Feral Postcards
Date: Friday, 1 May 2009
From: Helen
From Helen Roach - one time feral is still racing competitively at recent ITU World Championships:
I actually had a really good prep for the worlds, probably first time ever I went into a major race with no illness or injury. I was using the aquathon as a hit-out before the main event, but at the same time I thought I was probably a better chance of doing well in that given my lack of cycling ability. As expected, the first run was very fast and I had no idea of my age group placing because all the women started together. The swim felt horrible, it was like I was in slow motion and couldn’t go any faster. But I was passing a few people on the way back and when I started the second run the crowd was a bit thinner. In the back of my mind I was thinking about Saturday and was tempted to save something, but then I thought “$#^$* it, this is a world championship too” and kept hammering. It was a good thing I did because 3rd and 4th places were only 6 and 10 seconds behind me, so if I’d eased up I would have been out of the medals. Pretty happy with the silver.
Now as you know, I’m not 24 any more. Consequently I was very stiff and sore for the next few days and was dreading having to back up on Saturday. Another 24 hours would have been nice. Anyway, I swam ok (not great) and came out of the water with one of my main aussie rivals. The two of us rode hard but legal the whole way, until she dropped off a bit in the last 5km. Absolutely flogged myself, and when I came into transition the commentator said I was first in my age group. I knew I wasn’t, because I had watched one ride away from us at the start and I thought there were probably more up the road. But I was right up there. Then I started running and immediately knew it was going to be a hard slog. I could still feel the effects of Wednesday’s aquathon, combined with a hard bike. I ran OK considering, but several women in my age group ran past and I couldn’t do anything about it. Finished 8th.
I still have the long course worlds in Perth in 5 weeks, so that should suit me better. 3km swim, 80km bike, 20km run is right up my alley. Back on the bike today for a 100km ride, felt like hard work after all the short stuff I’ve been doing lately.
Cheers
H
PS Caught up with Jackie Hallam at the race, her hubby was racing in the sprint tri. Her little girl is full of beans, I wonder where she gets that from ;-) And Dellis Egan (formerly of Griffith, used to do tris when she lived in wagga) came to watch as well. So there were a few familiar faces around.
Date: Monday, 16 February 2009
From: Neil
Waving from New Zealand
We saw the bottom half of lots of hills, had some stiff southerlies as we rode, er, south and saw lots of farming country with sheep and cows. There were days with a bit of sunshine. We spent one such day at Curio Bay. Yellow eyed Penguins, Hector's Dolphins and New Zealand Fur Seals. Camping in amongst the flax. There was nowhere to sit for dinner so we sat at the tables for the shop overlooking the bay. We watched, enchanted, as the fur seal came up the steps and ramp to the grassed area, although watchful that he wanted to share our meal. We should be so lucky! As he sauntered off further into the camping area, Neil followed. Five minutes later he was back saying "You should go and have a look, but you wont be happy". He was right.
Date: Sunday, 1 February 2009
From: Adam
From Adam:
Hi
I just thought I would let you know how Ayla and I are going in Canberra. We both made the ACT triathlon team and we are going to go Tasmania to compete at the Nationals All Schools Triathlon Championships from the 20th of March to the 23rd of March. When we get back I will send through our results. Ayla is racing in the junior girls division and I am racing in the senior boys division.
Adam
Update: 25/03/09
Hi
Just thought you would like to know ayla and my results at Nationals on the weekend.
I came 16th in the senior boys division and ayla came 29th in the junior girls division.
Adam
Date: Saturday, 10 January 2009
From: David
Jamberoo in January
Just a brief note to let you know I had the pleasure of running with the Jamberoo Jogger’s club back in January, which was started by Bob and Colleen Behl around the end of 2007. They have a timed and handicapped run every Saturday afternoon at the local sports complex just down the road from the Jamberoo Pub.
I have attached a photo of some of the Jamberoo Joggers I had the opportunity to meet, and as you can see they are also a family orientated club. (Bob & Colleen are on my left)
Jamberoo is located approximately 40 Km south of Wollongong and 10 Km west of Kiama. The scenery is green, the weather fantastic and Bob promotes the “Feral” philosophy of enjoyment at all cost. I recommend if anyone is in the Jamberoo area looking for a bit of exercise, to contact Bob on 0421 167 129.
NB: The local community sponsor has refreshments just a stroll from the finish line.
Date: Tuesday, 30 December 2008
From: Belli
"my resolution was put on weight and take up smoking"
From Belli in response to an email exhortation to attend an Aquathon as part of a New Year's Resolution: