CAIRNS CHALLENGE 2011
After the Cairns Challenge on the weekend it brought the number of BTS athletes that completed an Iron Distance event over the last 6 months to 23. Of those 14 did their first one and the times ranged from 9.59 to 15.20.
The Cairns Challenge while not a IM branded race, it did not take away from the success of the event. The local community seemed to really embrace the race and as always USM did a great job organising it.
Over the full distance, half and teams event we had 18 people make the trip to race plus a great team of supporters who made all the difference. Must say a special thanks to Shane Carlon and his family who live in Cairns. They lent the BTS crew a big 4WD for the days in Cairns which was a God send.
On race day the weather was perfect and all that went away have said they will be back next year. Other than Marjorie and Johnny Van Rooyen everyone doing the full distance it was their first attempt at an iron distance event.
For a spectator it wasn't as good as other events as you couldn't really watch the swim and bike but once the run got into the centre of Cairns it was fantastic. However for the competitors it was truly a great course with the ride to Port Douglas and back a real highlight.
At the end of the day we had another awesome outcome for the BTS athletes who raced:
Andrew Callow: Completed the race like he was a veteran of long course racing despite it being his first. Did not miss a beat to cross the line in 10.38 and having grown up in Cairns it was a real highlight for Andrew to do his first Iron Distance race there.
Andrew comes from a weights/gym background and only a couple of years ago was 85kg of muscle and his mates called him protein due to his love of eating lots of protein to get big. Now he weighs in it a lean 69kg and has a huge future ahead as his body really adapted well to the training.
Ray Pogi: The big man from Samoa is a walking advertisement for having a positive attitude. His body is not built for long distance racing and over the training period he had to overcome shoulder, knee and back injuries which meant a lot of water running and very little actual running.
Despite these setbacks he was always upbeat and positive lifting those around him. On race day he continued to smile all the way to the finish with a 11.23. However it was the next day that Ray came into his own when he won the beer mile along the Cairns Esplanade.
Jacqui Elliott: Had a great prep despite a minor foot injury towards the end and really finished strongly to record a 12.21 across the line. Jacqui has come along way since doing her first triathlon a few years ago.
She has been with BTS since the beginning and is one of our life members so it was great to see her complete her first Iron distance race in such a good time.
Shane Carlon: Another Cairns local who had some great family support on the day. Shane has a big back ground in adventure racing but this was his first Iron distance race.
He was consistent across all 3 legs to finish in 12.43 with his family there to share it with him. Another one of our beginner course graduates from a couple of years ago.
Johnny Van Rooyen: The hairy leg warrior who doesn't own a pair of speedos. Johnny is truly from the old school and despite my insistence that he should shave his legs and buy some speedos so he can swim faster he won't do it.
A true gentleman Johnny was backing up for another crack at Iron distance after completing Forster IM many years ago. He had a great day running across the line with his daughters to finish in 12.48.
Belinda Daniels: Belinda is an example to anyone that with hard work and a great attitude anything is possible. She has come so far since joining BTS almost 3 years ago including losing a lot of weight and getting her race times down considerably.
He finish time of 14.51 was a great result and it has been a real pleasure to see her complete her first Iron distance race.
Marjorie Van Rooyen: The other half of the Van Rooyen super team Marjorie never stops smiling no matter how hard it gets. With her daughters winning the title of the best cheer squad on the course Marjorie powered along to finish in 15.20.
In the half event we had Ben Hargreaves, Mel Collie and Claire Schneider all complete their first half distance race. They all did well despite the heat on the run so if you're looking for a great half this is one to do.
Additionally Paul Thistelton racked up another half with a 4.54 and Suz McCarthy had a solid race to place 3rd in the 25-29 ladies with a 5.05.
As a weekend away and race to do Cairns is a must do. The scenery, weather and the course are all first class. I would recommend a hire car to make things easier as the only downside is the distance between the swim/bike transition and the run finish in town.
In all areas I thought it was good as an IM event although the after party at IM events are better. IM will always have the lure of Kona and the recognised brand but Challenge have set the bar high and I'm sure Cairns in years to come will be a massive event on the Australian Triathlon Calendar.
FROM THE TEAM AT ACTIVE STRIDE
The last few weeks have seen new ranges of shoes arrive from Asics, Brooks, Mizuno and Nike, as well as the Garmin Forerunner 610 - all in time for winter training and up coming marathons. Active Stride will be at the Gold Coast Marathon, and the new Fast Track Corporate Running Series.
On Sunday 26th June - Gold Coast Marathon race kit collection day at Southbank Piazza, we're having a sale! There will be a tent set up outside the Southbank store. All shoes in this tent will be 50% off. Drop by for some great bargains and any last minute race gear.
Active Stride will also have a stand at the Gold Coast Marathon Expo. We'll have the latest from Garmin, Suunto and Moving Comfort bras.
Garmin Forerunner 610
The first to put GPS on runners' wrists just tipped off a whole new race. With a touch, tap or swipe, Forerunner 610 lets you get on with your run while it tracks all the details.
There's been great feedback about the 610's so far - everyone's liking the thinner design and touch screen. Keep the feedback coming!You can let other runner's know your experience through product reviews on our website, or leave a comment on our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Active-Stride/361791090115
Garmin Approach G3 - Golf
Give your game a boost of confidence with Approach G3, a rugged, waterproof, touchscreen golf device packed with over 600 preloaded golf course maps. Approach uses a high-sensitivity GPS receiver to measure individual shot distances and show the exact distance to fairways, hazards and greens.
Check out our Myer Centre store for other golf and outdoor devices.
Mizuno Wave Rider 14 Men's and Women's
Wave Rider 14. Incredibly slick transition and ride now with improved fit and cushioning.
Fast Track
Fast Track is a new corporate running series organised by chem. It starts in July, so jump on the chem website for more info, and register your team http://www.chem.net.au/fasttrack/
Active Stride - Southbank, Brisbane
Active Stride Sports Instruments - Myer Centre, Brisbane
Phone: 1300 719 702
www.activestride.com.au
SALLY GARRAD - SPORTS DIETITIAN
Our great friend and dietitian from Apple to Zucchini nutrition Sally Garrad is about to go on leave to have her first child. Sally has arranged another dietitian, Angelique Clark to run her clinic for her whilst she is away.
Angelique like Sally comes from a sporting background and for all BTS clients seeing Sally she will take over while Sally is away.
If you're after some great results with an eating plan for energy or weight loss make an appointment www.appletozucchini.com.au
TRAINING
You may have noticed on the training calendar that the Tue and Wed morning sessions are from different locations each week. With the emphasis on some easier longer sessions it is a great time to try out the different coffee shops in Brisbane.
With winter now here join us for a coffee or hot chocolate after the sessions. Whilst it is cold once you're up and about it is a great time of year to train and finish with a hot brew amongst friends.
For those on bike camp this weekend that will certainly be part of the plan. Get some long miles in and then finish with a coffee at some of the best locations on the Sunshine Coast. For those not heading to bike camp use the long weekend as an opportunity to get in some easy miles around Brisbane.
MEDILIGHT PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL AND SKIN REJUVINATION MOST IMPROVED FEMALE ATHLETE
Thanks to our friends at Medilight www.medilight.com.au the most improved female athlete for June is Claire Schneider. Claire completed her first half distance event at Cairns on the weekend in a time of 5.47.
Claire is a strong cyclist but has really worked on her swim and run which meant a great race in Cairns. For her efforts Claire wins a $99 voucher from Medilight.
AQUA SHOP VOUCHER
The random draw voucher to the value of $50 from Aqua Shop this month goes to Merinda Eckart.
GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
We are losing two of our members to overseas this month. Martin Collinson is heading home to England after three years in Australia while Tahlia Murdoch and her husband Connor are heading to Denver with work.
Both Martin and Tahlia completed our beginner courses a couple of years ago. In that time they both had some great results and became very popular members of the squad so it sad to see them go.
From everyone at BTS we thank them for their support and wish them all the best.
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