Let’s start with a HUGE congratulations to our latest Ironman athletes: Jimmy, Michelle and Michelle.  We are SUPER proud of their efforts, achievements and downright determination to go out and cross that finish line with their heads held high.  Jimmy for his ‘comeback race’ which turned out to be his BEST Ironman yet.  To Michelle P for not only finishing her first Ironman but having to jump a major hurdle along the way (not even a bike crash will keep this lady down!) and kept a smile on her face the entire day.  And to Michelle G who had qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs in France later this year….who hoo! Head to the weekend wrap up to read their reflections of the day.  We also had Lotte racing at the OTU Sprint Triathlon Oceania Championships in Devonport over the weekend, finishing as 4^th elite female amongst strong competition.

As you may know, our MSAC squad session have continued to go from strength to strength and as a result we are seeing the standard from our athletes lift as we all work together to better ourselves.  But due to the popularity and lane availability, we need to ensure we have all athletes swimming at the sessions that are best suited to their needs.  Please take time to revisit our Swim Squad
Criteria and Pool Swimming Etiquette guide, to understand why/what will best benefit YOU as an athlete in your progression to improve.  Speaking of swimming, our feature article this week is all about the wetsuit pants we’ve seen popping up at squad.  What’s your thoughts?!?!

Now Race#5 of the 2XU series is right around the corner with our trip down to Portarlington less than 2 weeks away!  Check out the details below regarding racing, training and accommodation.  And if you’re after some Shotz nutrition, there’s a 1 off deal below that I know someone will need!

And before we let you loose, quick explanation about training this week and next.  You will have noticed we’ve continued to push through this week (with early mornings and intensity – and this will be reflected in your program) and to hold recovery week over until next week.  Couple of reasons….1/with the upcoming impact from the GP, logistically this structure works in our favour and 2/we’re strategically planning the lighter sessions to lead you in to Race Week.  So, carry on as usual this week and next week bear in mind:

• Monday – public holiday (no coached sessions)
• Tuesday – recovery week (no coached AM run session)
• Thursday – recovery week (no AM hot laps)
• Saturday – race recon in Portarlington
• Sunday – Race Day!

We have a great swim program, with multiple sessions available to all athletes.  Due to the popularity and lane availability at venues, we need to ensure we have all athletes swimming at the time and venue that is best suited to their needs.  Therefore, we thought it was a good time to revisit our swim squad criteria to help athletes grade themselves into the correct ability groups, encourage them to learn the developmental continuum of swim levels and understand why/what will best benefit them as an athlete in their progression to improve.  Please take the time to review these, as well as our Pool Swimming Etiquette guide.  From beginners to our advanced athletes, we want to ensure every swimmer has a great swim, maintains their confidence and correct technique.  So do your best to observe and follow the pool rules.

Foremost....Have you booked your spot on the start line yet?  Now I know you all heard my spiel about your call to action, and the appeal to get behind the *Team Spirit*...so no more needs to be said, right? R.I.G.H.T!

But what about some more details about the weekend.  Well, lots of us make the trip down the highway Friday, are there for a race recon training session Saturday morning, help with the TA Taj constrcution and Tips 'n Tricks around lunch, hang out time for Saturday afternoon/night, then we race and support Sunday before heading home.  Sound like fun?

Well, I'm offering to be offical coordinator to get as many of us there as possible.  So please send me a message if:
a) you have some accommodation with a spare bed or two
b) you are looking for somewhere to stay
OR
c) you have something else to share with me!
I'll do my best and if there's enough peeps looking, maybe you could all find a place together.

Oh and in case you forgot......It's close...and I mean, real close!
SO...we wanna see EVERYONE signed up to the last 2 races to help bring home the bacon.  That's right, WE NEED YOU.

C'mon, get behind the amazing TA spirit and BRING IT HOME!

"I must confess I have a sweet tooth…. so here is a recipe I cook when having friends over and trying to be on the healthier side. Although they won’t be able to tell that from this recipe as it is still equally as delicious. This recipe is from Jessica Sepel and if you haven’t check out her recipes as they are quick and easy.
Let me know if you like it, or if you want more restaurant recommendations for post training, recipes and some content from the Podiatry world coming your way."

Friendly reminder, windtrainer sessions are very busy! Firstly, you need to get there in plenty of time to set up and be ready to ride at 6.15pm. Secondly, due to high numbers, there are not always enough windtrainers to go around. Athletes who have their own windtrainer are encouraged to bring them along to sessions and if you have been thinking about getting one, now might be the time to do it! If you’re looking for a secondhand windtrainer or if you have any questions, send an email to [email protected]

We also have a whole bunch of NEW skewers (on order - we sold out too quickly so be patient while the new ones come in) - for sale only.  Existing athletes need to ensure they have the correct skewer to attend wind trainer sessions going forward.  You can purchase these from us at session with cash or card, or you can pre-purchase on the Tri Shop website prior to the session commencing.  Cost $10.

MultiSport GPS Watch With Maps, Music, Metrics and More

• Premium multisport GPS smartwatch with wrist heart rate technology¹ and colour TOPO maps featuring Trendline^™ popularity routing to help you find and follow the best paths
• Fit for adventure with rugged design that features stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel, buttons and rear case
• Easily store and play up to 500 songs on your watch, and connect with Bluetooth^®  headphones (sold separately) for phone-free listening
• Garmin Pay™ contactless payment solution² lets you make convenient payments with your watch
• Built-in navigation sensors include three-axis compass, gyroscope and barometric altimeter as well as multisatellite (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) network capability to track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
• Battery performance: up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 8 hours in GPS mode with music (depending on settings)

This offer is NOT available to the public.  
Must email Ollie on link below to secure this deal
WAS $1599....now $1280

It's somewhat back to normal this weekend, so let's aim for some solid training sessions.  Know where to be, what time, what to bring and what to expect from each session #TrainingWithPurpose
Quick overview of the weekend ahead:
THURSDAY
Hot Laps @ Albert Park 5:45am (int/adv athletes only)
+ 
Combo or Run @ Elwood 6pm
TTT 6:30pm

FRIDAY
Swim @ MSAC 5:45am

SATURDAY
LC Ride @ Elwood 6:30am (refer to programs for details) 
SC Combo @ Elwood 7am
TTT#5&6 @ 9:30am
 
SUNDAY
Open Water Swim @ Elwood 7am*
+ 
Long Run @ Elwood 8am*

* The General is looking forward to seeing all long course athletes at this session!