Join me on my journey as I prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally for the upcoming Age Group World Triathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, taking place in late September 2023. Stay tuned for weekly updates as I push myself to the limit.
With less than 12 weeks remaining until race day, the intensity is ramping up. I’ve laid down the foundation and now it’s time to focus on building speed and shedding those extra kilos that I gained from indulging in a few (ok, far) too many beers during my semi-rest period after the last Triathlon season. I say Semi-rest as I really never have much time off; the odd rest day here or there, but I still do light training.
I quickly realised why there aren’t many participants from Victoria in the Australian team heading to Spain—it’s freezing cold! Training for a triathlon is undoubtedly more enjoyable in the summer. Not only do I face the challenge of training in the cold and limited daylight, but also the struggle of maintaining a healthy diet. Winter and dieting don’t exactly go hand in hand. But hey, there’s a reason it’s called the off-season.
Nevertheless, I don’t have a choice but to toughen up and face the elements head-on.
As I embark on my speed training, I must clarify that I don’t have a coach. Why? Well, after years of competing in sports, I believe I’ve gained valuable knowledge and insights along the way. I’ve extensively read about training philosophies, techniques, and ideas. Additionally, as a Super Sprint distance racer, there aren’t many coaches specializing in this relatively new distance, so I’ve taken it upon myself to experiment with my own methods. It has worked well thus far, saving me a fortune as well.
This week kicked off with a swim session, and let me tell you, 7 degrees is not the ideal pool temperature. However, once I braved the cold and dived in, it felt invigorating. I followed that up with a speed session on the treadmill, which was fantastic. It’s been a while since I had that burst of energy. One of the best aspects of Super Sprint training is the short, intense workouts—no more boring long rides or runs (although I do enjoy a good long run).
To summarise, my current training program consists of 12-13 sessions per week, but it’s very manageable since I’ve already built a solid foundation. Now, all I need to do is stay motivated, work hard, shed some weight, and, most importantly, avoid injuries (that’s my number one priority).
Stay tuned for more updates on my journey to the Age Group World Triathlon Championships!