Doesn’t it really feel like Summer?  How good has the weather been and it looks like it’s continuing for this week too.  Bit of sunshine is good for the soul, so let’s make the most of it!

Athletes are continuing to return to the squad after some time off, enjoying holidays with the family.  It’s great to see the smiling faces again and feeling the momentum building from within.  And we should see more and more with the following timelines emerging:

• 13 days until Race #4 at Sandringham
• 27 days until Ironman 70.3 Geelong
• 41 days until Race #5 at Elwood
• 48 days until Challenge Shepparton
• 55 days until Ironman 70.3 Melbourne
• 62 days until Race #6 at St Kilda
• 97 days until Ironman Australia (Port Macquarie)

If those numbers don’t make you get on wriggle on, I don’t know what will!  Long Course athletes should have chatted with a coach and have their plans in place for at least the first half of this year.  The builds have started and if you want to be on board, don’t miss the train!  Coaches are very happy to meet up with anyone looking for advice and some coaches now have availability to take on personalised athletes.

Speaking of which, we thought it time to get to know our coaches a little more!  We have lots of new athletes to the squad and some of you may have forgotten just how wonderful (and experienced) the coaches are.  So we’ll start profiling our coaches individually so you can learn what makes them tick and see if they could be just the right person for you to talk to.  First up, is none other than Coach Gaz!  Not one to talk himself up, this man has achieved a lot and has a wealth of knowledge to share in all things swim, bike, run and coffee!  And we know how much he likes the spotlight (not), so make sure you give him a razz after you read all about Coach Gaz.

More good news, MSAC have confirmed that they are increasing their opening hours as of today!  So, it’s back to usual sessions for us.  Don’t forget that Wednesday is Australia Day public holiday, so there will not be a coached session.  However, with the weather looking to be so good, why wouldn’t you want to grab your buddies and head down for an open water swim.

We also have word that the Albert Park track’s resurfacing works have now been completed.  So Hot Laps will be on this Thursday morning, meeting at 5:40am out the front of the MSAC main entrance.  Please meet coaches early for a briefing and any last-minute change of course.

And finally, I have noticed several articles/blogs being circulated over the last week, on how to safely return to exercise after recovering from COVID-19.  As coaches we are always seeking information to help our athletes and until now, this had been limited in this area.  We know the benefits of moving your body and getting the endorphins flowing, however we also know there can be implications for going too hard, too soon and are continually gathering anecdotal evidence from athletes that it's not that simple for everyone.  This week, I have included links to just two that I have come across, which may be of interest.  Of course, this is not medical advice and each athlete will have a different path and journey, so you need to listen to your health team if this is relevant for you.  But there seems to be a consistent message of, take your time and return slowly.

Happy training!  Enjoy the sunshine and stay hydrated 😊

Okey dokey crew.  It seems that things are getting back on track.  Good news is that MSAC have advised they are increasing their opening hours as of today!  So squad sessions this week will be:
Monday @ 6.15pm - 7.30pm
Wednesday - no session - Australia Day public holiday
Friday @ 5.45am - 7.00am

The weather is looking amazing on Wednesday, so if you can, grab a crew and head to some open water to turn the arms over.

In the sport of triathlon, Gary has completed and placed in age group category at Sprint, Olympic, 70.3 and Ironman distances. Gary is a 7-time Ironman finisher, having qualified for, and completed the Ironman World Championships at Kona Hawaii in 2018.
In the sport of cycling Gary raced as an A grade masters cyclist for several years, and is a former age group Victorian Criterium Champion. He also placed at the National Veterans Road Championships. Gary has won and placed at numerous Club, Regional and Metropolitan Championships in Criteriums, Road Races and Time Trials.
Gary has also participated in Marathons, Half Marathons, and countless other organised running events. He also has competed and placed highly in some open water swimming events. Gary draws extensive experience from all the sports of triathlon over a period of many years. He also knows what it's like to compete as an athlete from beginner through to Championship level, giving him insight in to the various needs of athletes at different levels.

To learn even more about our Gaz, follow the link below...

There seems to be more and more articles being circulated out there on how to safely return to exercise after recovering from COVID-19.  And whilst we know the benefits of moving your body and getting the endorphins flowing, we are continually gathering anecdotal evidence from athletes that it's not that simple for everyone.  

These are just two that I have come across this week, that may be of interest. 

The first is an article published by the ABC, who interviewed a personal trainer for his experience and a senior lecturer at University of Melbourne's department of physiotherapy, who specialises in intensive care patient recover.

The second is an infographic from the British Journal of Sports Medicine.  The information on returning to play, takes into account public health guidelines in the UK, but it is anticipated that the content is relevant more widely.  It is applicable to performance athletes who have had mild to moderate illness.

The following links will direct you to the original sources.