This week's antics involve a revist from our special guest....Dr Garry.  With unfinished business in the blog department, Gaz has had time to put pen to paper (between all his Kona training) to bring you the latest installment of his reflections from our Thailand Training Camp at Thanyapura.

"So I hope everyone’s been waiting for the answers to the “Pants” puzzle!  But before we get into that (hahahaha), I’d like to say a few things about the camp in general."

Are you fairly new to cycling?  Do you need a little more confidence and know-how to keep your stead rolling along the roads like a dream?  Then listen up!

It’s time for girls to take over the cranks and we’re teaming up with the crew at Giant South Yarra to bring you a bike maintenance session that’s aimed especially for girls.

Why only for girls?? hmmm… we know that sometimes it’s quite intimidating to come to a ride session, where there are loads of peeps with their bikes, just talking bike stuff and mechanic language, and that for some, it’s as plain as Double Dutch!  And not to mention the anxiety that bubbles up if you do get a flat and the awkwardness that ensues when chivalrous gentlemen come to the rescue (a.k.a takeover) almost immediately.   How the heck are you expected to learn?!?

Well, the point of this session is to encourage girls to come together, learn from the best, share stories, ask questions and get the confidence they need to working on their bikes….by themselves.

Training Peaks recently published an article we thought you'd find interesting, and what better time than Recovery Week to not only read and learn, but maybe start doing some core exercises for yourself!
"We all know that “doing core” is important ancillary work for endurance training efforts. However, traditional “ab circuits” (high reps, short rests) actually do very little to prevent injury or provide the stabilizing benefits we are really seeking with “core” work. Furthermore, fitting auxiliary strength work around a busy schedule can prove challenging and may often fall by the wayside. These are some efficient exercises and protocols for runners who want to see specific adaptations to the demands of the sport."

MSAC is turning 21, and we’re putting on a party! 
On Saturday 25 August, join us for a day of fun, fitness and festivities.
? It’s not a birthday party without gifts – there will be prizes, giveaways, and for every guest a FREE 21 Day MSAC Membership* to celebrate our 21st birthday!
?‍ Free classes (book your spot today)
? Come meet special guests gold medal Olympic swimmer Mack Horton, and Australian netball star, Bianca Chatfield, and sign up for a very special skills clinic with them! 
? Come and watch the Melbourne United basketball team train and meet the players 
? Bike tune-ups with Back2Bikes
??? Sports demonstrations and free clinics – come and try a new sport or hone your existing skills!
? Free body composition scans
? Fun and entertainment for the whole family – jumping castles, water slides, pool inflatables, face painting, games and entertainers.
? Food trucks, DJ's, and the KIIS Thunderbirds
Free to the public; our birthday will be a fantastic day and one not to be missed!
*T&C's apply to free 21 Day MSAC Membership offer

We are men - We do manly stuff - We are strong, dependable & tough. But sometimes, the toughest action is to ask for help. Too many men are stuck behind a stereotype, maintaining a stoic & steadfast exterior - & hurting. Help your mates. beyondblue raise awareness & provide support for those affected by anxiety & depression. We'll man up to do something silly, competing @ Sandy Point Half Marathon as Mario & Luigi. Hit 'Give Now', share links & spread the word! Don't take yourself too seriously, it's OK to cry, OK to ask for help. Man up!!

Hi Giant friends & family,
Some of you may have noticed that the websites have now gone live with the option for customers to leave reviews. This applies to all bicycles and gear across both Giant and Liv Australian sites.

We are encouraging all TA members to share your positive experiences with the Giant and Liv range, in the form of a review.  So if you've bought a new bike or some new gear recently, then it's time to fill their pages of all the great service and products we get to play with, with your positiveness. These reviews will also be displayed on the Giant Store websites.
Head over to your favourite product and share your thoughts now!

That’s right, shoes…that are free!! Free for children who currently live in poverty and literally can’t afford shoes…or socks for that matter.  This is where I’m calling upon the amazing TA family to PLEASE HELP!

During my recent travels to Sri Lanka, I was fortunate enough to visit a school and meet some incredible young kids. They are the poorest of the poor. They have very little but were so full of life and love.  I am currently taking shoe donations (including socks) with an aim to collect a minimum of 400 pairs – one pair for every child at the school.

Many of us, including our children, siblings, nieces, nephews etc have a pair of runners that don’t see the light of day and just sit in the back of the cupboard. These pre-loved shoes can literally come back to life and potentially be the first pair of shoes these children will ever own. For some, this will be something they will never forget. But please make sure they are still in reasonable condition.

If you can help, please bring whatever you can to training sessions and I will take them off your hands. I will be attending the TA movie night at the Jam Factory also, so you can bring them along then too.  Thank you legends!!

Contact: Kezza (0402269991 or [email protected])

We have recently been contacted from a member who has some TA kit that is not getting much use.  She'd like to see it go to a good home.  There are a number of pieces, which would be great for someone getting into the sport and just starting out in this somewhat expensive sport of ours!  Everything is about Size 12 and some pieces are like new!  If you are interest shoot me an email and I will put the owner in touch with you.  Just let me know what catches your eye!

“I love the feeling of anticipation that comes from having a huge, scary event on the horizon; in fact, that’s when I have a sense of living life to the fullest.”  KIMBERLEY CHAMBERS
Hi Mates, if just like Kimberley you love the feeling of anticipation that comes from having a scary event ahead, you can't miss this awesome podcast!

Close your eyes and imagine yourself 30 miles off the coast of San Francisco, swimming in the freezing cold, shark-infested waters famously dubbed the Red Triangle. No wetsuit. In the middle of the night.  Most would call this lunacy.  Kimberley Chambers calls this home.

This week’s guest is one of the most accomplished record-setting marathon open water swimmers in the world. Her story is incredibly inspiring, but not for the reasons you might imagine. Her story is inspiring because just nine years ago, Kim was not a swimmer at all, suffering a life-threatening accident that nearly claimed her leg and her overall enthusiasm for life.

The morning started out like every other morning. The New Zealand born former ballerina and rower turned software executive left her San Francisco apartment and accidentally tripped, toppling down a treacherous flight of stairs.  We saved your leg. But it’s unlikely you will walk again.  The doctor’s verdict presented Kim with a choice: accept permanent disability. Or prove them wrong.  Needless to say, she chose the latter.

Absolutely inspiring. Great to listen while driving to work, having lunch at the park or even at the train on the way back home ;)  Have another fantastic week ahead.

Following on from our AWESOME presentation from Michael at our Team Meeting, we promised you a little bit more information.  So, here it is.  Hit the link below to see what Mizuno styles match up to other branded running shoes, and also an article on how to know which is the right shoe to choose.  Also, don't forget our partnership with Sole Motive not only gives you 25% discount on Mizuno's but also provides you with the wealth of knowledge in store to help you make the right decision.