First up...I chose this pic as I think it sums up how a lot of us are feeling about the current situation...just throw a cup of water over our heads whilst we're exhausted, why don't ya!  There's definitely been lockdown fatigue swirling around and we can't blame anyone for feeling this way.  We still hold out hope that our athletes can get themselves up to the GC for the marathon festival at the beginning of July and put their hard work into action.  Hang in there team!

But it seems our thoughts were right about the slow steps out of lockdown and the time needed to get back into the full swing of normality.  The latest set of guidelines we will be following as of midnight tonight are less than what we had hoped for, but better than being in full lockdown.  We explore what the easing of restrictions means for us and what training options are available this week below.

Couple of points to keep in mind…

• At this time of year, your programs begin ramping up as we take on a strong winter training block. But given recent circumstances, you will see a gradual building of load to help with the adjustment. Take this time, without rushing, and be smart about following your program. You should only be completing/attending sessions that have been prescribed for you.  More is not better!

• One of the first sessions you will notice is the return of Tuesday morning interval running. We will all meet down at the south end of the lake, for a 6am warm up (refer to timetable if unsure of meeting location).  Athletes will follow various programs, but all will be in and out from this central location.  Please be mindful that under our COVID plan, all athletes will be responsible for personal belongings (cannot be left in the TA van) and 1.5m distancing should be maintained.  Masks are encouraged to be carried.

• Thursday morning Hot Laps are also back on the agenda. These are strictly only for those athletes with the session on their programs.  Meet outside MSAC main entrance for a 6am roll out.  The first two weeks will be a moderate return to laps, to help build load.  Please have full lights and TA gear for safety.   

• And lastly, you all would have heard about the destruction and devastation currently being experienced in the Dandenongs. At this time of year, that is exactly where we would be conducting our winter strength riding.  Obviously, we won’t be heading up that way this year.  Instead, we will be varying our rides to build strength in other locations.  We are encouraging athletes to continue meeting up to ride outdoors as much as possible.  However, we’ve made an early judgment call to prioritize a quality indoor session for this Saturday.  All the details are below on how to join the Zwift or Zoom ride.

Big kudos to all those athletes who completed our virtual Winter Camp over the long weekend.  They had a big spike in their training load and completed four days of running, riding, dryland swimming and strength work.  This culminated in a handicapped simulated triathlon for a big final day.  Well done to all, but especially to Paul who clocked up some big kms and Matty who did this and ticked off every session!  Camp athletes have all been recovering this week and will reap the benefits in the weeks to come.

I’ve carried over Coach Gaz’ deep dive into FTP testing this week, to give you a bit more time to get your heads around it and to reach out to him with any questions that may have come up for you.  And being recovery week, it’s a good time to remind you to get reacquainted with your foam roller!  There are so many benefits to this, but head below to read the top 4 reasons why you should be rollin’.

(>* hits repeat on the latest track…) As I said last week, we will wait for further advice about what will happen next week before sending out our next newsletter.  Of course, we will always be in touch when we know more.  For now…keep well, keep training, keep connected.