2014

When the Noosa Triathlon concluded, my challenging 2013 season was over! I was troubled with some difficult times with injuries but to finish in 7th on the World rankings is something which I will always reflect on and feel quite proud of. I learnt a lot and will continue to do so. 

It felt great to come across the line in 2^nd to Emma Moffatt in the Noosa Triathlon, with one of my best swims and very satisfying effort on the bike. Once out onto the bike, I didnt look back and Moffy and I extended the lead over the field throughout the 40km. It's always a great feeling to be riding strong and I surprised myself to cross the line at the end of one of my favourite run courses about 20 seconds adrift of Moffy. It's always such a fantastic event and one which I always want to be back for each year!

After such an interrupted year, I felt as though I could keep racing, although I was always planning to have a break. It wasn’t until a few days into my rest that I realised that my body and mind most certainly needed a break at that time. I understand that the stresses of racing and training throughout the year can certainly not be underestimated. 

Pre Noosa with Witsup- 

Witsup interview

Post Noosa with First Off the Bike-
First Off the Bike Interview

After a couple of weeks off, Josh and I headed to Moreton Island for our annual getaway for 8 days. Disconnected from the world with no internet or phone reception, it is the ultimate place to escape, and only 90 minutes from the Port of Brisbane.  See >Josh's Moreton blog 

Refreshed and rejuvenated, I was ready to get back into training, with hopes of bettering my 2013 season and remaining injury free. Stringing a consistent 6 weeks of training together was non-existent in the year 2013 and much as it killed me at times, I think I was pretty good at keeping my cool. I know that it’s not the end of the world and as much as I was grateful for each race I did, any type of injury for an athlete is extremely frustrating.  I have been doing ‘dan wilson’ type minimalist run training of late and have really enjoyed seeing my swim fitness slowly improve and getting stronger on the bike. I had a great time at a 5 day ‘rolling thunder’ cycling camp with the QAS group, where we scaled some serious climbs to accumulate about 700km in the 5 days. We took a slight detour one day to descend a ridiculously steep hill which we were told we had to climb back up. Half of us had to walk and then get pushed up on the scooter; I didn’t actually think it was possible to lay a road of that severity although I was probably already half delusional at that stage. 

Moreton

Some great times with friends on my break

 

Obi Obi Rd, a steep one but still climbable :)

 

Christmas time!

After a day of fishing n Mooloolaba

I’m motivated for 2014 and hope to make it a good one. Thanks to my sponsors throughout 2013 for their support and I hope that it can only grow stronger in the years to come.  Asics, Endura, ROKA, Subaru, SRAM/Zipp/Quarq and also to Echelon Sports and BMC for my bikes. Having a team behind you that believes in you is one of the most important aspects of the athlete journey and something which I am always so incredibly grateful for, so thanks for taking the time to read this too :)

Apparently a smooth sea didn’t make a skillful sailor, I better be becoming a damn good sailor.