rather forget, put to the back of my memory bank and not have to re-visit too often!
The race was held at Buffalo Springs Lake which is positioned in a canyon. Since Texas is essentially flat I was surprised to read that the course was to be so hilly. However, when Josh and I drove the course the day prior to race day I soon found out why when dropped down into a huge canyon. As such, much of the day was spent climbing in and out of the canyon during the cycle and run.
The week leading into the race my body wasn't feeling 100% and I didn't have my usual bounce of energy, however I was still looking for a solid result in Texas to add to my 4th place at Kansas 70.3 two weeks prior. Race day conditions were brutal; super hot, windy and dry. I have never raced in conditions like it and combined with my body feeling flat, the day was a true battle both mentally and physically.
Race start was moved forward to accommodate for the predicted high of 44 degrees that would hit at about 3 o'clock. So at 6.27am the gun went off for the 15 Pro Females. I felt pretty good in the swim and exited the water mid pack. Once onto the one lap 90km bike course the winds were picking up. Within the first 5km of the bike I had passed a few of the girls and was sitting in about 5th place and feeling pretty good. However as the ride went on, my energy levels started to drop considerably. The brutal winds combined with the rising temperature took its toll and I ended up exiting the bike in about 7th place.
Once out onto the run I new it was going to be one tough, long 21.1km. The run consisted of 3 hills, each ranging between 6-9%. The sun was beaming down like nothing I have experienced in a race. I was feeling pretty horrendous and have never felt so low running, but I was determined to get to the finish. I knew that as long as I kept putting one foot in front of the other and focused on getting to the next aid station then I would would make it to the end. Unfortunately I dropped quite a few more places on the run and ended the day in 12th place pro female.
After having one of my best races at Kansas 70.3 two weeks ago, it is tough to hit a such low in terms of race result at Buffalo Springs. I am really disappointed in myself for putting in such a poor performance, however as I have said before it is these races that I learn the most from. I'm still young, and while the positive in that is that I've got a lot of years to learn the trade and get stronger, I also will inevitably experience many more bad days before the good one's roll in consistently. This is all a part of racing and is a part of the building blocks to becoming a top-level professional athlete. Whilst I may not appreciate it at the moment these types of races will help mature me as an athlete both mentally and physically. With my next race less than two weeks away it is crucial that I put yesterday's performance behind me, get my body feeling 100% again and focus on the positives.
Thank you to Ruth Ann, Aubrey and Geoffrey for providing such amazing hospitality and support while in Texas, it was greatly appreciated.
Once again, thank you to all my sponsors and supporters. All is still on track for qualifying for World 70.3 Champs and with Muncie 70.3 as my final qualification race this will hopefully be confirmed with a solid result there.
The race was held at Buffalo Springs Lake which is positioned in a canyon. Since Texas is essentially flat I was surprised to read that the course was to be so hilly. However, when Josh and I drove the course the day prior to race day I soon found out why when dropped down into a huge canyon. As such, much of the day was spent climbing in and out of the canyon during the cycle and run.
The week leading into the race my body wasn't feeling 100% and I didn't have my usual bounce of energy, however I was still looking for a solid result in Texas to add to my 4th place at Kansas 70.3 two weeks prior. Race day conditions were brutal; super hot, windy and dry. I have never raced in conditions like it and combined with my body feeling flat, the day was a true battle both mentally and physically.
Race start was moved forward to accommodate for the predicted high of 44 degrees that would hit at about 3 o'clock. So at 6.27am the gun went off for the 15 Pro Females. I felt pretty good in the swim and exited the water mid pack. Once onto the one lap 90km bike course the winds were picking up. Within the first 5km of the bike I had passed a few of the girls and was sitting in about 5th place and feeling pretty good. However as the ride went on, my energy levels started to drop considerably. The brutal winds combined with the rising temperature took its toll and I ended up exiting the bike in about 7th place.
Once out onto the run I new it was going to be one tough, long 21.1km. The run consisted of 3 hills, each ranging between 6-9%. The sun was beaming down like nothing I have experienced in a race. I was feeling pretty horrendous and have never felt so low running, but I was determined to get to the finish. I knew that as long as I kept putting one foot in front of the other and focused on getting to the next aid station then I would would make it to the end. Unfortunately I dropped quite a few more places on the run and ended the day in 12th place pro female.
After having one of my best races at Kansas 70.3 two weeks ago, it is tough to hit a such low in terms of race result at Buffalo Springs. I am really disappointed in myself for putting in such a poor performance, however as I have said before it is these races that I learn the most from. I'm still young, and while the positive in that is that I've got a lot of years to learn the trade and get stronger, I also will inevitably experience many more bad days before the good one's roll in consistently. This is all a part of racing and is a part of the building blocks to becoming a top-level professional athlete. Whilst I may not appreciate it at the moment these types of races will help mature me as an athlete both mentally and physically. With my next race less than two weeks away it is crucial that I put yesterday's performance behind me, get my body feeling 100% again and focus on the positives.
Thank you to Ruth Ann, Aubrey and Geoffrey for providing such amazing hospitality and support while in Texas, it was greatly appreciated.
Once again, thank you to all my sponsors and supporters. All is still on track for qualifying for World 70.3 Champs and with Muncie 70.3 as my final qualification race this will hopefully be confirmed with a solid result there.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Week 24 - The Green Hornet!
Phew...blog time seems to come around so quickly these days. Before I know it, Sunday is upon us and it is time for me to think worldly thoughts, put pen to paper (figuratively speaking) and blog away...
It was a pretty full on start to the week this week. Sam and I flew back to Boulder from Kansas on Monday afternoon. Luckily all travel went smoothly and we made it back in one piece with bike intact. It was then straight on with the thinking cap as I had to do exams (I am currently studying part-time nutrition at Uni) on the Tuesday and Wednesday. The exams were held at the University of Colorado in Denver, which is about an hour bus ride away (that hour was essential for my last minute study cramming!) The last thing I felt like doing after a hard weekend of racing was exams, but these things must be done and with multiple coffees (and OJ...apparently OJ makes you think smarter thoughts -thanks Pam!) under my belt I was set to go. Luckily I only lost concentration and started answering a question within a question once! So with those exams out of the way now, I can truly focus on some serious movie watching in my down time between sessions!!
The latter part of the week was fairly chilled out in comparison and my body started to feel recovered from last weekend. On Saturday I completed a great ride and discovered some new roads around the outskirts of Boulder...and I even got to ride with Crowie for a bit! Sunday was a nice long run through some trails over looking the farmland of Boulder. Then Sunday afternoon...BAM I got hit with a bout of hay fever which has knocked me for 6! At the moment there is a heap of pollen in the air. There is cotton flying around everywhere...normally it doesn't affect me but riding and running through huge clouds of it may not have been the greatest of ideas, as such I am struggling to breathe which isn't the best when oxygen is in scarce supply up in Boulder. However, after loading up with lemon, honey and ginger and a home cooked meal from Sam I am starting to feel better :)
In other news Sam and I bought a car. Our initial time together was brief as it was having a few clutch issues. But one tow-trip later and a visit to the mechanics the Green Hornet is going great guns! It sure beats walking home from the supermarket with a sack full of groceries.
Tomorrow it will be a month since we arrived in Boulder! It is crazy how quickly time flies over here...but it reminds me that I have to make the most of every moment. This week is another pre-race prep week as I am racing Buffalo Springs 70.3 on Sunday. The forecast temperature is supposed to be around 40 degrees which is going to add a little spice to the race!
That's about all from this end...apologies for the lack of worldly thoughts, maybe next week :)
It was a pretty full on start to the week this week. Sam and I flew back to Boulder from Kansas on Monday afternoon. Luckily all travel went smoothly and we made it back in one piece with bike intact. It was then straight on with the thinking cap as I had to do exams (I am currently studying part-time nutrition at Uni) on the Tuesday and Wednesday. The exams were held at the University of Colorado in Denver, which is about an hour bus ride away (that hour was essential for my last minute study cramming!) The last thing I felt like doing after a hard weekend of racing was exams, but these things must be done and with multiple coffees (and OJ...apparently OJ makes you think smarter thoughts -thanks Pam!) under my belt I was set to go. Luckily I only lost concentration and started answering a question within a question once! So with those exams out of the way now, I can truly focus on some serious movie watching in my down time between sessions!!
The latter part of the week was fairly chilled out in comparison and my body started to feel recovered from last weekend. On Saturday I completed a great ride and discovered some new roads around the outskirts of Boulder...and I even got to ride with Crowie for a bit! Sunday was a nice long run through some trails over looking the farmland of Boulder. Then Sunday afternoon...BAM I got hit with a bout of hay fever which has knocked me for 6! At the moment there is a heap of pollen in the air. There is cotton flying around everywhere...normally it doesn't affect me but riding and running through huge clouds of it may not have been the greatest of ideas, as such I am struggling to breathe which isn't the best when oxygen is in scarce supply up in Boulder. However, after loading up with lemon, honey and ginger and a home cooked meal from Sam I am starting to feel better :)
In other news Sam and I bought a car. Our initial time together was brief as it was having a few clutch issues. But one tow-trip later and a visit to the mechanics the Green Hornet is going great guns! It sure beats walking home from the supermarket with a sack full of groceries.
Tomorrow it will be a month since we arrived in Boulder! It is crazy how quickly time flies over here...but it reminds me that I have to make the most of every moment. This week is another pre-race prep week as I am racing Buffalo Springs 70.3 on Sunday. The forecast temperature is supposed to be around 40 degrees which is going to add a little spice to the race!
That's about all from this end...apologies for the lack of worldly thoughts, maybe next week :)
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Kansas 70.3 Race Report
Today was my first race of the US season, Kansas 70.3. I have managed to get some good training under my belt over the past few weeks in Boulder, so was looking forward to seeing where I was at against the competition over this side of the globe…and what better way to gauge a measure of my progress than race against the world’s best in Chrissie Wellington! Chrissie is the type of athlete that comes around once in a life time…if lucky. I look up to her as both a person and an athlete, so it was awesome to be toeing the start line with her.
Race start was an early 6.30am, which was good so as to beat the heat. The 1.9km swim was a one lapper in the Clinton Park Lake. It took me a while to get going in the swim, but after about a kilometre I started to find my rhythm. I exited the water in 5th place, made up a place in T1, and headed out onto the bike course in 4th.
The 90km 1 lap bike course took us out through the hilly back roads of Lawrence, Kansas. The roads were smooth and the winds favourable for the first half of the bike. I was feeling strong and managed to reel in one of the lead girls at about kilometre 40. With about 15 kilometres to go I was passed by another girl, where I then held my position and headed out onto the run in 4th.
The 2 lap 21.1km run course wound through the Clinton Park campgrounds and dropped down to the lake car park, where we then had to climb up and out of. The first lap felt fairly average, and I knew that if I were to hold my position then I would have to get moving. Luckily I started to feel a lot stronger in the final 10km and ended up running a PB 21.1km time of 1.27. I crossed the finishing line in 4th place Pro female, about 2min down on 3rd and some 18min down from Chrissie (if you want to be the best, you have to race the best!)
I was aiming for a top 6 finish so was pleased to come away with 4th and gain some more World Champs qualifying points and a tonne of experience that I will take with me into my next race at Buffalo Springs, TX in 2 weeks’ time.
Thanks to Cheryl for providing us with such a great homestay, it definitely helps me to stay relaxed prior to a race knowing that I’ve got a comfy bed to sleep in! Also a huge thanks to Sam for making the trek to Kansas with me and taking awesome photos and keeping Mum and Dad updated back home.
My result today gives me the confidence I need going into a season of tough racing over here in the US and it is a stepping stone to bigger and better things to come in the future. Happy days :)
Race start was an early 6.30am, which was good so as to beat the heat. The 1.9km swim was a one lapper in the Clinton Park Lake. It took me a while to get going in the swim, but after about a kilometre I started to find my rhythm. I exited the water in 5th place, made up a place in T1, and headed out onto the bike course in 4th.
The 90km 1 lap bike course took us out through the hilly back roads of Lawrence, Kansas. The roads were smooth and the winds favourable for the first half of the bike. I was feeling strong and managed to reel in one of the lead girls at about kilometre 40. With about 15 kilometres to go I was passed by another girl, where I then held my position and headed out onto the run in 4th.
The 2 lap 21.1km run course wound through the Clinton Park campgrounds and dropped down to the lake car park, where we then had to climb up and out of. The first lap felt fairly average, and I knew that if I were to hold my position then I would have to get moving. Luckily I started to feel a lot stronger in the final 10km and ended up running a PB 21.1km time of 1.27. I crossed the finishing line in 4th place Pro female, about 2min down on 3rd and some 18min down from Chrissie (if you want to be the best, you have to race the best!)
I was aiming for a top 6 finish so was pleased to come away with 4th and gain some more World Champs qualifying points and a tonne of experience that I will take with me into my next race at Buffalo Springs, TX in 2 weeks’ time.
Thanks to Cheryl for providing us with such a great homestay, it definitely helps me to stay relaxed prior to a race knowing that I’ve got a comfy bed to sleep in! Also a huge thanks to Sam for making the trek to Kansas with me and taking awesome photos and keeping Mum and Dad updated back home.
My result today gives me the confidence I need going into a season of tough racing over here in the US and it is a stepping stone to bigger and better things to come in the future. Happy days :)
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