The latest scoop

The silly season is done and dusted. For me, it is a period to enjoy the time with friends and family as I am away for five to sixth months of the year racing abroad. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year too! I kicked back with a beer or two and had a more relaxed attitude with my training. I managed to gradually increase my volume of training after returning to running from my injury setbacks.

At the end of 2011 I was able to join up with the NSWIS crew and spend 10 days down at Falls Creek, Victoria training at 1700m – getting some altitude benefits. I was there for another three weeks in January doing the same but increasing my volume again.

January is just a great month. One reason is that it is my birthday! I didn’t do too much other than spending some quality time with my family/friends and a nice dinner.

This was all good preparation for the annual Australia Day Aquathon held in the picturesque Wollongong Harbour the next day. I was not expecting anything much from the race other than having fun and getting back to racing after a terrible two years with injury. I could have come last in the race but still would have had a smile on my face! But that result didn’t happen… I was in a sprint finish for the win with my good mate and training partner Aaron Royle. He managed to out sprint me but I was very excited with my result, a massive positive for the upcoming season.

The next day I was travelling 12 hours in the car headed for the Gold Coast. I am up here for four weeks as a training partner for pre-selected 2012 Olympic triathlete Brad Kahlefeldt. This was arranged between my coach Jamie Turner and Triathlon Australia. I absolutely love it up here training with Brad! I am supposed to be helping him but I think I am getting the better deal out of this one, learning so much off a very professional athlete. It has been a very solid two weeks with base miles and some speed work as well. This is all putting me in good shape for the Mooloolaba triathlon on March 25.

Until next time!