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The Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Club Members toed the line last weekend for the first race of 2021 at QTS # 6 Caloundra Triathlon and the 30th Anniversary of The Hell Of West at Goondiwindi. Some great results across the board
At Caloundra for Race # 6 of the Queensland Triathlon Series in very warm and humid conditions with a light breeze. In the Sprint Distance we saw Sophie Burger (14-15) take out her category win and building nicely for the Qld Schools Tri Champs. On the podium in 2nd Place was Jackie Phillips (35-39), Jordan Gover (45-49) and Kim Alexander (50-54) with Ingi Doyle (50-54) rounding out the podiums with a 3rd. Just missing the podium with 4th Places were Kevin Hammond (Clydesdale) and Steve Miller (60-64) while Keith Campbell (35-39) was 5th. SCTA Club Members on the podium included Matthew Wolstencroft (50-54) and Paul Marchant (25-29) in 1st, while Taylor Elms 2nd (30-34) and just missing the podium was Ella Wooldridge 4th (16-19) and Ryan Marsh 5th (16-19). In the Enticer most of the juniors are backing for Qld Schools Triathlon Champs this week with Ella Crawford 7th (U/16) and Sam McClarron 9th (U/14) with SCTA Club Members both in 3rd Mia Wooldridge (U/16) and Erin Wooldridge (16-19) In the Kool Kids Billie Elsum continued her strong racing in 6th (7-9) as too Bella McClarron 16th (10-11). Out at Hell of the West for the 30th running of this iconic event saw Emily Donker (Swim + Cycle) Team up with Caroline Lean to take out the Female Teams Title. Both Brodie Gardner (Open Male) and Ashleigh Hunter (Open Female) both take out 6th Places. SCTA Club Member Simon Hearn (Open Male) had a ding dong battle up front to come away with 2nd Place Well done to all that raced. Full results below QTS # 6 - Caloundra Triathlon 07.02.21 Sprint Distance 750/20/5 Sophie Burger - 1st Place 14-15 Years Female Paul Marchant - 1st Place 25-29 Years Male Matthew Wolstencroft - 1st Place 50-54 Years Male Taylor Elms - 2nd Place 30-34 Years Male Jackie Phillips - 2nd Place 35-39 Years Female Jordan Gover - 2nd Place 45-49 Years Male Kim Alexander - 2nd Place 50-54 Years Male Ingi Doyle - 3rd Place 50-54 Years Female Ella Wooldridge - 4th Place 16-19 Years Female Kevin Hammond - 4th Place Clydesdale 90-99kg Steve Miller - 4th Place 60-64 Years Male Ryan Marsh - 5th Place 16-19 Years Male Keith Campbell - 5th Place 35-39 years Male Angela Vinnicombe - 8th Place 40-44 Years Female Wade Scougall - 11th Place 45-49 Years Male Chris George - 12th Place 35-39 Years Male Gary & Chloe Turner - 16th Place Mixed Teams Norm Marsh - 19th Place Caloundra Tri Wave (rode Cruiser Bike) Ben Cook - 24th Place 35-39 Years Male Enticer 200/5/2 Mia Wooldridge - 3rd Place U/16 Years Female Erin Wooldridge - 3rd Place 16-19 Years Female Ella Crawford - 7th U/16 Years Female Sam McClarron - 9th Place U/14 Years Male Jayden James - 11th Place U/14 Years Male Jake Hammond - 14th Place U/14 Years Male Tabitha Fraser - 16th Place U/14 Years Female Zak Hammond - 30th Place U/14 Years Male Kool Kids - 200/5/500 Billie Elsum - 6th Place 7-9 Years Female Bella McClarron - 16th Place 10-11 Years Female Hell of the West - 07.02.21 - 2/80/20 Emily Donker (Swim + Cycle) - 1st Place Female Teams Simon Hearn - 2nd Place Open Male Brodie Gardner - 6th Place Open Male Ashleigh Hunter - 6th Place Open Female
The Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Club Members were in a action at Round # 3 of the Queensland Triathlon Series at Robina under blue skies, hot and humid conditions with a slight breeze.
In the Olympic Distance the ever consistent Rebecca Howell 3rd (25-29) had a great race while SCTA Club Member Paul Marchant 2nd (OPEN Male) landed on the podium and received some prize money for the first time. Sprint distance saw some great performances with Sophie Burger 1st (14-15) and 4th Female Overall. Ella Crawford (14-15), Jordan Gover (45-49) and Ingi Doyle (50-54) all finished 2nd. Rachel James 4th (35-39) with Rob Burger 7th (55-59), Torah Rose 8th (16-19) and Ben Cook 9th (35-39). SCTA Club Member Ryan Marsh 4th (16-19) In the Enticer both Jayden James 17th (U/14) and Sam McClarron 19th (U/14) both had good races while the Kool Kids Billie Elsum 5th (7-9) missed the podium by 5 seconds while Bella McClarron 22nd (7-9) A Great weekend of results from the SCTA Crew. Well done to all that raced. Full Results below QTS # 3 Robina Triathlon - 22.11.20 Olympic Distance 1.5/40/20 Paul Marchant - 2nd Place OPEN Male Rebecca Howell - 3rd Place 25-29 Years Female Sprint Distance - 750/24/5 Sophie Burger - 1st Place 14-15 Years Female - 4th Female Overall Ella Crawford - 2nd Place 14-15 Years Female Jordan Gover - 2nd Place 45-49 Years Male Ingi Doyle - 2nd Place 50-54 Years Female Rachel James - 4th Place 35-39 Years Female Ryan Marsh - 4th Place 16-19 Years Male Rob Burger - 7th Place 55-59 Years Male Torah Rose - 8th Place 16-19 Years Female Ben Cook - 9th Place 35-39 Years Male Enticer - 300/8/2.5 Jayden James - 17th Place U/14 Years Male Sam McClarron - 19th Place U/14 Years Male Kool Kids - 100/2/500 Billie Elsum - 5th Place 7-9 Years Female Bella McClarron - 22nd Place 7-9 Years Female
A massive weekend of racing for the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Club Members that were in action at Round # 1 of the Queensland Triathlon Series doubling as the Triathlon Queensland Club Championships and up in Cairns for the Asia Pacific Champs Cairns Ironman and 70.3.
Cairns turn on perfect swimming conditions for this Years Ironman and 70.3. The water was a warm 27 degrees and humidity was thru the roof. The cycle leg this year was 3 laps that included climbing Rex Lookout 6 times instead of the normal 4 times, along with the normal headwind for the last 30km of riding thru the cane fields back to town. the 4 lap run was quiet warm in sun and the shade. It was a tough day out for all. Tara Partridge 5th (45-49) lined up for her 9th IM and grinded her way to the finish in 13:55:13. She had a great entourage with the craziness from Tania Gover and Margo Mackintosh dressing up as Luigi and Mario. It was a very funny night.= as they followed Tara around on the course SCTA Club Members Simon Hearn 6th (Pro) and Brodie Gardner 8th (Pro) both lined up in their debut Ironman and performed very well in a strong Male field, while Debbie Thorley was 6th (45-49). In the 70.3, Margo Mackintosh 1st (35-39) had a very strong race to take the Fastest Female Overall and 12th place outright. Angela Vinnicombe 2nd (40-44) was backing up from the Sunshine Coast 70.3 and had another very strong performance. Jordan Gover (Swim + Run) Michael Woodcock (Cycle) join forces in a Team to take 2nd (Male Teams) and 4th overall. SCTA Club Member Paul Marchant 2nd (25-29) and 6th Overall after a last minute decision to head north and race post Sunshine Coast 70.3 Perfect conditions greeted the SCTA contingent that raced at Moreton Bay over the Olympic Distance, Sprint, Enticer and Kool Kids. In the OD, Rebecca Howell 4th (25-29) had a strong day out racing and a PB 10km time off the bike with under 50 mins for the first time. SCTA Club Members Michael Hooper 1st (25-29) with Rio Olympian Ryan Fisher 2nd (OPEN Male) and Brittany Dutton 4th (OPEN Female) In the Sprint Distance, Lucy Bowden 2nd (25-29) back racing after her foot injury that saw her 4th Female overall. Sophie Burger 2nd (14-15) and 8th Female overall had another solid performance, while Ella Crawford 8th (14-15) continues to grow with each race and learn from the experience. Little Pocket Rocket Billie Elsum 7th (7-9 Years) in the Kool Kids SCTA Club Members Peyton Craig (14-15) and Georgie Fredricks (16-19) both take category wins with 2nd places to Gary Turner (70-74 ) and Ethan Close (14-15) and Callum Close 3rd (14-15). In the Enticer we saw Mia Wooldridge (U/16) take out the win Well done to all that Raced. Full Results Below Cairns Ironman - 27.09.20 - 3.8/180/42.2 Tara Partridge - 5th Place 45-49 Years Female Simon Hearn - 6th Place PROFESSIONAL Male - Debut IM Debbie Thorley - 6th Place 45-49 Years Female Brodie Gardner - 8th Place PROFESSIONAL Male - Debut IM Cairns 70.3 - 1.9/90.21.1 Margo Mackintosh - 1st Place 35-39 Years Female - Fastest Female Overall Angela Vinnicombe - 2nd Place 40-44 Years Female Paul Marchant - 2nd Place 25-29 Years Male Jordan Gover (Swim + Run) / Michael Woodcock (Cycle) - 2nd Place Male Teams Moreton Bay Triathlon - Triathlon Queensland Club Championships - 27.09.20 Olympic Distance - 1.5/40/10 Michael Hooper - 1st Place 25-29 Years Male Ryan Fisher - 2nd Place OPEN Male Rebecca Howell - 4th Place 25-29 Years Female Brittany Dutton - 4th Place OPEN Female Sprint Distance - 750/20/5 Peyton Craig - 1st Place 14-15 Years Male Georgie Fredericks - 1st Place 16-19 Years Female Lucy Bowden - 2nd Place 25-29 Years Female Sophie Burger - 2nd Place 14-15 Years Female Ethan Close - 2nd Place 14-15 Years Male Gary Turner - 2nd Place 70-74 Years Male Callum Close - 3rd 14-15 Years Male Erin wooldridge - 7th Place 16-19 Years Female Ella Crawford - 8th Place 14-15 Years Female Ryan Marsh 8th Place 16-19 years Male Ella Wooldridge - 10th Place 16-19 Years Female Jorja Matthews - 16th Place 16-19 Years Female Enticer - 200/10/2.5 Mia Wooldridge - 1st Place U/16 Years Female Kool Kids - 100/2/500 Billie Elsum - 7th Place 7-9 Years Female A big weekend of racing on home turf at the Sunshine Coast 70.3, saw some great results from the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Club Members.
Weather conditions made for some interesting conditions out on the course, especially the cycle leg, when the rain scuds hit, made visibility very hard to see in front of you, wet roads and strong winds at times. when the sun came out, so did the humidity. But all Athletes and Club Members were strong across the board and we did see some great results. Max Quirk 3rd (18-24) had a great race for his first 70.3, Angela Vinnicombe 6th (40-44) had a solid day out in the conditions, with Norm Marsh 11th (55-59) was happy to get to the start line after a broken collar bone saw him out for several months. In the Teams Zsolt Dallos (Cycle) and Margo Mackintosh (run) combined in the Mixed Teams to be the fastest Team overall and also secured the Mixed Team Win, while Janelle McCosker (Swim) was 9th in Mixed Teams. SCTA Club Members had some great performances with Matthew Wolstencroft 1st (50-54), Michael Hooper 3rd (25-29), Paul Marchant 4th (25-29) and Lachlan Kerin 7th (Pro Male) On Saturday 5th September Sam McClarron lined up in the Queensland Athletics Cross Country Championships where he finished 5th 12 Years Boys 3000m Well done to all that raced. Full results below Sunshine Coast 70.3 - 13.09.20 - 1.9/90/21.1 Matthew Wolstencroft - 1st Place 50-54 Years Male Zsolt Dallos (Cycle) Margo Mackintosh (Run) - 1st Place Mixed Teams - 1st Team Overall Max Quirk - 3rd Place 18-24 Years Male Michael Hooper - 3rd Place 25-29 years Male Paul Marchant - 4th Place 25-29 Years Male Angela Vinnicombe - 6th Place 40-44 Years Female Lachlan Kerin - 7th Place PRO Male Janelle McCosker (swim) - 9th Place Mixed Teams Simon Hearn - 11th Place PRO Male Norm Marsh - 11th Place 55-59 Years Male Mel McNiff - 11th Place 30-34 years Female Kierra Allen - 14th Place PRO Female Debbie Thorley - 19th Place 45-49 Years Female Grant Elliot - 45th Place 50-54 Years Male Chris McClarron - 68th Place 40-44 Years Male Queensland Athletics Cross Country Champs - 05.09.20 Sam McClarron - 5th Place 12 Years Boys 3000 A Busy weekend of racing for the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Club Members in action at Bribie Island Triathlon and Rounds 1 and 2 of the Queensland All schools Cross Country Series.
At Bribie Island Triathlon on the Saturday, SCTA Athlete Sophie Burger lining up in her first Pro Draft Legal event as a first time in the ITU Junior ranks this season where she finished 16th and 2nd Junior. Sophie took a lot of positives out of the race and the have seen some real progression since starting with SCTA at the last school holidays. SCTA Club Members in action in the Elite Males included Race Winner and Olympian Ryan Fisher, Peyton Craig 9th (1st Junior), Ethan Close 18th, Ryan Marsh 19th and Callum Close 20th. While in the Elite Females Kelly Ann Perkins 5th, Brittany Dutton 10th, Georgia Fredricks 15th (1st Junior). Also competing well in the Active Kids on the Saturday prior to the Elite Racing, where no results are formulated, both Mackenzie Matthews and Billie Elsum had great races in the respective categories. On Sunday SCTA Athlete Ella Crawford finished 2nd 13-14 where she is improving week by week with her training and was great to see her land on the podium and finish 13th Female Overall. SCTA Club Members in action included Gary Turner 1st (70-74), Ella Wooldridge 2nd (OPEN Female), Erin Wooldridge 3rd (OPEN Female) and in the Short Course, Marilyn Shrapnel 1st (70-74) and Mia Wooldridge 3rd (13-14) The Queensland All Schools Cross Country Series has been in full swing with SCTA Athlete Sam McClarron in race # 1 on 8.8.20 finish 3rd 12 Years Boys 3km. In Race # 2 on 29.08.20 SCTA Club Members Peyton Craig 1st 15 Years Boys 4km and Mia Wooldridge 5th 14 Years Girls. Well done to all that Raced. Full Results Below Bribie Island Triathlon 5.09.20 / 06.09.20 Elite Female - 750/20/5 Draft Legal Kelly Ann Perkins - 5th Place Elite Female Brittany Dutton - 10th Place Elite Female Georgia Fredricks - 15th Place Elite Female Sophie Burger - 16th Place Elite Female Elite Male - 750/20/5 Draft Legal Ryan Fisher - 1st Place Elite Male - Race Winner Peyton Craig - 9th Place Elite Male Ethan Close - 18th Place Elite Male Ryan Marsh - 19th Place Elite Male Callum Close - 20th Place Elite Male Long Course - 750/20/5 Gary Turner - 1st Place 70-74 Years Male Ella Wooldridge - 2nd Place OPEN Female Ella Crawford - 2nd Place 13-14 Years Female Erin Wooldridge - 3rd Place OPEN Female Short Course - 300/10/3 Marilyn shrapnel - 1st Place 70-74 Years Female Mia Wooldridge - 3rd Place 13-14 Years Female Active Kids Billie Elsum + Mackenzie Matthews - No Places Cunningham Classic Cycle Race - 05.09.20 - 96km Michael Woodcock - 1st Place Masters C2 Men Queensland All Schools Cross Country Series Race # 2 - 29.08.20 Peyton Craig - 1st Place 15 Years Boys 4km Mia Wooldridge - 5th Place 14 Years Girls 4km Queensland All Schools Cross Country Series Race # 1 - 08.08.20 Sam McClarron - 3rd Place 12 Years Boys 3km
As Coach of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy, a Former Professional Athlete and Surf Life Saver that saw my swim leg as a strength, I have had the opportunity over the years to trial out and wear different wetsuits. I had a meeting with Vorgee, they have been the Swim Goggle / Training Equipment sponsor of SCTA for the past 8 years. While meeting them they showed me their New V-Force VIII Wetsuit at the Warehouse. First Impression - Looks What drew my attention straight away was
First Swim Trial Not only did I say it looked fast, but it feels fast in the water. I swam for around an 1hr in the open water in the sheltered bay of Mooloolaba Beach. Wow this wetsuit is fast. Now I have said that about some wetsuits before, but I have to give this as the best wetsuit I have swam in. Not because I am sponsored by them, but because a lot of thought and design has gone into this wetsuit. In fact, it has taken nearly 2 years for them to be at this point and 12 prototypes.
Verdict - Final Thoughts A lot of thought has gone into this suit. The varying levels of thickness throughout the suit shows this. they are in the right place to get the best out of your swim in the open water with a wetsuit on. The top of the range Yamamoto Rubber along with the underarm component material that the speed skaters use is very flexible, but at the same time the durability and consistency isn't compromised. When I got sent the technical aspects of this wetsuit and how they configured it you can understand why it took 2 years and 12 prototypes. A lot of thought has gone in the process and all I can say is wow. Love this suit. You are on a winner with the design and construction of the New Vorgee V-Force VIII Wetsuit. Do yourself a favour and make sure you do check this out if you are in the market for a new wetsuit. Lucy Bowden - SCTA Senior Athlete of the Year for 2018/19 and 2019/20 Review + Verdict Like many the athletes finding a wetsuit that doesn’t restrict your shoulders, interrupt your stroke and cause fatigue whilst swimming can be tricky, and to finding it a reasonable price is not often seen. Due to several shoulder operations I first opted for a sleeveless wetsuit lowering the risk of flaring my shoulder up particularly throughout a race. Eventually, I transitioned into a long sleeve wetsuit however, found this particular brand too fiddly whilst swimming and the longevity of the suit with minimal use was poor. Vorgee products have be a part of my training and racing for the last three years since moving to the Sunshine Coast from Adelaide. Thanks to Toby Coote for introducing me to Vorgee and the family behind the brand. In early 2020, I was on the hunt for a new wetsuit leading into World 70.3 in Taupo NZ and I’d seen the Vorgee wetsuit in action whilst capturing some content for Toby, SCTA and Vorgee themselves. ‘I was impressed by the shoulder area, the first area I take note of when analysing a wetsuit’ Lucky enough I was able to get the Vorgee V-Force VIII in my hands soon after this photo shoot. In comparison to other wetsuits, I noticed the general comfort the wetsuit provided. The internal layers of the suit being very soft on the skin. As first thought, the shoulder area firmly fit in the right places due to its thin and sleek design – allowing an athlete to feel confident heading into the water knowing the suit would provide the flexibility promised. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, I’ve been swimming daily in the ocean over the last three months, the V-Force has allowed for enjoyable swimming no matter what the session. The suit is a great addition to the Vorgee range providing the brand with a product that is well up there in the wetsuit market. For more information on the new Vorgee V-Force VIII Wetsuit click on the following links
For Male Wetsuit - Click Here For Female Wetsuit - Click Here For Vorgee Goggle Range - Click Here 2020 started off well with some great Race Results from the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes and Coach Toby Coote. Heading into the Australian Olympic Distance Champs at Mooloolaba on 15th March, I was sitting with fellow Commentators Peter Murray and Tammy Barker along with Ironman Staff and the announcement about COVID 19 and the restrictions to be put in place. A lot of uncertainty around that weekend and racing and then into restrictions that ultimately shut down Coaching in general with restrictions of 10 and then to groups of 2, self isolation. My thoughts turned straight around to "I'm Screwed" Coaching is a tough business at the best of time, but when its taken out from under you from no fault of your own, it was pretty scary to be honest. 18 Years of Coaching (September 2002) where I have been able to control what I do, being Self Employed for that time, went to how am i going to survive this? But thoughts then turned to..... hang on what do I say to my athletes day in day out. Be adaptable, be flexible and learn from your experiences to be a better athlete. I needed to lead by example and show a pathway moving forward, show that I wasn't beaten, show that I can survive during these tough times. I wasn't the only one dealing with it, plenty of other Coaches, Race Directors, Commentators, Workers, Businesses were struggling to. I had to clarify my vision "Dark Days and Broken" It wasn't easy and there were some deep dark days. There was a lot of soul searching, lots of tears and unhappiness, but there were moments of clarity and cleansing as well. I had a lot going on during this period and I could of chosen a few different paths. I was still working with online programs and 1:1 with some of the athletes but could sense a lot being unmotivated, there were no races to focus on, no clear set path for them or for us Coaches. I looked at my bank balance trying to work out how I was going to pay the bills, survive to be honest. I remember just staring at my computer and I just broke down. The raw emotions of it all took its toll. I remember another instance where a friend needed a lift, I said how you going and she just broke down. I said I understand and broke down with her. Didn't have to say anything, just knew what we were going thru. Its not easy Isolation is the worse when you live alone. I found the only sense I had and escape was doing some training, Getting out of the house as it was the only way to escape the 4 walls. I was depressed I was broken at this point. My only social interaction was morning and afternoon with some 1:1 sessions, but that wasn't everyday. You go from 3 sessions a day and social interaction to being isolated. The highlight to break the day up was going to my Local Coffee Shop, Pallet Espresso (Thanks Johnny) to get a takeaway during the day to break it up and then back to the 4 walls of isolation. But it was something that I looked forward to each day. I normally sleep very well, but for 6 weeks, I had the worse period of sleep i have ever had, its was interrupted, too many thoughts in my head, I just couldn't settle the voices, the demons, the uncertainty that I was surrounded by. There was plenty going on that I was trying to control, but they were uncontrollables. What do I say to my athletes "You can only Control what you can control" Gave myself a kick up the arse. But my real sanity came from training, surfing and sharing time with family in current restrictions. "Adversity" Adversity has a place in what we do and it is a great learning tool to define Who you are, Your Self Confidence, Self Worth, Self Belief and what Legacy you want to leave. Its 10 years to this date that my life was turned around with adversity that affected Myself and My Business by no fault of my own. I found myself 10 years later in the same place dealing with a different adversity of no fault of my own. I had 2 choices. Do what I did last time and bury myself in alcohol or regain my health and become fit. I took the second option and so glad I did This time I have learnt so much from this experience and include "FAMILY and FRIENDS" Family - No matter what has gone before. There are always arguments and disagreements, that's family, but when shit hits the fan and you need help, they are there no matter what. If it wasn't for them, I don't know what position I would be sitting in right now. Not only have you supported me thru this, lent a shoulder, invited me in and fed me, but also help financially that I will be eternally grateful for. It has allowed me to survive thru this. It has reinforce the strength and bond and this period has allowed me to spend more time and surfing with the nieces. My other non blood family (they know who they are) they noted I wasn't right and lent an ear, support and plenty of laughs. they are there no matter what Friends - when you are in trouble you do really find out who your "REAL" Friends are. They are there no matter what to support, to lend a shoulder, an ear, a smile, a hug. All the little simple things that mean so much when the chips are down. Even a carton of Beer (Thanks Noely) Athletes - to the ones that have stood by me in the last 8 weeks, you know who you are, your support will never go unnoticed. Thanks "Triathlon Community" We are suffering as a whole, and we aren't out of this by no measure, and it will take time to rebuild to get this sport back to where it was, but during this time there has been a sense of reaching out by fellow Coaches, Commentators, Race Directors and Race Workers. The phone calls, the checking in on each other the value that we put on what we do and why we are successful has been shown throughout this period. I made a point of calling 2 people a day to check in on them to see how they were going. We were all in the same fight, and funny how when we talked, we talked about the same feelings, emotions, the uncertainty of what surrounded us all. We are all riding the same wave The weekly coaching connect group thru Craig Johns, has given us a platform to still be engaged and deal with some of the scenarios that are in place. The last few episodes that you have done have been very informative and has given myself a lot to think about how I will move on from here and what I do. It has raised some series questions about what we all do as Coaches. "Health Awareness and Time" I regained my health and life throughout this period. Normally at this time I am on a break after the season. I would have been 8 weeks back to back with races, commentary, coaching, end of season reviews etc etc. But with some much time on my hands I began productive by silencing the demons with training, cleaning the house, the car, all the things I would never get a chance to do. I surfed more as that is my sanity release and did it with Family (by the way my nieces shred love it). I have lost 12 kgs in this 8 week period. From training, a bit of stress. I have gone from 90kg to 78kg. THe last time I was under 80kg was at the AIS at an NTID camp and remember the conversation with Craig Redman about hitting 80kg for the first time in my life (think it was 2008/2009) I have never been back under there since then. So if there is a positive out of all this negativity is that I have regained my health. Which is vital for me "Legacy and Leadership" I have always led from the front. I have said what I have as I am passionate about what I do. It can get me in trouble from time to time, but that is me. Its how I do what I do and get the best out of myself and my athletes. But I saw an opportunity to lead from the front by saying, I'm training, I'm getting fit, there are no excuses if I can do then you can do. I didn't have to, but I did as I wanted to be that Role Model leading from the front. Will I race probably not, as I see myself as a Coach, not an athlete (and I know what I am like as an a Athlete). The Legacy I wanted to leave here is, I can control what I can do during this period and that was to get fit and keep them motivated by do a 1:1 session here and there to keep the athletes ticking along. It also got me motivated and Healthier. If I didn't have this time, I would still be 90kg unfit. "Reflection" I've had a chance to sit down and reflect on myself during this period. Never easy looking back at what you have down both Business and Personal. Am I happy, NO, there are a lot of things in hindsight that I would go back and change if I could, do differently, but I know I can't, but what I can do is use that experience to move forward and be a better Person, A better Coach, A better Uncle / Son / Brother, A better Friend. Surround myself with good people that will test me with multiple view points, that will enable me to be better. "Vulnerability" This was a tough one. I went thru a lot of emotions during this time. I rode a roller coaster with lots of lows and highs mostly lows. I tried to push away people trying to help me as that is what I have done in the past. For the first time in a long time I let some walls down, and trusted again. Its been a long time since I have been able to trust people or allow myself to trust. It is never easy. As a Coach and former Athlete you hide your emotions a lot of the time and deal with a lot that people / athletes don't see on a regular basis. I can seem very happy and outgoing on the outside, but what is going on the inside can be a totally different story. I was only able to trust and let those walls down with a lot of reflection as stated above. I was very fortunate to have a network of people around that understood I wasn't right and pressed me to make sure I was OK. It took a little time as I didn't want them to know I was struggling, but when I did open up it was a massive relief of my shoulders. Like a weight had lifted from me. Remember it ain't weak to speak or ask for help So during a very negative period, I have come away with a lot of positives that I will use moving forward from this point. By no means are we out of trouble yet, but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that will keep the fuse going.
As a good friend say to me once "Success is Nothing if You Have No One Left to Share it With" So very true Indeed!! Life is short, so make the most out of everyday. Take Care and look after yourself. It was another successful Season for the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy / Protector Aluminium Athletes with some great results. Unfortunately the back end of the season where there were some Major Championship races were cancelled due to the COVID 19 restrictions from 16th March 2020. Lots of disappointed Athletes with the decision with the Australian School Triathlon Championships, Australian Sprint Championship - Luke Harrop Memorial Triathlon and the Triathlon Queensland Club Championships just to name a few Below is a snapshot of the success of the SCTA / PA Athletes received Outright Race Wins - 1st Place x 14 / 2nd Place x 10 / 3rd Place x 13 Age Group Places - 1st Place x 81 / 2nd Place x 47 / 3rd Place x 44 Australian Championships - 1st Place x 2 / 2nd Place x 2 / 3rd Place x 1 Queensland Championships - 1st Place x 8 / 2nd Place x 3 / 3rd Place x 3 ITU All African Champs - 2nd Place Professional Female - Laurelle Brown World 70.3 Qualifiers x 6 National schools Triathlon Qualifiers x 6 National Cross Country Qualifiers x 5 Australian Duathlon Champion 40-44 Years Female - Tania Gover Australian Triathlon Champion 25-29 Years Male - Paul Marchant World Triathlon Age Group Sprint Champs - 9th Place 16-19 - Ryan Marsh SCTA 2nd Place Tri Club Podium Mooloolaba Triathlon SCTA 3rd Place Tri Club Podium Sunshine Coast 70.3 The SCTA / PA Aluminium Junior scholarship Holders Ella Wooldridge and Ryan Marsh had some great results throughout the year. Ryan Started his campaign at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Luassane where he was the youngster competitor in the 16-19 years Category, giving away up to 3 years to the older boys, Ryan had a good go and backed himself with a 9th place just 50 secs off the podium. While some races went to plan, there were a few that didn't, but the experienced gain has shown from the end of season analysis. Results Include 1st Place 15-16 Years - Rainbow Beach Tri 3rd Place 16-19 Years - QTS # 6 7th Place 16-19 Years - QTS # 5 8th Place Senior Male - Queensland All Schools Champs First Year ITU Junior Male - AJTS # 1 - 37th Place / AJTS # 3 - Australian Junior Champs - 25th Place Qualified for the Queensland Schools Triathlon Team Raced his first Open Male at QTS # 3 Kawana Tri. Ella had a great start to the season as well. She was finishing off Grade 12 this year. With a mix of exam stress and Schoolies saw her contract glandular fever which put an end to the season for her. She is now nearly recovered from it and looking forward to next season. Results Include 1st Place 16-19 Years - Rainbow Beach - 2nd Female Overall 1st Place 16-19 Years - QTS # 2 1st Place 16-19 Years - QTS # 4 2nd Place 16-19 Years - QTS # 1 2nd Place Senior Female - Queensland All Schools Champs 20th Place ITU Junior Female - AJTS # 1 Qualified for National Cross Country Champs Selected for National Junior Camp The other Junior Athletes have done an amazing job this year and we have see plenty of growth and development throughout the year. Not every race goes to plan, but the experience that is gained and then improved on shows they are heading in the right direction. Mia Wooldridge took 3rd Place at the Australian Sprint Champs in Devonport for ITU Youth Female, while Peyton Craig took out ITU Youth Male and Jazi Coventry took 3rd ITU Junior Female at the opening round at Super Sprint Race Weekend. At the Queensland Schools Triathlon Champs 6 qualified for National schools Tri Champs (cancelled due to COVID 19) Peyton Craig (3rd Intermediate Male), Mia Wooldridge (4th Junior Female) along with Jazi Coventry (selected for National Junior Camp), Erin Wooldridge, Ryan Marsh and Macey Roberts. Jorja Matthews and Jericho Pogany all saw huge improvements this year too. SCTA Junior Athlete of the Year - Ryan Marsh With a top 10 result at the World ITU Triathlon Championships in Lussanne Switzerland with a 9th place from 81 competitors, as one of the youngest Athletes in his category of 16-19 Years where he finished only 50 sec off the podium. It was Ryan's first Year into the ITU Junior Category as well and always a tough transition, but Ryan is being rewarded for his hard work and dedication and great result from the World Triathlon Championships at the start of the season (you will see other results in his brief from the Junior Scholarship Review above). This season saw a journey that he will be able to build on for his 2nd year in the ITU Junior Category. With Self Belief, harnessing the race day nerves, especially at major races, will see Ryan develop as an athlete. Keep up the great work. Well deserved. Our Senior Athletes have had some great results throughout the year. With some National Titles thru to World 70.3 selection, We have seen a lot of ups and downs but the way in which they have rallied and supported each other shows the comradely amongst them all. Tania Gover (duathlon 40-44) and Paul Marchant (Triathlon 25-29) were our National Champions, while Brett Stalley (Triathlon 55-59) and Nicholas Hull (Triathlon 30-34) took silver medals. Rebecca Howell, Matt Billington. Pauline Ashley were all notable podium place getters throughout the year. Our 70.3 World Champs Qualifiers included Lucy Bowden, Michael Hooper, Matt Wolstencroft, Kevin Hammond, Mick Woodcock and Megan Hawkins. Senior Athlete of the Year - Lucy Bowden For the 2nd successive year Lucy has taken out this title. She has had a stellar year with some amazing performances. Her most notable winning her category at the Sunshine Coast 70.3, claiming her Worlds Berth, finishing 9th Female overall amongst the Pro Female. She had her maiden break thru Race Win taking out the Rainbow Beach Triathlon and in the Queensland Tri Series, she podiumed in the OPEN Female in all 5 races she contested. The back end of the season was cut short with a foot injury. I believe her most notable achievement was during this period where Lucy showed her willingness to support and capture some great images with her camera at training and racing (You will see a lot of Lucy's work in the photos in this report). it showed a real Team Player in an individual sport. It didn't go unnoticed. Another great season Lucy. Keep up the great work. Thoroughly deserved accolade. 2019-20 results include Race Winner - Rainbow Beach Triathlon 1st Place 25-29 Female - Sunshine Coast 70.3 - World Qualifier Berth 2nd Place OPEN Female QTS # 1 2nd Place OPEN Female QTS # 3 2nd Place OPEN Female QTS # 5 3rd Place OPEN Female QTS # 2 3rd Place OPEN Female QTS # 4 4th Place OPEN Female - Noosa Triathlon Encouragement Award - Jorja Matthews Its been a bit of an up and down season for Jorja. She is being awarded the encouragement award, as I believe with a bit of self confidence and belief, she could get back to racing and hitting the podium like she did 2 seasons ago. Its there, you just have to want it and believe. I did see a glimpse of it at the Super Sprint Race Weekend when she got angry and starting racing well and backing herself. If you take that attitude into the coming season, who knows what Jorja can achieve. Your choice!! Trust and Believe SCTA Club Member Professional Athletes have had a great year with some amazing results. Race wins to Carrie Lester, Ryan Fisher, Simon Hearn. Notable performances to Brittany Dutton, Kierra Allen (Sansome), Marion Tuin, Kelly Ann Perkins and Brodie Gardner. The was some great news for Head Coach Toby Coote as well, being named a Finalist for Triathlon Australia Age Group Coach of the Year. Selected for the Triathlon Australia National Junior Camp and received a grant from Triathlon Queensland for SCTA Well done to all the athletes that competed throughout the year. A massive thanks to the family and supporters of the SCTA, without you, we don't have this opportunity that we have. Finally to the sponsors. Grant Symes from Protector Aluminium, without you, this doesn't happen as the major sponsor for the past 5 years. I am totally grateful for the ongoing support. To Vorgee, Mizuno, CLIF Bar Australia, Cannibal Australia, Davey and Associates Optometrist, McDonalds Sunshine Coast. Tara Leanne Nutrition, Rackley Swimming, Kawana Aquatic Centre, Allez Sport Mooloolaba, Rydges Hotels, Intune Sports and Health, The Recovery Room, PREPD, The Event Crew, Ironman Oceania, Titan Performance Group, Zone 3 Wetsuits With the closure of swimming pools in Australia for the past 4-5 weeks, we have seen a resurgence of Open Water Swimming especially here on the Sunshine Coast.
For the ones that have swam at Mooloolaba Beach, it resembles more the Bruce Highway at Peak Traffic Times, than a beach. All in the name to keep the feel for the water. Head Coach of the Sunshine Coast Triathlon Academy, Toby Coote, points out a few tips to remain safe and continue to keep working on the swim component.
Just as there are different water conditions, the sun during early morning to the afternoon can vary as well. , There is a goggle choice to suit the different conditions. Vorgee have a great range of goggles to suit. I use the Missile Range. I find I can pull them straight out of the case put on my face and swim. Perfect for me. Presently in the morning just after the sun comes up, it is still very dull, I find the clear / smoke lens the best during this time. Earlier morning when the sun is a little brighter the Mirrored lens I find the most suitable and if I end up swimming during the day, the the eclipse are perfect for cutting the glare right out. So there are plenty of choices in the missile Range. I suggest trialing a few pairs out to see what best suits your needs and the conditions you are swimming in. We are fortunate to have had some nice water temperatures at present, but with winter approaching (and if you don't live in Queensland) you may already be in wetsuits. We will be during off our Zone 3 wetsuits very shortly. What to look for in a wetsuit?
I have used the Zone 3 Vanquished and love the flexibility in and around the shoulders. It feels like you aren't wearing a wetsuit. Once again it is a personal choice so check out the Zone 3 Range at Titan Performance Group. Presently, Toby has been doing some 1:1 Open Water swimming and implementing a lot of the top 5 points and has seen some dramatic changes with the way they have improved thru those sessions. Happy swimming
Tara Partridge from Tara Leanne Nutrition has worked with numerous SCTA Athletes over the past few years and has been a great supporter of the SCTA Junior Scholarship, helping with recovery procedures, meal plans and race day plans including Pre, during and post. Tara has written a blog for the SCTA Crew on the Effects of Appetite especially during this period with COVID 19. Click on the link File below to read.
Tara is available for phone consultations during the current climate and restrictions with COVID 19. For more information contact Tara on 0429 101 777 or visit www.taraleannenutrition.com.au
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