Romy's Review and Reflection - 6 Monthly Report 1st July - 31st December 2017

So, let’s have a look at six months ago…
 
It was July 2017 and I was half way through my last year at school. My dad and I had just arrived home from an epic three weeks of cycling through France and I was preparing myself for the big season ahead. The first race wasn’t until the end of September; the Rainbow Beach Triathlon. That’s always a fun beginning to the season and a great opportunity to bond as a squad.
 
After this came the first QTS race in Raby Bay. This was a great opportunity to see how the past few months of endurance and base can be put into a race. It was also a good showcase event in front of the majority of the Queensland triathlon community. After some more races and FINALLY graduating grade 12, schoolies was upon me, followed up by the first Australian Junior Triathlon Series held at Runaway Bay. This wasn’t ideal, but I still had 3 weeks after schoolies to recover so it was manageable.
 
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Training was tough for those first two weeks then I greeted the taper with great embrace. The weekend was tough, fast and furious. Some great experience was gained and many valuable lessons were learnt to take into the Christmas break. My time in Byron Bay was lovely; being able to get away and have a little refresher was re-energising.
 
Once I got home, there was plenty to be done. I had to begin my search for a part time job, begin training at full intensity again and get back into the routine of day to day life with my mind set on one goal: Adelaide. Since Christmas a fair block of training has been underway with a race weekend here or there. Round 5 of the QTS was encouraging as it enabled me to practice what I had been training for since Runaway Bay. It was a good rehearsal for Adelaide. 
 
Ever since the beginning of this season, Mizuno Running Australia has been so helpful in finding me the perfect shoe for both racing and training. I had a few problems with tight hip flexors early one, which was due to both inflexibility and the shoe I was using. I had mistakenly picked one with too much support and was having trouble with my technique, but the guys (and girls) from Mizuno were willing to help. They replaced my shoes with another pair they thought would be better suited to my build and style. I haven’t looked back since. Their race shoe that I wear is also incredible and hasn’t given me a single blister (which is amazing). 
 
Also to Unique Health Products for supplying us with AMPLE CLIF bars, bloks, Gels and nuun hydration. They have honestly powered me through the last six months. I would have collapsed without them (literally). Also for giving us a recent tour of the warehouse and providing some goodies. I got to try some awesome new protein powder flavours. I think honeycomb is my favourite now. 
 
To Vorgee and Cannibal for supplying the great apparel and gear that I get the privilege to use every day. It’s so comfortable and versatile. I couldn’t imagine racing in any other gear and haven’t since.
 
A HUGE shout out to Tara Leanne (@nutritionloveyaguts), you have honestly been such an inspiration and valuable asset to my goals and accomplishments in the past six months. I don’t know where I would be without your guidance. I am so excited about the future and to keep working with you. 
 
Thank you to of the SCTA/Protector Aluminium athletes that have been part of this awesome club and have provided ample support to not only me, but other athletes in the family. And thank you to ALL of the SCTA sponsors for keeping this crew alive and your constant support.
 
Obviously MASSIVE shout out to the Coach Toby Coote, it’s been an awesome adventure so far and I can’t wait for the future. Thank you for your incredible expertise and support. 
For the next six months, the process will change from race to race, but the main goal will remain the same; to perform to the best of my ability. Four big races left. Hopefully I can come home strong in these last six months.    :)))
 
Results as follows
Winner - Rainbow Beach Double Triathlon
Winner – QTS # 1 Raby Bay Triathlon
Winner – QTS # 2 Robina Triathlon – Sprint
Winner – Maleny Mountain View 10km Run
Winner – Kingscliff Triathlon – Sprint
6th Place Point score / Winner “A” Final – Australian Junior Series Race # 1