On the road to Beijing - Debbie
20 June 2008
Well since leaving NZ I have experienced a few extremes, one being the coldest race I have ever endured.
World Champs in Vancouver, Canada where not what many people expected. 12 degree water and 13 degrees outside air temperature called for a few extra things to think about:
1. Warm up in the cold water or dry land?
2. What to wear during the race to keep warm and not get hypothermia!!!
Well after thinking a fair few ideas through, I ended up getting in the water to get rid of the initial shock and then getting out to warm up again. I raced in togs, tri suit, thermal and a safety blanket and I still managed to shiver for most of the 40 km bike ride, so much for a summer sport.
I really can’t complain though as I ended up 9th and a top ten at World Champs is always a good result. I felt really good, strong but not yet fast. My coach and I were happy with this, as I have not yet done the work to warrant going fast, that is the next step in the process and the lead up to the Games.
I’m now training at altitude in Boulder, Colorado. This is one of my favourite places in the world to train. It is a great little town in the mountains with excellent training facilities and a town full of people who love to exercise, which you really would not pick in America.
Being at altitude your body is working twice as hard then at sea level so it is important to monitor heart rate and general feeling of the body.
I am really lucky this year to have my coach Pete Pfitzinger and training partner Brent Foster here with me. It helps to make the programme nice and focused and we can concentrate on every detail together things right.
We’re staying in the same place as Shane Reed, his family and his coach Brendon. Also Nina Rillstone, NZ Olympic marathon runner is out here with us too, so a great group of Kiwis to keep a nice feeling about the place.
I am here for another two weeks and then it’s off to Europe so I will continue to enjoy the good weather and great training.
Thanks for every ones support, it’s always great to hear from everyone.
Cheers
Deb
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