Weekly Transition 17 Nov 2011

Word from the coaches….
Our athletes who races in the Shepparton Half Ironman on the weekend had a great days racing, our Coaches are extremely proud on how everyone went – getting 50 athletes and 4 teams across the line of this fantastic race. CLICK HERE for our race report and to read how our athletes went.

On the weekend the Hanover Eastlink Ride was also held with a 45 or 75km ride along Eastlink – right along the stretch of road where Ironman Melbourne will be held next year. So this was a great chancefor athletes to check out the course while raising money for a good cause. We had quite a few athletes participate including Dave Nealon, Jay Mueller, Brinn Tavener and Cam Pegg (sorry if we have forgotten anyone) AND Lakesides Physio Khan Tran. Well done all. And from what we hear the road surface is fantastic! Dave, Jay and Brinn also had an up close and personal encounter with Simon Gerrands – 2011 Tour de France rider from Sky Team. We’re just waiting for your video Dave to see who won! 🙂

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Racing this weekend
This weekend is the first race of the Gatorade/Active Feet Fun Tri Series and what a race it’s going to be! Tri Alliance is set to have it’s largest numbers racing – with 210 athletes firing PLUS our TRY-the-TRI’s and Coaching Clinic Participants (around 50 of them!), we are expecting around 130-150 athletes to race on Sunday. Not a bad feat!! A particular GOOD LUCK to all those athletes who are racing a triathlon for the first time! Most of us can still remember our first race and how daunting it can be, but hopefully with all our Coaches tips and your training leading into this weekend everything will pay off and you will have a great race! So good luck, we look forward to hearing about your race and seeing your big smile across the finish line!
CLICK HERE to read some words of wisdom from our Zoolander to ensure your finishing photo is everything it should be!
CLICK HERE to read our race day checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything on Sunday!
Remember also to check if you have Tri Alliance as your squad/club in your SuperSprint profile as this allows you to earn points in the SuperSprint Tri Club Competition. And Tri Alliance is going for a Hat Trick! This also means your results will be posted in our official Tri Alliance results page – so no excuses. 🙂

If you you haven’t yet got your entry sorted yet it’s still not too late, remember that Tri Alliance athletes receive a $5 discount on individual race entries, and $30 off series entries (and there are limited series entries left!). Email [email protected] for your unique discount code.
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Training & Racing Gear
Our new order of Training & Racing Gear arrived today! So gear will be brought along to tonight’s combo session at to the session at StKilda on Saturday. So make sure you see Sarah if you need to pick up any gear.

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Training Timetable
We wonder how many people got up this week on Tuesday or Thursday morning only to find out they could have had a nice sleepin??!! REMEMBER that you should check our Training Timetable to ensure you have the right training days/times/locations AND to know when you get a sleep in! You will be kicking yourself otherwise. 🙂
We have received great feedback on the new beginner swim session on Monday mornings at MSAC with Ryan Bourke, which has allowed our athletes to be spread over different sessions based on swimming ability. And has allowed us to cater for more athletes while not congesting lanes. So we can now coach up to 75 athletes on a Monday now which is fantastic.
Our December training timetable is currently being finalised – so stay tuned as there are a number of changes that happen over the Christmas period including HELL WEEK (stay tuned!)!

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Training Camps – NEARLY sold out!
Falls Creek Altitude Training Camp – January. 3 or 5 night stay in one of the best training grounds in Victoria! CLICK HERE to read more. (only 5 places remain!)
Summer Training Camp – January. 2 nights of great fun and plenty of training! Ideal for beginner and intermediate athletes training for Sprint or Olympic distance. CLICK HERE to read more and reserve your place! (only 2 spots remain!)

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Athlete Team Meeting #4
We are holding our next Athlete Team Meeting on Tuesday 20 December. Our Team Meetings provide essential information on our training program, training phases, what’s happening around the squad and for this team meeting we are working on a MYSTERY GUEST SPEAKER – stay tuned! 🙂 Leading into the Christmas period, all current athletes are expected to attend this important team meeting.
DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday 20 December
Time: 6.00pm for 6.30pm start, concludes 8.00pm. Refreshments on arrival.
Where: Champions Room, MSAC. Enter via the back pool entrance and head up the stairs or the lift on the right.
WHAT’S HAPPENING??
> News & Updates – Tri Alliance & Triathlon
> Our current training phase – competition
> Managing training during competition & importance of extra recovery
> Learning from racing – in search of your next PB
> Sports Psychology – how you can stay focused and recover from set-backs. Guest speaker from The Performance & Sports Psychology Clinic (TBC)
> Mystery Guest Speaker…stay tuned!
> HELL WEEK Challenge – learn more! 🙂
> Questions & Answers
> Refreshments on arrival (did someone say Christmas cake???)
> PLUS giveaways and spot prizes!
CLICK HERE to RSVP to this evening.
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New Corporate Information Tent!
Tri Alliance will have an even bigger presence at this years Gatorade & Active Feet Tri Series, as a major sponsor you will see our logo splashed around more, plus we have an Information Tent that will be placed in the Sponsors area. This will mean that anyone new/interested athlete who has any queries can be pointed in the direction of our Info Tent. So if you happen to see anyone looking at how much fun we are having, then make sure you get them to chat to one of our coaches who will be manning our Info Tent all day!!

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GIANT TEST RIDES! 
GIANT and CBD CYCLES will be at the Catani Gardens (race venue) on Saturday from 10.00am-3.00pm offering test rides on their new road and time trial bikes. So if you have been eying off a new bike then make sure you get along and check out the new range of Giant Bikes! I know we will be!

New SPEEDO Wetsuits!
Are you in need of a new wetsuit? Or don’t have a wetsuit at all yet?? And for those who have already put in their order, CBD Cycles will be down at training tonight to look after you with the latest range from Speedo. With a fantastic entry level, intermediate and advanced range of wetsuits, you will be sure to pick up a fantastic bargain! So make sure you see Athony from CBD Cycles at tonight’s session.

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Training this weekend
SATURDAY
SHORT COURSE: Saturday’s session is being held at 7.00am at CATANI GARDENS, ST KILDA. The race venue for Sunday’s Gatorade/Active Feet Race. This allows for athletes to familiarise themselves with the course. Bring all swim, bike, run gear.

6.45am – arrive no later than 6.45am to ensure you are ready to start at 7.00am. Grab all swim, bike and run gear out of your car and set-up/leave at our transition which will be set up in Catani Gardens close to the swim exit.
7.00am – We will completean easy session and course familiarisation including a light 8-10km ride, easy 2-3km run and a dip in the beach to check out the swim entry/exit tc.
8.30-9.30am – We ask that around 6 athletes assist in helping to set up the Tri Alliance Athlete Marquee (AKA the TA Taj!) We will be looking at 6 different people each race to hel share the load – so for those who want to get it out of the way your help would be greatly appreciated! We will also need another 6 on Sunday after the race, so don’t all duck away straight after your race as we hold a post race BBQ as well!
10.00-3.00pm – GIANT TEST RIDES! Giant and CBD Cycles will be at the race venue offering test rides on road and time trial bikes – so if you have been eyeing off a new bike then make sure you get along and check out their new range! I know I will be! 🙂
9.30-10.30am – Try-the-Tri & Coaching Clinic pre race session. Bring all swim/bike/run gear
12.30-1.30pm – Pre Race Tips & Tricks Clinic. Those new to racing, new to the race venue or simply want a refresher on everything you need to remember for race day! Held at the Tri Alliance Marquee.

Those short course athletes not racing will complete a long run followed by an open water swim OR may choose to do their long ride on Saturday. Feel free to post on Facebook if you want to organise a ride with other non-competing athletes.

LONG COURSE:
6.00am start from StKilda Catani Gardens, meet at the corner of Pier Road and Beaconsfield Parade. 5.55am for a 6.00am roll out.
Busselton Athletes: 200km plus 12km run off the bike
Canberra Half: 130-140km plus 6km run off the bike
Melb/NZ/PMac IM: 130-140km ride – no run off bike

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SUNDAY
NO coached sessions, all coaches will be at the Gatorade / Active Feet Race.
SHORT COURSE:
Race 1 Gatorade & Active Feet Tri Series, Catani Gardens St Kilda.
CLICK HERE for GATORADE race information including wave start times, transition opening/closing timesetc
CLICK HERE for ACTIVE FEET race information including wave start times, transition opening/closing times etc

Post Race BBQ
Will kick off around 10.00am so make sure you hang around after your race to cheer on your fellow athletes and grab a feed from our own in house chef Irene. YOU WILL NEED YOUR ATHLETE ID for the BBQ. So make sure you pack your ID into your race bag.
Post Race Drinks
Will be held at Republica, literally just a stroll down the road from the race venue. Drinks and feed (if you need more) will kick off around 2.30pm. So make sure you get along and celebrate the first race of the season. Republica is at the St Kilda Sea Baths, 10-18 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda.

LONG COURSE
Busselton Athletes: 32-36km long run
Canberra Half: 19-20km long run
Melb/NZ/PMac IM: 15-16km long run

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Congratulations goes to….

• Jon Knox and his wife Heidi on the recent arrival of their little baby girl
  At 4:40pm on 9/11/11 Heidi and I were blessed with the arrival of Ella Margaret, weighing in at 6-2. Both mum and Baby are doing quite well, and a very proud (and relieved) dad.
  Cheers Jon (very proud dad:))
• Lynne and Kevin Fountain (AKA Mr & Mrs Smith!) on the news they will be expanding to three in the New Year! Congratulations to you both – although you have a loonnngggg way to catch up to ‘Brad & Angelinas’ brood!
• Chris Smith and his wife Natallia who recently celebrated their wedding and honeymoon are now celebrating the news of the arrival of a little one early next year also. Congrats to you both.
• Anyone else want to share some news?? 🙂

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Athlete Race Report
Recently Tri Alliance athlete Richelle Olsen competed in the Kathmandu Adventure Race. Richelle had been doing plenty of training leading into this event including mountain biking, trail running, kayaking and probably the hardest part of all – navigation! Well done to Richelle and her team in completing the course in 4 hours 16min AND coming 11th female team across the line!
CLICK HERE to read of Richelle’s adventures!

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Tri Alliance Barefoot Bowls Christmas Party!

Tri alliance athletes, friends and family are invited to our Annual Christmas Party Celebrations being held at the Port Melbourne Bowling Club from 3pm on Sunday 11 December (post Gatorade Race 2).

• Barefoot Bowls
• Special guest appearance from Santa for the kiddies
• Fundraiser raffle supporting the Elwood Lifesaving Club
• Great prizes up for grabs!
• Gourmet BBQ
• Drinks at (cheap) bar prices!

CLICK HERE to read more and to book your ticket!!

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TRY-the-TRI Program 2 – LIMITED PLACES REMAIN!

Do you know someone who has always said ‘I’d like to do a triathlon’ but has never done anything about it? Our most popular beginner triathlon program our TRY-the-TRI Program is due to start in just 2 weeks. So if you know of anyone who wants to join in the fun, make sure you send them our way!
6 weeks of fun training, learning everything their is to know to complete your first triathlon – and as a bonus we’ll PAY for your entry into your race!
CLICK HERE to read more

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Elwood Lifesaving Club Membership
Tri Alliance is pleased to continue our fantastic relationship with the Elwood Lifesaving Club. And NOW is the time to get your Elwood Lifesaving Club Membership sorted. Cost is $85 for an annual membership.

Why join the Elwood Lifesaving Club?

• FREE use of the ELSC facilities (open from November) including HOT showers and change rooms (members only access)
• Access to apply for a foreshore car parking permit (additional cost) – no need to pay for parking ($10!) every time you train at Elwood over summer OR risk fines from the ever so vigilant parking inspectors!
• Opportunity to take part in First Aid Certificates, Bronze Medallion courses (plus more!) at Lifesaving Club member rates.

CLICK HERE for full details and to join online TODAY!!

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TRI ALLIANCE TRADING POST
We now have an online Trading Post – so if you are buying or selling, make sure you check out what your fellow athletes may be selling or searching to buy….

Triathlon equipment currently selling:

• Thule Bike Rack
• Triple Bike Rack
• Zoot Race Shoes
• Orca MALE Wetsuit
• Orca FEMALE Wetsuit
• Giant Defy Road Bike

CLICK HERE to view our Trading Post

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Thanks to our partners for their ongoing support
Tri Alliance would like to take the time to thank our valued partners for their ongoing support to our squad. The support of our partners allows us to provide YOU with a better service and
CBD Cycles – race day support and BEST prices possible!
Ascend Proven Sports Proteins – Ascend packs for all new athletes, prizes and great specials
Lakeside Sports Medicine Centre – Offering our athletes the best physio’s, myo’s, sports docs and more at discounted TA prices.
Xtreme Fitness Australia – Providing Tri Alliance and it’s athletes with training equipment including warm-up bikes for race day and testing bikes and treadmills in the TA office
Shotz Sports Nutrition – for all your training nutrition including bars, gels and hydration at VERY competitive prices!
Engine Swim – offering great swim products at great prices!
Australian Vitamins – your one stop shop for all your nutritional supplements – including Ascend and Shotz!
The Performance and Sport Psychology Clinic – providing expert sports Psychology services to our athletes