This weeks blog is going to be short and sweet. Partly because I actually forgot it was Sunday and partly because I am about to fall asleep as I type this (and it's only 8.53pm!)
Today was the first Easter I spent without Mum and Dad, which is sad (however I'm sure I will survive), but sadder still is the fact that it is the first year I didn't have an easter egg hunt (which could potentially be sad considering I am 23 years old!). Anyway Easter has come and gone, AND we still have two more days of holidays which is a bonus!
After putting in some gut busting training sessions over the past few months I am looking forward to an easier week of training, before heading up to race Port Macquarie 70.3 (May 1) and Busselton 70.3 (May 7). I have a love-hate relationship with the 'taper' week. I love to have the chance to sleep more and give my body a little break, however the extra time I have gives me extra time to think and extra time for the nerves to build. However it'll be a good week as long as I stay happy, healthy and injury free :)
I am looking forward to competing against some of the best Aussie girls in 70.3 racing at both Port and Busso. It's going to be a huge learning curve for me, especially trying to back up for Busso within 6 days. However, I am looking forward to the challenge. After Busso it's back to Melb for a few days then back home to Tassie for a week (cannot wait!) then over to the US. Woo.
In other new, I was in Malvern Star head office this week and had a sneak peak at next season's Oppy C7...looks AWESOME!!
Until next time,
Grandfinal replay Tuesday 2.40pm at the G!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
WEEK 15 - Picture blog time!!
This week I have decided to do another picture blog. Now, I know that Mum dislikes the whole 'picture blog' idea...but as someone important once said, a picture tells a thousand words! So have a scroll through to see what I've been up to for the week :)
Monday: Rainy start to the week...
...but a perfect day for smashing out a rippa session on the trainer!
Tuesday: 5.08am alarm to be in the pool by 5.30am...
...followed by a little study
Wednesday: The killer session of the week. Never look forward to doing it, but once done, feels awesome! Run: 8x2km...phew
Thursday: Perfect day for a Kinglake ride...
...Sam chilling out before the climb...
...and having a little stretch...
...reward at the top. Kinglake Bakery you rock!
Friday: Took my brand spanking new Brooks for a trot.
Saturday: Poor Sam, I somehow roped him into seeing the Justin Bieber movie. It was truly AMAZING!!
Sunday arvo: Doing a little dog sitting at the moment. I think Scruffy is the one taking me for a walk!
Glad I'm not swimming in the bay this weekend...a little filthy!
Sunday arvo:Mary Poppins sing-a-long at the Astor Theatre...Sam loved this one!!
Monday: Rainy start to the week...
...but a perfect day for smashing out a rippa session on the trainer!
Tuesday: 5.08am alarm to be in the pool by 5.30am...
...followed by a little study
Wednesday: The killer session of the week. Never look forward to doing it, but once done, feels awesome! Run: 8x2km...phew
Thursday: Perfect day for a Kinglake ride...
...Sam chilling out before the climb...
...and having a little stretch...
...reward at the top. Kinglake Bakery you rock!
Friday: Took my brand spanking new Brooks for a trot.
Saturday: Poor Sam, I somehow roped him into seeing the Justin Bieber movie. It was truly AMAZING!!
Sunday arvo: Doing a little dog sitting at the moment. I think Scruffy is the one taking me for a walk!
Glad I'm not swimming in the bay this weekend...a little filthy!
Sunday arvo:Mary Poppins sing-a-long at the Astor Theatre...Sam loved this one!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
WEEK 14 - Procrastinating Ways...
If there were to be an award for the best procrastinator I think I would take the cake hands down. Since starting back study, I have been reunited with my procrastinating ways. It has been over 5 years since I first went to Uni and discovered the many forms of procrastination from study, and I can honestly say that at this very moment, I am in my prime.
I am currently supposed to be writing an assignment. The topic being Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: the case for and against the supplementation of infant formula. As riveting as this topic could potentially be...I am at the books for literally no longer than 10 minutes before I find a new activity to consume my thoughts.
I find myself doing anything just to get out of writing an assignment. As I sat down at my desk this morning I envisaged a full day of study and a completed assignment at the end. However prior to even opening a book I made sure I had got a coffee, done the washing, cleaned my room, ran a loooong way, checked Facebook, read other peoples blogs, watched the Sunday Footy Show, checked Facebook again, made lunch, made a second lunch, went and got another coffee, looked at the weekend's race results from across the globe, looked at the week's weather, looked at the radar and searched the Internet for pointless facts such as 'where is the closest library?' (as I somehow believe that if I were to sit in a library then I would be more productive).
It is an extremely annoying trait that I possess and I do believe that if this procrastination gene were to be absent in my DNA then I would be straight A student on the way to becoming the next Nobel prize winner. However, due to reasons beyond my control I am unable to focus on study thoughts for extended periods of time and as such I find myself sitting here writing a blog, thinking about getting the washing off the line and planning a full day of study for tomorrow!
I am currently supposed to be writing an assignment. The topic being Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids: the case for and against the supplementation of infant formula. As riveting as this topic could potentially be...I am at the books for literally no longer than 10 minutes before I find a new activity to consume my thoughts.
I find myself doing anything just to get out of writing an assignment. As I sat down at my desk this morning I envisaged a full day of study and a completed assignment at the end. However prior to even opening a book I made sure I had got a coffee, done the washing, cleaned my room, ran a loooong way, checked Facebook, read other peoples blogs, watched the Sunday Footy Show, checked Facebook again, made lunch, made a second lunch, went and got another coffee, looked at the weekend's race results from across the globe, looked at the week's weather, looked at the radar and searched the Internet for pointless facts such as 'where is the closest library?' (as I somehow believe that if I were to sit in a library then I would be more productive).
It is an extremely annoying trait that I possess and I do believe that if this procrastination gene were to be absent in my DNA then I would be straight A student on the way to becoming the next Nobel prize winner. However, due to reasons beyond my control I am unable to focus on study thoughts for extended periods of time and as such I find myself sitting here writing a blog, thinking about getting the washing off the line and planning a full day of study for tomorrow!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
WEEK 13 - Getting to the Ground
Apologies for the delayed blog...but true to my word, since Hawthorn played in the Sunday twilight match I gave myself a self appointed Sunday blog free day. As such I find myself blogging on this Monday morning after Hawthorn gave Melbourne a right shellacking!
As Sam and I were making the trek back to the car after yesterday's game I was racking my brain as to what to blog about this week, when it suddenly came to me.
I love going to the footy, I really do. However the one thing that I loathe about football at the G is trying to get to the ground. There are four main criteria that I am looking for when making the trek to the MCG.
1. Minimal walking
2. Minimal cost
3. Minimal time
4. Minimal inconvenience
The way I see it, there are approximately four ways to get to the ground. Each form of travel has it's positive and negatives, and as such I am constantly trying to find the mode which is the most efficient.
The first form of travel is that of the public transport variety. However the thought of cramming onto a crowded train/tram in peak hour footy crowds really does not score number 1 on my list. Plus trying to get to the train/tram stop is an issue in it's self. Do I walk, do I ride or do I drive (which really does defeat the purpose of catching public transport in the first place). It is however cost effective, but that would have to be the only positive on that front.
The second mode involves driving and parking out the front of the ground. This is by far my most preferred form of travel as it involves minimal walking which is top on my list. However, it does involve cost and, as I learnt on the way to yesterday's game it also does entail maximum inconvenience, being that of traffic (I could write a years worth of blogs entirely on how to alleviate Melbourne ever growing traffic wars...however that is another story). Therefore this type of travel is also eliminated.
The third mode of transport, and quite possibly the most sensible would be riding to the ground. Premo parking out the front, tick. No cost, tick. No walking, tick. And relatively time efficient, tick. However since I don't own a commuter bike, this form is unfortunately crossed off the list.
The fourth mode of transport is what I took to Friday night's game and yesterday's game by default (as I was planning on going with no. 2, but because of the associated traffic issues, this was promptly eliminated). Whilst this form doesn't score 100% in each of the checklist criteria, I would have to say it is scores a consistent 50% across the board and therefore at this stage will just have to do. It involves driving to the Tan and parking, therefore eliminating the traffic issues around the G and the parking fee at the ground. Then it involves making the 20 minute walk to the ground. Although as Sam can attest to, I'm not very good at walking and I do tend to complain a fair bit. However at this stage it seems to be the best option. It's not quite convenient but I wouldn't say it's inconvenient. It isn't lightning quick, but it doesn't take forever. It does involve a fair hike, but that gives me time to come up with a blog topic and ponder the issues of the world. And it is cost effective...except if you are to get a parking ticket and that would really throw this theory into disarray! So for now, this is the form of travel that I will stick to and hopefully it continues to bring good fortune to the mighty Hawks!
Until next time,
Carn the Hawks!!
As Sam and I were making the trek back to the car after yesterday's game I was racking my brain as to what to blog about this week, when it suddenly came to me.
I love going to the footy, I really do. However the one thing that I loathe about football at the G is trying to get to the ground. There are four main criteria that I am looking for when making the trek to the MCG.
1. Minimal walking
2. Minimal cost
3. Minimal time
4. Minimal inconvenience
The way I see it, there are approximately four ways to get to the ground. Each form of travel has it's positive and negatives, and as such I am constantly trying to find the mode which is the most efficient.
The first form of travel is that of the public transport variety. However the thought of cramming onto a crowded train/tram in peak hour footy crowds really does not score number 1 on my list. Plus trying to get to the train/tram stop is an issue in it's self. Do I walk, do I ride or do I drive (which really does defeat the purpose of catching public transport in the first place). It is however cost effective, but that would have to be the only positive on that front.
The second mode involves driving and parking out the front of the ground. This is by far my most preferred form of travel as it involves minimal walking which is top on my list. However, it does involve cost and, as I learnt on the way to yesterday's game it also does entail maximum inconvenience, being that of traffic (I could write a years worth of blogs entirely on how to alleviate Melbourne ever growing traffic wars...however that is another story). Therefore this type of travel is also eliminated.
The third mode of transport, and quite possibly the most sensible would be riding to the ground. Premo parking out the front, tick. No cost, tick. No walking, tick. And relatively time efficient, tick. However since I don't own a commuter bike, this form is unfortunately crossed off the list.
The fourth mode of transport is what I took to Friday night's game and yesterday's game by default (as I was planning on going with no. 2, but because of the associated traffic issues, this was promptly eliminated). Whilst this form doesn't score 100% in each of the checklist criteria, I would have to say it is scores a consistent 50% across the board and therefore at this stage will just have to do. It involves driving to the Tan and parking, therefore eliminating the traffic issues around the G and the parking fee at the ground. Then it involves making the 20 minute walk to the ground. Although as Sam can attest to, I'm not very good at walking and I do tend to complain a fair bit. However at this stage it seems to be the best option. It's not quite convenient but I wouldn't say it's inconvenient. It isn't lightning quick, but it doesn't take forever. It does involve a fair hike, but that gives me time to come up with a blog topic and ponder the issues of the world. And it is cost effective...except if you are to get a parking ticket and that would really throw this theory into disarray! So for now, this is the form of travel that I will stick to and hopefully it continues to bring good fortune to the mighty Hawks!
Until next time,
Carn the Hawks!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Week 12 - Bright!
After having a few days off training at the start of the week we headed up to Bright for a few days of riding, running and relaxing. Blue skies, sun, mountains and bikes...couldn't ask for much more!!
Pink sky at night...woo!!
Only 52km to go...
The boys up the road.
The Hoth!!
Views from the top of Hotham.
Hotham Village.
The trusty stead!!
The Brewery.
Ovens River.
Dinner!
In other news, I have just posted up the 2011 racing schedule (www.madeleineoldfield.com)...bring it on!!
Pink sky at night...woo!!
Only 52km to go...
The boys up the road.
The Hoth!!
Views from the top of Hotham.
Hotham Village.
The trusty stead!!
The Brewery.
Ovens River.
Dinner!
In other news, I have just posted up the 2011 racing schedule (www.madeleineoldfield.com)...bring it on!!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Week 11 - Gatorade Tri Series Race #6 - St kilda
Today was the final round of the 2010/11 Gatorade Triathlon Series held at St Kilda. Melbourne turned on the weather and for once we couldn't have asked for better conditions.
It has taken me most of the week to recover from last weeks race at Huskison. For the majority of the week I have felt pretty flat and the legs have seen better days. However, I was still looking to put in a solid performance in today's race and to ensure that I got the series win for the 2010/11 Gatorade Triathlon Series.
The race was set to be a cracker with the likes of Olympian Erin Densham toeing the start line. I knew the key for me would be the swim - if I wanted to be in the mix I had to be out in that first pack on the bike.
I had one of my best swims to date and headed out onto the bike course in 2nd position, where we soon formed a strong lead pack of four girls. We all rode well together and came into T2 about 45sec up on the 2nd pack. I had a great transition and got out onto the run course in equal first with Densham, where she soon set a cracking pace that unfortunately I couldn't hold onto. I still ran well though and crossed the line in 2nd place Elite Female. This result was enough to take the series win in the Elite Female category and to round out my best summer seasons to date, which has included four 1sts and one 2nd in the 2010/11 Gatorade Triathlon Series, 1st Pro Female at the 2011 Falls Creek Victorian Long Course Champs, 3rd Pro Female at the 2011 Australian Long Course Champs and 5th Pro Female at the 2010 Shepparton Half Ironman.
I couldn't have asked for a better summer - I have found a level of consistency that I haven't had in previous seasons. All the hard work is starting to pay off and I am looking forward to a big season in the States this year.
I have almost finalised my race calendar for the 2011 US season and will post it up on my website shortly (www.madeleineoldfield.com).
This week is going to be a pretty cruisey week, with lots of sleep and not much training for a change!! I am heading up to Bright at the end of the week to recharge the batteries before getting back into it all.
Thanks to all who supported me over the summer including all of my sponsors as well as Mum, Dad, Sam and my coach Josh Rix. It has been an awesome ride and I am still loving every minute of it!!
It has taken me most of the week to recover from last weeks race at Huskison. For the majority of the week I have felt pretty flat and the legs have seen better days. However, I was still looking to put in a solid performance in today's race and to ensure that I got the series win for the 2010/11 Gatorade Triathlon Series. The race was set to be a cracker with the likes of Olympian Erin Densham toeing the start line. I knew the key for me would be the swim - if I wanted to be in the mix I had to be out in that first pack on the bike.
I had one of my best swims to date and headed out onto the bike course in 2nd position, where we soon formed a strong lead pack of four girls. We all rode well together and came into T2 about 45sec up on the 2nd pack. I had a great transition and got out onto the run course in equal first with Densham, where she soon set a cracking pace that unfortunately I couldn't hold onto. I still ran well though and crossed the line in 2nd place Elite Female. This result was enough to take the series win in the Elite Female category and to round out my best summer seasons to date, which has included four 1sts and one 2nd in the 2010/11 Gatorade Triathlon Series, 1st Pro Female at the 2011 Falls Creek Victorian Long Course Champs, 3rd Pro Female at the 2011 Australian Long Course Champs and 5th Pro Female at the 2010 Shepparton Half Ironman.
I couldn't have asked for a better summer - I have found a level of consistency that I haven't had in previous seasons. All the hard work is starting to pay off and I am looking forward to a big season in the States this year.I have almost finalised my race calendar for the 2011 US season and will post it up on my website shortly (www.madeleineoldfield.com).
This week is going to be a pretty cruisey week, with lots of sleep and not much training for a change!! I am heading up to Bright at the end of the week to recharge the batteries before getting back into it all.
Thanks to all who supported me over the summer including all of my sponsors as well as Mum, Dad, Sam and my coach Josh Rix. It has been an awesome ride and I am still loving every minute of it!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Week 10 - Australian Long Course Championships
This weekend I competed in the Australian Long Course Triathlon Championships held at Husskison, NSW. Husky is a small seaside town located about 2 hours south of Sydney. After placing 1st at the Victorian Long Course Champs a few weeks earlier, Josh and I decided that I should travel up to NSW to compete in the National Champs.
Arriving in Canberra on Friday, mum and I hired a car and made the trek to Husky, where we were welcomed by our awesome home stay family Cindy, Ellen and Isabel (the Jack Russel).
As the sun began to rise on race morning we all knew that it was going to be a tough race in hot conditions. It was a non-wetsuit swim for the Pro's with water temp being 23.5 degrees. The relatively small Pro Female field was packed with some notable racers including Michelle Wu, Nicole Ward and Matilda Raynolds.
I had a great swim and exited the water up the front. After a quick transition I got out onto the bike course in 1st place, where I was soon joined by Raynolds and later on Wu. The 83km bike course was made up of 3 laps. The first half of each lap consisted of a slow gradual climb with the second half being undulating. I managed to stick with Wu and Raynolds until about 15km to go, where I then started to feel the effects of the hard riding and heat and unfortunately lost contact. This was the move that would prove to cost me the race, however it is these races that I learn the most from!
Entering T2 I was about 1min30sec down off the lead two girls. I was expecting to feel pretty heavy on the run, however once my legs hit the ground and I got some more nutrition into me I started to feel strong and went about trying to make up as much ground as I could. I managed to come within 50sec of second place, but ran out of road, crossing the line in 3rd place Pro Female, with Michelle running strong to take the win by 2min 30sec and Matilda claiming 2nd. The aim of the race was to podium, and while I wasn't on the top, it was still a good race in which I learnt a lot.
Having only competed in 2 long course events prior to Husskison, I am still learning the in and outs of endurance racing. I have put in some really solid training over the summer months, and with another long course race under my belt I am looking forward to a great upcoming season in the US.
I am living the dream and it all wouldn't be possible without the support of my sponsors Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks Running, Giro, Selle SMP Saddles and Team Barefoot.
A huge thanks to my Mum for travelling with me to Husky and looking after me...number one support crew! Also thanks to Cindy and Ellen for opening their home to us and Elite Energy for putting on a great event.
For now it's time to eat, sleep and recover in time for the final round of the Victorian Gatorade Series next weekend.
Arriving in Canberra on Friday, mum and I hired a car and made the trek to Husky, where we were welcomed by our awesome home stay family Cindy, Ellen and Isabel (the Jack Russel).As the sun began to rise on race morning we all knew that it was going to be a tough race in hot conditions. It was a non-wetsuit swim for the Pro's with water temp being 23.5 degrees. The relatively small Pro Female field was packed with some notable racers including Michelle Wu, Nicole Ward and Matilda Raynolds.
I had a great swim and exited the water up the front. After a quick transition I got out onto the bike course in 1st place, where I was soon joined by Raynolds and later on Wu. The 83km bike course was made up of 3 laps. The first half of each lap consisted of a slow gradual climb with the second half being undulating. I managed to stick with Wu and Raynolds until about 15km to go, where I then started to feel the effects of the hard riding and heat and unfortunately lost contact. This was the move that would prove to cost me the race, however it is these races that I learn the most from! 
Entering T2 I was about 1min30sec down off the lead two girls. I was expecting to feel pretty heavy on the run, however once my legs hit the ground and I got some more nutrition into me I started to feel strong and went about trying to make up as much ground as I could. I managed to come within 50sec of second place, but ran out of road, crossing the line in 3rd place Pro Female, with Michelle running strong to take the win by 2min 30sec and Matilda claiming 2nd. The aim of the race was to podium, and while I wasn't on the top, it was still a good race in which I learnt a lot.
Having only competed in 2 long course events prior to Husskison, I am still learning the in and outs of endurance racing. I have put in some really solid training over the summer months, and with another long course race under my belt I am looking forward to a great upcoming season in the US.I am living the dream and it all wouldn't be possible without the support of my sponsors Malvern Star, Peak Bike Hub, Brooks Running, Giro, Selle SMP Saddles and Team Barefoot.
A huge thanks to my Mum for travelling with me to Husky and looking after me...number one support crew! Also thanks to Cindy and Ellen for opening their home to us and Elite Energy for putting on a great event.
For now it's time to eat, sleep and recover in time for the final round of the Victorian Gatorade Series next weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)