By Michelle O'
Toole
Having spent the 08/09 Tri Season, travelling to several states to compete in the Challenge Series with the hope of qualifying for the Age Group Olympic Distance Team to compete at the World Championships on the Gold Coast in September, it was great news in April when the team was announced to know that all the hard work had paid off. Not only for myself but for many dedicated and hard working Tri-bal Athletes who had also made “The Team”.
We all had some down time and back in to training by the end of May. Andy was making noises about a training camp on the Gold Coast in July which at the time, seemed so far off and now it has been and gone and we have less than nine weeks to go until that all important race day.
The idea of a training camp at the Sports Super Centre in Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast was put out there for anyone to join in and come along to train and get away from Melbourne’s winter for eight days. Most athletes arrived throughout the day on Saturday and departed a week later.
I was amongst six athletes, all keen to get to camp early and departed Melbourne on the 6am early bird flight. (what were we thinking?) We arrived on the Gold Coast to find a limousine driver who offered good rates to get us all to Runaway Bay. We took him up on his offer but felt a little uneasy due to his bizarre Queensland Tweed Fashion Sense (non matching jacket and pants) and he suggested that we don’t put on the TV in the limo as it featured porn. Boy camp was off to a funny start.
We finally arrived at the Sports Super Centre. Some of the facilities included, indoor 20m pool, outdoor 50m pool, athletics track, gymnasium, large room for spin classes, pilates, fit ball classes, yoga and more, criterium track for cycling, football fields, beach volleyball courts, centre for physiotherapy, medical attention, massage plus sauna and spa baths, a lecture theatre which did allow viewing of the first few days of Le Tour and more importantly just out the front gate, we were on the bike course for our race in September. We were fully tickled athletes for a week and there was a definite excitement in the air.
Andy and Jo were still friends on arrival after driving from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. The van was chokers to say the least. Jo even managed to squeeze in her electric frypan “just in case”. We were all very grateful for the transportation of our bikes and Donna’s surf ski arrived in one piece contrary to the reports.
The Van is quite an incredible beast. I am always amused on a Saturday morning in the Mordialloc car park to see the van arrive, doors fly open and people just keep getting out. It has sort of crossed my mind as to how may bodies the van can transport…………I think we managed 16.
Unpacking began, room mates started to bond and our cosy little rooms became home. Our common room and kitchen a tad small but who was going to worry about that……we had warm weather, we were in Queensland and we were ready to start training.
Our Sunday morning session was to get out onto the half and full marathon course to support and encourage Tri-bal athletes and others who had made the journey north to compete. Andy and Annie were very pleased with the results and these guys should be very proud of themselves. They did an amazing job.
Speedy decided to bring her enthusiasm to camp after her half marathon effort and stay overnight. She loved it so much, she returned later in the week to give more encouragement. Or was that to head out on the town with the gang for post camp celebrations?
Our training sessions were great and to give you an idea, they went something like this…….
Run session at the track with video working on technique
Transition work T1 and T2 skills a must
Long runs/Long rides
Riding and familiarisation on race course for September
Ride/Run sessions on race course
Swim Squad Sessions (including video)
Video Analysis of swimming technique in lecture theatre and then back in the pool to practice and improve
Finish off with simulated race x 2
Donna, The Adventure Racer, had a few paddling sessions with Southport Surf Life Saving Club. They were very keen to include us in their Swim/Run session in the open water and Andy thought it would be good to do. Arriving at the beach on a windy afternoon at 4pm, some were reluctant to get into their Queensland Wetties (yep that would be your bathers) to participate but as good strong tough Victorians, everyone got ready and it was on. A jog up the beach and into the surf for a swim back down (with the help of a strong current) to the starting point and warm up was over. Andy, Jo and I watched as our brave (I mean tough, strong) athletes ran into the water, swam, ran up and down sand dunes, back to the water for a swim, more running on the beach, more swimming, more sand dunes. And did anyone mention cold? It was very chilly out of the water and took some hot showers and some good food and drinks at the SLSC to warm up. A great session by everyone. To top this day off Andy won a prize in the raffle at the club. Not knowing what he had won, he sent Liz (new to vegetarianism) to collect the prize and you guessed it, she came back with a whopping big meat tray.
The Lodge where we stayed also accommodated some runners and the running coach from Tanzania. It was a pleasure to spend time with these guys and experience their lives as athletes, the coach’s tips and a delight to watch Andy chew the fat with the Tanzanian Coach who was also a former Olympian and silver medallist over 5000m. They were interested in our sport of triathlon and the coach came to watch and encourage us during our simulated race. It was a great to see him hi-5ing us on the running track. We claimed the Tanzanian’s as ours and after dressing them in Tri-bal gear, we had group pics taken. I think there are now plans in place for the Tanzanian Training Camp!
We had an amazing group of people who all got along well and supported and encouraged one another constantly.
David – Hard working athlete and a very proud dad (and so you should be)
Nathan – An inspiring young, enthusiastic athlete who never gave up
Albie – Great BBQ – Thanks Albie
Wayne – He’s wearing those red track pants again (Just Kidding)
Scott – Can rescue girls off the dance floor (Hey Mel?)
Steve – High on Life or is that Red Bull?
Brian – Most improved in the pool – Great relaxed technique Brian
Brockie – Now has more tolerance to TV viewing choices of others
Annie – Taught us how to “push the plate back”
Donna – Covered all sports. Swim/Run/Road & Mountain Bike/Paddling
Olga – Completed her first half marathon
Liz – Thought Liz could swim fast, should see her improved transition skills
Karen – Nice Helmet
Mel – The Party Animal
Elly – Nice to see you back training
Speedy – Speak To The Hand
Jo – Water Running Champion and a Serious Night Owl
Me – How annoying were my squeaky running shoes
Andy – Can anyone be more amused by fart applications on a mobile phone?
We are all back home safely now and better athletes for the experience of camp.
Many thanks to Jo as you did a great job in organising all of us, getting us to the camp, looking after all of our needs and it was wonderful to finally meet “The Neumannator”.
Annie – It was such a positive experience to train with you. You are an amazing athlete and we are very lucky at Tri-bal to be able to learn from you. Thanks for the support, encouragement and motivation.
Andy – How do we thank you? A couple of years ago when I was looking for a new coach, you were recommended. I was told “Andy Sleeman has an amazing knack to get the best out of you – better than you could possibly imagine. I don’t know how he does it but he just does” and they were right. I have enjoyed faster running, better race times, PBs, and much much more. Andy you give your time so freely and you are such a generous and kind person. Thank you.
Bring on September 12th – Race Day on the Gold Coast. Good Luck to everyone racing at the World Champs, enjoy the experience as an Australian Athlete and “Don’t look back, leave it all on the track”.