On New Year’s Eve, Patrick and I flew from Minnesota to Australia to join the Wollongong Wizards in Falls Creek, Australia. I am so happy to be back with the Wizards. I missed not only the people, but also the structure of training.
While at home over break, I got married and felt like I was constantly traveling for work/sponsors. Time flew by in Minnesota. Patrick and I were at our St Paul, MN home for 66 days in 2014. Travel can get tiring and it makes me miss the repetitiveness of training.
In Falls Creek, we build slowly into training and take the altitude into consideration (1600m). It’s enjoyable to have time to watch TV and catch up with the Wizards. Currently I’m watching Suits and some of ESPN’s 30 for 30 shows. It’s a slow paced life, and something I need after a busy year and busier off season.
In 2015 I will be focusing on the WTS series, but my main focus will be to qualify for the Olympic Games. I will target the test event in Rio. In order to achieve my goals, I have a lot of hard work ahead of me. It won’t be easy, but I’m motivated. In training, there are a few things I want to accomplish this year.
In my swim, I want to build strength and focus on technique and the process instead of outcomes and the time clock.
On the bike, I want to push the limits both physically and mentally. In the off season, I was determined to master cylcocross and mountain biking. I am no off road expert, but I’m learning. In 2014, I rode more than I ever have, and I loved it because I felt myself get stronger, faster, and gain new skills. However, there was one strength workout I never mastered. It was an uphill 15-22 minute effort where cadence was structured (i.e. first five minutes at cadence 50-60, five minutes at cadence 60-70, etc.). I had target power numbers to hit, but week after week, I never came close to the power outage Jamie wanted. The last time I attempted the workout I was riding up Urbassa in Vitoria. It was a beautiful day, but I got to the top of the hill, and started to break down. I was upset. I’ve failed workouts before, but I rarely fail the same workout over and over and over again. Hopefully this year I’ll get the opportunity to beat this workout.
In the run, I want to be consistent.
It will be a tough year. New players will be in the game, along with experienced ones. Everyone will have their eye on qualifying for the Olympics. Let the fun begin!
This was my first day in Australia: January 2nd. I was excited to see two Wizards: Grace Musgrove and Aaron Royle.
First run of 2015 with the Wollongong Wizards
This is a new addition to our Australian home in Wollongong thanks to the Allen Family. I love it!
A rainy walk back from the trails in Falls Creek with Ellen Pennock.