Hi,
Wanaka, which is 5hrs drive South of Christchurch, has been my training base since the 21st of February, 1 day before the terrible earthquake hit my home city. I trained at altitude at Snowfarm for 3 weeks with a Tri NZ camp. Then came down to compete in the Oceania Championships in Wellington. I punctured, so what else can I say, my race was over. I changed the wheel but entered the run almost 3minutes behind with the 2nd bunch. Ashleigh Gentle ran a 33.47 split and blitz her way up to 3rd behind Vicky Holland GBR and Vendula Frintova CZE. I ran 35.51 and finished in 7th. I felt a lot better than I did in Takapuna 3 weeks before. Now, with 2 races done I have some final preparations back down south in Wanaka for a month until Sydney. Laurent has been reading the Arthur Lydiard book and he calls this the last part of the conditioning phase. The training down here is quiet. It's a small town, which is only busy during events and holiday seasons. The scenery is like looking at a postcard.
I spent a nice weekend with Mum, she flew down for a relaxing holiday as Dad was over in Melbourne to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix. I am thankful to have Laurent and James Elvery here, living and training together. The weekend training alone just wasn't the same when they were away in Mooloolaba competing in the World Cup.
