Wollongong’s 2 lighthouses and Conti pools

 

From Abu Dhabi we flew to Sydney and from Sydney we went 70 kilometers south to the beautiful town of Wollongong. Our friends Alex Price and Jamie Turner were an awesome help during our stay and our training in Wollongong. After the first days battling with the jetlag we quickly adapted to the Aussie way of life.

 

 

Riding into the Royal National Park

First week was a recovery week, during these first days we recognized the terrain, on the bike we were riding north and after 50 minutes riding along the coast we rode into the Royal National Park, where roads are quiet and the forest and trees are amazing.

 

 

With Rut at the top of Bald Hill

I was still feeling tired from Abu Dhabi, the long flight and the jetlag, so I took it easy the first week, recovery was the main goal.

 

 

Race start Wollongong Triathlon

Wollongong triathlon was on the weekend and Rut decided to race and do a good quality workout after her win in the short course in Abu Dhabi. This time it was me watching the race from the barriers, taking photos and cheering. Se won her age group but above all she had fun competing, most important thing.

 

Ruti in action

The scenery for the race was beautiful and the atmosphere very nice. More than 1500 triathletes took part in the event during the weekend.

 

Nice run in the park

Next week I got back to serious work, I was feeling much better and recovering the good feelings. I did a long run in the beginning of the week, mid week long ride with a steady pace transition run, by the end of the week I lowered the volume but increased the intensity of the workouts. I did very good swims with Jamie Turner’s squad, all australian fast ITU young guns, was great to be pushed in the pool.

 

In the stairs at the Opera House

Sunday at last I took a rest day and we went to visit Sydney. Sitting on the Opera House stairs many memories from Sydney 2000 Olympics came to my mind, what a great event it was, one of the most spectacular I have ever raced. My result wasn´t great for me but been part of that historic moment was amazing.

 

Moving to Melbourne

On tuesday we were packing again and saying goodbye to Wollongong and the good friends we have there. We arrived to Melbourne and here we are doing our last workouts before the big day on sunday. Don´t miss the race coverage on www.ironmanlive.com is gonna be an exciting race!!