CHALLENGE MELBOURNE

For many of our long course athletes their key goal race is Sunday at Challenge Melbourne. Some are old hands at the distance but many are taking it on for the first time. Believe in the training you have completed to date in that it will get you through with what your work deserves and hopefully better. 40+ athletes is a great contingent taking on the half distance race but if you are not racing please come on down to cheer the guys as this always gives a lift when needed. The race starts nice and early on Sunday from 6:30 outside the St Kilda Sea Baths taking on a rectangular course before going under the pier and finishing opposite Cantani gardens (transition). Riding 3 laps of Black Rock return must be completed before two laps running down to Brighton and back.

For all the race information check out the Challenge Melbourne website and Facebook page. If racing you should receive your participant guide via email today containing waves starts and further important info.

CHALLENGE SPRINT

Whilst the long course crew take on the half distance there is also Challenge Sprint This race takes on some of the swim course at 700m and then a 30k bike to Black Rock and back before a run down to Elwood return of 7k. To sign up and enter check below. Make sure you use voucher code GTS6 for a $20 discount. Entries open until Friday online and at thevenue on Saturday.

CHALLENGE PRE-RACE SESSION

For those athletes racing the Half or Sprint we will have a pre-race session at St Kilda from 7am on Saturday morning. This will start with a ride followed by run and swim. Meet on Pier road just out from the Band Stand in Cantani Gardens. Hopefully parking should be ok this early but maybe leave a little more just in case we are not able to park so close.

RECOVERY MONTH

For those athletes who have now finished racing for the season it is very important that you take the time to recover. Even though attending sessions dial the intensity back in order for your body to rest and adapt from a hard long season. Once Challenge Melbourne is done sessions will revert to a much easier and relaxed format (apart from those few who are racing Cairns and Port Mac). This is a perfect time for those niggles and sore muscles to get better so that come base training in May you are good to go. April is recovery month so ensure you do this - listen to your body and if you have any questions please chat with your coach.

As with previous years we will be having Latte rides each Saturday for those who have finished racing. These will be much shorter social occasions with a stop or two for coffee and cake. Meet at St Kilda at 7am Saturday with your hostess Fances :-)

After a few non-starters for Funday Sundays in April last year we are not organising anything specific but encourage you to head out and do something different. In the past we have gone stand up paddles boarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, walking (who'd have thought!) or just going for a nice long breakie! Please post suggestions or let us know if you want to organise a particular activity for athletes.

ST MICHAEL'S SWIM UPDATE

For all swimmers who have been and should be swimming at St Michael's after our recent swim changes will be receiving and invitation via email to complete a survey on these sessions. It is imperative that we hear from as many athletes as possible to gather feedback and ensure that these swims deliver the best possible experience for you. This survey will shape the future of your swims so please take the time to complete and return.

10 SESSION PASSES NOW AVAILABLE

Many members have been asking for a while when these will be out and we are happy to announce that you can now purchase these through your membership portal. Aimed at those athletes who cannot commit to a weekly subscription due to work or family commitments or the session times just don't work as they are on shift. Note that if space is an issue at a session priority will be given to weekly paying members. Annual membership is required to access a 10 session pass. Scanning at sessions is as per normal and your balance will be debited each time before needing to renew once your last is used (an email reminder will be sent when low).

SHOTZ BARS SPECIAL

We have 4 x boxes of Shotz bars (15 in a box) that expire this month going for $20 each (normally $30). 2 x sticky date and 2 x chocolate mint. Email us or call the office to snag yourself a box before they go.