So I have had plenty of time to think about the race in Mooloolaba and find out what exactly happened, as it definitely wasn’t the result I was after! Mooloolaba triathlon is one of Australia’s largest and most popular triathlons. It’s a weekend festival with everything from ocean swims, fun runs and of course the triathlon. When I arrived on the ‘Sunshine coast’ it was not living up to its name and was recovering from torrential rain with some parts of the town flooded. I stayed indoors, jumped on the treadmill and the preparation was still going to plan.
I had a solid 8 weeks training block on the Gold Coast with pre‐qualified Olympic triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt leading up to the race (my first Olympic distance triathlon in 18 months). It was awesome to spend time with Brad and see what a true professional athlete does day in and day out. Following his training program for a race that he has won three times and was looking for his third consecutive win, he obviously knows how to win.
With all of the torrential rain, the water was a bit mucky and dirty but that didn’t stop me from leading the whole swim (although I didn’t feel the best) until the final wave zone. A set wave come for the guys sitting around the 20th position to come through and make up ground. I still managed to exit the water in the top 10 and get out onto the bike in good position. The bike was an out and back course on the freeway with not much happening and the field of 60 came together as one big pack. At this point, I still wasn’t feeling the best on the bike but I was confident with my running leading up to event so was patiently waiting for the final 10km run. I left transition two in 4th spot and onto the run I went. Nothing eventuated for me on the run, feeling a little flat and coming over the line in 18th. After the prospect of racing again and the build up I had, I was somewhat disappointed with my finish but now can move on to the next race.
I have had a lot of support post race and one Aussie triathlete said to me “you can't be disappointed with your race. It's a long road back from where you were and you've done the longest, hardest part. Keep ticking away. It comes back eventually, believe me”. He himself would know, having spent two years out (four years ago) with injury and now has all but sewn up the 2nd Olympic spot for London. It meant a lot for him to say that! Moving forward, I have to stay healthy, stay motivated because I know I have a awesome block of training behind me that is ready to be unleashed!
Next race: ITU Asian Cup – Subic Bay, Philippines May 5th.
Shane
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Iron-Off
The Iron-off was the ultimate challenge! Never used an iron before but hey, I love a challenge!
The Morphy Richards Iron-Off seen Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Ironman Ali Day line up against Super fish and Australian Champion David McKeon, World Champion track runner Ryan Gregson, Australian Triathlete Aaron Royle and Australian High Jump Champion Petrina Price and myself.
It was set in the main street amphitheater of Crown street mall in Wollongong. Plenty of people turned up for a laugh but the funniest part was the elderly who stopped by ... I think they thought it was going to be a ironing exhibition! Little did they know we were stripping down to our Waxx undies and ironing our own cloths in a competition.
It was good fun and pictures are below.
More photos can been seen here.
A full report can be seen here
Shane
The Morphy Richards Iron-Off seen Kelloggs Nutri-Grain Ironman Ali Day line up against Super fish and Australian Champion David McKeon, World Champion track runner Ryan Gregson, Australian Triathlete Aaron Royle and Australian High Jump Champion Petrina Price and myself.
It was set in the main street amphitheater of Crown street mall in Wollongong. Plenty of people turned up for a laugh but the funniest part was the elderly who stopped by ... I think they thought it was going to be a ironing exhibition! Little did they know we were stripping down to our Waxx undies and ironing our own cloths in a competition.
It was good fun and pictures are below.
More photos can been seen here.
A full report can be seen here
Shane
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Latest scoop ... first for 2012
The silly season is done and dusted. For me, it is a period to enjoy the time with friends and family as I am away for 5-6 months of the year racing abroad. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year too! I kicked back with a beer or two and had a more relaxed attitude with my training. I managed to gradually increase my volume of training after returning to running from my injury setbacks.
At the end of 2011 I was able to join up with the NSWIS crew and spend 10 days down at Falls Creek, Victoria training at 1700m – getting some altitude benefits. I was there for another 3 weeks in January doing the same but increasing my volume again.
January is just a great month. One reason is that it is my birthday! ☺ I didn’t do too much other than spending some quality time with my family/friends and a nice dinner.
This was all good preparation for the annual Australia Day Aquathon held in the picturesque Wollongong Harbour the next day. I was not expecting anything much from the race other than having fun and getting back to racing after a terrible two years with injury. I could have come last in the race but still would have had a smile on my face! But that result didn’t happen … I was in a sprint finish for the win with my good mate and training partner Aaron Royle. He managed to out sprint me but I was very excited with my result, a massive positive for the upcoming season.
The next day I was travelling 12 hours in the car headed for the Gold Coast. I am up here as a training partner for pre-selected 2012 Olympic triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt for 4 weeks. This was arranged between my coach Jamie Turner and Triathlon Australia. I absolutely love it up here training with Brad! I am supposed to be helping him but I think I am getting the better deal out of this one, learning so much off a very professional athlete. It has been a very solid two weeks with base miles and some speed work as well. This is all putting me in good shape for the Mooloolaba triathlon on March 25.
Until next time!
At the end of 2011 I was able to join up with the NSWIS crew and spend 10 days down at Falls Creek, Victoria training at 1700m – getting some altitude benefits. I was there for another 3 weeks in January doing the same but increasing my volume again.
January is just a great month. One reason is that it is my birthday! ☺ I didn’t do too much other than spending some quality time with my family/friends and a nice dinner.
This was all good preparation for the annual Australia Day Aquathon held in the picturesque Wollongong Harbour the next day. I was not expecting anything much from the race other than having fun and getting back to racing after a terrible two years with injury. I could have come last in the race but still would have had a smile on my face! But that result didn’t happen … I was in a sprint finish for the win with my good mate and training partner Aaron Royle. He managed to out sprint me but I was very excited with my result, a massive positive for the upcoming season.
The next day I was travelling 12 hours in the car headed for the Gold Coast. I am up here as a training partner for pre-selected 2012 Olympic triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt for 4 weeks. This was arranged between my coach Jamie Turner and Triathlon Australia. I absolutely love it up here training with Brad! I am supposed to be helping him but I think I am getting the better deal out of this one, learning so much off a very professional athlete. It has been a very solid two weeks with base miles and some speed work as well. This is all putting me in good shape for the Mooloolaba triathlon on March 25.
Until next time!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Weekend of wins!!!!!!
A weekend of racing and a weekend of two wins from two!
The inaugural Ocean Splash 'n' Dash was held in Wollongong over the weekend with hundreds of competitors taking part. The weather turned up on Saturday for the ocean swim but not on the Sunday for the aquathon (swim + run) - absolutely cold and miserable! I took part in the 1400m ocean swim and took the win! So happy to be back racing especially in my hometown.
As I am unable to run at race pace just yet I teamed up with good friend Russell Dessaix-Chin for the aquathon. The swim was 700m and I was able to give Russ a lead for the 6km run. We manged to sneak another win. Happy Shane!!!!!!!!!!!
Below is a link to an media article from the weekend:
http://www.kaokreative.com.au/?p=666
This is just the beginning of my return to racing - bring it on!
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and even better New Year!
Regards,
Shane
The inaugural Ocean Splash 'n' Dash was held in Wollongong over the weekend with hundreds of competitors taking part. The weather turned up on Saturday for the ocean swim but not on the Sunday for the aquathon (swim + run) - absolutely cold and miserable! I took part in the 1400m ocean swim and took the win! So happy to be back racing especially in my hometown.
As I am unable to run at race pace just yet I teamed up with good friend Russell Dessaix-Chin for the aquathon. The swim was 700m and I was able to give Russ a lead for the 6km run. We manged to sneak another win. Happy Shane!!!!!!!!!!!
Below is a link to an media article from the weekend:
http://www.kaokreative.com.au/?p=666
This is just the beginning of my return to racing - bring it on!
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and even better New Year!
Regards,
Shane
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A while between drinks...
Frustration: The feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of inability to change or achieve something.
Anger: A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Disappointment: The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
After another ITB release surgery 9 weeks ago (other leg – now symmetrical) these are some the words that have described these past weeks/months. I feel the past two years have been the hardest in my short sporting career – it really does play on your head and make you think, what have I got myself in to? Not only have I had to come home early from trips away or stop training because of these injuries, I know I haven’t raced to or even close to my potential! This is probably the most difficult thing. I love racing. I love the feeling of winning. There is only so much I can do with injury management (and I am doing everything) but I still believe that this will keep making me stronger and more ambitious. I still want to race and I still want to win - and I will!
Moving forward I have started back training and I am swimming the best I have for some time. My times in training have been very positive and I am feeling strong in the water. My bike and running is coming along slowly but I am happy with the progress so far (similar to last time, it is a slow recovery process). In December, I am looking forward to altitude training with the other NSWIS triathletes in Falls Creek. This will enable me to get a good block of work done before the season starts. I haven’t been down there before so it will be interesting to work with the NSWIS crew and I am hoping for some positive changes.
Without the team behind me (too many to thank individually), I don’t think I could have done this. It has definitely made it a lot easier … Thank You!
I’m slowly but surely ticking off my list. The things I need to do before I’m back racing and ‘back in the game’!
Anger: A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Disappointment: The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the non-fulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.
After another ITB release surgery 9 weeks ago (other leg – now symmetrical) these are some the words that have described these past weeks/months. I feel the past two years have been the hardest in my short sporting career – it really does play on your head and make you think, what have I got myself in to? Not only have I had to come home early from trips away or stop training because of these injuries, I know I haven’t raced to or even close to my potential! This is probably the most difficult thing. I love racing. I love the feeling of winning. There is only so much I can do with injury management (and I am doing everything) but I still believe that this will keep making me stronger and more ambitious. I still want to race and I still want to win - and I will!
Moving forward I have started back training and I am swimming the best I have for some time. My times in training have been very positive and I am feeling strong in the water. My bike and running is coming along slowly but I am happy with the progress so far (similar to last time, it is a slow recovery process). In December, I am looking forward to altitude training with the other NSWIS triathletes in Falls Creek. This will enable me to get a good block of work done before the season starts. I haven’t been down there before so it will be interesting to work with the NSWIS crew and I am hoping for some positive changes.
Without the team behind me (too many to thank individually), I don’t think I could have done this. It has definitely made it a lot easier … Thank You!
I’m slowly but surely ticking off my list. The things I need to do before I’m back racing and ‘back in the game’!
Monday, July 11, 2011
June
Following my first race in Cremona, Italy (sprint distance), I had a slight knee injury that was looking to delay my training however it was good to have physio Alex Price arrive at the NSWIS European base of Vitoria. I have been working with him for quiet some time now and he knows what works for me/ how my body responds to treatment and the injury is now under control.
I was fortunate enough to get an invite to the British Triathlon GE Money Super sprint race in Canary Wharf, London. It was a different format than usual and consisted of a 400m swim, 10km bike (9 laps) and 2km run. The field was split into two heats of 20 athletes with the top 8 qualify for the final and the 4 fastest losers from the heats also making the final. (20 athletes for the final). Another exciting and new element put in was a 7.00pm heat start.
Canary Wharf (from what we were told) is the business mecca for London and apparently Thursday (night of the race) is the night everyone stays back after work for a beer so it made for an awesome atmosphere for the heats/final. I was in the second heat and manage to have a great swim exiting in 2rd. This put me in a good position in the front pack of 8 athletes on the bike but entering T2 I seen an official at my transition spot with a yellow card. This meant that I would have to stop for 15seconds (seemed like a lifetime in the short race) and serve my penalty (they said I mounted my bike too early exiting T1 - questionable in my books!). I Lost numerous places with my penalty but finished 9th in my heat so I was very anxious to find out the times for qualification but in the end, made the cut.
It was a 9:20pm start for the final and glow sticks had to be worn on our wetsuits for the swim for safety reasons (who doesn’t love wearing glow sticks?! ;-)). I had another good swim exiting in 3rd and made sure I was meters past the mount line to jump on my bike. The intensity of the bike was much higher and strung the front group out but I was sitting nicely. Unfortunately on the 3rd lap I had a small incident with another athlete who swerved stupidly and resulted in me hitting a 1m tall witch’s hat at good speed – crash time! DNF for me … disappointed, as I wanted to see where my run was at coming off the first race.
Following the London effort was my first French Grand Prix for TCG79 Parthenay racing in front of the Eiffel tower – fantastic venue! The team ended up finishing 7th but I was disappointed with my result. Think of a small sock in a washing machine and that was the swim. I have never swallowed so much water (didn’t help the stomach on the bike and run) in such a crazy 750m swim. After the 3rd of 4 laps on the bike, 60 athletes come together on the wet and slightly slippery (few crashes) rectangular course and it was made for a running race. When I got in to the run, I just didn’t have the speed I wanted to match it with some of the top guys and finished further back then I anticipated!
Back to Vitoria for more training and the European summer! ☺
I was fortunate enough to get an invite to the British Triathlon GE Money Super sprint race in Canary Wharf, London. It was a different format than usual and consisted of a 400m swim, 10km bike (9 laps) and 2km run. The field was split into two heats of 20 athletes with the top 8 qualify for the final and the 4 fastest losers from the heats also making the final. (20 athletes for the final). Another exciting and new element put in was a 7.00pm heat start.
Canary Wharf (from what we were told) is the business mecca for London and apparently Thursday (night of the race) is the night everyone stays back after work for a beer so it made for an awesome atmosphere for the heats/final. I was in the second heat and manage to have a great swim exiting in 2rd. This put me in a good position in the front pack of 8 athletes on the bike but entering T2 I seen an official at my transition spot with a yellow card. This meant that I would have to stop for 15seconds (seemed like a lifetime in the short race) and serve my penalty (they said I mounted my bike too early exiting T1 - questionable in my books!). I Lost numerous places with my penalty but finished 9th in my heat so I was very anxious to find out the times for qualification but in the end, made the cut.
It was a 9:20pm start for the final and glow sticks had to be worn on our wetsuits for the swim for safety reasons (who doesn’t love wearing glow sticks?! ;-)). I had another good swim exiting in 3rd and made sure I was meters past the mount line to jump on my bike. The intensity of the bike was much higher and strung the front group out but I was sitting nicely. Unfortunately on the 3rd lap I had a small incident with another athlete who swerved stupidly and resulted in me hitting a 1m tall witch’s hat at good speed – crash time! DNF for me … disappointed, as I wanted to see where my run was at coming off the first race.
Following the London effort was my first French Grand Prix for TCG79 Parthenay racing in front of the Eiffel tower – fantastic venue! The team ended up finishing 7th but I was disappointed with my result. Think of a small sock in a washing machine and that was the swim. I have never swallowed so much water (didn’t help the stomach on the bike and run) in such a crazy 750m swim. After the 3rd of 4 laps on the bike, 60 athletes come together on the wet and slightly slippery (few crashes) rectangular course and it was made for a running race. When I got in to the run, I just didn’t have the speed I wanted to match it with some of the top guys and finished further back then I anticipated!
Back to Vitoria for more training and the European summer! ☺
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
May
Forty hours later and my travels from Australia to Europe are complete. The trip is always draining and takes a toll on you especially with a missed connection flight to add some more time at airports … but that’s travelling! When I arrived in Spain at the hotel at which we will base ourselves, it actually had a sense of 'home' to it.
I think that this helps me to train to my full potential without worrying about the little things when you are on the road and living out of a suitcase for long periods.
With the weather currently more like Wollongong’s winter, I am currently in Vitoria, Spain preparing for my first race this weekend in the ITU Sprint European Cup in Cremona, Italy. It will be my first ITU race in ten months and I am really excited about the race and to see how my training and the improvements that I have been working on over the last few weeks/months are progressing. A big thank you to everyone that has been involved in getting me back to racing again.
Your support has been tremendous and greatly appreciated.
Also, in other news ... I am currently in the process of setting up a website for all my news, updates, photos etc in relation to triathlon.
More details later!
I think that this helps me to train to my full potential without worrying about the little things when you are on the road and living out of a suitcase for long periods.
With the weather currently more like Wollongong’s winter, I am currently in Vitoria, Spain preparing for my first race this weekend in the ITU Sprint European Cup in Cremona, Italy. It will be my first ITU race in ten months and I am really excited about the race and to see how my training and the improvements that I have been working on over the last few weeks/months are progressing. A big thank you to everyone that has been involved in getting me back to racing again.
Your support has been tremendous and greatly appreciated.
Also, in other news ... I am currently in the process of setting up a website for all my news, updates, photos etc in relation to triathlon.
More details later!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Quick update
Club triathlon race … Check! Club running race … check! Finally, after a long and tortuous slog I am back racing. This has put a massive smile on my face and I’m excited to get stuck in to more races in the near future.
As most of you would know, it is starting to get cold in Wollongong. This means one thing for me … time to head to Europe! ☺ I will be leaving in three weeks and basing myself with the NSWIS crew in Vitoria, Spain once again. This is a great place to train with all the essential training facilities very close by. It’s also easy to commute to other races throughout Europe, which is a plus for preparation and recovery. A link is below for the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitoria-Gasteiz
My first ITU race will likely be in Cremona, Italy over the sprint (750m/20km/5km) distance on the 11th June. I spent a block of training in Italy last year so it will be exciting to get back there and race. Other races occurring shortly after include a local Basque (Spanish) race over the same distance, a British Super Sprint Eliminator in Canary Wharf and a French Grand Prix (I will be racing for TCG Parthenay in 2011). A link for my French team is below if you want to have a look.
http://www.tcg79.com/
Other then that … its back to hard training, continuously building up before departure. Stay tuned!
As most of you would know, it is starting to get cold in Wollongong. This means one thing for me … time to head to Europe! ☺ I will be leaving in three weeks and basing myself with the NSWIS crew in Vitoria, Spain once again. This is a great place to train with all the essential training facilities very close by. It’s also easy to commute to other races throughout Europe, which is a plus for preparation and recovery. A link is below for the city.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitoria-Gasteiz
My first ITU race will likely be in Cremona, Italy over the sprint (750m/20km/5km) distance on the 11th June. I spent a block of training in Italy last year so it will be exciting to get back there and race. Other races occurring shortly after include a local Basque (Spanish) race over the same distance, a British Super Sprint Eliminator in Canary Wharf and a French Grand Prix (I will be racing for TCG Parthenay in 2011). A link for my French team is below if you want to have a look.
http://www.tcg79.com/
Other then that … its back to hard training, continuously building up before departure. Stay tuned!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Photos over the past month
They always say a picture is worth a thousand words ... so that means there are thousands of words in this blog! ;)
Awesome morning in the Gong
Parked up after a ride for a brew.
I love my coffee! ;)
Payed a visit to the ITU Dextro World Championships series round 1 in Sydney.
On my mates 21st Birthday, I told him to enter the 'Crust Free Pizza Friday' and you guessed it...
After a ocean swim at Stanwell Park, I went to a friends place for lunch ... not a bad view!
So this was before my comeback race with a bloke I've spent a bit of time with ... my physio. It was 10 months since I last raced. Having a bit of fun!
Awesome morning in the Gong
Parked up after a ride for a brew.
I love my coffee! ;)
Payed a visit to the ITU Dextro World Championships series round 1 in Sydney.
On my mates 21st Birthday, I told him to enter the 'Crust Free Pizza Friday' and you guessed it...
After a ocean swim at Stanwell Park, I went to a friends place for lunch ... not a bad view!
So this was before my comeback race with a bloke I've spent a bit of time with ... my physio. It was 10 months since I last raced. Having a bit of fun!
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