Time to Move to the Summer Timetable

As we transition into the beautiful month of October, we're excited to talk about the shift in our training timetable to align with the upcoming Pre-Competition Phase. The ‘switch over’ is in line with daylight savings. Here's what you can expect as we kick off our Summer Training Timetable:

Brick/Combo Sessions (Swim/Bike/Run): We're introducing brick sessions to help you master the challenges of swiftly transitioning from water to bike and then to the run. These sessions will improve your endurance and agility, essential skills for success.

Open Water Swimming Skills: Jump back into the bay and into the world of open water swimming. Perfect your technique and build the confidence needed to tackle the open water.

Triathlon-Specific Skills: Get ready to fine-tune your triathlon skills, including transitions. These sessions will make you more efficient and competitive on race day.

Variety for All: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned Short Course athlete, we've got something for everyone. Expect aquathons, duathlons and enduros to add excitement and prepare you physically and mentally.

Fun Times Ahead: While we're serious about your training, we also want you to have fun along the way. Be prepared for sessions that not only challenge you but also keep you connected as you work alongside your tri-buddies.

For our Long Course athletes, October will be a month of building volume and intensity in preparation for your key long course races in November and December. It's the perfect opportunity to train in some better weather and stretch to achieve those personal bests.

Here's the lowdown on the session changes:

• Thursday Night Running at The Tan and Essendon: Last Session: The last session for these locations will be on the 28th of September.
• Thursday Nights at Elwood Beach: Thursday nights will move back to Elwood Beach. Enjoy a combo session or a dedicated run session. Please check your individual programs for details. Sessions commence at 6 pm.
• Saturday Morning Rides for Long Course Athletes: Saturday morning rides for our Long Course athletes will continue as usual.
• Saturday Morning Combo Session for Short Course Athletes: The Saturday morning session for Short Course athletes will become a combo session at Elwood Beach. Get ready to roll at 7 am. Don't forget to bring everything you need for swim, bike, and run - it's going to be a packed session!
• Sunday Long Rides for Short Course Athletes: Short Course athletes should schedule a long ride on Sunday mornings if it's on their programs.
• Sunday Run Sessions at Fairfield: Last Session: The last Sunday run session at Fairfield will be held on the 1st of October.
• Sundays at Elwood Beach: Sunday training will now take place at Elwood Beach. Open Water Swim: Kick off the day with a 7 am open water swim. Long Run: Following the swim, we have an 8 am long run session. Make sure to check your programs for specific distances. Important Note: Open Water swim sessions are intended for confident and competent athletes only.

We're looking forward to seeing you at these sessions, ready to embrace the upcoming season with enthusiasm and determination.

Wednesday Night Session Change

We've got a change to our Wednesday night swim sessions that we want to chat with you about and explain the nitty gritty.

Why the Change?

So, here's the scoop: Starting October 11th, the outdoor pool at MSAC is going to be full of Water Polo Victoria's Summer Comp. Due to their comp schedule (only confirmed last Monday!), there will be no lane availability for our squad. We originally had plans to rock Wednesday nights there, but you know how things go - sometimes the pool plans take an unexpected dive (>>pun intended<<).

What's the New Plan?

Now, here's the cool part - we've got an ace up our sleeve that we believe will continue to provide you with the best training experience possible. Our squad members who were previously swimming on Wednesday night (formerly the good ol' Wednesday morning Lane 0) will now have the opportunity to train at 5:45 am in the indoor lap pool with Coach Steph. This session will have three dedicated 25m lanes and will run from October 4th through until Christmas.

MSAC Pool Protocol

Okay, so let's break it down. It's important to understand that MSAC is a top-tier State Training Facility, and we're incredibly lucky to have access to it. However, there is a priority system in place that gives the big guns, like governing bodies and national/state training teams, get first dibs on the pool. This means that when Water Polo Victoria altered their plans, it had a ripple effect on our availability.

Looking on the Bright Side

Despite this change, we see it as a positive move forward. It brings our entire squad together on Wednesday mornings, even if it's in two separate pools. This adjustment ensures that you continue to receive the high-quality coaching and training environment that you deserve.

Acknowledging Disruption

We want to acknowledge the disruption and inconvenience this may cause for some of our members. We understand that this change may not suit everyone, and for that, we apologise unreservedly. Please know that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the best possible solution for you. Your training experience and success are our top priorities, and we will go the extra mile to ensure you have access to the best training facility in Melbourne.

We're All Ears

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. We are here to listen and discuss any issues further. Your feedback is invaluable, and it enables us to provide additional information and clarity as needed. We firmly believe that sharing concerns is a step toward finding solutions, and we are fully committed to helping you achieve your goals.

A Part of the Journey

Change is a constant in our journey, and we view this as just another piece in the puzzle, another strategic move on the chessboard to help you succeed. Your success is our ultimate goal, and we'll stop at nothing to get you there.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and dedication to your training. We look forward to seeing you at the pool and supporting you on your journey to success.

Disruption to Distribution

We've got some important news to share regarding your favourite KODA Electrolyte Tablets. But don't worry, it's not all gloom and doom – we've got a plan to keep you fuelled and hydrated through the upcoming months!

You may have already seen, that as of November 30, 2023, there are some changes happening in the world of tablet-based products. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has rolled out new regulations, and guess what? Tablets, including our beloved KODA effervescent ones, are now officially classified as 'medicine.' Yup, you heard it right!

Now, let's rewind a bit. Before a fiery mishap back in July 2020, their trusty contract manufacturer had a TGA license. Transitioning would've been a breeze. But following that curveball, there was a switch to a new manufacturer, who is currently in the process of obtaining their TGA license, which, as you might have guessed, takes time. KODA is looking at somewhere in 2024 for the green light.

Here's the catch – there's going to be a gap between November 30, 2023, when these new regulations kick in, and when KODA finally secure their TGA license. During this period, we also won't be able to provide you with KODA Electrolyte Tablets under the current labelling.

So, here's the game plan: If you're gearing up for races from December to March and KODA is your go-to training and racing fuel, it's time to stock up! You can place your order with us until the end of November 2023. Grab as much as you need to see you through this gap and keep those energy levels up during your races. The Berry, Lemon, and Orange flavours have lengthy best-before dates, so you can rest easy knowing your supply will last.

Time to Enter?

One of the amazing benefits of your Tri-Alliance Annual Membership is your gift of 20% off your race entries!!!! That's a huge saving and we want all of you to use it.

So, here's the deal...

You will only be able to take advantage of this offer when:

a) you enter under TRI-ALLIANCE

and

b) you do it AT THE TIME of registration (it cannot be applied retrospectively).

When you are entering, select "TRI-ALLIANCE" as your club and hit "JOIN". It will prompt you for a password, which you can get by choosing "Click here to request it". That triggers a request to us for approval. Once done, you'll receive an email with the code and voila!

If the above scenario does not happen you won't be able to get your discount and you won't be linked to us. So ensure it has my name (Michelle Allan) attached to the club request and you cannot go wrong!