Turning Japanese

Returning to training and work after to 2 weeks snowboarding in Japan, in perfect powder conditions might I add, can only be described as devastating! To kick start it all I did a solo 60 min run after arriving at 2am that morning and then backing it up the next day with a 1.5 hr OW swim, with the swim coach that doesn’t rest till your goggle crying, and then a solo 2.5 hr ride to Yancheep and back. As strange as it sounds this is the only way I know how, all or nothing is in my blood! First day back at work 4:30am start with a 2 hr ride ( this time with friends thank god) and then running intervals at night! Getting the balance between recovery and the red zone is something my coach and I are constantly working on as I had dug a pretty deep hole before I left for Japan. Had a few days bed ridden and couldn’t get on top of the fatigue, my car boot was doubling as its normal function a wardrobe and also a bed.

Pic 1: Pretty much sums up the Japan holiday, constantly stoked!!

When I was riding out to Yanchep on my own for my first ride back I thought more than once ‘why am I doing this? I should just run away and do a season at the snow or get back into surfing!’ ‘Why do I do this? Why cant I just be a normal person?’ Then as I got further into the ride and lost myself I remembered what got me into this sport in the first place, the drive to see what I am capable of and striving to be the best I can be, also making my parents and loved ones proud as I see the joy my racing brings them! The bike starts to feel like it is one with me and I feel this urge to continue riding just a bit further and further, but my lack of water and aclimatation from -10 to +30 gets the best of me and I head home! Then in the interest of keeping a balance I had an hour nap, went for a surf and had a beer on the beach with my hubby!

I cant remember where I heard this but it is something that keeps me ontrack - this life is not a rehearsal!

Pic 2: Always fun racing with friends!

First race back – Karri Valley – wow people warned it would be hard but man oh man 2 weeks off on a tough coarse HURTS! And then of coarse I accidently cut the bike leg short and had to go back out after racking my bike and putting on my running shoes! But just like everything in this sport the lesson has been learnt the hard way! The support from my team and spectators got me through as once I start something I finish it!

Pic 3: 2nd go at transition :p

The thought off pulling out did enter my mind about a million times, as I ruined any chances of a decent time, but my parents and Luke kept me true to myself and kept reminding me I had to do what was right! I have also had major issues with cramps before and had thought I was ontop of it as the last couple of races I hadnt got any but Karri Valley was gonna bring out everything and I had to battle the cramps through the bike and the run! All this and I still have to say Karri Valley was one of the most awesome races I have ever done, it is super challenging and tests you in every way, exposing any weakness and forcing you to dig deep! Oh and the after party was heaps of fun! I cant wait to do this race next year as I believe I have alot more to give and love the tough syle of racing!

Pic 4: Absolutely beautiful run and hurt locker!

Now onto a big training block for Busso, time to get the hard work done (my favourite bit) :D see you on the otherside!