A Balanced Life

Weekend racing

2009-06-25T13:20:00.006+10:00

Sri Chinmoy Hurlstone Park - Sunday 21st June 2009

Kylie Walker.....running!

Tarn and kb

Helmet

Toni & Helmet - 3rd & 4th in age groups.

The triathlon season may be in hibernation but there is plenty of action happening at various running races around Sydney.

Last weekend saw 7 club members front up for race 3 in the Sri Chinmoy series. This was held over a fairly flat course along the Cooks River at Hurlstone Park. Wet weather in the lead up to the race made the course interesting with a giant lake covering part of the path and a long section of sticky mud on another part of the course that had to be carefully negotiated.

Everyone raced the 8km course with 4km and 16km distances also on offer.

Standout performances on the day were from Toni who won 3rd in her age group with a time of 47:36 and from Helmet who came 4th in his age group with a time of 33:07.

Also making huge improvements is Tarn who took 3 mins off her previous 8km race on what was a tougher course. AWESOME!

Club results:

Alison Gilmore 48:37
Rob (Helmet) Lutz 33:07
Adam (Tick Tock/Princess) Luck 36:23
Tarn Luck 55:53
Kylie Walker 48:54
Toni Wood 47:36
Cheri (kb) Lutz 55:52

Sydney Marathon Clinic - Sunday 21st June 2009

Sunday also saw the last Sydney Marathon Clinic race for the season. (Aunty) Karin Kaehne has been putting in some solid training of late and lined up for the 30km event. This was her second attempt that this distance this year. Helmet had given her special strategic advice the night before and she was keen to have a go at a PB.

We were excited to receive a phone call after the race from an excited Aunty K telling us that she had run a 4 minute PB finishing in 2:29:06!!!!!

Aunty is in training for the Cities Marathon in July - we can't wait to see how she goes!

Also racing the 30km was our very own Koppo Kopcikas. Koppo has just completed 50 runs in 50 days and performed admirably in the 30km coming home in 2:39:32.

Racing the 10km event was Nick (Benjamin Button) Taylor. We haven't seen much of Nick of late so it was good to hear that he is back out on the road again. Nick completed the 10km in a tidy 46:00.

Get out and run

There are so many good races around at the moment. Here are a few that we will be involved in:

12 July - Sri Chinmoy race 4 Dolls Point 5km, 10km or 21km - http://www.srichinmoyraces.org.au/
2 August - Bay Run 7km - http://www.bayrun.com.au/
9 August - City to Surf 14km - http://www.citytosurf.com.au/
13 September - Sri Chinmoy race 5 Prospect Creek 6km, 12km or 24km - http://www.srichinmoyraces.org.au/
20 September - Sydney Running festival, family fun run, 9km bridge run, 1/2 marathon and marathon - http://www.sydneymarathon.org/

If you want to improve your running Balance offers 3 different session each week that will get you on the way to running your personal best.

Death by Helmet sessions

Monday and Wednesday mornings at 6am starting opposite Le Montage

Ring Rob (Helmet) for more information.

These sessions cater to all skill levels so don't be put off by the name!

Club social run

Thursday nights at 630pm starting opposite Le Montage

Whether you are fast, slow or a walker this is a great way to get out and get active with some like minded souls.

If you are participating in an event, or know of a good event that we might be interested in, please drop me an email at rlutz@bigpond.net.au

Cheers for now

Cheri/kb

Club Captain

You know you're a triathlete when....

2009-04-22T17:38:00.002+10:00

When asked, how old you are you answer 35-39.

Your idea of a great b-day is to run your age in miles with a couple of friends.

Your idea of e great date is to go for a 10 mile run with your date.

You try to impress girls with your marathon time after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles.

When asked how long your training was today you answer: three to four hours.

Your training is more limited by available time then how far you can run.

Your first thought when you wake up is how high your rest HR is.

You go for a run event hough there's a thunderstorm and you enjoy being wet and dirty.

You think an Ironman is easier then a Marathon because you don't have to start by running fast.

You think it's natural to do your 'business' behind a tree in the woods.

Nobody believes you when you say 'Never again'.

You take part in the corporate challenge to improve your base speed.

You go for a 5 km cooldown run after a 5 km race just so that you can call it a training session.

You consider work, regeneration time between training sessions.

Your co-workers don't ask you if you're going to train this weekend, but how long and how far.

You have a water bottle when you drive your car.

You spend your 2 weeks annual vacation at a training camp.

During the vacations, when everybody else is partying, you go to sleep at 10:00 pm because you're going for a long ride the next day.

You know inside out how much Protein each energy bar has.

You seriously consider applying for citizenship in Tonga, Jemen or Tschad so that you can participate in the Olympic games.

When people praising you for being able to run 15 miles you're feeling insulted.

In the summer your legs are smoother then your girlfriend's.

Your kids grab water bottles and energy bars when you suggest a family stroll.

Your wife is not worried if you left for your run 2 hours ago.

You need a picture for a job application and you only have race pictures.

You use running T-shirts to clean your bike.

You are up everyday by 5:00 am, but never in work before 9:30 am!

That charming "cologne" you wear to work is chlorine

You take more showers in a locker room than at home

6:30 am is sleeping in

The dog runs and hides when you get the leash!

You think there are only two seasons during the year, racing and off.

You can't change the oil in your car but you can completely rebuild your bike in 45 mins

You spend more $ on training and racing clothes then work clothes

You spend 7 days going to 8 stores in 4 malls before buying a pair of running shoes but you take 1 afternoon to go to 1 car dealership and walk out with a new car 4 hours later.

When you see some lady watering her flowers and ask her if you can borrow the hose for a minute so you can fill up your water bottles.

You clean your bike more often than your car

Your car smells like a locker room.

You tell your co-workers that you are going to "do a long brick" on Saturday and just expect that they know what you are talking about.

When a co-worker asks if you are racing this weekend, you say "yeah, but I'm just running a 10K, so that is not REALLY a race".

You have more water bottles than glasses in your cupboard

You consider you bike saddle your "couch"

You consider Power Bars as one of the four food groups

You are sick to your stomach at 2:00 in the morning and check the back of the Pepto Bismol bottle for caloric content and grams of carbohydrates, fat and protein.

You have plenty of water bottles, safety pins, and t-shirts.

You have trouble keeping lunch under 2000 calories.

You usually wake up at 4:00 in the morning but do not get to work until way after 9:00.

Your bed-time reading on your night stand consists of a pile of: DeSoto catalogs; InsideTri; Triathlete, VeloNews, USMA Swim, etc.

You haven't bought work clothes in two years, yet you own bike shorts made by every manufacturer under the sun and can recite the merits of CoolMax, Supplex, etc. in your sleep!

Your car has at least one Power Bar wrapper and two sets of work out clothes!

Your laundry continually smells like someone locked the cat in overnight...

You wave at other cyclists, because all triathletes are friendly and if they are not, they are probably purist cyclists trying to get into triathlons and they do not know that triathletes are friendly.

You can't decide what tee shirt to wear to your next race.

You no longer take vacations but weekend triathlon junkets.

You have far more pairs of shoes in your closet than your non-tri wife does in hers

You're tempted to do your long rides in a speedo so that you don't have a stupid tan for your next race.

Your bath towel is never dry.

You bring bottled water to a party so that you're properly hydrated for the next morning's long run.

Your company announces mandatory unpaid shutdown days - every other Friday throughout the summer - in order to cut costs and stay in business, and your response is "Great - now I can do two long workouts on the weekends and still have an easy day."

Somebody hands you a cup of water and you have to restrain yourself from pouring it on your head.

You forget that talking about daily LSD [Long Slow Distance] and speed weirds some people out.

You have no FRIGGIN idea what to do with yourself on your off day. Damnit, I mowed the lawn, cleaned the house, washed the car, and there's STILL 4 hours of daylight left! Aarrgghh!

You return from your *Mini-vacation* more exhausted than before you left!

You feel like you took the day off because all you did was swim 3000 yards.

You get done with a hard workout and drink a recovery drink while on the toilet and in the shower.

At any given moment you know exactly where your heart rate monitor and your swim goggles are, but cannot remember where you left you car keys. (turns 90% of the time they are in your bike bag

When non-racer friends tell you they ran/rode you automatically calculate their pace to see if you're still in better shape.

Cars pass you on the road when you're driving and you either drop back to get out of draft zone or speed up to attack!

Daffy moves up an age group

2009-04-17T08:29:00.006+10:00

Happy 40th birthday to Mike "Daffy" Steinberg.

Earlier this week Daffy took a few moments out from his busy pet care business to answer a few questions.

My earliest memory is...being in trouble for locking my parents in the bathroom. Though I still claim it wasn’t me

At school I was...a little naughty cheeky lazy shit!

My first relationship was...with a real life woman?? Well I would say.... My first relationship was..... Short!

My most treasured possessions are... (tricky question kb) .... My New York Marathon Medal....My Dog.... My Giant TT

In the movie of my life I'd be played by... Jean Reno or perhaps Chevy Chase.

My most humiliating moment was...there are too many to pick just one... How about telling my mate about this real slapper we knew... Only to discover it was his sister?

What I don't find amusing...people who toss cigarette butts, my credit card bill

I'm always being asked...What are you staring at...

I'm very bad at...

Understanding women... Or should I say my Exs
Thinking before I speak
Riding up hills
Running
Doing things I really don’t want to do

If I wasn't me I'd like to be...Ernie Els or Lance Armstrong (with the missing bit)

I often wonder...Does god exist, What would I be if I had done my homework, Why did I say that?, “Was that my fault?... Again”

Thanks Daffy for thoughts enlightening thoughts. Happy birthday!

kb

Ironman 2009 magic moment #1 - Chrissie does Koppo

2009-04-15T09:19:00.001+10:00

Ironman 2009
Originally uploaded by cherilutz

No words are needed. This moment was pure gold!

Port Macquarie 5km - Saturday 4th April 2009

2009-04-14T13:49:00.005+10:00

The day before Ironman the hotly contested 5km fun run is held starting from the Ironman Village and finishing in the Ironman finishers shute.

This year athletes Tarn, Tick Tock, Chrissy and KB lined up to give the 5km the hiding it deserved. They were eager to get going cheered on ably by Balance Ironman athetes.

The rain held off but conditions were overcast and steamy.

Tick Tock

Chrissy

KB & Tarn

Victorious Balance 5km runners.

KB & Tarn after the race sporting their Ironman bling.

And the results:

Tick Tock: a very snappy 20:48

Chrissy: a hot 25:39

KB & Tarn: a nice 36:30 (not a 35 min 5km but we will get it next year).

Ironman Club dinner - Friday 3rd April 2009

2009-04-13T17:14:00.003+10:00

Twas the Friday before Ironman and all the Balance crew went to the Town Green Hotel.

Travelling - Sydney to Port Macquarie

2009-04-11T17:59:00.006+10:00

Ironman week started with rain, rain and more rain.

With rumours abounding that the swim might be cancelled we left for Port Macquarie. After all it was April fool's day!

The "Gum Tree" backyard on departure day - how to pack the car?

Town Beach, Port Macquarie - 4m swell and dirty brown waves.

Sandcastle Terrace G3 - KB HQ (nice big bed and oh so fluffy pillows zzzz)

How much fun was Ironman?

2009-04-10T10:36:00.003+10:00

Report and photos to come.

Stay tuned.

Balance blog is back

2009-03-29T18:34:00.006+11:00

On Sunday 29th March club members Tick Tock, Tarn, KB, Toni and Kerry raced the first of the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team events for 2009. This was held at Centennial Park and offered the choice of running 4km, 8km and 14km events on a cross country course. Everyone raced 8km except for me - I took the easy option and ran a nice little 4km.

A misty Centennial Park as runners queue to register

These races are great fun. Very simply organised, well run, cheap to enter and topped off with free pancakes and fruit at the finish.

The next race is on Sunday 10th May at Iron Cove (The Bay).

Results
4km
Cheri (kb) 30:34

8km
Adam (Tick Tock) 34:40
Tarn 1:02:31
Kerry 40:34
Toni 48:44

Here is a bit about Sri Chinmoy the man:

Born Chinmoy Kumar Ghose in the small village of Shakpura in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) in 1931, Sri Chinmoy was the youngest of seven children. In 1944, after both his parents had passed away, 12 year-old Chinmoy entered the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community near Pondicherry in South India. Here he spent the next 20 years in spiritual practice - including long hours of meditation, practising athletics, writing poetry, essays and spiritual songs.
In his early teens, Chinmoy had many profound inner experiences, and in subsequent years achieved very advanced states of meditation. In 1964, he moved to New York City to share his inner wealth with sincere seekers in the West.

Sri Chinmoy sees aspiration - the heart's ceaseless yearning for ever higher and deeper realities - as the spiritual force behind all great advances in religion, culture, sports and science. By living in the heart and aspiring for continual self-transcendence, men and women can bring forward the best in themselves and find their path to true satisfaction. In his words:

"Our goal is to go from bright to brighter to brightest, from high to higher to highest. And even in the highest, there is no end to our progress, for God Himself is inside each of us and God at every moment is transcending His own Reality."

Sri Chinmoy serves as spiritual guide to students in some 60 countries around the world, encouraging a balanced lifestyle that incorporates the inner disciplines of prayer and meditation with the dynamism of contemporary life.

Sri Chinmoy's life was an expression of boundless creativity. His vast output spans the domains of music, poetry, painting, literature and sports. His contributions in each of these fields have been striking and far-reaching.

Sri Chinmoy frequently travelled throughout the world to offer free concerts, lectures and public meditations, to meet with his students, and to meet and discuss spirituality with world and community leaders. Sri Chinmoy did not charge a fee for his spiritual guidance, concerts, lectures and public meditations.

Sri Chinmoy entered Mahasamadhi - the mystic process through which spiritual Masters leave the body, on the morning of 11 October 2007.

And a bit about Sri Chinmoy the sportsman:

Sri Chinmoy was an avid sportsman from his youth and throughout his life. In the spiritual community where he grew up, he excelled in soccer and volleyball, and was the top-ranked sprinter. During his late teens he was also a decathlon champion.

In the 1970s and 1980s, he was an active long-distance runner, completing many marathons, ultra-marathons and shorter races. For many years he played tennis almost every day, and frequently competed in track-and-field events in Masters Games, including the World Masters Games in Puerto Rico in 1983, and the World Veterans Games in Miyazaki, Japan in 1993. He took up weight-lifting in the mid-1980s and over the years set several records in the calf-raise and one-arm lift.

Sri Chinmoy believed that a balanced lifestyle fosters harmony and inner peace. His integral approach to life encourages physical fitness and sports as a vehicle for personal transformation.
"There are countless people on earth who do not believe in the inner strength or inner life. They feel that the outer life is everything. I do not agree with them," he says. "There is an inner life; there is spirit, and my ability to lift heavy weights proves that it can work in matter as well. I am doing these lifts with the physical body, but the power is coming from an inner source, from my prayer and meditation."

Sri Chinmoy practised sports not only for the joy of it, and to keep the body fit, but also because he saw sports as a natural vehicle for expressing his philosophy of self-transcendence. Inspired by his example, several of his students have attempted to stretch their own personal limits - setting new world records in various fields, running multi-day races, swimming the English channel and climbing some of the world's highest mountains.

He established the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, which annually presents hundreds of events and races around the world.

Ironman next weekend

Probably the biggest event on the triathlon calandar is on next weekend (Sunday 5th April) at Port Macquarie. It is, of course, Ironman Oz.

Balance Tri Club has 16 competitors who have trained long and hard for this huge event. So if you aren't heading up to Port as a supporter keep an eye on the Ironman live website to see all the action as it happens.

The Ironman athletes + baby Sam

Balance Ironman Competitors:

Alisa Wells
Ben Howard - Salty
Dallas Locke - Ice
David Bolt - Shot'is
Jacqui Webster - Lubey
Jonathan Fletcher - Fletch
Karin Kaehne - Aunty Karin
Ken Walker
Koppo Kopcikas - Koppo
Mark Brentnall - Gooey
Matty Clarke - Coolio
Millie Herzberg
Rob Lutz - Helmet
Scott Aliprandi - 2 Dogs
Tim Britton - Chopsticks
Dileen De Silva - Dilly

Newsletter September 2008

2008-08-19T19:36:00.032+10:00

Good luck to everyone racing in September...

Our very own Adam (TickTock) Luck will be racing the Western Sydney Duathlon this weekend. This is the last event in this series and will be held at Parramatta Park. This event is hosted by Hills Tri Club.

Later in the month Tick Tock will also be racing his first triathlon. This will be a sprint event held as part of the Australian Club Championships at the Regatta Centre, Penrith.

Tick Tock is our resident cyclist who can often be seen lurking down at the Bay on a Thursday evening for the club run. More of Tick Tock's cycling exploits next month.

All the best to everyone running in the various distances that make up the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. Koppo is slated for a stellar marathon performance. I am running the half marathon. Also out on the course will be Lisa (Kingo) Brentnall. This will be Kingo's magnificent return to the marathon after the birth of beautiful Samantha.

Rumour has it that the delightful Katherine Lobb will be running the 9km Bridge run. Whispers around the Bay tell me that she is improving enormously. I can't wait to see what she manages to produce on the day.

If you are racing in September please let me know so I can track your efforts.

rlutz@bigpond.net.au

Cheers

Cheri (kb) Lutz

Balance Membership Picnic Day - Sunday 14th September

The 2nd Balance Membership Picnic day is coming up on Sunday 14th September 2008. This is a great chance to socialise with your fellow Balance Knights, friends, family and supporters before the Triathlon season heads into full swing have a snag, drink and a chat.

For those that rocked up last year it is at the same place, Richard Murden Reserve (picnic area). Hawthorne Pde & Turner Ave. Haberfield. There are BBQ facilities, playground for kids, bike paths, netball, tennis & basketball courts. Even bring the dog down. Your dog can join balance too as there is dedicated off leash areas for dogs and the famous Bones Cafe is just across the canal.

This is your opportunity to join Balance & UTS Tri Club as a social or full member. We hope to see you there keeping the balance.

Details

What:Balance Family Picnic & Membership Day BBQ

Where: Richard Murden Reserve Haberfield(Picnic Area) - Hawthorne Pde & Turner Ave

When: 12noon - 3.30pm

BYO: Alcohol & Steak Sausage & Soft Drink provided.

RSVP: No RSVP required, just rock up and enjoy the fun.

Other: Bring the kids bikes etc. We are also next to Netball, Basketball & Tennis courts.

Members: We will be doing a membership drive as well, any body wishing to join Balance as a member or social member there will be great discounts.

If you wish to get any more details, call Koppo 0404 132 161 or email on ironkoppo@gmail.com

ZEIGER - FASTEST DOG IN THE INNERWEST

After coming 15th in 2007 i was after revenge. I made sure my owner trained alot harder this year so I wouldn't have to drag him around the course. 60 dogs lined up at the start and I looked around and I was confident I could win this year.

The gun went off and I sat nicely in 3rd place until we got to the Iron Cove bridge. There was a German Shepherd coming second and a Labrador in first palce. I managed to over take the German Shepherd just after the bridge and gave him a quick bark as I over took.

The Labrador was running well but kept on looking over it's shoulder. I sat just behind the leader until we got to the half way mark and went screaming past. The Lab tried to keep up but I could see him panting away and he didn't have a chance. I extened my lead to over a minute.

I cruised across the line "The fastest dog in the innerwest" for 2008. I could have kept on going but my owner was stuffed. I won a big dog hamper full of treats and all the kids gave me big hugs after the race. I felt like a rock star. I'll definitely be back next year to defend my Title.

Zeiger

Aunty Karin runs a massive PB at Cities Marathon, 27 Jul 2008

At the beginning of this year I had a few goals in mind. They were to finish IMOZ (tick), then go back to basics with my running & try for PB's in 5k, 10k,21.1k and the marathon.

With all this in mind I asked my coach to set the appropriate run program. I had a little break after IMOZ & then concentrated on my running.

I was happy to report a sub 21min (tick) at the Balance 5km Challenge at the Bay. I set about working on my 10k PB, which I finally got atthe SMC Marathon clinic, finishing in 44:18 min(tick) and then headed to the Gold Coast for the Half Marathon. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be for me & Imissed my Half PB by 20 seconds & was very disappointed with the effort.

I spoke to my coach & we agreed that a good taper and rest up for the M7 marathon that anywhere around the 3:45 mark would have me at another PB.

The morning of the race was bitterly cold at Prestons. I ran in gloves for most of the race. Running on a cycle track isn't my idea of fun but for some reason I really enjoyed this race last year and the undulating course makes it interesting.

I decided to start out the race with the 3:45 pacer (CR's Brick). We chatted for a while & I stayed with him till the 5k mark. I felt pretty strong & still fresh and wanted to push on ahead. Got to the turnaround point(34k mark) and felt a bit weary but happy to push on. I crossed the line in3:42:** (tick) and a 7.5 minute PB to my name. This also gave me a 18 minute course PB. I was stoked!!

This was number 17 marathon for me and my favourite to date.

Cheers AK

Sun Herald City to Surf - Sunday 10th August 2008

The forecast was for bad weather but the day of the City to Surf dawned bright, clear and sunny. This was my first City to Surf in a few years even though I have probably run about 10 over the years. I had pretty low expectations and was happy to have to walk some of the nastier hills.

Helmet and I lined up in our respective groups and it wasn't long before we were off on our way to Bondi. Just after crossing the starting mat I decided that I needed to visit the bathroom and ducked off the course into a familiar cafe that was just around the corner. Fortunatley the toilet was empty so I was in and then back out on the course again pretty quickly.

There were so many walkers on the course - more than any year that I remember. I ducked and weaved my way along passing heaps of people which made me feel pretty good - who cares if they were walkers!

I surprised myself and ran the whole way. I was feeling fantastic and really enjoyed being among like minded people on a gorgeous sunny day. Running down to the finish I was feeling very strong and put in a bit of a sprint to cross the line in just 1:59 - my slowest time for the City to Surf but by far but easily my most satisfying run on this course.

It was great to have Shoti's, Ninja, Winky and Helmet to cheer me across the line.

Well done to everyone else who ran.

Cheri/kb

How to get out of your wet suit by Christos

Capricorn Half Ironman, Yeppoon - 17th August 2008

Ding Dong the witch is dead - race report by Dave (Shot'is) Bolt

Sunday the 17th August 2008 will be a date set into the Bolt household record books for some time yet (hopefully) as it now represents the date of the current household Half Ironman Record and also the first race where I can say that all the effort put in over the past 3 years has revealed itself both to me and others that I train with, big thanks to all. This year the club was represented by 5 able bodied athletes plus a super-star support crew and I can hopefully say that nobody that made the trip this year has come back disappointed.

Room 1023 housed 4 of the hopefuls, Ninja, Sammy, Lou and myself and pre race the mood fluctuated between quiet contemplation and outright fear with a bit of humour thrown in for measure. Room 1012 housed Matty Clarke, Mr half ironman himself, and the support crew of Iceman and his daughter Meagan and her mother Nicky.

Race day dawned with a beautiful day and a mild breeze, the sea was almost pancake flat but somehow at the same time was running a very strong current and fast rising tide. After the long walk to the swim start Ninja looked pale with fear, the race directors had told us that the water temp was only half a degree from compulsory wetsuit swimming and he and another NZ chappy appeared to be the only non wetty athletes visible. Wave after wave of excited athletes took to the water at just after 8am and Ninja and I got the chance to cheer them into the frosty Nth Queensland waters whilst our own anticipation climbed. Half an hour after our gun start I climbed out of the cold water with a massive grin on the dial. That was the fastest swim ever over the 1.9k for me and most others to boot due to the favourable conditions. It pans out that Ninja has swum almost the whole way backstroke as the water temps meant he could not keep his face in the water much to the amazement of the water support crew. Matty got out in about half an hour and the girls both swam great and dodged the pre-race swim fears that grip us all. Awesome work team!

The ride was flat and quick but most of all damn bumpy. The wind in Yeppoon is usually quite predictable and blows from town to the North most days of the year, race day was no different until late morning when it changed direction slightly and gave some relief to all athletes. The look on Lou and Sam’s faces were gold as we crossed paths; they had completed their swims without drowning, panicking or wasting energy and were on top on the world. Ninja was riding just quick enough to get the blood defrosting and feeling in his fingers and Matty was hunting down the big hitters at the front end of the race. I was forced to change riding strategy part way through the ride to deal with a heart rate and legs that would not respond to their usual punishment.

The excitement grows the nearer T2 gets. Praise the lord that this damn tiny non padded torture device that cost a fortune is just about to come out of my butt and the relative freedom of running can commence. Everybody still appears to be rolling around the course nicely as I leave them to start the run. By now the heat of the day is kicking in and whatever breeze was slowing us down on the bike seems to have magically disappeared. Iceman by now is glowing brighter red than should be possible for a human being and is offering sage like advice and support like only he can, good work mate thanks!

The run at Yeppoon is almost flatter than the swim and bike course with the only real challenge being the bridge over the swimming pool right in the middle of the resort. Heart rate is sky high, legs feel strangely ok and head is ready for a real slog fest so lets get running. Matty is miles out in front and I set a mental game to try and catch him, “never stop to walk because Matty wont be”; and away we go. Sam, Lou and Ninja are now on their last laps of the bike and must be feeling great about getting off their damn tiny expensive torture devices as well. As always the volunteers at the aid stations out do themselves with a positive attitude and real time support and the run is just a real pleasure (for once!). This may come of something of a surprise to you all but with about 4k to go this old softy teared up big time, could barely see the road ahead what with fatigue and all the blubbering.

Was this a fairytale, was I about to fall face first into the dirt never to race again, could I finish this race with a great time? Too many questions and not enough time to decide on answers. The end had come and so had the finish chute! What a day, what a weekend, what a group of club mates! Matty had smashed a new PB on his way to an outstanding age group result, top work mate you deserve it! Lou, Sam and Ninja had overcome mental battles of their own to finish with distinction in their first Half Ironman race! Lou can now swap what was an absolute fear about racing IM Florida with a new found confidence from a great result here with her, we wish her all the luck possible. Iceman had provided support through the weekend and race day like nobody else is capable, you are a legend buddy.

Coaches instructions were followed, by some more literally than others (!others can tell the truth if they chose!!!!!), training bases proved successful, beer and champers flowed and karaoke was smashed. No Ice sculptures were harmed in the making of this documentary. No other stories can be told if you weren’t there. What a blast, see you next year.

Yeppoon Race report by Lou Ellengold

Crossing the finish line at my first half ironman was quite simply the most unbelievable feeling in the world. Right up until the second before I ran into the ocean to start the swim I had no idea what was in store for me and still had some doubt whether I would even be able to finish the race. So the biggest lesson learnt that day was how important self-belief is to achieve your goals. Six months ago I could barely run 2km and couldn't even swim 500m without stopping, so for anyone who hasn't done a triathlon because of the fear factor - the only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible..

A big congrats to Davo, Matt, Simon and of course my partner in crime Sammy for their fantastic achievements on the day, and huge thanks for all the support and encouragement from everyone at Balance. I am now on the 8 week countdown until I face my next challenge at Ironman Florida and looking forward to it!

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."

"Pain is temporary, it may last a minute, or an hour, or a day. If I quit however, it lasts forever."

Lou

Yeppoon Race report by Simon (Ninja) McFarlane

Well I finished my first Half IM although not in the time I was hoping for, which was 6 hours or less. I had gone for a swim on the Friday to check the water temp and it felt OK. When I registered on the Saturday arvo and saw that the water temp was only 16.9 I started crapping myself as I had no wetsuit.

Soon as I got in the water got to chest height my body was screaming at me to get out of the water, after a bit of hyperventilating I pushed on and got to the first buoy. After going around the buoy I found my breathing was hard and though about pulling out, in the end I decided to flip over onto my back and did the rest of the course backstroke which I thought was quite a feat ! I ended up getting out of the water in 44 mins.

Onto the bike and I stuck to my plan which was to do the 90k in around 3 hours, although the wind ended up costing me time and with transition I ended up with 3:14 split. I was feeling great getting off the bike and started the run a little too fast and tried to slow myself down which I found hard to do. In the end my nutrition on the day didn't work for me and I my quads started cramping up before the first k was up. I tried to stretch out which helped for a bit but in the end I had run walk the 21.1k and my hope for a 6hr time was crushed. I ended up coming in 6:49 which I though was better than pulling out and also considering that I did the swim with out a wetsuit.

All in all I enjoyed every minute of the race and will be back next year.Next race for me will be Canberra Half and this time I am going to get a wetsuit !

Ninja

Mudgee Marathon - Sunday 24th August 2008

My first Marathon - race report by Chris (Chucky & Zeus for a week) Dimitriades

OW!!!!!

It was all mental for me, not physical.

I had to focus on technique because of the all the hills, up - lean forward, swing arms; pick up the tempo on the way down and keep it up on the following flat. (THANKS ROB!!!!!)

Not knowing the course was great. I knew the spaces between aid stations and that was enough.
KINGO and GOOEY were so so nice! Nothing unusual there, of course. They supported me from start till finish. Just knowing I would see them meant the world.

I finally understand why all you Long Distance freaks value this so much now. I do too.
Preparation is key. We all know that.

I'd like to thank POWER for al ot of great suggestions just before the race.

I also see the value in a coach and mentor. Having someone there to give me structure made all the difference. I never would have made it there in the first place if it wasn't for EMMA.
Her planning, motivation and much much more got me to the start line on the day. Without that assistance........

So what's it all about for me?
People!! YOU, ME. PEOPLE!

I dedicate this run to Mick.
Miss you mate.

Christos

Closer

Finished

Newsletter August 2008

2008-08-02T19:37:00.018+10:00

Good luck to those racing in August

In the City to Surf tomorrow we have: Koppo, Vibeke, Rob (Helmet), Cheri (KB), Jacqui (Jaqs) and new club members Amy, Sarah D and Charles B - welcome to the club! If all goes well hopefully we will see Vania out running too.

New weekend (17th August) is a very exciting date as it is the first half ironman of the season. This is Capricorn HIM at Yeppoon. Good luck to Simon (Ninjah) HIM virgin, Dave (Shot'is) and Matty (Coolio).

A special girly hug to our other HIM virgins Sam and Lou. You go girls!

On 17th August I (Cheri/kb) will be running my 4th half marathon for the year. I am running Bankstown Hidden Half which should be heaps of fun. I think Rob (Helmet) might be crewing again.

Racing Lake Macquarie Half Marathon on 31st August is our very own Aunty. Fresh off a marathon PB at the Cities Marathon in July this is sure to be another hot performance from our favourite Aunty. More about her marathon in the next newsletter.

I've also heard a rumour that Christos (Chucky), in an effort to find new ways to hurt himself, is running Mudgee Marathon on 24th August.

This event was also to be Lisa (Kingo's) return to marathoning but her triumphant return has been rescheduled to Sydney Marathon in September so she will have a bigger crowd of adoring fans present to cheer her on.

And finally for the month we cannot leave out Oxfam Trailwalker. While we have no club members in the event Jaqcui (Jaqs) is supporting a team of runers who call themselves Wild Women on Top!

Also in the event is Allison (Bunny) and Emma, a special friend of our Christos (Chucky). All the best girls.

If you want to see your name in print please let me know when you enter and event. It's great for everyone to know what others are doing so we can support your endeavours.

Cheers

Cheri (KB)

Balance and UTS Triathlon Club Annual Presentation Night

Saturday 26th July 2008

What a great night it was!!

Compared ably by Power and Koppo we ate, drank, celebrated, awarded, sang and danced the night away.

A huge thank you to our sponsors Cell Bikes and Running Science for helping to make the club such a success.

And the biggest thanks go to our members who are the heart and soul of the club.

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Tarn also took some photos on the night. Here are links to Tarn's photos.

Party pics 1

Party pics 2

And the winners are.....(drum roll please)

Club Member of the Year
Tarnia Luck

Club Triathlete of the Year (Male)
Ben Howard

Club Triathlete of the Year (Female)
Lisa (Nemo) Tulic

Most Improved
Jacqui (Jaqs) Webster

Ironman Athlete of the Year (Female)
Halcyon (Winky) Bolt

Ironman Athlete of the Year (Male)
Stuart (Shoes) Thompson

Running Science Bolt Champion
Simon (Ninjah) McFarlane

Club Supporter of the Year
Anita Jerrentrup

Personal Achievement
Cheri (kb) Lutz

Balance +1
Adam (Tick Tock) Luck

Rookie of the Year
Samantha Leatham

Services To The Club
Rob (Helmet) Lutz

Club Captains Award
Dallas (Ice) Locke

Presidents Encouragement Award
Simon (Ninjah) McFarlane

A few words by our Club Member of the Year, Tarn Luck

Wow what a fun night!

The Balance & UTS Tri Preso night had it all... great company, good food, too much wine (for some), lots of laughs, a few tears (Lynne King Foundation and Winky's speech), terrible karioke singing (sorry guys!) and some funky dance styles!!!

I'd never thought I would see on the dance floor someone doing a triathlon... Ad (Tic Toc) showed his swimming, time trial cycling (including changing gears) and running which was definitely a funny memory!

Thanks very much for awarding me with the Club Member of the Year Award. I was so surprised and very excited when Mark n Koppo announced that I won. I didn't think I would be nominated let alone win and I'm really stoked.

Balance & UTS Tri Club has been a fantastic club to be involved in. Ad and I have made some great friends, enjoyed the Bay Run with you all, dinner out afterwards occasionally and of course supporting everyone in their races whether it's at Kurnell, LACC Sydney Olympic Park or as far as Noosa or Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Ironman was a fantastic experience to cheer on so many of our club's tri members and also any other athlete approaching - Chucky or Mark would call out an athlete's race number and I'd find their name on the fold out list and cheer them on by name as they passed by - that kept us (ok mainly me) quite amused for many hours.

It was rewarding and emotional as a spectator to witness this huge race and their accomplishments when crossing the line! Can't wait for next year and even a bigger crew of tri members competing and our crew of loud Balance cheer squad taking part in this great weekend.
Thanks again everyone for a great year with the club and looking forward to an even bigger 2008/09 with you all!

Tarn xx

And now a few words from the recipient of the Presidents Encouragement Award and the winner of the 5km Bolt Series, Simon McFarlane

On the 5K Bolt Series...

Being a creature of habit can come in handy sometimes, as one that likes to leave work early it is never a problem getting down the do the Bay Run. So the 5K Bolt Series became just like a normal Thursday night run only FASTER and I like running fast or at least my version of fast and sometimes will even surprise myself at the speed I can get and will always try to finish with a sprint although there have been nights when it has felt more like a fast stumble to the finish.

Big thanks to Shot’is for organising the series and being the witches hat.

On the Presidents Encouragement Award...

Ah yes, I remember that first ride I went on. Some may say jumping onto the back of a group without knowing where they are heading or how fast is pretty silly but I thought it was quite fun or did until I saw the hill leading up to Mt White for the first time. It became a double whammy when I realised that I would have to ride back up to Pie in the Sky as well but I survived and made it back to Nth Turramurra in one piece slightly broken but mentally tougher. I think the buzz from the coffee after the ride and the lack oxygen in my body at the time made the decision to go back into Triathlons again that little bit easier.

From that first ride to now has been a blast, I have managed to cut back the KFC intake although the Coffee and Chocolate Muffins appear to be here for the long haul. I don’t think I have got the speed I used to have but am now able to hold a faster pace for longer and am now at one with the Mt White hill. Just goes to show that a little bit of ignorance (of pain) and impulsiveness can go a long way, I am now the fittest I have ever been and probably the stupidest I have been after entering Yepoon Half on a whim and without much swim training.

A Big thanks to all the members that have made me feel a part of the club, whether it has been out running, riding or drinking......See you out on the road.

Ninja

And finally a few words from Jacqui Webster, Most Improved Club Member

Having never even considered competing in a triathlon less than a year ago, I was delighted to win the ‘Most Improved’ award at the Balance Triathlon Club presentation night this year. It was totally unexpected (I can think of quite a few contenders) but it has really inspired me to keep at it. Thanks guys.

It’s great being part of such a dynamic Club with the friendly support of all the members.

Looking back on the year, my debut was Noosa 2007 (with Balance member, Vibeke, and personal fitness instructor extraordinaire, Millie), where my trusty mountain bike got me proudly round the course to much acclaim. At the time I thought it was just a one-off, but cooling down in the river, feeling pretty spectacular after the race, we were already planning what was next. There was no doubt I had a lot to learn.

So, attracted to the Club ethos as much as the location and having met many of the gang on a trial lap of the Bay run, I unhesitatingly joined Balance and shortly after showed up at Cell Bikes in search of a new bike.

Thursday night training runs and early morning weekend rides soon became the highlights of my week. I wasn’t always well briefed. My first morning ride to Waterfall was a bit of a shock. I’d envisaged something more leisurely, perhaps stopping for a couple of breaks, and certainly going for a quick swim when we reached the Waterfall. 100kms later, after riding flat out non-stop (despite being constantly reassured that we would stop for a coffee soon), I collapsed on the grass determined never to get on a bike again.

But get back on my bike I did and clocked up another five tri’s and a couple of half marathons over the next six months. Hardly a race went without mishap – getting lost in transition at Kurnell; fighting not to get out of the water (what was that evil voice telling me I had nothing to prove?) at Cronulla; having to ride the whole bike leg on the big gear at Byron; and missing the start of the Gold Coast half marathon.

But still, somehow, I was getting a bit quicker each time and more importantly, I was having a lot of fun! As many of you will no doubt noted at the Club Champs, I love the after party as much as the racing. And I love the social side of Balance as much as the training, especially on those sunny mornings sitting around chatting and having a laugh over breakfast after a couple of hours on the bike.

Even when I haven’t been racing with the Balance crew, the good luck text messages and calls to see how I’ve got on have been great. There are too many examples of support to list people individually including loans of wet-suits, shared secret training sessions, much needed lifts (I may be needing more of those shortly …), advice on gear, help with bike maintenance (thanks to Cell Bikes), tailored training sessions, general encouragement and new friends. I’m now as ready as I’ll ever be, with guidance from you guys, to step up and aim for my first Half Ironman in Canberra in December. I’ll be needing help with gear and a training program (and advice on how to actually stick to it!). And with City to Surf, Blackmore’s running festival and Noosa nicely spaced out on the way, there’s no doubt it’s going to be a lot of fun. Look forward to sharing it with you all.

Special thanks to all the Committee members for making Balance what it is. And good luck to Sam, Lou, Ice, Ninja, Coolio and Shoti’s at Yeppoon in a few weeks time. You guys rock! Here’s to keeping the Balance.

Jaqs
30 July 2008

Ironman Oz Special Edition

2008-03-25T12:56:00.023+11:00

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR IRONMAN COMPETITORS

No road is long with good company

MIB

Rob "Helmet" Lutz

Race no: 856

Age: 39

Ironman virgin and all round nice guy (except for Death by Helmet run sessions!).

It was channel Nine's "Wide World of Sports" that first alerted me to the crazy world of Ironman. (This was about 16 years ago when I was just morphing from a couch potato to a regular runner). Back then I thought "one day I'd love to do that" and it was filed for sometime in the future.

So after years of running and my approaching 40th Birthday (Ironman was filed under things to do before I turn 40) KB1 and I bit the bullet and bought bikes in 2006, making the acquaintance of Ice and hearing rumours of a new Tri Club launching soon.

So, running - "Check", cycling - "Check", swimming - "Bugger"! I never was a strong swimmer and preferred to lie around in the water rather than make an attempt to cover any distance! So with Canberra Half booked in last December and Nepean (last November) as my first triathlon and warm-up to Canberra I received some gentle persuasion from KB1 (ask Ice) to do something about my swimming. Enter crash course on stroke correction with Nemo and a smashing in the pool 3 times a week with Ice to clock up my validation race....Hey!

Rolling straight on from Canberra into Ironman training with the rest of the Balance contingent (thanks guys) has me ready for Port with a great deal of excitement.

Stuff about my Ironman prep:
On average about 20hrs of training per week
In the last 6 months I've lost 4kg
Body fat is down to 12%
Food is my friend and constant companion
I've gone from swimming 100m to 4km
Had a blast running with Balance Knights on Monday's & Tuesday's (go girls)
Couldn't have asked for better training buddies (bring on Port.....and Busso)

Rob

Born in the USA
Bek Fallon

Race no: 476

Age: 32

Ironman virgin

I have never completed an Ironman before. Swimming is my passion. The swim squad I was a part of 10 years ago suggested triathlons. I started training with them and loved it. At that time in rural Missouri, not many farmers & other locals had heard of the sport so I was winning trophies every event. Yeah! I then moved to Sydney a few years later and went from place 1 to 100 in my age group. :) Oh, well. In the midst of having children, work and trying new sports I completed two half-ironmans and decided it was time to reach my ultimate goal- the Ironman. I am just aiming to finish in best possible condition.

Training Machine

Sascha Jerrentrup

Race no: 729

Age: 34

Ironman virgin & Powerbar fuelled German precision racing machine.

Previous ironmen: 0

Goals: 1 - arriving at the finishline dignified before cut-off time.

Race strategy: warm up in the swim, take it easy on the bike, and try not to walk too much in the run.

Nutrition: there's only one answer - powerbar.

Others: smile when passing the official photographers

Sascha

Sweet About Me

"Aunty" Karin Kaehne

Race no: 751

Age: 41

"An old lady who likes to run a bit. " (Don't blame me because you did say it! KB)

Aunty Karin is one tough cookie - I know no one who is as focused and dedicated to their training than my favourite AK. She comes from a strong running background and only crossed over to "dark side" of triaithlon only several years ago. No challenge is too big for this girl.

Aunty had her Ironman debut last year at Port IM and has since also raced at Bussellton in December of 2007.

She has put in the hard yards and deserves another strong performance this year.

Go Aunty. When I grow up I want to be just like you.

Livin' on a Prayer

Koppo

Race no: 788

Age: 34

Koppo is our most experienced ironman, our most devoted year-on-year ironman and our most underprepared ironman for Ironman Oz 2008!

This year will be Koppo's 9th Ironman Oz. Koppo has also raced Ironman in WA and overseas. He is a dead set legend.

Koppo is all heart and brute strength and won't let a little thing like training get in the way of yet another Ironman notch on bis race belt.

Vanilla Ice Ice Baby
Dallas "Ice" Locke

Race no: 847

Age: 50

Ironman veteran and all round top bloke!

Out of the depths of the Triathlon wilderness we see the return of our Ice. His last noted performance was with an ice sculpture at Yepoon. This year he returns with a more focused vigour and some solid training under his belt.

Despite a minor injury and a tussel with illness late in training (he really has been doing sectret training) Ice will be ready to fire on the big day. No doubt Ice will be proud when his training partner and pool buoy Helmet also crosses the line for his first Ironman.

Harder Better Faster Stronger
Nick Taylor

Race no: 1361

Age: 47

Ironman virgin

My ironman training has caused an over use injury in my achilles tendon, so I've been visiting the pysio.

At the physiotherapists they call me a numbers man and it's become an on-going joke (because I spend a lot of time there).

If they tell me to do a set of 3 reps of 15 of an exercise, I do 6 reps of 25 (so I can really kill the injury).

I think it may be connected to my predisposition of "going out too hard".... it appears the ironman training regime has (almost!) gotten the better of me.

Not so........Nick will be there. The injury is under control even if his nutrition is not. Yet.

My Heart Will Go On

Noel Hoare

Race no: 665

Age: 51

When asked to produce a "short" bio for this special edition Noel, not surprisingly, produced the longest contribution. Thankfully his words are always entertaining!

"Quick" History.

I completed Ironman Oz 2006 at Port Macquarie. I had a long day finishing in 14hr 10min and change. Lousy swim (1:36) followed by a loooong recovery in T1. Then a long ride (7:17 incl. T1). But I was happy in the knowledge that I'd make the cut-off. I had a great run until the 27k mark where my achillis tendon decided to play up. I finished the run in 5:15 (incl T2). I thought I'd be able to make about 13 hrs, but during the "race" I quickly gave up all thoughts of a specific finishing time, focusing on finishing and hoping my ankle would hold out.

Running down the finish chute was an amazing experience that just had to be repeated! I managed to avoid the Medical Tent (it was like a scene from MASH) and hobbled back to the hotel ready for some serious over-eating the next day.

Fast forward to IM WA 2007

Two words - "giant squid". I DNF'd in the swim after being violently ill. Out of the water I recovered relatively quickly but never felt worse watching everyone carrying on racing (especially Sho'tis, Winky and Shoes, who realistically, should have pulled out of the race in sympathy).

Actually, the worst, worst part was failing to time my ice cream eating with them riding past - and I tried many times..... Two weeks later I scraped through Canberra HIM with 15 mins to spare to validate for Port this year.

So, what have I learned?
Don't DNF without clearing your head and making a realistic assessment of the situation - you'll hate yourself no matter how irrational it may seem, there's plenty of time for rest and recovery during the race.

What's the plan this time?

Survive the swim - going on past performance whereby increasing my swim training led to a poorer swim result, I've cut back on swim sessions and am already feeling the benefits (through additional sleep) - this plan may come back to bite me on the day........ Hopefully I'll match my previous swim time. Expecting a better bike leg, but can't control the weather - so it will be better relative to other competitors. Like to go 6:30'ish ("tell him he's dreaming son").

On the run - absolutely no walking, the new course has taken alot of the hill "challenges" away and, once I get over the boring aspect of the run to Settlement Point and back (mental training required here), I would hope to knock out a 4:30 run. So there it is approx. 12:45 overall - but really only looking to beat my previous time.

Of course everything will change on the day - especially if the cheer squad isn't up to scratch!

Cheers
Noel

Boogie Shoes

Stu "Shoes" Thompson

Race no:1378

Age: 37

Ironman achievements : I've never forgotten my shoes at an Ironman race (they are mandatory in race transition bags these days, which you have to put in on the Saturday, its kinda helpful).

I've been around the block a few too many times, so I'm getting close to the stoopid stoopid stoopid category.

Goals: to Swim just off Noel's shoulder to protect him from from any nasty sea creatures. If you want the explanation you have to ask Noel.

Hopes: to get to the point where I think I can't keep going and then to go some more. Or alternatively blow in spectacular fashion to provide plenty of entertainment.

Prayers: for no mechanical problems. After that it's down to me and my shoes. However, iIf I do have some mechanical issues, I pray Winky's 2nd best mate (Mr Shimano) will be nearby. If want the explanation you have to ask Winky.

Aspirations: to be healthy enough on Monday to enjoy a few well earned ales, take on the bucket challenge (at least getting further than 1/2 way) and tell some tall stories with everyone. If you want the explanation meet you at the pub Monday and Shot 'is will explain.

Gangstas Paradise

Matty "Coolio" Clarke

Race no: 281

Age: 28

Ironman virgin & recently voted Balance Bachelor of the Year.

Who the hell am I? Coolio. Why the hell am i doing this? Well, this time last year, I made the trek to Port Macquarie after becoming affiliated with Balance.

I had never raced, and really had no idea what all the fuss seemed to be about...enter Australian Ironman. Wow, this thing was huge, and my decision was made (seems this happens to most of us).

So, here I am. Four half ironman races later. Hundreds of km's in the feet, thousands on the wheels and I am looking forward to experiencing my first Ironman.

To those racing, it has been a pleasure being able to form friendships in my journey, and look forward to sharing your Ironman experience with you. To those who have been great supporters in both training and socially, thankyou, its this that makes it all so much fun.

Coolio

Bubbly
Halcyon "Winky" Bolt

Race no: 169

Age: 31

After making friends with our neighbour Stu (now “Shoes”), Shot’is and I were encouraged to try a triathlon. To my surprise we were hooked straight away. Two and a half years later I find myself doing my 3rd Ironman and trying to set a new family record.

Despite what Koppo says Winky is one classy chick. She may be as strong as the boys on the bike but she is an absolutely gorgeous GIRL. She is always ready with a smile and will grin her way around the course on Sunday. Go Winky!

Newsletter March 2008

2008-02-11T16:28:00.013+11:00

Hi again Balance Knights

I can't believe how quickly the months are rolling on by! Here we are again with another edition of the club newsletter.

Thanks to those who provided race reports. They are greatly appreciated and make my job a lot easier.

Ironman, Port Macquarie, 6th April 2008

Ironman Port Macquarie (3.8km/180km/42km) is fast approaching and we are proud to say that we have 10 members racing on April 6th 2008.

Good luck guys and keep training safe!

Club Champs, Anna Bay, 3rd May 2008

Hot on the heels of Ironman are Club Champs at Anna Bay in May. We have accommodation booked and it is not too late to throw in your hat either for racing or voluntering. Contact Kezza (kerry@hangingaround.com.au) or Crowie (sinetesi@bigpond.com) if you are interested. I didn't attend last year but I hear it's a blast.

Club night out at Toto's - Thursday 20th march 2008

Club dinner at Toto's, Five Dock - Thursday 21st February 2008

Last month's dinner at Toto's was awesome with about 20 club members attending. It was such a success that this month we are doing it again. So let me know if you would like to come (rlutz@bigpond.net.au). Dinner will be from about 8pm - after the regular Thursday night Bay run.

Club race gear

We are currently in the process of designing/ordering club race gear with 2XU. Rob (Helmet) has been steering this process. Many of you have already tried on sample race tops for size and Helmet is keeping a record of these sizes on a fancy excel spreadsheet. If you have not yet tried on the samples for size Helmet will have them at the Thursday Bay run and at the Saturday Centennial Park ride. If you can't make either of these regular club events send us an email and we can make alternative arrangements (rlutz@bigpond.net.au). The club race gear is going to look awesome and we would hate for you to miss out.

Welcome to new members

Samantha Leatham

Simon Mc Farlane

Cliff Smee

Scott Aliprandi

Rhys Gardiner

Rebecca Fallon

Welcome aboard guys - it's great to have you all as members and we hope to see you soon!

"O" Day at the University of Technology, Sydney

During Feb, we were invited to the “Clubs Day” at UTS in the city. This was a great opportunity for us to showcase our club and build on the recently established relationship we have created between the UTS Student Union and ourselves. There were literally 250 clubs that had set-up stations to do the same thing as us, maximise exposure to get new members.

Well, the function was fantastic and there were in excess of 3,000 students that came through the doors all looking for an affinity that would link them to a common interest. It is amazing what some advertisers would do to get hold of the student population. All the big guns were there...you name them...Vodafone, 3 Network...and so on! This O’Day would be one of the most organised set-ups I have come across and it made it really easy for all the clubs to be located. We did really well and had in excess of 30 new member enquiries. We are in the process of the students signing up, and had a few turn out at last weeks running...so watch this space for further updates.

I would just like to thank KB1 (Cheri Lutz), and Nemo (Lisa Tulic) for their help and support across the day. The day was a success, and we are surely benefiting from our newly established partnership.

Power

TriShave All Women's Triathlon Festival

Sunday 3rd February 2008

by Lisa "Kingo" Brentnall

It was a gloomy Sunday morning,
A good day to stay in bed;
But Quick Stop, KB1 and Kingo decided
To do a triathlon instead.

They made it to the start line,
Their stomachs all achurning;
Not knowing what lay ahead of them,
Except that their muscles would be burning.

Quick Stop was the first to start her plight,
The enticer was her race;
This was only her second triathlon,
And she had some demons to erase.

The swim went off without a hitch,
The demons cast aside;
She came out of the water all relieved,
And ready for her ride.

Quick Stop was new to the sport of cycling,
But you wouldn’t know;
She completed the ride in an awesome time,
And put on quite a show.

After a tumble at transition,
She got ready for her run;
She took off at a breakneck speed,
And determined to have some fun.

The finish line was looming,
And Quick Stop still looked fine;
She vowed to return for another race,
As she finished in her best time.

Next it was KB1 and Kingo’s turn,
The sprint the choice of distance;
They walked out to the swim start
And prayed for some divine assistance.

It was KB1’s first sprint triathlon,
And she was excited about the promotion;
Whereas it was Kingo’s first tri since she’d had a bub,
So fear was her primary emotion.

The siren sounded, the seaweed cleared
And the swim leg was underway;
The girls took a deep breath and started their swim
Banishing all their nerves away.

Amongst all the thrashing
KB1 had a small panic attack;
But a smile from the buff lifeguards
Put her straight back on track.

Kingo followed the underwater rope
And the feet just ahead
And started thinking about the next transition
And the clothes she would need to shed.

Through the first transition,
The girls started the ride;
A four lap flat course
With Balance cheer squad on the side.

The ride was uneventful
Although not quite pain-free;
Both girls cruised into transition
Now on to leg three.

KB1’s run was consistent
And worthy of much praise;
Whilst Kingo’s legs were not as fast
As in her pre-pregnancy days.

Both girls crossed the finish line,
With pride in their racing hearts;
They had each conquered their challenge,
And the pain had now passed.

Both races were made better
By the cheers and the chants;
So thanks to the Balance tri club members
Who made their experiences enhanced.

The motivation is now high
And new goals have been set;
So stay tuned to these girls movements,
As they haven’t finished yet!!!

RESULTS
Enticer (250/10/2.5)

Sally Clendon: 6:00/24:43/12:57 - 43:40

Sprint (500/20/5)

Louise Ellengold: 12:56/44:45/30:54 - 1:28:35

Lisa "Kingo" Brentnall: no swim or bike time/32:54 - 1:31:08

Cheri "KB1" Lutz: 17:47/52:01/39:52 - 1:49:40

Gear Up Girls - Bicycle NSW Girls Workshop

Saturday 9th February 2008

On an early ‘n’ drizzly Saturday morning KB1, Vania and I (plus another 100 or so women) participated in the Gear Up Girl Workshop at Waterview Convention Centre in Bicentennial Park.

After brekkie, Julie Owens MP gave us an inspirational speech about how she got back into cycling… can you believe after buying a hybrid bike, six weeks later she rode to Canberra over 2 days with a group of cyclists to lodge a petition?!? Wow what an effort! Julie loved riding so much that when she returned she purchased a road bike and hasn’t looked back since.

We then took part in two workshops: basic bike mechanics and nutrition & training. The mysteries of changing a flat were revealed (I need to practice this skill at home a few times as I wouldn’t like to be caught out on my own with a flat yet). The nutrition and training workshop was somewhat interesting…however the speaker wasn’t… think he must have had a big night out somewhere and was still high on energy…

Vania very interested in tyre changing

Gear Up Girlies - Vania, Cheri & Tarn having lunch after the workshop

Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival incorporating the Australian Long Course Triathlon Championship (& numerous other fun events!)

23rd - 24th February 2008

Report by Stu "Shoes" Thompson

A big weekend was planned for 23-24th February as the Husky triathlons where on again in beautiful Jervis Bay. There was a multitude of races on over the weekend and it seemed many club members were coming down for some kind of involvement.

A couple were on the injury list, some were at Husky to cheer and Balance had a fantastic 10 people competing over the weekend. Saturday races included the Sprint triathlon, juniors, pro enduro, criterium, and 2km, 5km and 10km fun runs. Our first competitor was KB1 raced the 5k fun run. This was over a similar course to Sunday’s run leg in the long course tri and KB1 was out there on reconnaissance for Helmet. They may tell us differently but no doubt about it there would have been some information whispered post race to work into Helmets race plan for Sunday.

As the Knights started to turning up Sunday’s competitors headed off to register for the long course and for a planned swim in Shark bay. Most doing the long course were using the race as a tune up for Ironman OZ in April, and, given they wimped out of the swim due to a small amount of chop, they need long hard look at themselves in the mirror and consume a few cans of HTFU over the next 6 weeks.

Now with time on their hands and looking for something to do they took the only feasible option and headed for the pub. The odd nerve settler was consumed and a decision was made not to attend the briefing as we knew the drill. We left the pub and headed back to the Balance castle where Kezza put on a fantastic spread. Big thanks go out to Kezza for dinner as she must have slaved for hours. It was a feast fit for the balanced Knights heading off to race the next morning, which filled them all ready for the battle.

Ice, one very experienced knight, was convinced by Coolio that the way to steal an advantage would be to try out his “calories in a can”. After a massive meal and ignoring his own advice he took to drinking ½ a days calories in a 500ml drink. He then went to bed early determined for the perfect preparation. Less than an hour later he was driving the porcelain bus. For the rest of the night he would alternate between his bed and the toilet. His race seemingly over before it even started.

Race day dawned perfect, cloudless and still - a perfect day for racing. All the balanced knights started to show up at transition in varying degrees of excitement, some busting to get in the water others a little less relaxed.

I was happily chatting to Helmet on the shore about how he just wanted to survive the swim while watching the 30-34 wave start when Helmet said we’d better get in, I said it’s the 30-34’s. He told me no, it’s us. A closer look and they all had the same swim caps as ours, glad you’re here Helmet.

So the gun went off Helmet disappeared and so did I, however I went straight off the back. A little water in goggle’s and I took a quick stop to fix and realised that in about 100 metres the main group had about 50 metres on me. I started to think my approach has been a little too relaxed. By the first turning can Winky and Aunty had probably swam past me. I struggled to shore in a time I don’t want to repeat. Helmet sprinted out in 37mins, “just surviving” the swim.

Looking to the positives, I thought I’m back on land and it will only get better from here. I ran up the stairs from the beach got a cheer from Nemo, Power and Shot’is and headed for my bike. Wetsuit was off quickly, nutrition in the back pocket, glasses and helmet on. Shoes. Where are my bike shoes? They’re not on the ground, not on my pedals. Where are my shoes? Slow down & think. Oh, I’m going to hear about this, realising they were back at the house. Don’t panic, various options went through my head. Best two were ride back to the house and get them, or go back and get Shot’is to get them.

I ran back to the guys who were a little surprised to see me I might add. “Shot ‘is run back to the house and get my shoes”…. a little laughter was heard…. Shot ‘is kindly reminded me he couldn’t race due to running injuries. Bad option. Power offered his that he was wearing for his ride. What size? 10? Me too! What cleats? Keo’s? me too! A match, how lucky is this? Back to bike, shoes on & I’m running out of transition finally in a set cycle shoes. I took about two steps to realise Power’s 10 and my 10 were not the same. These must have been two sizes too big, but I had shoes and I was off. I got through town thinking, what an idiot, this is not the relaxed race I was thinking of.

The first few hills approached and it didn’t take long to realise that it’s hard to get any power down when your shoes are that big. I knew the guys were going to have a field day with this. Half way around I decided I had to get my own shoes back, so I needed to stop into the house at the end of the first lap, so I did but the shoes were nowhere to be found. Back on the bike a little further down the road I saw Shot ‘is who told me my shoes were 100 metres ahead with Power and Dazza K. I pulled over and the boys had my shoes nicely laid out ready for me to step into and take off. A quick swap and I was off again. I pedalled away from the Balanced Knights as one I heard the call, “SHOES” – my new nickname!

My shoes actually took a bit of getting used to again, but the second lap was a lot more comfortable than the first. Finishing the second lap, I gave the Knights a wave, “SHOES” came the cry. The rest of the bike passed without incident, other than some name calling (SHOES every time I saw a knight) but I had no idea of where anyone else was until we hit the run. 5k out and back twice and we’d all get the chance to see each other somewhere. It really is a great run. Both ends have a hill or two and the middle 3k’s or so is basically flat, some in shade some in sunshine. It’s got a bit for everyone. As we passed each other there generally was some words of encouragement to each other. All knights finished in varying states mostly in good shape.

Nick picked up a injury from the bike but completed the run in a bit of pain. Winky had clearly spent some time on the road and not dozing off to sleep, putting in a great run. The support from the Knights was fantastic, giving us a cheer or well deserved heckle and a laugh each time we went around and at the finish line.

The fun hadn’t ended though, we all heading to our various accommodation and showered / rested for a bit then headed back to the clubhouse were me meet up for a debriefing session. A long afternoon of story telling followed and final plans were laid for our assault on Port Macquarie and other races. The longer the afternoon went the better the stories and excuses. When it rolls around next year do yourself a favour and get down there for the weekend and a race

A big thanks to Kezza Kemp for accommodation and catering. The Sat feast was fantastic. Mucho Gracious for all the Balance supporters down there cheering us on. And a personal thanks to Power for the loaner (hope they were dry when you got them back…) and keeping in the game.

Shoes

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RESULTS

Long course (1/83/20)
Rob (Helmet) Lutz: 37:50/2:35:30/1:40:09 - 4:53:29 (great swim)

(Aunty) Karin Kaehne: 41:31/2:55:27/1:48:05 - 5:25:04 (cruised)
Hally (Winky) Bolt: 36:46/2:35:52/1:42:26 - 4:55:05 (massive PB)
Stuart (Shoes) Thompson: 42:04/2:41:59/1:39:05 - 5:03:09 (goose)
Vania Dauner: 44:29/3:29:33/2:15:53 - 6:29:56 (superstar)
Nick Taylor: 36:34/2:43:12/1:58:42 - 5:18:28 (sore ankle)
Scott Aliprandi: 32:59/2:33:40/1:37:10 - 4:43:50 (on no sleep)

Porcelain bus race

Dallas "Ice" Locke - 1st in age group

Other races

Geelong Half Ironman - 10th February 2008

Dallas "Ice" Locke 37:46/3:02:41/2:09:09 - 5:49:37

Matty "Coolio" Clarke 36:36/2:45:47/2:01:50 - 5:24:15

Stu "Shoes" Thompson 43:00/2:58:39/1:47:04 - 5:28:44

Newsletter February 2008

2008-02-01T12:23:00.000+11:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the February 2008 newsletter.

It's a biggie full of information about clothes, events, training and socialising. If you have just joined the club, or haven't been out with us for a while, give us a call or just turn up to one of the many events we have on offer. There is so much happening I am sure everyone can find something to suit their level of abilityor interest.

Remember I am always keen to hear what you are up to and love photographic proof of your exploits.

Enjoy the read!

Cheri "KB1/Wildthing"
Editor & Club Captain

President’s Note

It is with great pleasure that I confirm our status as an amalgamated Club with UTS. From today onwards, the committee has agreed to the new club name “Balance & UTS Tri Club”. Nothing changes for us, we still have the same values and commitment to our members.

Last year, we were invited to discuss the amalgamation with UTS. Their unique offer allows us to operate in our own right, but gives UTS students and faculty a Triathlon Club they can belong to...and for us a membership base we can draw on. There are only 4 clubs that are amalgamated with the UTS, including UTS Haberfield Rowing Club and The Tigers (Cricket team).

After lengthly consideration, the Balance Tri Club Committee unanimously validated the proposal based on the close alignment we have together in our mutual core values and direction.

This is an exciting time for the club, and opens a new chapter in our growth.

Yours sincerely

Mark "Power" Boonzaier
President

Club Gear

With club gear stocks low and lots of new members joining the club we are going to place an order for a 2nd round of club gear (nicks and jerseys). Please email myself (rlutz@bigpond.net.au) or Power (MarkB@bprmanagement.com.au) to register your interest so we can get an idea of numbers.

The second exciting development on the club gear front is that we are now looking at ordering race gear. This will be a sexy 2 piece combo. Again we need you to register your interest to either Power of myself. We need to hear from you by next Friday 15th February.

Husky Long Course - Key event for February 2008

Our key event for February 2008 is the Jervis Bay Triathlon Festival to be held at Huskisson on the NSW South Coast over the weekend of the 22nd - 25th February. This is a great weekend and number of club members are racing the long course on Sunday 24th February. The distance for the long course is 2km swim, 83km bike and 20km run. If you are racing let us know and we will be sure to cheer long and loud!

February Club night out @ Toto's

This month we will be dining out at Toto's pizzeria (59 First Ave, Five Dock) on Thursday 21st February. This will be after the Thursday run (about 8pm). Toto's look after us very well and the food is always cheap and plentiful. There will be lots of tri talk, embellishment of past performances and talking up of future endeavours so be ready for a fun night out.

Again send me an email if you would like to come (rlutz@bigpond.net.au) so we can organise numbers.

Club Champs Saturday 3rd May 2008, Anna Bay

Now this is going to be big! Club Champs are on at Anna Bay on 3rd May and are an excellent way to race, make new friends, party and support the best club in NSW - ours!

Club members Kezza (kerry@hangingaround.com.au) and Crowie (sintesi@bigpond.com) are the contact points for this event and are doing a magnificent job of arranging numbers, accommodation, t shirts & hoodies. We are going to look the business!

We still have accommodation available so contact Kezza or Crowie if you are interested. It doesn't matter if you are not going to race - just come along and support the club and enjoy a great weekend.

Club training sessions

At the moment, with a number of club members training for Ironman in April, there are more training sessions underway than you can poke a stick at! While some of these are ironman specific there are heaps that are appropriate for most club members.

Every Thursday the club does a Bay run starting from outside Le Montage. This commences at 630pm and is suitable for everyone from the speed demons to the run/walkers like myself. Of late we have been seeing up to 18 club members attend this run.

Ice & Helmet have kindly started taking a beginner ride every Saturday. This rolls out at 6am. The distance covered will be approximately 50km at a friendly pace and in a non scary environment. The ride will be structured to suit those that attend. So if you are scared of riding on the road they will help you to overcome this fear and teach you some of the skills that will see you riding safe and confidently.

The ride location will change from week to week so, if you are keen on coming along to the beginners ride, call Rob (Helmet) on 0401895709 or Dallas (Ice) on 0401515061. Or check out the club website.

There is always a intermediate ride on Saturday mornings too! This starts at 6am and the ride ride location varies from week to week. This is a ride of 80-100km at a faster clip. Give Mark (Power) a call on 0430195289 for more information or if you want to come along. Or check out the club website.

More training sessions will be added soon so keep and eye on the club website.

A funny story

For those not there....

As one of only two "active" club members at the run last night, I thought I'd give quick a brief update on proceedings.

At 6:30, with Power and myself present, a groupie chick turned up (I think it was the rippling muscles) and started trying to flog dubious clothing out of the back of her car. Power immediately fell for this act and started trying on the "merchandise". I was at first sceptical, but after being assured that "Sample" was a cool tri brand name, thought that there may be something in it. Helmet then turns up - ready for a Sydney stride.

Power wants to try on a different size - no worries says groupie and she's on the phone to her supplier......Now, the supplier can't find the product - he'll call back. A little later the call comes in - "It seems that I accidentally mixed up the product with my own gear" says the supplier - ah ha, I think - the shop-lifter's favourite phrase.

A few probing questions and it turns out that he's into the red wine and drugs! Have no lessons been learned over the past week....?

Something strange was definitely going down here - after nervously looking around, I decided to get out of there. "I'm off for a jog" says I, and they fell for it. A brief sprint to make sure no-one was following (that Helmet looked fast) and I was well away.

Circling the bay to waste some time, I return to the car park to find it all quiet. Everyone, including Helmet was gone - he must have got caught-up in the the sting - hope he made it home okay.

There's certainly more excitement being in a club than training on your own.........

Cheers Noel

Editors translation: Last night was the regular Thursday run at the Bay. Yes, it was a little damp. The merchandise referred to were "samples" of the new club t shirts and hoodies that will be available soon. Club member Hally (Winky) brought the "samples" along to the run so we could try them on for size. Her supplier, I suspect was her husband Dave (Shot'is), was obviously at home doing what all athletes do when injured, take drugs washed down with grape juice and feel sorry for themselves. My husband Rob (Helmet) informed me when he got home that he did run - from Winky's car to his car - before driving home. He also said that he didn't run because Power and Winky turned up to the run wearing jeans.

Thanks Noel for the story and thanks Shot'is for forwarding it onto me!

Racing this weekend....

Good luck to Ice, Stu and Coolio who are racing Geelong Half Ironman Triathlon this weekend. Go hard boys!

Welcome to new members

Darren (Dazza K) & Karin Kaehne (Aunty Karin) & family

Stu Thompson

January Club bbq

On Saturday 19th January club members Kezza and Greg kindly opened their home to a rowdy bunch of athletes for a Club BBQ. The food was great, the company entertaining and a Balanced time was had by all.

Thanks Greg and Kezza!

(turn the page by clicking on the bottom right hand side page of the book)

2nd Annual Australia Day Ride to Canberra

26 January 2008

Report by Club President and Ride Leader, Mark "Power" Boonzaier

At 4.35am on Saturday 26TH January 2008, 11 Balanced Knights rolled out from Cycleworld in Burwood…setting course on a voyage of discovery for the Nation’s Capital…Canberra some 280km out of town.

Before we rolled, Koppo came up with the brilliant idea that the first person to get a flat would be buying a round of drinks when we got into Canberra. Well, behind the scene I was the bookmaker taking bets on who that would be. Due to the likeliness on this being Koppo, the ideas man himself, he only was going at $1.10, through to Tic Toc running in at $5.

Well, the chit chatting began as we cruised onto the Hume Highway in our pairs. Every 5kms or so, we would roll to the left and catch-up with someone different and so it went on. By the time we got to Pheasant’s Nest (80km mark), we all new each other as if we have established friendships for years. Fortunately, “Flats Bolt” or Shot’is as he is affectionaitly known, was not on the ride so we were able to make some headway without getting any flats.

Well, no sooner had that been thought when she struck…flat no.1…and it was Julian. Thanks for the round Bud!! (Yet to be claimed at time of print.)

Now the climbing began! Starting from here through to Goulburn we were to climb some 750 vertical meters…NICE!! Our recovery point before we got into Goulburn was Sutton Forrest, 135kms into the ride. The plan was a quick 15min refuel, plus an excretion stop for Tic Toc (Poor lad was born with a weak bladder).

All’s well, and we coast into Sutton Forrest slightly ahead of plan…like clockwork…Tic Toc is into his necessary bizzo while the rest of us refuel. Nick strategically placed his bike in the HOTTEST location in the carpark, only for his tyre to go Whoof (a dog, no a flat.) Not sure if it was really a flat, Nick proceeded to demonstrate how to burst a tube through a hole in the sidewall of his tyre. (Nick’s stats: In 10minutes he went through 2 tubes and 1 tyre…NICE!)

Rolling out and Goulburn bound…we were off. Nemo hopped out of the car and onto the pack for her ride from SF into Canberra. Everybody is still pumped, a few ra…ra’s and we are cruising again. Kop’s (Koppo’s new nickname since he renamed himself…long story…) found the hills and had a number of disagreements with them. Surprisingly…they remained unforgiving no matter how many times he told them off, and cursed them.

A few more minor incidental flats, and we saw heaven…YEH, that’s the Macca’s sign on the Goulburn by-pass…..Whooooooo…….Hoooooooo!!! (180km mark)

Well, after we ate all the food…ripped strips off the porcelain bowl (toilet)..refreshed and revived…we were off to our next stop at the Lake George Lookout. Well folks, I am afraid to say this is where the unpleasantries began. Yes, Chris D must have gone mining to find a lost rat that was shoved up his drainpipe. Wheeuu! Sis! He blasted a few rippers, so much so that some of us are still going to counseling. Someone complained from a case of affixiation. He blamed the cheese on the Maccas burger…No mate! Poor form!

Koppo gets the best flat award, for both front and back at the same time. Now there’s a good blow bro! (Koppo’s stats: 3 tubes, 2 broken spokes, 1 wheel change, 1 additional Mr Tuffy…I think that’s it.) With no hassles at all, we cruised into the lookout where we had Mr & Mrs Dimi provide us with refreshments and food. Thanks so much guys, that was really wonderful!

The last leg through to Canberra. This would be the first time in 250kms that we would actually be tracking down in altitude. We had approximately 10kms of undulations left, and then 20kms of constant downhill. The pack had quietened down quite considerably, and we were all keen to get into town.

Well, we did it! Here we are! Canberra! Out came the Champagne, and we celebrated the achievement of getting across the line as well as our personal achievements. On a wonderful day, everybody achieved something. It was truly wonderful to see the team spirit we developed across the ride. Well done team, and thank you!!

Dear Cheri
As a group we are so appreciative of the time and dedication you gave to us so freely. You drove behind us, protecting us, for 280kms. Thank you! We could not have wished for a better Club Captain than what you give us in you own unique way, we are so thankful!
Best Wishes
The Balance Team

Our Stats:
· 11 cyclists
· 9 flats
· 2 tyres
· 1 wheel replacement
· 2 broken spokes
· Shitload gels, gu’s etc
· 6 Tic Toc excretion stops
· 4 rest stops
· 1 amazing support driver
· 18 Chris D farts (So Wrong)
· 1 missing rat (refer above issue)
· 1 x Tic Toc squirt session
· 2 bottles champagne

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A few more stats (thanks Scotty)

Start time at Cycleworld, Burwood Rd, Burwood: 4:35:34 AM

Finish time at Novotel, Northbourne Ave, Canberra: 5:58:51 PM

Total time: 13:23:17

Cycling time: 9:32:43

Time climbing: 2:14:27

Time going downhill: 1:10:21

Total distance: 274.53km

Average speed: 28.8km/hr

Maximum speed: 61.8km/hr

I just wanted to add a quick note to say how proud I am of all the riders that cycled to Canberra on Saturday 26th January 2008. To have 11 start and 9 complete the entire distance is a phenomenal effort. Driving behind them for 280km I became quite familiar with which derriere belonged to which rider and, from reading Power's report, I am glad I was a safe distance behind with the added comfort of fresh air conditioning.

A special mention should also go to the rest of the support crew:

Tarn Luck
Noelene Woo
Catherine
Tina
The wonderful parents of Chucky, Mr & Mrs D

Newsletter January 2008

2007-12-08T14:45:00.000+11:00

Welcome everyone to 2008 and a new format to the club newsletter. The blog format is a bit of an experiment so I would appreciate any comments either good or bad so long as they are polite! The master plan is to get a newsletter out there every 1-2 months so get those fingers typing and photographing and send your results, trials and tribulations for me - it all makes great reading and we love to know what everyone is up to!

There is so much happening over the next few months it is almost too exciting. Check out the links right for club events, triathlon races and other cool stuff. The places to be seen in January are Kezza's place on the 19th for the club BBQ and rolling out for Canberra on the 26th - be sure to email us if you want to attend either.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue. The stories are great and will certainly bring a tear to the eye.

So have a happy and exciting triathlon year and read on Knights.

Cheri (KB1)

In this issue:

Race reports

Callala Beach Triathlon - 2nd December 2007 - by Sally Reynolds

IMWA - 2nd December 2007 - by Dave & Hally Bolt

Canberra City Half Ironman - 16th December 2007

Friends in high places

A beer with Iceman

2007 in review

Callala Beach Triathlon - 2 December 2007

Race report by Sally Reynolds

Sally pretending to be a seal and head butting the buoy

On the run - waving to her fans

A beautiful day a Callala Beach saw 155 competitors for the mini-man festival. I competed in the 1km/30km/8km distance. This was my first tri (if enticer doesn't count!) and there's plenty more training to be done before the next!

I swam 18:43 min over beautiful clear water and then a very slow ride for me of 1:12:11; a rather hilly bike course, and 50:39 min asthmatic jog home! Great course - the Callala tri festival in Jan should be similar; would recommend it. However, accomodation leaves a bit to be desired - very 70s motel-style about 30min drive from course in Bomaderry. Will I be racing again? Ofcourse - the Canberra tri in Jan is already pencilled in on the calendar.

Ironman Western Australian Triathlon - Busselton 2 December 2007

Race report by Dave "Shot'is" Bolt

For most people Ironman is about numbers. It is about heart rate or power figures or cadence or speed. It can be about number of calories or litres an hour but mostly it is all about beating the 17 hour deadline any way you can.

For Shot’is this December 2nd it was just over 10,000. That is the total number of calories that I burnt trying in vain to catch the missus AGAIN! I thought that maybe I could relate this number to some others stacked up during the build up to this race rather than run through every nut and bolt of how my race unfolded.

Total number of training hours - 400
No. of training bike kms - 4500
No. of running kms - 800
No. of training shoes - 3
No. of swim sessions - 120
No. of swim kms - 360
No. of power bars consumed during training - 80
No. of gels consumed during training - 130
No. of crashes at Kurnell - 1
No. of bad jokes told by Power on Saturday mornings - 30
No. of times I wanted to stop all this damn training - 50
No. of schooners forsaken for this crazy sport in past 5 months - 200
No. of new friends this year through Tri - 30 (at least, and thank you all)
No. of flat tyres during training - 9
No. of hours on the massage table - 8
No of mates who wanted to race Busso in April - 8
No. of mates who DID race Busso - 3
No. of planes in the pre-race fly over - 4
No. of seconds of fireworks before the pro start - 15
No. of competitors - 900
No. of wheelchair racers - 2
Length of swim - 3.8Ks
No. of times I got kicked in the head - 13
No. of times somebody grabbed my leg and tried to pull me under - 1
Depth of water at end of pier - 10 metres(7500.8 running total)
No. if litres of salt water in stomach at end of swim - 2
Total swim time in minutes - 66
N0. of metres from the waters edge to a very comfy chair in the tent - 100
Minutes in transition tent wishing for it all to end - 2
Ride distance - 180.2
No. of gels consumed - 6
No. of power bars consumed - 2.5
No. of times I peed on the bike - 1
No. of subsequent port-a-loo stops due to previous bad experience - 5
No. of bidons drunk - 6
No. of times I wished I had worn my comfy training shorts - 40
No. of times I had to tell Hally to slow down - 1
No. of times I rode past my mum without her seeing me - 3
No. of smiling volunteers at aid stations - 1000 and thank you all!
Hours spent of that DAMN push bike - 5:58
No. of L of sunscreen applied by enthusiastic volunteer in T2 - 1
No. of km left to run - 42.2

No. of times Mrs Poopy pants ran past me - 1
No. of gels left to eat - 4
No. of minutes lead over Winky - 20
No. of kms down before the leg cramps REALLY hurt - 16
No. of kms to shuffle/walk and enjoy the crowd support - 18.2
No. of times the announcer told me that my wife had just passed me - 1
No. of vegemite sticks consumed to relieve cramps - 30
No. of kilometres left to run in order to beat 12 hour mark - 8
No. of times in last 3 kilometres I thought about walking again - 15
No. of minutes for the marathon - 288
No. of ladies to catch a blown apart Shot’is at the end of the blue carpet - 2
No. of times I reminded myself that this was the last time - 80
No. of minutes before I was planning how to improve for Port - 30
No. of times I cried in medical tent and with my mum at finish - 5
No. of minutes of improvement since Port 07 - 68(9667.48)
No. of litres of beer drunk since December 2 2007 - 200
No. of pieces of KFC completed in 21 piece challenge - 11 (soft!)
No. of weeks left until we kick off again at Port 2008 - 15
Grand Total - 10093.48

Ironman is not about numbers, it is about realising that the body can be stronger than the brain whilst at the same time understanding to use the brain as a friend not an enemy. Ironman is about the support of friends and family even when they never get time with you. Ironman is about sacrifice. Ironman is about getting plastered for a month afterwards and catching up with all your mates!

Thank you to all our friends for your support and shared training over the past 5 months, it is now pay back time and if we can help with others Ironman dreams you know where we can be found! We look forward to a big Balance turn out at Port in 2008 where Winky and I might just have one last crack at a sub 11 hour timeslip before retiring to the supporters side of the baracades for a while!

Race report by Halcyon "Winky" Bolt

Arriving in Busselton the Wednesday before the race, we had plenty of time to acclimatise and relax before race day. Thursday morning we swam about halfway up the jetty and back, in gorgeous clear, calm waters - we could see the bottom the whole way, so that was encouraging.

Bikes were set up that afternoon and we had a short ride Saturday when I noticed my rear mech wasn’t quite in tune. I somehow let my chain slip into my rear wheel. Ughh!! - the sound was awful. Ok so now I needed my wheel trued too! Dave adjusted the tuning a bit and stopped me from freaking out too much - but it was off to Mr Shimano for a quick fix. The wheel couldn’t be trued in time for the race but it was rideable. Thanks Mr Shimano Man!

Race day conditions were perfect and Dave and I both felt strangely calm as we floated on our backs in the water. My heart rate monitor had me at 53% maximum HR which wasn’t as calm as I felt - but it was ok. Apparently there was a fly-over and fireworks off the jetty but they were rather more understated than I had expected. The horn blasted and we all started swimming furiously out to the end of the jetty, we separated immediately. I coped the usual blows to the face and a few ankle grabs. At the time I thought it was a pretty good swim although half way through I felt a neck rash forming from my wettie. Dave was out in 1:09 and ran up to transition, I didn’t know it but I was 4 minutes behind him at 1:13.

I was hoping for a 1:10 swim so I was a bit disappointed when I ran up to get my bag and heard the time, so I tried to be as quick in transition as possible - it took 3 minutes with the help of a lovely volunteer who smothered me with sunscreen.

As per the plan I ate a Powerbar as soon as possible and started drinking. I looked at my watch and my heart rate wasn’t showing up. I thought it might have water in it so I jiggled the connection on my chest strap and waited for a while. Nothing. Bummer. My plan was based on racing at certain heart rates but now I was racing to feel.

Dave was pacing himself well, and I must have been going a bit too quick because I caught Dave after about 25kms. I couldn’t believe it when I saw him. I was excited thinking I must have been going really well but also worried because he should have been further ahead of me! Of course since there was no drafting allowed we couldn’t hang out and chat but a quick exchange took place whereby I realised I was overcooking it a bit and wouldn’t last the whole day at the pace I was going. I rode past and waited for him to overtake me.

He did overtake quite soon and that was the last we saw of each other for a while. The design of the course was good because when we doubled back from a turnaround point we would see each other. I soon found out to my surprise that I was ahead of Stu! I waited for him to overtake me but it never happened. Doing the loop in town I saw Jan, Elsa and oh my god - Noel - what was he doing there?! I wondered what had happened. Had he started, had he dropped out, was he okay? I wouldn’t find out til the end of the race. The wind picked up throughout the ride, and it was particularly bad on New Layman’s Rd as I knew it would be because it is totally exposed. My arms and shoulders started to ache (note to self: look at aero position) and I slowed down, plus there was a few loo stops. I was so impressed at how awesome the volunteers were, they even held your bike for you when you went to the loo!

Towards the end of the ride one guy said to me “Only a marathon to go now!” and I remember thinking to myself - I’m not doing a marathon, just 3 laps. I don’t like to freak myself out about how far or how hard it is going to be.

I finished up with 6:08. This was about 8 minutes slower than I wanted, but I figured I still had the run to go so no time to worry about it. In transition I changed really quickly and stupidly forgot to reapply more sunscreen.

My run started out at a good pace I think - I still didn’t have a heart rate according to my watch! It was excellent on the run as far as spectators go, because they are right up close to you on the path. It is also nice looking out at Geographe Bay and the jetty as you run. Many spectators were looking up the competitor list to see who we were. Having a difficult name like ‘Halcyon’ often means people don’t cheer for me by name but to my surprise a few did and even got it right! I also had a good bib number (123) so it was nice hearing people call ‘1-2-3-GO!’ I felt a burst of adrenaline as I passed Jan, Elsa and Noel who had the camera out and were cheering loudly! I kept up my nutrition and was still feeling alright on the way back up to the jetty and transition area, where to my surprise Phil Stanton jumped out of nowhere and cheered me on, and then ran ahead to take some snaps. Later in the afternoon he was up in the announcer’s tower and called out some encouraging words which was really awesome. It made me a bit emotional, such a nice guy.

I kept plodding along, got my arm band and the next time I passed my favourite cheer squad, they told me I was catching Dave ‘He’s just up there’ – I was worried again – he should be further ahead of me than that!! After a while I noticed not only was I getting close to passing Dave but Stu was bearing down on me too. Stu called out something to me about being the Hilly Street Champion which made me laugh. As I passed David (somewhat reluctantly) he said he had cramps so I told him to get salt somehow! At the next aid station I called for it but they said they didn’t have any - I hoped he would be alright. This was devastating for him I thought. We had already discussed before the race though that we would both give it a crack no matter what so I made myself keep on going. After this I also passed a male pro who was bending over in pain I asked if I could do anything to help him, if he wanted a gel but he said no.

I collected my 2nd arm band and not long after this Stu passed me and I realised I now felt quite exhausted! The last 7k’s were so incredibly tough. I finally gave in to the pain and exhaustion, and walked a bit but tried to keep it to the aid stations only. I wondered if Dave would catch up again. One foot in front of the other, it was a mental battle and my calves were killing me those last 2ks.

As I hit the finishing chute (finally!), I was so excited, it was awesome - an amazing feeling. I ran passed Jan, Elsa and Noel and high fived them, then sprinted to the finish line. I couldn’t help but sprint, it must have been the adrenaline, but also I really needed it to be over.

I was caught by a couple of volunteers, they walked me into the marquee and I congratulated Stu (though he doesn’t remember) then due to the pain in my legs I headed straight for a massage. The massage was great and an enormous relief, but when I went to stand up I felt dizzy. Oops too quick. Try again - I stood up, looked across the room and saw Dave, he looked so happy and all I could think was how can he feel that good?!... I felt all warm, fuzzy and everything went dark.

At 11:51 I had gone over an hour faster than my first ever Ironman (at Port earlier this year) so I was very pleased and grateful BUT I was still left thinking….I can go faster than that!

Balance Knights have friends in high places

Tic Toc and Crowie

Kieran, Cadel and Tic Toc

Kieran, Stuart O'Grady and Tic Toc

Canberra City Half Ironman - 16 December 2007

(Click on the pile of photos below to view)

Sascha 35:00/2:55:52/2:06:26/5:37:19

Helmet 45:52/3:20:21/1:47:40/5:53:54

Nick 40:17/3:17:54/1:58:16/5:56:28

Matty 36:11/2:49:18/2:05:01/5:30:30

Kezza 37:43/3:18:26/2:09:19/6:05:29

Non club members worth a mention:

Vania 46:34/4:34:16/2:21:21/7:42:11

Noel 56:32/3:46:27/2:30:43/7:13:43

A Beer with Dallas "Ice" Locke

(aka Mr January)

My earliest memory is.....I remember back when I was 2 1/2 years old. I was laying in bed between my parents. My bladder was full to overflowing and I could not contain it any longer. The unfortunate part was that I was laying on my back and the following blast went straight back over my head and hit the bed light and shorted it out. What a sharp shooter!

My first relationship was.....I was a late starter at 21 with my head in the clouds and no real idea as to what it was all about. Now I'm 50, I still have my head in the clouds and I still don't know what it's all about! A wise amn once told me why divorce costs so much - because it's worth it!

I wish I'd never worn.....The summer of '71 school dance - cord pants and shirt. I should have been put in a time capsule there and then.

My father always told me.....what a great man! He said to me on many occasions that when someone is giving you a hard time be nice to them. It annoys the crap out of them.

My most humiliating triathlon moment was when.....Ironman '90 something. 140km on the bike leg and I thought I could pass wind one more time. Iwas mistaken. I recall it was a bad year for flies and it seemed that every fly on the north coast wanted a piece of me. Why don't aid stations have aeroguard?

My happiest triathlon moment was.....winning my first age group triathlon series.

At home I cook.....as little as possible.

My favourite bike is.....the one that I am riding at the time. Although I did have a soft spot for my giant mono carbon job. It was hot and I did my ironman PB on it.

I'm very bad at.....not drinking. Keeping secrets - I planned my own surprise party and couldn't keep it to myself. Also staying focused.

The hardest thing I've ever done was.....watching my Dad slowly die from cancer. I was the product of the passion in his loins and became the spit out of his mouth. Maybe the world couldn't bear to have 2 Ices at one time. We will meet again.

I got into triathlon because.....I used to swim as a child. I was laready riding my bike all over the place and running around like a maniac. When the chance presented itself in 1987 it seemed like the natural thing to do. It's been a journey of mixed emotions, accomplishments and disappointments but none the less enriching.

In triathlon I admire.....everyine who gets of their butt and has a go. So many people complain about things and are never willing to do something about it. So anyone who sets themself a goal and then strives to achieve it inspires me to be better.

My favourite race is....That's a tough one. Probably have to go with Yepoon Half Ironman. Leave your baggage and kids at home and relax after kicking some butt.

Favourite food - baby octopus

Favourite colour - purple

Favourite band - Air Supply

Favourite drink - VB

And finally.....I keep thinking that I could not meet any more people that inspire and motivate me and every day I do.

Thanks Iceman

2007 in review - happy new year everyone

Albert Einstein