Wash out

The triathlon I entered this morning was cancelled because of rain, high winds and big surf.  It was 10 degrees and I was at 7 Mile Beach all ready to go, but I have to admit I was a bit concerned about the slippery roads because my bike handling skills aren’t that great yet.  Then I checked out the waves- it would have been unpleasant to say the least.

I didn’t waste the fact that I spent forever packing all the required gear for three sports…I stopped off at the Aquatic Centre on the way home, just in time for a tough Spin class followed by a run on the treadmill.

It’s been raining for three days now.  I’m over it.

Donna

That old feeling

I’ve increased my training lately and I’m noticing the effects. I am feeling fit and much stronger (and more tired!) and I’m enjoying the variety of cycling and running with a group.

I’ll get used to my high activity levels soon – it’s much easier being fit than getting fit!

Donna

Spirit of Sport

The highlight of my week was being part of the Schools Triathlon at Bellerive Beach in Hobart.

I was posted at the finish line, and handed out caps (with a few words of encouragement and congratulations) to all of the thousand or so primary school children who took part.

The atmosphere rivalled some of the big events I’ve competed in- minus the competitive nervous tension (there were no placings or times recorded).  ‘Mini-triathletes’ lined the  finishing chute, cheering everyone to the line, there were several arms thrown in the air as the line was crossed and high-fives galore. 

I asked some kids if they had fun, and their answer was a strong ’YES’.  They certainly convinced me.  What a great idea for schools- I wish I could have done it.  I don’t remember my old school cross-country events being such a party.

Donna

Hobart Run the Bridge

I am honoured to be the ambassador for the inaugural ‘B&E Personal Banking  Hobart Run the Bridge Fun Run‘ on Sunday 7th February, 2010.

It’s an exciting new 10km course and if you’ve got time to look around, the views are going to be worth it. 

Moving away from the ‘fast but boring’ highway route of many fun runs, the Run the Bridge will take runners and walkers from Bellerive Oval to Kangaroo Point then over the Tasman Bridge to the Cenotaph and through the Docks at Sullivans Cove to finish in Salamanca Place.

Part of the Bridge will be closed to traffic so we won’t have to squeeze through the pedestrian area (not that I’ve ever crossed the Bridge by any means other than my car!)

There is a tough section of the course…you will have to conquer the hill before you get to the crest of the Bridge, but when that’s done you can pretty much roll down the other side to the finish line.  

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Small Triumphs

I can’t imagine a time when I’m not trying to learn something new.  In my break from serious track training since the World Championships, I’ve had a bit more time and energy to enjoy having a go at other things.  Apart from tackling cycling and indoor rock climbing, my ‘achievements’  haven’t had anything to do with sports…I can now proudly say that I have a vegetable garden at home.  I learnt how to use my sewing machine.  I made curtains and a bedspread for my daughter (with button holes!).  I finished a huge cross-stitch that had been under my bed for years…there’s a nice sense of accomplishment that comes from seeing it framed on the wall.  I proved that I am not burdened by peer pressure…I took my cross-stitch to Germany with me in August, and whipped it out on the 7 hour bus trip from Cologne to Berlin with the Australian athletics team.  It seemed like a good way to spend the time.

Donna

Two Wheel Test

I haven’t done much bike riding in my time, so it is way out of my comfort zone.  I’m not used to changing gears yet, or clicking my shoes out of the pedals…and I can’t let go of the handle bars to grab a drink!  I’ve been for a few rides ‘up the bends’ at Mount Nelson in the past couple of weeks- a road that zig-zags its way up hill.  It’s one of the popular training routes for cyclists but a bit hairy when a bus drives past on a corner.  Going downhill is worse- I try not to imagine the damage I’d do if I fell off.  Each time I get more confident though.  I do get some quizzical looks from the neighbours, but I’m just a beginner trying to learn how to ride a bike (I’ve fallen off twice so far- once thanks to the clip-in shoes and once turning on loose gravel).  I feel fitter in my running, the only thing I notice is that it takes so much longer to get anywhere on two feet!            

Donna