What Have I Done To Anger Mother Nature?

Disclaimer: I know the picture has nothing to do with the title or the content, but it was cute and I had no race photos and I have been told the following: topless photos = followers, doggie photos = followers. Therefore, topless photos with doggies = instant fame, right!?

On The Road Again... Finally!

Goodness, it felt so good to be back on the highway driving up to Canberra! I was a day away from driving up to Newcastle for a training camp when our second COVID-19 lockdown hit (see Happy Birthday To Me *sarcasm* blog post), so finally escaping across the border(s) was just bloody terrific!  After being locked up for so long it was weirdly anxiety-inducing trying to cross all the border checkpoints.  I knew I had my paperwork in order, but it was hard to shrug off the worry of being shut down again after what happened right before Newcastle.

Once I arrived in Canberra, I checked into the AIS, and was immediately put into temporary isolation while being tested for COVID-19.  I had to get a negative test result back from the AIS medical center before I could use any of the facilities. I must admit, I got very familiar with the dining menu as I sat around those four walls for a full 24 hours. But luckily, I was negative and the next day was headed straight up to the track. 

I really wasn’t sure what to expect of my first session back with my coach, Freddy. I had been pushing mostly on my indoor trainer at home throughout the year, and building my strength in my home/garage gym and I just didn't know how to gauge what that would add up to as far as an actual track practice or race performance. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t completely suck... It was a relief to discover that the time spent away from normal training hadn't slowed me down and the work I had been doing while in lockdown(s) had been beneficial. Though I’ll admit, my starts did look slightly like a headless chicken for a bit at first; fortunately I was able to reel in the uncoordination and my times and speeds were surprisingly quick. So, yay!

Race #1 (22 November)

RACE DAY! For a race that was purely just a hitout to dust off the proverbial cobwebs, I found myself feeling really nervous leading into it. Even though I had been training well again the previous couple of weeks leading into it, the fact I hadn't competed since February and all the time away from proper training was playing on my mind. Fortunately, I have been working with my sports psychologist from the VIS for this exact scenario and using a few of the strategies we have been practicing over quarantine, I soon got the nerves under control. Thanks, Mark! 

I crossed the line in 17.33. It was a good (not great) result. I had a real good start but  was kinda annoyed that the finish speed wasn’t what I had hoped for, having been pushing faster in training. I had hoped to be faster but the conditions were not perfect, it downpoured just before the race so the track was wet and it was moderately windy.  In hindsight, it was a pretty good first race back and another qualifying time is alway a Swiss flag too. 

What can I take away from the first race back? Well, I know I can still race. Which sounds silly considering how long I’ve been doing this sport for, but one can never be sure! And the work with my sports psychologist works. Thanks again, Mark! What can I take into the next race this upcoming weekend? Confidence. I know I'm capable of racing competitive times still, and to continue to practice my race routines and get comfortable being back going fast again. 

 I’ll keep you updated on how this weekend goes. 

XOXO, Gossip Quad

Click here for all the 22 November Race Results

Race # 2 (5 December)

Okay, so I never posted that last bit, and now “this weekend” was a few days ago. So, the question becomes how was my second race? The answer is WET! I’m not sure who peeved off mother nature but we seem to have developed a wet and windy race day habit and I’m not stoked about it! 

Here’s how I imagine myself answering an imaginary press conference about this race:

Me:  I’ll now open up the floor for questions about the race… 

(Question from man in a raincoat)

Me:  Oooh good question! The man in the raincoat asked “What was your time?” I finished in 17.63, not the quickest, but for a rainy race I'm quite happy with it. 

(Question from a lady in an elephant onesie, don’t question my imaginary press conference)

Me:  Yes, you there, the lady in the elephant onesie. “How was the race?” Thanks for the question, and may I compliment you on your choice of outfit at this press conference? The race was, how you say….wet. I had good traction on my pushrims off the line and managed a good first 50m without slipping too much, but started slipping a tad more over the last 50m of the race so my top speed wasn't quite where it needs to be for a low 17-second race. 

(Question from my internal monologue)

Okay last question please. “Was it a qualifying time?” Thanks for the question, Sam’s internal monologue. Yes! It was another B qualifying time.

Click here to see all the 5 December Race Results

Okay now you are all caught up! There is another race in two weeks time, so if mother nature can sort herself out, ya boy would be very thankful!  Because as great as getting B qualifying times is, I’d love to go speedier and not be soaking wet.  Thanks!  *Goes back to googling how to not anger the rain gods*