Noosa 2010

They say it’s big. It does live up to its fame. The beautiful town of Noosa in QLD gets invaded by triathletes from all over Australia on the Noosa Olympic triathlon weekend.

It was my second Olympic distance triathlon, and I had stuffed up my feet with blisters in the week before while trying to break into my new shoes. As if that was not enough of a worry, the officials announced it is a non wetsuit swim!

The swim: All my age groupers were marked with age group code “G” on their calves and were swimming in pink caps. It appeared I had a whole heap of clones. 1500m swim took me 35min. I missed the swim exit, and reached the start line where other triathletes were lining up for their wave start. This is the first time I ever missed the swim exit, which implies it must not have been visible enough while swimming.

The bike: The 40k time trial on the bike was fast and fun. I felt great on the bike. Since I came out quite at the back of my age group, I passed heaps of my clones on the bike. The Noosa climb that people talk about was nothing but a false flat. Saw a guy busted for drafting, and another poor bugger had a flat few km from the finish.

The run: Off the bike, I got into form in the first km. Around four km mark, I tripped over a road reflector, but got up and running before the spectators could finish saying “Oh my god!” Around 5km mark, I was feeling my blisters burning. With about 4km to go, I started hammering it at 95%. By 2km to go, I had the pedal to the metal. I crossed the finish line in 2h38, and lay on the ground. The officials told me I can’t lay there. I said “meh...” I lay on the floor for 10 sec, and got my heart rate down. I knew I had given it everything.

The weekend: Did a training ride on the day before with Clownboy (Edward). He thought I only race in budgy smugglers. Afterwards I had a photo taken with him wearing a wolf mask, which he didn’t notice as I am already so hairy. Clownboy is the funniest guy ever. While random people would introduce themselves to me, he would introduce himself to the random people. We went to see Ronaldo at the big hotel. He said that the only person who shouldn't come and introduce himself to others is AP. And guess who came and introduced himself at the expo? AP! He seems to be a nicer in person than on the transitions forum.

After the race, we cracked heaps of jokes over the dinner with Gaz, Downsey and their mates from Harvey Bay tri club. Had some cold ones at the surf club and then headed to the night club. There on the crowded dance floor, a chic lifted me in the air and spun around like a top knocking off a few people who were around. I had an amazing time at Noosa. I got to meet a lot of triathletes including Tyno, iFoz, AP, Snowsill, and a lot of familiar faces. Thank you Noosa for throwing such a great weekend!

Tempte-tation Fixie Century 2010 (Dulwich Hill BC)

100miles or 160km from Bundanoon to Tempe velodrome on a fixed gear bike was one of the hardest rides I have ever done.

The day before I rode with Tim from Marrickville to Bundanoon via Hume Hwy, 130km. Due to headwind, false flat, and no fixie experience, I struggled to keep up with Tim, which totally frustrated him. We had to be rescued 12km short of Bundanoon by Tim’s dad, to make it in time for the dinner. Apparently, we were only 5km behind Lindsay, and the three Michaels who started from Campbelltown well ahead of us.

The next morning, we had around 8:30am start? Riding fixie in a bunch was scary as well as fun. I kept up with the fast bunch on the flats, but struggled at grinding big gear on the uphills. The highlight was the 10km quite steep descend at Macquarie pass. On a fixie, not just had to spin those legs bloody fast on descends, but also had to press the brake levers so hard that it hurt on my palms. No matter how much they hurt, the only option was to suck it up. There was a whole queue of vehicles behind me, which meant I couldn’t slow down. I couldn’t release the brake levers as that would make me go downhill at uncontrollable speed. I found it quite dangerous, but a thrill for sure.

We had a few laps around a velodrome on our way, just before Wollongong. We had lunch at Wollongong where I took the bugs out of my hair. The climb at the Stainwell Tops on a fixie would make even the toughest sweat. I slowly grinded the big gear up that 2-3km long steep climb all the way to Helensburg. By Helensburg, I was out of water and getting severely dehydrated. The little stop at fish & chips shop at waterfall was heaven. I rode with the bunch to Tempe velodrome, where everyone did their finishing lap, and I did an extra run lap, just to call it a brick session.

Thanks to Simon for organising the ride and the accommodation. Ian for the funny spoke cards, Lindsay for lending me the Peugeot fixie, and all the riders for riding with me. It has been a unique and rewarding experience.

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure

Dani's positive attitude even at the worst possible times is truly inspirational. I remember her put a brave face and cheer us all day long at Ironman Australia. Whatever she's going through is absolutely unfair. To honour her, I wish to give something I really love, i.e., my unshorn hair. Thanks to the individuals and corporates who have come forward to support this cause. I am including the following introduction letter on this blog. Get excited and involved!

Dear Sir/ Madam
Gi Singh and myself are Ironman triathletes organising a charity event at Busselton to raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Association. Our dear friend and Ironman triathlete, Dani Taylor, has been battling cancer over the past year. Her positive attitude through the toughest times has been an inspiration to all those who know her. As a tribute to Dani, Gi has volunteered to shave off his beard and hair and in the process raise much needed funds for the Childhood Cancer Association, the charity that Dani selected for us to support.

Gi Singh a.k.a. “Ironman Gi” is a well known character within the triathlon community. He races Ironman triathlons in hot pink budgie smugglers, and his long hair and beard ensures he stands out. He has never shaved before and to lose all his hair is a tremendous sacrifice, but is one he is happy to make in Dani’s honor.

We request your financial support to this worthwhile fund raising event. In return we can offer you support for your company in the way of promotion at the event ‘Trishave Gi’s Clip4Cure’, and will display your company’s logo on this blog. To make a donation, please visit our fundraising page.

This event, ‘Trishave Gi’s Clip4Cure’, will take place on Monday the 6^th of December, the day after Ironman Bussleton at 3:30pm on the foreshore adjacent to the Bussleton Jetty. This event is sure to generate enormous interest within the triathlon community and media, which would provide your company with increased ability to market your product to the target audience.

We are setting a target of $25,000 to be raised for the Childhood Cancer Association, and would appreciate any help that you are able to offer us in reaching this goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider our request.

We look forward to your reply,

Yours Sincerely,

Lisa Harding.

Yahoo Sports News
Event page on Facebook

Thanks to our naming right sponsors TRIshave for their generous support of $5000 towards this great cause. TRIshave actively supports triathlons around Australia. Checkout their fantastic product range that meets the shaving needs of all triathletes.


Compressport has offered to auction a special pair of compression calf sleeves autographed by The World Ironman Champion, the one and only Chrissie Wellington. The framed white pair of compression socks signed by the Chrisse is a very unique display item for your wall. The proceeds from this auction will go towards the Childhood Cancer Association.





TriTravel has come forward with a generous $500 support, along with the auction of an entry package for Capricorn Half Ironman! The proceeds from this auction will go towards the Childhood Cancer Association.




X-Tri Australia has donated an entry slot to Yeppoon 70.3, 2011. This entry slot together with three (3) nights accommodation at the Capricorn International Resort will be auctioned off as a package and the proceeds will go towards Childhood Cancer Association.



Mark Forward (left in the following photo) has made the highest individual donation of $500 to the cause. Here's a Q & A with the man we know as iFoz.TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: You are the highest individual sponsor for Trishave Gi's Clip4Cure. What motivated you to support the cause?
iFoz: GUILT! and Noosa euphoria. I spent a king's ransom in the Noosa expo tent on things I didn't need but just wanted. After chatting with Giiiiiii and Clownboy in front of the Breast Cancer booth at the Noosa Expo, the seed was sown. I figured if I can spoil myself, how about I share the coin with somebody who needs it... even if I don't get to meet or know them.

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: Have you personally known anyone who has battled cancer? If yes, then how it has affected you as a person?
iFoz: Yes, who doesn't know somebody who is/has/or about to battle cancer nowadays? My kids lost their Grandpa to Leukemia. It makes me appreciate my health and how lucky I am to be able to live the triathlon lifestyle... while I can.

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: Why do you do triathlons. How did you get into it?
iFoz: Why?... I'm hooked on the lifestyle. How? I was invited to Noosa Tri by my mate doing his first Noosa in 2004. I got to Noosa smelt the atmosphere and went WOW! I've got to get into this. Noosa is still my favorite event on the calendar. I get more excited than a kid at Christmas about Noosa Tri, even more than my first Ironman at Port Mac last March.

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: While the scientists have been doing research to predict what Gi would look like after shaving, their best bet till now is Emma Snowsill. Do you agree with the scientists?
iFoz: For Emma's sake I sure hope they're wrong!

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: Any other comments you wish to make about Trishave Gi's Clip4Cure?
iFoz: This a is a great cause and Giiiiiiiiii deserves all the support you can muster. C'mon, there's no time like the present to donate.
I'm sorry I cannot be in Busselton to witness the great event. Make sure it's filmed.

TRIshave Gi's Clip4Cure: Thank you Mark. You are very kind.

Maitland Triathlon – The day when I ran with my heart.

Date 10.10.10

While the World Ironman Championship was being battled in Hawaii, 350 triathletes rocked up at a little town called Morpeth, and painted the town red!

The crazy dogs: The day before, I was out riding in the country side enjoying the pastures. Saw a big black dog come running towards me from a farm house. I raised the speed but the dog chased me at 45kph! I didn’t know they could run that fast! Then on the highway, another dog jumped out of a moving car to attack me. I didn’t stop to see if the dog was ok. If it were ok, then I shouldn’t be close to it.

I had an excellent carbo dinner with Dan Benton and his Orange Tri Clan. They are an absolutely friendly bunch. One of the young triathletes was wearing a sponge bob t-shirt like me!

On the race morning, I met another dog called Tim Reed. He usually races in smugglers, but expressed some “private” concerns for not smuggling in this particular race. Fair enough!

I raced the mid distance triathlon, which is 1.5kswim, 55k bike, and 12k run. The race started quite suddenly, even before all the triathletes entered the water. The river swim was enjoyable, although one can’t see anything in the murky water. The water was fresh and felt pleasant at 19 degree. I must have been out of the water within 30min.

The bike starts with a little hill, so you can’t put your foot in your shoes until you are on top of it. Once on the course, it takes you through scenic country side. The course is pretty flat with some rolling hills. At around 15km into the bike, I saw another dog barking at the triathletes as they went past his house. Deja vu?! Tony from BRATs, some girl in green top and me kept exchanging positions on the bike, none really able to break off from the group. We three rode together for 80% of the race.

On the run, I was cheered by lovely kids from Orange tri club. It took me 4-5km to build into it. Once felt cramps in the quads, but they disappeared when I stopped for a few seconds and stretched. When I found my form, I found myself in an undulating grassy field with heaps of twists and turns. It was quite a complex course, but there were cones placed to guide the triathletes. Once I was on flats, I kept building it up in the run. Around 9km mark, the course goes through a very narrow trail along the river, which was congested by the fun run participants. I somehow dodged them and kept hammering it. My heart rate was in the red zone with still three km to go. I was cooking inside, but held my form. Usually, my heart rate can shoot up at the beginning of the activity, but drops a bit when I settle in a pace, but looking at the graph, it is clear that it went higher and higher into the deep shades of red zone. My heart pounded over 180bpm for the last 40% of the run. I raced with my heart.

Overtook a few buggered triathletes and hundreds of fun runners in the last two kms. Crossed the finish line with a little fella from the Orange clan. Then lay on the ground for 5min to catch the breath. I had given it everything. The endorphins were at the same level as on the first Ironman chute.

Well done to all those who did there first triathlon of the season. Thanks to the vollies, and the cheer crowd, especially the Orange clan kids who gave me hi fives , and Dave Hay who had to pull the pin due to an injury. The lolly shop at Morpeth is heaven when you are cooking inside, and want to grab an ice cream.

One can whinge about the sudden swim start even before the swimmers could enter water, lose dogs on the course, the congestion by the fun runners on the narrow trail along the river, but I honestly don’t care. It was a great day, and I raced with my heart. I always have fantastic experience in "H event" races. Whether I will do it next year? Hell yeah! :)

One year as a triathlete. One epic year it has been.

I was back at the Gold Coast last weekend to celebrate my anniversary as a triathlete by racing the Gold Coast Half Ironman. It was known from the forecast that it would rain cats and dogs. And it did! At the swim start I had a chat with Dylan Rock. He was looking confident and ready for it. It was a pretty quick swim in calm waters of Calypso bay, but somehow I went a minute slower than last year. After a year of training, I would have expected some improvement, but it seems my new swim technique may have some issues. When I came out of the water and everybody screamed “Cave man!” Had to be extremely careful running on those slippery wooden planks. Gerald had an unlucky fall.

When I sat on the bike, I took about 10kms to build into it, undistracted by those who went flying in the first 10k. I was feeling strong, kept high cadence, and started passing riders. The ride in the rain has never been this enjoyable. The only time I felt it was dangerous was when coming to a narrow section of the road over a bridge. Due to foggy sunnies, I missed the sign, and found myself on the wrong side of the road on course for a headon collision with another rider. Lucky I could swerve through the cones and there was no one on my left side. Unfortunately there were a few crashes in the race, one head on, and a couple of those who went off the road. I heard someone’s handle bars came off on a turn, and another one fell in a grassy drain gutter. There were bike numbers every 10meters on the road. Water bottles, puncture kits and heaps of sunglasses – expensive

ones!

The last section of the bike got quite windy, but I was feeling strong to ride through it. Finished the bike 7min faster than last year, but with a lot more left to run with. Unfortunately my shoes were soaked in rain – a perfect recipie for blisters. As soon as I came out of the transition, I heard things like:

“Go the cave man!”

“Hey mommy... look Sponge bob!”

“Looking good Giiii”

But the best one has to be... “Free love...” Haa! Haa!

The course was quite muddy in some sections but heaps of people gave me hi five and cheered, which kept me going. Paced myself in the first lap, got a bit tired by the second, and lost my form 15kms into the run. It was all HTFU and suck it up princess after that. Saw loads of familiar faces in the race including Tom, Gerald, Karen,

Cameron the Ratdog, Sunnygirl, Karen, Brent, Kimberly, Arpit, Pete Goldie.

Finish chute was heaps fun. I danced and high five'd with the amazing spect

ators

including Stef Henson an others who were out there cheering in

that rain. Stoked by half an hour PB, I was pretty happy.

Then I saw a crazy girl who finished just behind me do a cart wheel across the finish line! Then we locked our arms and did a bit of round and round bush dance. Tom’s mum was cheering at the finish line as well.

Huge respect to the vollies and the spectators who coped up with rain for hours to support the competitors. Couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate anniversary. The souvenirs include heart shaped tan lines from the heart shaped sunnies, and blistered feet. Love this sport! :-)

Forster Olympic Triathlon

Dt: 19 Sep 2010
There was overcast, the beach sand was cold, the water looked cold, but it was not! Nice 1.5km swim, I saw a stingray near the first buoy. The course was 2 laps around a rectangle of buoys, but one extra buoy in the middle of the outer side confused me. I thought it’s a corner and turned left, only to be told by a paddler that I have gone off course.

The transition area had sharp gravel all over it, and to make it worse, the athletes were required to do a lap around it before they reach their bikes. We said “Ouch ouch ouch ouch” at every step, then sucked it up and kept running.

The bike course was flat with some rolling hills, but never had to switch to the smaller chain ring. The road was rough, but still enjoyable.

The run was undulating 10k and heaps fun. There were bits of off road, grass, a long bridge with climbs on both sides, and a scenic shore line. The finish area was full of spectators and Pete was at his best as always in keeping everyone entertained with his commentary. After the finish, the fruit ice cream platter in the refreshment area was the best thing you could have. Excellent festival environment, great support from the locals, and the scenic beauty of Forster makes this event stand out.

Saw a number of trannies, including Marnifer at the dinner, Coach@Tri at the ocean swim, Mr Blonde at the finish line, Mr Flower who was seriously smashing the run and made it to podium in his AG, smitty who won silver in his AG, animal who ran past me like one.

The Big Beach Challenge 2010

"Epic!" That’s how I would describe it. It has to be the most scenic run I have ever done. The roaring pacific on the left and beautiful sand dunes on the right looked something out of this world. The view of waves cracking on the huge ship wreck was just mind blowing.

Schoey (white t-shirt in photos) is a top bloke from trannies. He allowed me to crash at his joint in Newcastle; force fed me the breaky, and gave me a lift to the start, which is 50km from Newcastle. Thanks to people like Schoey, the tranny brotherhood will be always alive. One our way to the Birubi beach, we saw the free range ch0oks by the side of the road. “Now that’s really free range!” Schoey said. The race registration went without hassle. It was a bit chilly in the morning so I didn’t take off my clothes until 5min to the start.

The first half: The race started on time. For the first half of the race, we ran on flat hard sand along the water line. The strong head winds sand blasted the athletes and the excitement of race made it feel like a war zone. It looked like a race in a desert storm, but thankfully, not as dry. I drafted behind three different athletes at different times and found it works, at least to shield off the sand blast. I was in the front pack from the beginning. While Schoey dropped behind in the beginning, he came back charging strong and overtook me around the 20km mark. He finished 10min ahead of me.

The second half: The first half gives a wrong impression of how hard is the second half. By 18-20km, I was feeling a bit of fatigue, but was strong enough to hammer another 12-14km on the similar terrain. Then the terrain changed. The sand became softer and steeper. The steps started to sink, the muscles started to fatigue and cramp. The running form was gone and we were just wrestling with the sand. After a lot of struggle, what I thought would be the 25km mark was surprisingly the 22km mark. That means I wasn’t running as fast I was thinking, and the race felt like getting longer and longer. The athletes who were running a great form a few km ago now looked crippled. Some of them struggling to even walk. I have huge respek for those who kept pushing from there on, and made it to the finish line. YoYo said “I have heard it’s harder than climbing Everest.” I would have to agree.

I could see the colourful flags at the finish line from about 3kms. It was relief to see that there is an end to this. I looked behind, and saw that no other athlete was close. Cooked, cramped, thirsty, hungry, tired, extremely satisfied with the sense of achievement, I breathlessly hammered my way to the finish line with whatever I had left. It was all over in 3h35, and I was the 11th athlete across the line. The sausage sandwiches after the finish were the best!

The organisers did an extraordinary job in setting up the aid stations on the beach. It is a very awkward task. I was impressed by their enthusiasm to run down the sand dunes to the athletes with cups of water and electrolyte drinks. Saves athletes from running up the sand dunes! However it gives too many expectations from the volunteers. The guy at the 28km aid station was sitting up a sand dune with the aid station table in front of him, and poured drinks as athletes come, otherwise chilling out in the sun enjoying watching pain on the faces of athletes. That aid station felt the hardest to reach. Then he said “You don’t look as bouncy as in the morning?” Funny guy iniit? Chambo (who was 2nd at the PM Ironman beer mile) made a top effort to ensure the athletes get water at the 5, 10 and 15km marks. Then he ran from the 5km mark to the finish. Great job by the organisers and the volunteers who helped the athletes so passionately. Awesome party environment at the finish.

There are many long distance running races held every year around Australia, but this race is mind blowing. I would highly recommend it to whoever enjoys a good running challenge, and the best way to race it is in budgy smugglers! If it is held again next weekend, you bet I will be there :-)