Mooloolaba Tri Race Report - Andrea

This weekend has been a rollercoaster of emotions as I was privileged to be involved as part of the para world triathlon Oceania championships in Mooloolaba, QLD. 
Let's go back a step, or a couple ... in fact Dec 2023 when Tanya first suggested that I ask Ollie the question - do you think I would be eligible as a para triathlete? Ollie replied, I think so .... want to go to Worlds? At which I looked at Tanya and laughed hysterically.
This led to national classification last April in Woolongong, on the Worlds course .... with a few transition infringements ... 
Then an offer to be internationally classified with expected travel to Devonport, Tassie .... which then got moved to Aukland NZ, which then moved to Runaway Bay, Gold Coast .... then finally lined up with Mooloolaba Tri. Yes, the 4th venue.
I got a phone call 2 days after my flights were booked (2 weeks out) to tell me that my paperwork looked borderline and that I might not make the minimal disability requirements. 
This was difficult, going into classification, but I'd decided to try anyway. I was put through a number of strength and mobility tests, catch tests, lift tests to be told I was still borderline, I can race, but I won't know if I'm classified until after the race. 
Race reccy was cancelled due to torrential rain.  Athlete briefing was so exciting as I was in a room with a number of athletes with very similar bodies to me, they do things the same! 
After race briefing was a quick fast track into elite athlete life as I got whisked away for a drug test. Im still laughing about that! 
The swim was cancelled, turned into a hard track duathlon ..... my actual dream. 
Then as I'm about to go to the race start - an Oceania's Tech Official moves out the way to reveal Tanya... IN TRANSITION! I'm still not sure how she sweet-talked her way in there, but hey! TA support was just what I needed. 
Conditions were super hilly, hot and muggy .... I was really hurting in the second run. 
It looks like I might have a female peer in Aus after Grace Brimelow got reclassified as PTS5 - which is my category. 
Thanks to my support team from TA who asked to be kept in the loop. Your messages of support made the weekend a lot less lonely. 
See you at a training session soon! 
On to Pars Nationals, Runaway Bay - 5th May! unless they change the venue .......

Save the Date – End of Season Party! 🎉

The tri season may be winding down, but we’re not done celebrating just yet! 🥳

We’ll be throwing a massive End of Season Party in May to celebrate everything this incredible squad has achieved - the races, the milestones, the comebacks, the first-timers, the PBs, the perseverance, and the people.

📅 Date: 17th May (mark it now!)

We’ll be dropping more details in the coming weeks, but for now, clear your calendars, spread the word, and don’t even think about missing it.

Let’s come together one last time to toast the season, share a laugh (or a dance move), and finish the season on a high! 💙💛

Join Us in Thailand!

There’s a reason our Thanyapura, Phuket training camp sells out every year. Athletes who attend come back stronger, faster, and more motivated than ever. By training in Thanyapura’s world-class facilities (complete with an Olympic-sized pool, professional tracks, and high-performance coaching), you’ll break through your current barriers and reach a new level of racing confidence.

Packages & Inclusions

• 9 nights’ accommodation at Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort

• Full board meals (daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• Expert-led coaching sessions, including swim, bike, and run

• Round-trip airport transfers (including bike transport)

• Three 2-hour massages

• Access to recovery, gym, and group classes

Starting Price

• Packages begin at THB 50,945 (approx. AUD 2,405) per person.

Why You Don’t Want to Miss Out

Accelerated Fitness: Intense, structured sessions in swim, bike, and run help you build stamina and strength quickly.
Boosted Confidence: Push yourself further than you thought possible, surrounded by like-minded triathletes and expert coaching staff.

Expert Support: Tailored guidance on technique, pacing, and strategy - walk away better prepared for upcoming races.

Proven Results: Past attendees have returned stronger and enjoyed personal bests in subsequent races.

Don’t miss this opportunity to break away from your routine, challenge your limits, and return home ready to conquer your next race. Spots fill fast, so secure yours now - and see just how far you can go!

Off-Season Running – The Secret Weapon for Next Season’s Success

With tri season wrapped up, now’s a great time to switch gears, reset the body and mind, and lock in a new goal. Choosing a running event (like a half marathon or 10km) gives your training some structure, keeps you motivated, and sets the foundation for even stronger triathlon performances when the next season rolls around.

Why run now? Glad you asked...

💨 Boost Your Endurance: Consistent run training improves aerobic capacity, which translates directly into stronger triathlon legs come race season.

🧠 Mental Reset: A single-sport focus gives your brain a break from the complexity of triathlon training. It’s a great way to stay sharp without the burnout.

🦵 Injury Prevention: Run-specific strength and technique work helps iron out imbalances and can keep you more resilient when you’re back doing all three.

And let’s not forget - there’s something awesome about race-day energy, ticking off new goals, and being part of that running community vibe.

What’s Coming Up in Melbourne?

📅 Run Melbourne – 13 July 2025
Distances: 5.5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
Flat, scenic course through the heart of the city.

📅 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival – 12 October 2025
Distances: From a 2.5K walk to the full marathon
Iconic finish at the MCG. A must-do on the Melbourne calendar.

💡 Want to train for a specific event or hit a new PB?
We’ve got run programs available designed to target particular events and time goals. Whether you’re chasing your first half or want to break that elusive 50-minute 10K, we can help you get there.

👉 Get in touch with Ollie to chat about your goals and the best plan to help you smash them: [email protected]

One goal now = big gains later. Let’s keep that momentum going! 💙💛

MSAC Pool Closure – Time to Review Your Membership

With MSAC pool closures fast approaching, now is the time to review your membership and make any necessary updates. But don’t rush! We’ll still be swimming right up until Monday, 31st March, so if you want to keep hitting the pool, keep your membership active until at least this date.

🔹 How to Update Your Membership

To make things as easy as possible, you can manage your membership directly through your Tri-Alliance dashboard. We’ve also put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process - check it out below.

Here’s what you need to do:
1️⃣ Log in to your account: www.tri-alliance.com
2️⃣ Go to the MEMBERSHIPS tab
3️⃣ Scroll down to see your active memberships
4️⃣ Use the action button to change, cancel, or renew your membership as needed
5️⃣ Changes take effect from your next scheduled payment date

🔹 Key Reminders
✔️ Membership changes are instant, so plan accordingly.
✔️ Downgrades or cancellations take effect from your next payment date.
✔️ If you need to update payment details, that’s done under your PROFILE section.

If you have questions or need assistance, reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1300 680 874.
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Updating Your Payment Details – Stay on Top of It!

Lately, we’ve noticed an increase in failed payments, and in most cases, it’s simply because card or bank details need updating. Instead of waiting for us to chase you up (because let's be honest, no one enjoys those emails), we’re making it easy for you to stay ahead of it!

🔹 How to Update Your Payment Details
Updating your details is quick and easy.  Just follow the step-by-step guide in the PDF below.

Alternatively, here’s what you need to do:
1️⃣ Log in to your account: www.tri-alliance.com
2️⃣ Go to your PROFILE section and select CHANGE PAYMENT DETAILS
3️⃣ Use the drop-down box to select the membership payment you need to update
4️⃣ Enter your new payment details (credit card or bank account)
5️⃣ Click UPDATE to save your changes

🔹 Important Reminder
You’ll need to update both your Annual Membership and your Weekly Training Membership separately, as these are set up as two separate entries with Ezidebit.

If you have any issues or questions, reach out to us at [email protected] or call 1300 680 874.
🚴‍♂️🏊‍♂️🏃‍♀️💙💛