Triathlon TitBits

We have moved...

2013-06-15T15:54:00.001+10:00

I am no longer posting on this blog because I have decided to incorporate both my Ironman wife diary entires with regular posts on all things triathlon on my TriCrew website which has been recently re-designed.

TriCrew is all about a triathlon lifestyle. How best to train and race, eat well and stay healthy, avoid injury, remain focussed, and plan so you can achieve your dreams and enjoy the journey of racing triathlon. A triathlon lifestyle requires a balance between your work, your family and your passion. We want to encourage, inspire and share your triathlon journey.

Come and check it out here.

If you have subscribed to this blog I would love it if you visited TriCrew and subscribe to my new Feedburner if you want regular updates. You can also subscribe to my newsletter which I will launch in August.

I look forward to continuing to share our triathlon journey with you and hear more about yours!

Lisa xx

Ironman Melbourne has arrived!

2013-03-23T08:29:00.003+11:00

Now this must make everyone involved in Ironman Melbourne nervous! I am nervous and I'm not racing.

As I write, I am watching the coloured net bags being packed, final checks on nutrition, supplies and equipment.

Last night as I talked to fellow Ironman wives I felt overwhelmed by the discussions on how we get from T1 to T2 and the finish line - it's not an easy task being a supporter either!

So this post is short and sweet since there are many things to sort through today. You may enjoy my post The Day Before which I wrote before the Hawaii Ironman last year. There is a lot to organise and think through!

I wrote a post on my TriCrew last night.

For a some supporter tips for the day see here. Make a plan, tell your athlete and on the day things may happen but you can only do your best - they know you are there supporting whether they see you or not.

IronmanLive and the IronTrac app will help you track your athletes but one tip from experience, all the trackers may melt down and you will have to reply on your trusty watch, your instinct and other supporters!!

To follow us on our race day experience, join me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

If you are here in Melbourne, I wish you all the best as an athlete and supporter. I hope you have an amazing day with special memories, goals achieved and challenges met.

See you out on the course!

Ironman Melbourne: 4 sleeps to go - words of wisdom?

2013-03-20T22:54:00.000+11:00

There are so many words of wisdom to inspire - a few that are repeated amongst triathletes include:

- or "memories last forever"

ANOTHER:

You can quit and nobody will ever care

but you will always know..

And one to repeat to yourself when you are digging deep....

A few other favourites of ours:

From our friend, Tim:

"Every decision you make, you make about yourself"

From runner Steve Prefontaine:

"A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more."

And anon:

"You finish last in 100% of the races you don't start."

So here is hoping all of you competing in Ironman Melbourne get to the starting line, make the right decisions for you, manage to push through the pain, do the best you can on the day and come across the finish line with a medal and many special memories.

Final words from the mouth of my Ironman:

Bring it on!

Ironman Melbourne: 5 Sleeps - Making a List & Checking it Twice

2013-03-19T23:21:00.002+11:00

Packed yet? Are you organised or not so? Do you pack last minute or make a list and check it twice (or three times) ?

I have to admit that Ironman is looking more organised than me this time around - maybe because I'm thinking it's only Melbourne and I only have one child in tow...

However, I need to remind myself I ended up buying warm clothes last time so maybe I need to be bit more prepared (I should really be packing not writing) - then again Melbourne is the shopping capital!

But, it's not about me... and the most important luggage is the bike and the kit of course!

To help you in your packing endeavours, here are a few tips to avoid suitcase and travel disasters when travelling by plane to a Triathlon:

Don't pack C02 cartridges (and don't forget to buy at other end!)
Make sure you double seal the electrolyte powder (pretty sticky stuff if it leaks!) Ditto with gels. I use snap lock bags then plastic Decor container to double seal.
Lots of plastic shopping bags are useful to pack dirty shoes and smelly lycra
Don't pack too many t-shirts - you usually add 2-3 new Tri ones to your collection each race.
Use a Decor container to store all the little stuff like bike tools and salt containers.
Take race kit for all weather conditions.
Pack the expensive stuff like watch, SRM and iPod in your carry on.
Take wet weather gear for supporters - and a good back pack (you will be walking far)
Don't forget the camera, charger and connector cords. Video camera?
Triathlon ID required for check in

All I can think of for now. Very useful that we are heading to Melbourne since you can get most things there if you forget :-)

Any more tips you can add?

For some more packing and travel tips - check our PJ's suggestions here.

Ironman Melbourne: 7 sleeps to go - a recap from 1 yr ago

2013-03-17T22:37:00.001+11:00

This time next week Mike Reilly will be calling the final few hours of Ironman Melbourne.

I thought today would be a good day to post a shortened version of my husbands race report from last year which gives a brief of overview of the course and his experience of the day.

As we know, depending on the weather, it could be very different this year. Also, the swim course route has changed, start time is later so no swimming in the dark and now the run loop at the beginning is an extra 1km so finish line is at St.Kilda Gardens not out front of the St.Kilda Baths.

Enjoy the read - and if this is your first Melbourne Ironman and you have any questions, fire away, he would be happy to answer.

SWIM

Ironman Melbourne swim course is located in Frankston, which is 42km south of the finish line in St.Kilda. This is unique as Melbourne presents the only “point to point” run course on the Ironman circuit.

The course is not without a few logistical challenges as bike check in on Saturday afternoon in Frankston requires a return trip of approx 80kms for the majority of competitors who based themselves in St. Kilda.

Buses to Frankston were arranged by the race organisers for Saturday bike check in and Sunday race morning. We jumped on a bus 4:45am Sunday morning and arrived in Frankston approx 40min later.

Race morning check in went smoothly, I spent less than 10min setting up my bike before taking the weight off my legs to prepare for the day ahead.

The Swim start was out of the ordinary as a large number of swimmers decided they were good to go before the gun fired! I was swimming to the start line when I saw the field take off so hit the start button on my watch and got amongst it.

The swim course starts in front of the Frankston pier and is rectangular with 1.6kms to the first turning buoy. Compared to other Ironman swims I had minimal contact except for a rogue kick to the side of my head, which came out of nowhere. A bit more than half way through the swim I noticed my hands then arms go numb. This has not happened before but lesson learnt re wearing a sleeveless wetsuit in Port Phillip Bay!

Bike

As usual it was frantic stripping off the wetsuit and putting on helmet etc for the ride. I had packed arm warmers and a vest to wear over my race singlet but decide against putting them on, as I wanted to get on the bike ASAP. BIG mistake! I spent the next 90min the coldest I’ve been in a race. My fingers were next to useless so I was changing gears with the back of my hand.

Ironman Melbourne bike course takes place on the Eastlink Freeway, which is a mostly flat road with a few undulations and a 2km hill going into a tunnel at the turn around. You can stay in the big chain ring climbing both sides. The road surface is excellent and with slight winds on Sunday, times were fast.

I was able to set a fairly high pace on the bike with speeds in excess of 40km/h on the flats for the first 2 hours, completing the first 90km lap in 2:20. I watched my SRM hit some pretty high numbers but didn’t feel I was stepping into the abyss so kept it rolling.

Overall the bike course is fast if not windy and has lots of false flats.

Run

The first 2kms of the run course is an out and back section, which is the only time during the marathon where you see other competitors running towards you. After the first 2kms the course follows The Bay north to St.Kilda. The number of spectators on the course was great with plenty of encouragement and funny comments along the way.

Good mates had bikes and rode the marathon course, which meant every 5, or 10, kms I had them giving it to me as only mates can! My wife was in a car, which meant I was also receiving some loving support. The other option for supporters to follow their triathlete was via a bus that could drop you off at ‘live’ sites at approx every 10km.

The run course is flat for the first 23kms. From 23kms to 34kms there are a series of long undulations that feel anything but easy to run in a fatigued state. I ran the first 21kms in 1:35 feeling good. At the 25km mark, running up a short hill from The Bay to the road it was as though someone dropped a small car on my back. Two runners that I had passed went by during the next kilometer and I felt like I was going backwards. We like to tell ourselves to “Eat the Pain” but every step was agony and I still had 17 bloody kms to run!

I had to block the thought of another 90mins of tortured running out of my head so I focused on staying relaxed with good form and running 6 feet in front of me over and over and over. Getting through to 35kms the wheels were starting to fall off.

Coming to the 40km mark I saw two competitors ahead of me, and from the look of them they were in my crusty age group! Having previously missed going to Hawaii Ironman by one finish place

I didn’t want it to happen again so dug in and passed them with one running behind me for a few hundred meters until I didn’t hear his laboured breathing any longer. Fortunately they were more stuffed than me so I managed to shuffle by.

Then at last… I was in the final 500m. The crowd was massive, music pumping, people screaming and I heard my name a few times but I wasn’t going to relax and enjoy it as I sensed another competitor was approaching so I did a final burst to get across the line. Mates who were at the finish line told me later I was imagining the afore mentioned runner but I checked the results and some dude was 6 seconds behind me!

The race was not easy but I managed a 30min PB, which qualified me for a start in the Hawaii Ironman in October.

The Organisation

As a first event in an urban setting this race was bound to offer some strategic challenges for the organisers. We loved it being in Melbourne, which is renowned for it’s great cafes and shops. The expo was in a huge circus like tent that sat right next to the bay. The finish line was positioned between the beach and restaurants. These restaurants hosted the carbo and award dinners and they converted the expo tent into a huge theatre for the awards night, which worked well.

The weather was changing by the day (note to bring layers of clothes including warm jacket) with an 80km hour northerly (headwind for entire marathon) on the Thursday. However, the weather gods smiled on us on race day with light winds on the bike and run.

Looking back at all the other Ironman events we have attended this one was a cut-above anything we have experienced – apart from Hawaii. We will definitely be back for more. Well done to the organisers!

Ironman Melbourne: 8 days to go - a family affair

2013-03-16T21:55:00.001+11:00

Exactly a year ago I wrote a post on my Tricrew website titled "Thoughts from an Ironman Wife".

This week I came across it again and I also discovered a post I had forgotten about on Beyond Transition website which quoted my blog post and was titled the same as my t-shirt (which some of you may have seen me wear) - Behind Every Ironman is a Woman of Steel.

These past posts inspired me today to talk about families.

Denis Oakley on Beyond Transition noted:

an Ironman journey is made by a family, not just the Ironman.

My t-shirt came about as a statement and reminder to all those at Ironman events to not forget the role partners play on the Ironman journey. We support at home in many ways, and it is our support that helps the triathlete to focus on what is required in order to get to the starting line.

Now, as the Ironman journey comes to an end for those racing in Melbourne next weekend, it is a time to not only celebrate your achievements and reflect on the journey, but also to show your thanks to everyone who helped you along the way - especially your family.

Next Sunday afternoon when you finally cross that finish line, despite the exhaustion, please don't forget to high five the kids, thank all your supporters (even the strangers who cheer you out on the course) and plant a nice sweaty kiss on your partners cheek.

We are all very proud :-)

Ironman Melbourne: 9 days to go - a message for competitors

2013-03-15T23:08:00.002+11:00

This is a message for all the men and women who will be racing at Ironman Melbourne next weekend:

You must rest your body!

There is just over eight days until you will be lining up for a challenge that will test your body and your mind. You have trained for months and now there is no need to over do it.

I can see that my Ironman is in need of good sleep, healthy food and a calm mind. So, my post message of STOP is to say now you are allowed to taper and rest.

Sure, tapering doesn't mean stopping altogether - this post on the Active website has some great advice on effective tapering and points out two common mistakes people make when tapering -(i) not tapering for long enough and (ii) going at too high intensity when tapering. So take note.

Now I am no expert by any means but I do believe in listening to your body, so if you feel tired as many do at this point, take what rest you can.

Remember too - avoid planning too many activities in the lead up days to the race, don't overdo it once you get to the race location by feeling you have to swim, ride and run over the whole course length, and make sure you take care of your body inside and out so it is in top condition for race day.

Thats all I need to say tonight xx

Ironman Melbourne - 10 Days to go...

2013-03-14T21:57:00.000+11:00

So I just screen shot this - are the nerves setting in? Excitement? Apprehension? Sense of urgency?

Here's another one...

This is the day we arrive - as many from interstate and overseas will. We have all been watching the weather forecasts and hearing about the longest sequence of 30 plus days Melbourne has experienced ever! So what will happen next weekend?

We have been remembering last years weather. It was so cold that I had to buy a jacket and scarf. I just didn't expect it. Peter froze in the swim on the day and didn't have warm gear for the bike. By the time he hit the run, it started to heat up but really conditions were such (and we were lucky) that it ended up being a fast race as not too hot and little wind.

Peter's feelings on next weekend - 1% chance the conditions will be as good as they were last year.

In the couple of days we were at St Kilda pre-race last year it was so windy with waves hitting the bay that they cancelled the swim practice and it looked like if conditions remained there would be no swim - and a very tough run into the headwind.

This year, if its really hot and there is a northerly blowing the Melbourne Ironman course will go from being one of the fastest Ironman courses to one of the slowest.

Be prepared!

For competitors take gear for all conditions. It could be cold and rainy or hot and sunny so take wet weather kit, warm kit - take it all. At least it seems the water will be barmy compared to last year.

For supporters - same goes. It's long day out there and quite a way to travel between start and finish, so will be no fun at all on a wet, windy or very hot day - especially with kids! (more about spectating on the course another day).

So start the packing list and lets do a little weather dance :-)

IRONMAN CHALLENGE - Counting down the days..

2013-03-13T15:27:00.001+11:00

OK. We have reached eleven days until race day so I have decided to mix it up and now count down the days beginning tomorrow.

What has become very clear to me since I set myself this posting challenge is that with everything else going on in life its not easy to come up with a post every day! I take my hat off to those who do manage this on the thousands of other blogs out there.

What I have just spent lots of time on however is redesigning my TriCrew website. Still needs a few tweeks but I am pretty happy with how it is coming together. Now I just need lots more content for you all. Let me know what you think?

To keep things all about Ironman Melbourne on these posts and as a catch up to the days missed, read my latest post on TriCrew and an old post linking you to websites on St Kilda and what to do in Melbourne.

Until tomorrow...

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY 10/11: Essentials B4 you leave

2013-03-09T16:04:00.002+11:00

Now we are entering the final two weeks before Ironman Melbourne - the lists need to be made.

Here's a simple check list of mine for this week to make sure bookings are in place and we don't miss out. Hope its a good little reminder for you too!

Flights and extra baggage
Accommodation
Transport to accommodation and back and/or car hire
Bus tickets for travel to and from Frankston
Bike transport for Ironman's bike to check in
Bike hire (in St Kilda)
Welcome and Awards dinner tickets (for partners/family/friends)

Did I forget anything?

Packing lists is a whole other ball game - will leave another post for that one!

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY 9 - A Balancing Act

2013-03-07T09:41:00.001+11:00

Are you travelling to Ironman Melbourne from another state or country? Are you taking family and friends? Are you planning a holiday around the race?

My post title is A Balancing Act. Why? Because thats how I see it when organising yourself to travel to a race destination.

Travelling to a location for an Ironman event requires balancing a number of things:

1. Get to destination with all equipment required.
2. Manage your week so the triathlete rests up and is prepared for race day.
3. Settle and sort so that you know where to get the right food and other essentials for race day.
4. Make time to register, walk around expo and attend events that happen pre and post race.
5. Organise yourself for race day as a supporter (and of course triathlete enters The Zone - as I call it)
6. Be prepared for post-race recovery and celebrations.

To add to this, is the balance between the above race related activities and enjoying your new surrounds, being with family and relaxing.

Travelling for a triathlon is not a holiday.

Lets be truthful here. You have probably taken time off work and spent lots of money on air travel and accommodation (as well as triathlon related expenses) and getting away from routine is a nice break but it isn't a true holiday in the sense that there are no plans, no commitments and lots of time to lie around and do nothing!

You are travelling for an experience which will certainly be memorable but you will probably need a holiday after it!

So the point of this blog is to say, try and get the balance right.

Yes you need to be prepared for a big race like Ironman. There are certain things that have to be done. BUT make sure you allocate some rest time. Wander around the local area, visit a cafe or restaurant with the family, play with the kids, give your spouse some time to do what interests them, and try not to talk triathlon 24/7.

Taking this balanced approach will keep the family happier and help to make your trip away feel a bit more like a holiday for all.

IM CHALLENGE Day 7 & 8 - Kona Inspiration

2013-03-05T22:10:00.000+11:00

So I am failing already on my Ironman Challenge...but I know you all love these inspirational videos!

Here is one to get you fired up to put it all on the line in Melbourne and walk away with a ticket to The Big Island this year.

These videos even get into my head and make me think, maybe one day...

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY 5 & 6 - Taking a Break

2013-03-03T10:11:00.001+11:00

So I have lapsed already. I am feeling guilty. Yesterdays post didn't happen.

I did attempt to write at 10pm after a day long conference which zapped my brain. However, I rolled into bed no post, feeling unwell and guilty that I had decided to not get up early this morning and compete in a triathlon I had signed up for. On the flip side however, I have woken up with a post ready to roll, guilt subsided and I'm still in bed at 9.30am :-)

I want to talk about TAKING A BREAK.

I am a very happy Ironman wife this morning because for the first time in a long time I had a kid free sunday morning with my Ironman.

No 5am alarm clock, no waking up in an empty bed, no kids arguing.

I got cuddles. I got to sit with my husband over a leisurely breakfast reading the papers and discussing things we just haven't time to think through. We hopped back into bed amazed at how good it felt to laze around. We looked out our bedroom doors at the overcast windy weather and felt no regrets for deciding to say 'no' to our usual routine and just take a break.

So when did you last do this?

Ironman training requires dedication and consistency. It means following a training plan that lasts months. Six weeks before, there are crazy weekend sessions of long rides on the bike, maybe in wind and rain, then a run or a swim. Back at home after devouring all that is in the fridge, you collapse for the rest of the day. Kids may run around the house needing to release their pent up energy but you are just spent.

I am OK with this as an Ironman wife. It has been our lives for so long that I understand how it works. We fit in with the routine knowing that it's just those key weeks prior to race day.

We are now in the last couple of weeks before Ironman Melbourne. This is tapering time. The body needs to rest. There is still some training and there are race and travel plans to think through but this is also the time that you are allowed to say 'no' just for one day!

I am now hearing the wind trainer next door, however I know my Ironman has had a great sleep and he has happy wife who is still lazing around and readying herself to refocus and start planning for the pre-race build up.

It is OK to give the body and the mind a break even if it's just briefly. Don't feel guilty. Know that at this point, the body is ready but it's also close to burnout. You need to listen to what it's saying to you.

Get enough sleep, have a massage, stretch, eat well, take time to look at the big picture and appreciate where you are at. You need to focus on having everything in balance so you are ready for the best race of your life.

Take a break from routine - I promise you won't regret it!

IM CHALLENGE Day 4 - Inspirational Ironman Video

2013-03-01T14:44:00.001+11:00

I happily tell anyone that if they want to be inspired to exercise, to set some lifetime goals or follow a dream then they just need to watch a few Ironman World Championship videos.

Here is a 10 minute video from IM Arizona last November that does the job too!

Get inspired, feel the tingles and let the excitement about being part of Ironman Melbourne begin.

If you can't view the embedded video please view here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrsqgPgekW4&feature=player_embedded

IRONMAN CHALLENGE DAY3 - 2012 Melbourne Ironman Snap Shots

2013-02-28T23:28:00.001+11:00

A few location and memorabilia snapshots

from the inaugural Ironman Melbourne 2012

IRONMAN CHALLENGE - DAY 2: Living with an Ironman

2013-02-28T00:19:00.000+11:00

Things in a house where an Ironman lives which could drive you crazy...

LYCRA and in particular washing lycra. The stinky wet mounds seem to be never-ending.

GEL PACKS and POWDER - sticky and leaking, they are never fun to clean up.

WATER BOTTLES - where to store them and how to wash the mould out of them.

BIKES - where to store them and how many do you really need!

RUNNING SHOES - smelly, wet and how do you dispose of them every six months?

RACE TOWELS and T-SHIRTS - no more room and do we really need to keep every one for sentimental reasons!

And habits that could drive you even crazier....

Early alarm clocks most days - need I say more.

Flipside of above - afternoon kips or Ironman passed out on couch before kids are even in bed

Shaved legs - think my Ironman shaves more than me!

Waivering waistlines - only so many times you can get suit pants taken in and back out again.

Watching race videos - after ten years of watching every Hawaii Ironman race over and over I am feeling quite the expert.

Pre-race routines - you just pray that nothing has been forgotten

Race planning - many nights of discussions are in vain if you don't have fast fingers when entries open, and it's back to the drawing board!

First words out of the mouth post-race 'NEVER AGAIN' - you know that it's the pain talking, then the pain subsides and you know you will be back again!

What could you add to my list?

IRONMAN CHALLENGE - DAY 1: Pinspiration

2013-02-26T22:13:00.001+11:00

IRONMAN CHALLENGE: DAY 1

My first daily ironman post is some Pinspiration....follow my Triathlon Board on my Pinterest page for inspirational quotes, Ironman memories and video links.

My Ironman Challenge

2013-02-26T00:08:00.004+11:00

I'm back! I know it's been a while...I never got around to adding a Hawaii overview. I didn't post when over at Ironman WA. I haven't written about being a 'newbie' (yes, I am now swimming , biking and running!) - but there is no joy in looking back at what stories could have been told. Best to always look ahead!

So, I have returned with a challenge.

Yesterday it was exactly four weeks until the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships in Melbourne. Yes, we are returning! We have come full circle and are returning to where my Ironman clocked his bike PB and nabbed a Hawaii spot - and I just love visiting Melbourne!

Today, I begin my Ironman Challenge....no swimming, biking or running involved.

The challenge to myself is to post on this blog every day for the next four weeks, finishing up with a Melbourne Ironman report the day after the race - March 25.

My topic for every post will be Ironman triathlon - with a focus on the upcoming Melbourne race. It might be a long post or a short one, it may be an image, video, quote or links but come back every day (or subscribe) and I will be talking all things IRONMAN !

Would love your input, ideas and feedback too.

Will be back tomorrow (actually later today since I have taken so long to write this!) with post #1.

Aloha!

2012-10-10T13:36:00.002+11:00

Monday 9th October:

Here I sit on our hotel balcony at 9.30 at night looking out over the Kailua-Kona pier and bay, as palms trees sway and waves lap at the shore. Flame torches light the paths, fairy lights surround the diners by the beach and a sweet smelling candle in a coconut shell flickers by my side....it's pretty magical and very calm. The calm before the storm!!

It's hard to believe that in five days time this place will be swarming with people, lots of noise and many memorable moments with 1,800 Ironman triathletes fulfilling their dreams of completing the Hawaii Ironman.

Kailua-Kona Pier. Tents beginning to appear. A calm night but in a few days sure to be swarming with people!

So what is it like to experience a week in Kona in the lead up to Hawaii Ironman?

Throughout the week I plan to combine my love of Instagram and insistent Tweeting (which may drive some mad), with my amateur (yet improving) photography and as many blog posts as I can manage to grab the time for, to give you a feel for being a part of this amazing race.

It's the perspective of an Ironman wife (without kids this time) not a competitor or expert on triathlon - but I hope you enjoy and are inspired to come and experience it one day (if you haven't already!)

Day one of Hawaii Ironman week...

We arrived two days ago which gave us time to acclimatise and settle. Today the atmosphere ramped up one notch. There seemed to be more people in the town, the finish line chute is starting to take shape, tents are being built in the recovery area and companies are setting up their stands for the Expo which opens tomorrow night. The build up is beginning.

This morning, Dig Me beach was buzzing early. Every morning this week, competitors and onlookers flock to the swim start to try out the swim course and size up the competition! There is a coffee boat to swim to and IMTalk radio will broadcast live from it on Thursday and Friday. It's a small area but its the place to be seen. If you aren't competing it's still worth donning googles and getting amongst it especially to see the beautiful fish below.

Dig Me beach swarming with swimmers and onlookers. It's where the Hawaii Ironman starts and finishes. It will be transformed in the next few days!

If you are not swimming in the morning, then you should be out running or cycling (you certainly get the urge!) Since it's still early in the week, competitors along with other fitness enthusiasts are all hitting the roads - either in fancy (and very bright coloured) runners or on their expensive bikes (aero helmets a must!). They are familiarising themselves with sections of the course and testing the body in the heat.

The hype and the nerves seems to get the competitors firing when they probably should be resting more - but thats all part of the experience! It's great to get out amongst them but beware that when out running along side some of the fittest people in the world, you do feel slightly self-conscious!

Ironman hubby and I ready for a run and lapping up the Dig Me beach atmosphere.

I'll sign off with a couple of the many branded signs (some with great quotes and sayings).

Back with new report soon xx

PS. Apologies for delay in posting 1st report from Kona (few online hiccups) - more stories and photos from today (Tuesday) tom come....

The Hype Surrounding the Hawaii Ironman. Tips & Links to join the party online!

2012-10-04T15:11:00.000+10:00

All big events around the world have hype surrounding it. We just experienced one of the most hyped sporting events on the planet - the Olympics.

Hype is defined in the Oxford dictionary as to "promote or publicize (a product or idea) intensively". Hype is essential if an event is to be successful. (My mind is drifting to that rap "Don't believe the hype" by Pubic Enemy No.1 - showing my age!)

Why I am I talking about hype? Because I am declaring that one of the best 'hype' machines has to be Ironman triathlon!

We are heading off to the Ironman World Championships in two days. The race is on Saturday 13th October and the hype has truely begun.

My next declaration is this - I am addicted to hype! Well, hype that relates to something that I enjoy or am passionate about.

My husband is the one who is passionate about triathlon and Ironman, however we as a family have been swept up in it for a number of years. Although I am not a competitor, I love all that it represents and enjoy the experiences that surround it.

For those of you who don't know much about Ironman triathlon, you should know that this is the event that any long distant triathlete dreams of competing in. It is the pinnacle of Ironman every year. The best professional and amateur Ironman triathletes all converge on one small town called Kona in Hawaii and compete in the most gruelling of all the Ironmans. It is an international sporting event in so many ways.

The week before is filled with lead up activities. Every event and triathlete sponsor is represented. All the brands who want to capture the interest of people whose passion is health and fitness want to be seen and heard. Pro spotting is a popular pastime and everybody is strutting their stuff. It all adds up to a week of hype!

I have experienced the Hawaii Ironman first hand two years ago and now just the thought of returning to experience it again excites me.

The hype began weeks ago and now with social media being a big part of brands marketing mixes, I am feeling overwhelmed with options to get more hyped.

Triathletes and triathlon brands are big on Twitter, there are also a number of popular triathlon websites and triathlete bloggers, and of course Facebook is part of the mix too.

My Ironman is a regularly listener of IMTalk and we are loving the new Ali'i Drive Ironman You Tube Series of videos (so well done and serious hype generators!) Watch these and you will truly get a feel for what Ironman is all about.

If you want to get hyped like us, follow the race on the 13th or just want to understand more about the Ironman World Championships, here are my tips and links:

1. Watch the Ali'i Drive Video Series

2. Visit the Official Ironman website and the official FaceBook Page

3. Listen to IMTalk and Competitor Radio

4. Join Twitter (if you are not addicted already!) and follow hashtags #IMKona, #IMWC, #IMHawaii and #Kona2012.

5. Follow on Twitter some of the professionals (top Aussies include @CrowieAlexander, @maccanow and @Mirindacarfrae ), Ironman legends (@IronmanVoice, @IronmanLIVEgreg, @MarkAllenOnline, @DaveScott6x) and triathlon focussed Twitterers like @IronmanTri , @firstoffthebike , @trinewsonly, and @BeyondT2 (I could go on and on!)

6. On the day, visit IronmanLive to watch the race live (if you live in Australia you may be up in the early hours of Sunday!) and track your favourite athletes.

7. A great app for your iPhone if you are out and about is IronTrack.

7. Ironman website and radio is live all week - find out whats happening every day here.

Of course, you might also like to follow me via Twitter @trititbits and Facebook - and I will be updating this blog regularly throughout our Kona stay!

Love if you can tell others who may be interest in my post - and add your own tips in comments if you have more!

Enjoy the hype!

Lisa xx

The Hurdles Before The Destination....

2012-09-23T18:35:00.002+10:00

Was thinking this week how strange human nature is when a single event or activity can mean so much to us that it literally takes over our lives on so many levels.

It's different for all of us and changes as our lives take on different directions. It may relate to a family occasion, a sporting event, one of lifes' milestones, achieving a goal or just getting over a hurdle at work. Where ever you are at, it seems that that one thing starts to take over daily life - a wedding, a baby, a new job, a Grand Final.

In our lives at the moment, it's heading off to the Hawaii Ironman.

We are counting down the days (13). We are discussing it with family and friends. Travel arrangements need to be checked and locked in. Work load has increased and school holidays need to be managed. Kids scheduling needs to begin (in our case since kids aren't coming) - and at the back of the mind the thought of what to pack sits hovering. A lot of lists need to be made!

Of course the actual event and all the hype surrounding it is the key topic of conversation. It's a big event with top athletes from around the world competing so there are articles to be read, social networking to be kept track of and my Ironman's excitement needs to be kept contained! It can get overwhelming!!

I'm not complaining (far from it), just illustrating how life can be taken over by the next destination on your calendar.

On the flip side, we all need something to work towards. We need to set goals, follow our passions, celebrate life's milestones and escape from routine. Human Nature thrives on this and in the Western World we can get so busy with daily living that we forget to look at the big picture, appreciate the world around us and step out of our comfort zone.

We need the goals, the hurdles to jump, and the event to work towards - otherwise life would be pretty boring. These challenges make our lives richer.

So, whether it's the last few weeks before a holiday, a wedding, having a baby, a Grand Final, achieving a goal, moving house or whatever it may be that has taken over your life - remind yourself that you set the goal, you have put the plans in place and once you have ticked all the boxes, you will eventually reach your goal and reap all the rewards! It's worth it.

What's keeping you busy? What's your next goal?

Marathon Memories and some First Timer Tips

2012-09-11T21:45:00.001+10:00

Running season has kicked in here in the Southern Hemisphere. Seems every weekend there is race….

Next big one here in my home town Sydney is the Blackmores Running Festival this weekend. I love this race because not only do you get to run through our beautiful city and its famous landmarks but it involves all ages and all skills offering a 4km fun run all the way to a Marathon.

I have competed in this run festival for 4km, 9km and the Half-Marathon over the years but not yet the Marathon (I did my first Marathon last year on the Gold Coast). This year, I won't be getting to the start line at for any distance which is disappointing. Following a winter of sickness and little training I now wonder how I will ever return to my former marathon self!

I do know a couple of people aiming to run their first Marathon this weekend which has bought flashbacks to me on my Marathon training and the the taper weeks when you are mentally trying to get your head around the task ahead.

I wrote a blog of my experience (read it here) and looking back I still can't believe I ran the distance and just finished under my goal time. As I train today, I still can't quite figure out where I ran my 36km training sessions or how I trained through winter. Also, life got very busy. As a working mum - and selling our house amongst it all - I wonder how I managed to get enough training done to feel confident at the starting line!

However, I made it (and they say just getting to the starting line really is an achievement in itself) and I completed it, and can now be proud of myself for setting the goal and ticking the box (as they say). I think I will attempt it again - just not this year!!

For my friends and everyone out there who are about to reach for the same goal for your first time, I wish you all the best.

Hoping that the training schedule was not interrupted by too many hiccups and you are looking forward to the challenge ahead. Remember to savour the day, push through when you hit the lows and know that at the finish line you will be oh so PROUD when you see that finish line!

Here are a few personal tips which may useful this week and on the day:

1. If you are like me and need music to keep the pace, make sure you put together a playlist that will last the distance and has all your favourites - I even repeated the ones I know keep me pumped near the end so I didn't have to find them during the race.

2. Don't wear anything or try anything new (especially new runners!) - we all know this newbie mistake but I think at times we have all regretted that last minute decision to do something differently.

3. Take more gels than you will need and keep them in different places - they may fall out and it will play with your mind (lesson learnt in last half marathon!)

4. Know what pace you want to run for your target time but know that this will vary during the race. Despite wearing a super duper race watch borrowed from hubby I still loved also wearing the time band I picked up from the Runners magazine stand at the Expo. If you see them there - get one! It was just another indicator I could refer to and check where I was at.

5. Have some supporters on the course, it helps you to be looking out for people and they certainly give you a boost with their cheers as you pass!

Think that's enough advice from me.

Who else has run a marathon? Any other tips?

All the best you marathoners! Love to hear how it goes. Will be thinking of you. Lisa xxx

When sickness hits....

2012-09-07T23:40:00.001+10:00

This has probably been the worst winter of sickness I every remember experiencing and it's almost too boring to write about.

Apparently I am not the only one however. It seems everyone around us has stories to tell and many of those effected have not been able to shake it - like me. I am in week nine still with symptoms, kids have been on and off with it all winter, but what amazed me is that Ironman kept it all at bay all winter.....until this week.

Prior to this week, I had the perfect post planned to tell you all that I think Ironman in training managed to avoid the nasties due to a few key things that he has changed in regards to his health and eating habits. And although I have decided it's not appropriate to write about now, I will eventually as I still think its worth noting.

Of course, four weeks out from the Hawaii Ironman is not a great time to get sick, but then again at least he has managed to have an unbroken winter of training which is pretty impressive.

If you live with someone on a heavy training schedule in the lead up to a race you will know how it can mean low immunity and susceptibility to getting sick if they are not careful, this then forces them to stop training, which they just can't cope with. So, they push through when still sick and get sicker, and so it goes on.....they just can't stop themselves from training and give their bodies a rest!

So this week as reality hit that he hasn't avoided the latest virus in the house, the mind games have been in full swing. The body is feeling weak and the rest of the family aren't much better...it hasn't been pretty!

Today however, I feel that we are all coming out the other side. My fingers are crossed. Nobody wants their months of training and peak fitness to be knocked sideways just as the final weeks before a big race are looming.

For me, I am just dreaming of the sun, sea and sand, cocktails by the pool, a good book and a break from being mum...in the hope it will bring me back to good health. What race? Ha Ha !

Have you been struck with sickness this winter? Tips for a speedy recovery? I have tried so many things that aren't working....I have open ears for new ideas :-)

Olympic Memories...

2012-08-04T18:23:00.000+10:00

Had to send out a quick post to say how excited we are about watching the Aussie women compete in the triathlon at the Olympics very soon.

Apart form the fact we love watching triathlon, we also have some of the best women triathletes in the world, so let's hope for a podium at least - and lets be truthful we are all hoping for gold!

Tonight also brings back wonderful memories for my husband and I who were in Sydney for the 2000 Olympics and were totally overwhelmed by the atmospehere in the city when the triathlon made it's debut as an Olympic sport. We spent two days out on the city roads. It was our first experience as triathlon supporters. The result for us was the beginning of my husbands triathlon dreaming....

So who will it be out of the three Aussie girls? Densham, Jackson or Moffa? A trifecta?!

Wishing them all the best. We will be watching and cheering on from the lounge room. No matter what the outcome, it really is just amazing to represent your country so enjoy the experience and give it all you have got. Eat the pain girls!!

Below are images I took of the Aussie girls during the Sydney ITU race earlier this year.

Whose your bet on for Gold?

Loads of Lycra

2012-07-29T22:26:00.000+10:00

So the reality of living with a an Ironman triathlete is washing lycra. It's never-ending - especially in winter!

Our living room is looking like a chinese laundry - thank goodness for the recent sunny days in Sydney!

I tried to count the number of pieces over the weekend...long rides in layers because of the wind chill, then an indoor ride in which I saw at least two change of sweat dripping tops, on to two long runs, again in layers....at least 20 pieces over one weekend!

Add onto that my run and sometimes our son, and it adds up to loads of lycra! (before even starting the usual household loads)

So what is the best way to wash lycra?

The labels and the sales assistances tell me what I already know - cold wash, gentle wash, no clothes dryer, no ironing (I don't iron anything anyway!)

After so many years of washing lycra I have discovered a few things:

i. Don't wash the gloves and hats that have velcro fastenings - they attach to the lycra and create pulls that can be fixed.
ii. Don't forget to check pockets for goo packets - just spreads extra sticky stuff throughout the wash.
iii. Wash it as soon as you can as that smell can get real nasty after a few days. My trick is a few drops of lavender (what's yours?)
iv. Don't use fabric softener (I am not one to anyway) as apparently it can wreck havoc with all the super techy fabric.

If you start to read the websites who sell all the gear, you could be reading for hours and be overwhelmed - and who in the end has time to separate different types of lycra and spandex fabrics and wash accordingly!?!

Asos do have some pretty strict guidelines - I guess they need to justify the money spent on the gear. They even have their own "Active Wear Cleanser". Have to admit the few pieces we have just get thrown in with the rest.

Nike have detailed care instructions for Dri-FIT Technology but could not see anything on 2XU about washing their range...

There is one washing lycra dilemma I have not managed to resolve - the oily cream/vaseline leftovers in the bike pant chamois. Have to say that over time I am reluctant to even touch the chamois post-wash - and cold water just doesn't get the job done! Any suggestions/solutions?

Would love to hear your tips and tricks on dealing with loads of lycra.

Lisa xx