tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50081088341916220872024-03-13T04:09:10.558-07:00The Four MusketeersGenevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-13833638261268224362012-03-14T20:19:00.001-07:002012-03-14T20:21:50.766-07:00Ironman Melbourne...<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Musketeers have spent the last few months immersed in solid training, preparing for the inaugural Ironman Melbourne event next week. </span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the ways the Musketeers have been preparing is through various Multi-Sets. Usually the Musketeers will complete these sessions in Centennial park (cycling loops and running various sections of the park, over and over). More recently, the team has taken to completing the cycling aspect on their wind trainers in a central area. This has allowed each musketeer to work within his own limits whilst giving them the opportunity to test out various pieces of kit in a controlled environment, some successful (power meters) some not so successful (weight vests). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So as the days draw us closer to Ironman Melbourne, the Musketeers are 100% focused on the task ahead. For Todd, not only is he a part of the very first Ironman Melbourne, but its also his first race as a professional. He is looking lean, strong and ready to go. What better race to spread his Professional wings in than the inaugural Ironman Melbourne! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Brenton has been working hard over the past couple of months to ensure he can secure himself a Kona slot. It looks promising too. Bretons run is looking incredible - combined with his consistently strong swim and bike leg, Brenton is force to be reckoned with...Age groupers beware. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">John recently returned from NZ where he planned to do Ironman NZ as a warm up for Melbourne. I know, it seems completely crazy if not impossible to complete 2 Ironman events, 3 weeks apart. Not for John, that's just the way he rolls. Unfortunately the race was cancelled due to severe weather warnings. John was quite disappointed, commenting along the lines of, 'Everyone should just toughen up, it's an Ironman, it's supposed to be hard'. This was later retracted when gusts of wind up to 160kph hit Taupo. It would have been a very interesting race, particularity given the amount of people sporting disc wheels. Instead, a 70.3 was run the day after. A quality training race in spectacular Taupo, not a bad consolation. </span><br />
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">Andy has had a very interesting lead up to IM Melbourne. Knowing that he was to become a father in the week leading up to the race, Andy has been putting in a serious amount of quality training sessions. As all triathletes know, there is a degree of juggling required in order to fulfill both training and social requirements. In Andy's case, this meant backing up Sundays grueling long run with a friends wedding that afternoon. It was at this wedding that Jules (Andy's partner and devoted Musketeer supporter) went into labor. A very long day for our Ironman Andy- a marathon session indeed. But perhaps the greatest finish of all, their little boy Ethan. Congratulations Jules and Andy! </span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lL9PYVY1xE/T2Fe66htbqI/AAAAAAAAAIk/uVzm_h8FUfs/s1600/jules+andy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lL9PYVY1xE/T2Fe66htbqI/AAAAAAAAAIk/uVzm_h8FUfs/s320/jules+andy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Family</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mini Musketeer</span></td></tr>
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<div><span style="font-family: Arial;">So here we are - 10 sleeps to go. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Musketeers are entering race phase. Primed and ready for greatness, the Scotts are looking fast and the 2XU race kit is ready to go. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whatever happens out there, the team are looking forward to taking part in this great event and of course, catching up with the crew from 2XU (Musketeer and IM Melbourne sponsor)</span><br />
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<div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;">As Big Kev would say...I'm excited! </span></div><br />
<div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">All for one.</span> </span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-38525373904223124752012-01-29T17:48:00.000-08:002012-01-29T17:48:10.047-08:00Multi Madness<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Musketeers are back in full force with a solid weekends training. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Australia Day, the Musketeers head to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Centennial</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> with their turbo trainers and runners. This was the first of many Multi-Sets that will be run in the lead-up to IM NZ and Melbourne. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Musketeer Multi-Set is traditionally comprised of drills, strength sets on the trainers, running, heart rate sessions and to finish it all off, a series of 800m laps in the park. This process usually takes around 3-4hrs (though Australia Day was cut short due to blinding rain). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the Rain</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday, the team assembled for a <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wollongong</st1:place></st1:city> ride. The weather came good and the ride down through the national park was a reminder of how good some of the cycling is around <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sydney</st1:city></st1:place>.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way back however, proved a challenge for some. Andy’s shifter had a massive malfunction. As a result his gearing was jammed in 54/11 (big chain ring, hardest gear). If you have ever ridden the hill out of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Wollongong</st1:city></st1:place> via Stanwell park, you will understand that this sort of gearing is actually impossible to climb with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one to back down from a challenge, Andy got cracking and rode all hills until the point of dismount, then ran…yes ran… with his bike, in his cycling shoes, to the very top. A champion effort. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An 18km run off made for a good days training. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday saw the musketeers take on another Multi-Set, this time with a Watsons bay run (20km round trip) tagged onto the end…for good measure. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With 5 weeks to go until IM NZ, and 8 weeks until <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Melbourne</st1:city></st1:place>, The Four Musketeers are right back into it. </span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All for one!</span> </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-61031007910285485022012-01-11T16:05:00.000-08:002012-01-11T16:05:29.511-08:00Falls Creek- Day Five<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And on the fifth day….its snowed. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst the original plan was to rug up in their 2XU jackets and get amongst the elements on mountain bikes, it was just way too cold and the conditions too icy for the bikes. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the team head down to Mt Beauty pool to do some swimming only to discover that the ITU National Squad had booked out the whole pool for the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since it was also raining, the next logical step was coffee. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over a fresh brew, John Mergler mentioned to the boys, ‘I thinking of running back up to Falls Creek (a monster 30km hill with no relief)…what do you say?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brenton took a moment to consciously look over his body, making sure everything was working before responding ‘hmmmmm, yeah alright, lets do it’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst John and Brenton head off to get some provisions before starting their climb, Todd and Andy made their way out on a decent run around Mount Beauty followed by a solid session in the pool (once the ITU boys were done). </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John and Brenton hit the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way up there, they endured every possible weather condition. First, there was heavy rain, then instantly the weather would dry up and the sun would shine bright creating a steam room effect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next minute, the clouds would fly over and hail would fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then sun, then snow, then gusty ice winds…..repeat x 4. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Todd and Andy met them at the 20k mark in the car and handed them some nutrition. This was very well received as the last 15kms of the run was incredibly steep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Todd and Andy then dropped the car at Falls Creek and rode down to help them through the final 3-4km. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this morning, the weather is a balmy -2 degrees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The team have started packing a few things as today is their last day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mid morning the crew will head out for a long intense mountain bike for majority of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather this afternoon will likely dictate other training opportunities for the day. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weather has hindered the amount of kms that the Musketeers had originally planned to cover; however, this has allowed them to focus on quality sessions with a good amount of recovery time in between which has been terrific. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow this week has flown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing is for sure, The Musketeers will return in top form and ready to take on IM NZ and IM Melbourne…. Bring it on! </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All for one…</span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-20377139944552033632012-01-10T17:02:00.000-08:002012-01-10T17:04:29.251-08:00Falls Creek - Day Four<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Yesterday proved to be a cracking day for a long run. The Musketeers set out in cold but clear weather running across the Alpine Way and to Bogon High Plains at elevation. Everyone was running very well and they finished the 35km in under 4hrs which is a good effort given the terrain and altitude. The last km was a section of road where the Musketeers really picked up the pace. It was a satisfying feeling knowing they were able to finish strongly after a long and technical run. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l135beYR-YQ/TwzYnWyuZLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/yGTGteu7L00/s1600/brentons+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l135beYR-YQ/TwzYnWyuZLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/yGTGteu7L00/s320/brentons+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mergler</td></tr>
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Todd was unfortunately unable to join the other musketeers on their run as he has been nursing an injury for the past couple of months. Whilst it’s very nearly healed, he decided to exercise caution and sit out the run due to its terrain and distance. Injuries are a common part this sport, however if treated correctly and responsibly, one can ensure they are back into full flight in no time at all. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Not one to EVER miss a training session, Todd head out on Brenton’s brand new mountain bike and covered over 70km of muddy, technical tracks. At one point Todd was reaching speeds of up to 60km off road! Much to Brenton's relief, the bike (and Todd) came back in one piece. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Whilst the team had best of intentions for a swim in the lake, everyone was wet, freezing and hungry. So after a quick walk through the icy water to recover the legs, the Musketeers head back to HQ for some good food and rest. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Part of this rest included a DVD… its called ‘13’. Don’t get it.. particularly if your nerve endings are a little frayed after a days training. Quite a disturbing movie that did not aid in relaxation. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The Falls Creek weather has not failed to disappoint. Known for its extremities, the Musketeers awoke this morning to snow!! The temperature is 0 degrees, however the ‘feels like’ factor is -6! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Not to be put off, the Musketeers will be wrapping up in their winter goodies and heading out on the mountain bikes for a session, ending up at the base of mount beauty where it is a more civilised 21 degrees. From here they will do around 3-4km in the outdoor pool down there, followed by a 15km run. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">For the record, next week in Falls Creek (once the Musketeers have left) will be 35 degrees. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">All for one!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-75917018398982870062012-01-09T15:56:00.000-08:002012-01-09T16:06:06.983-08:00Falls Creek - Day Three<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday (day 3) was earmarked to be the biggest session of the week… The Musketeers did not disappoint. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EQ0-E9oPnI/Twt8yIiIc-I/AAAAAAAAAHc/50in8oVN1_A/s1600/breakfast+falls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EQ0-E9oPnI/Twt8yIiIc-I/AAAAAAAAAHc/50in8oVN1_A/s320/breakfast+falls.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pre Buffalo Breakfast </span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Musketeers set out to tackle <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:placename></st1:place> via Towango Gap, a 200km cycle with over 80kms of relentless climbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather seemed favourable, so no rescue missions this year…better luck next time I guess. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPUpkyuTxDc/Twt9LvepQSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/1OTAEwuj0no/s1600/go+pro+cam.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPUpkyuTxDc/Twt9LvepQSI/AAAAAAAAAHk/1OTAEwuj0no/s1600/go+pro+cam.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brenton attaching his 'Go Pro' Cam for the day ahead. </span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What the Musketeers missed out on last year was the descent down Buffalo... This was their day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, Todd and Andy are fearless kamikazes, flying down the massive descent at speeds that would make Mark Webber flinch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andy, clearly using the descent to shake out the last of his recklessness before fatherhood in a few months, went ‘no hands’ for most of the way down…. mental.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTIVQDgHNFU/Twt9btpC39I/AAAAAAAAAHs/QWORXXt525g/s1600/buffalo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTIVQDgHNFU/Twt9btpC39I/AAAAAAAAAHs/QWORXXt525g/s1600/buffalo+1.png" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last section of the ride was the climb back up to Falls Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a very testing 30km as the team was completely spent from the days efforts. They managed to complete this section in around 1hr 45min, except Todd, who (without a second thought) powered up the 30km climb in 1hr 23mins. The total ride time was approx 8hrs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIzmCINKj08/Twt9mtTa6YI/AAAAAAAAAH0/gZIrfyRiRYc/s1600/buffalo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIzmCINKj08/Twt9mtTa6YI/AAAAAAAAAH0/gZIrfyRiRYc/s1600/buffalo+2.png" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8-T3aVpdoQ/Twt-CSIHjPI/AAAAAAAAAH8/P-2khJyK2Nk/s1600/buffalo+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8-T3aVpdoQ/Twt-CSIHjPI/AAAAAAAAAH8/P-2khJyK2Nk/s1600/buffalo+3.png" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Back at the ranch, the priority was food, and lots of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steak, Rice, Salad, Ratatouille and plenty of water…then bed. </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This morning the Musketeers rolled out of bed and into the sauna to prepare their muscles for the day ahead. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today’s plan is for a long run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heading out across the Alpine Way and to Bogon High Plains, this 35km run will be off road, technical, and all at elevation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as the run is complete, the Musketeers will be donning the wetsuits for a swim session in the (very cold) lake. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will keep you posted. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All for one….</span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-54496237737471353522012-01-08T02:33:00.000-08:002012-01-08T12:51:05.907-08:00Falls Creek - Day Two<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Musketeers awoke this morning feeling a little tired but in high spirits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather this morning was in stark contrast to yesterday. The clouds were low and dark, there was plenty of rain and gusty winds up to 65km. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Off for an 8km run before breakfast, the general consensus was to explore the ‘Recovery Run’ Trail…though there was nothing overly ‘recovery’ about it given they are still finding their altitude legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wind was cold and strong and pierced the skin as the Musketeers ran across the ridge – this seemed to set the tone for the day. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back for breakfast, the Four Musketeers prepared every item they could think of. Boiled eggs, toast, fruit, yogurt cereal and coffee…all devoured with gusto. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a brief meeting (which included stretching, core work and roller exercises) it was decided that today would be a mountain biking day- perfect weather for it. The team took out the bikes in some of the wettest, coldest, muddiest trails they had seen in a long time. There were periods where they were riding through plumes of icy water cascading down from overhanging rocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Brenton, this was the maiden voyage on his brand new mountain bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also happens to be a budding camera man which meant he was able to document this important journey on film, including his very own spectacular stack…all caught on his new Video Camera of course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzdU0v8TwwfZmSsHbgLnW99OT3r1hwV4RgbfdcMbBwhJOxGlhRmu1xOEky1ADF7x95kYJVy4xPKyyIWdYuyDw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The whole day went by and the Musketeers didn't see a soul out on the road, seems most had written the day off and crawled back into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On arrival home, it took a good 15mins in a steaming hot shower to thaw out. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the plan for tomorrow is to conquer <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Buffalo</st1:placename></st1:place>, a 220km arduous cycle… The Musketeers have unfinished business with this mountain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, the Musketeers had had a massive day out on the bikes and were just at the top of Mt Buffalo when a horrendous storm closed in on them. There was lightening, downpours and icy gusts of wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Visibility was zero and there was no way they could descend in those conditions. On the other hand, if they stayed up there they would surely end up with hypothermia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a call to the emergency services, the park rangers went hunting and found them up the top and freezing in the -1C conditions. The Musketeers became honorary Rangers that day, donning their fleecy green ranger jumpers, drinking a hot brew and sharing wild tales of Mt Buffalo with their heroes. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, let’s see what day 3 brings…. Weather forecast looks good, but as the Musketeers found out last year, you never know. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYRF3TqVAtY/TwlwR3fJ3TI/AAAAAAAAAHU/8FLpfIaA068/s1600/falls+dinner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jYRF3TqVAtY/TwlwR3fJ3TI/AAAAAAAAAHU/8FLpfIaA068/s1600/falls+dinner.png" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Merglers Cooking </span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All for one…</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-66204836891905643982012-01-07T20:29:00.000-08:002012-01-07T20:51:11.395-08:00Falls Creek - Day One<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a drive! The musketeers arrived in Falls Creek at 2am Saturday morning. The drive made easier with a MacDonald’s stop. Yes, MacDonald’s is not <em>technically </em>on the list of 'approved' foods for an athlete… but a road trip is a road trip…’nuf said.<o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MAnoJFocmc/TwkakttnI8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/0DuuBEjab-E/s1600/falls3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0MAnoJFocmc/TwkakttnI8I/AAAAAAAAAG8/0DuuBEjab-E/s1600/falls3.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food Shop at Golburn...Lucky they have the trailer. </td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a sleep-in, the team set off on their first session for the week, a 155k ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week the TT Scotts have been swapped for road bikes… an unfamiliar cycling position after nearly a year on the TT’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might think a 155km cycle sounds quite tame for the Musketeers, however, the altitude combined with a monster 20km hill (the biggest/steepest hill in falls creek) made for a very big morning indeed. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYkjahggF4M/Twka9VO9vDI/AAAAAAAAAHE/wJsRXFBNWj8/s1600/falls2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYkjahggF4M/Twka9VO9vDI/AAAAAAAAAHE/wJsRXFBNWj8/s1600/falls2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minor adjustments being made on the first cycle of the week. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given there’s been a good dose of festivities over the Christmas Break… this mornings training was a bit of a rude wake-up call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As it turns out, the Musketeers are mere mortals, but they take refuge in the knowledge that a</span>ll athletes, pro or punter, would have experienced this same shock post Christmas… hopefully. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Musketeers understand that adjusting to the altitude will take a few days, so for the moment they just have to suck it up and get on with what they came here to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the evening, the team prepared their dinner (enough to feed a small country), licked their wounds and prepared for the next days training. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Day 1 complete... </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4UDdsbZIPU/TwkbW7-DPyI/AAAAAAAAAHM/uUXULv2VM8o/s1600/falls1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4UDdsbZIPU/TwkbW7-DPyI/AAAAAAAAAHM/uUXULv2VM8o/s1600/falls1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacular Views </td></tr>
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-90360962156902278572012-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:002012-01-05T16:49:10.449-08:00Happy New Year!!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello and Happy New Year!! </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Silly Season is officially over for The Musketeers. Today, the team are heading back to their spiritual home, Falls Creek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This annual training camp is where it all began for the Musketeers and is identified as one of the most important weeks in their training calendar. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The Ute is packed with a trailer in tow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Musketeers will head off equipped with road bikes, mountain bikes, running shoes (more than you could ever imagine) and most importantly, an appetite for adventure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Falls Creek is most commonly known for its skiing, however in the summer months, the high altitude, mountainous terrain and ideal cycling and running routes create the perfect training camp for athletes. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the course of the week, the musketeers will be clocking up some massive miles, climbing epic mountains, at serious altitude…the perfect kick start in preparation for Ironman NZ and Ironman Melbourne. </span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So stay tuned for regular updates on The Four Musketeers… Falls Creek Style!</span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-23857099744500796772011-10-12T17:40:00.000-07:002011-10-12T17:43:17.182-07:00They came, they saw, they conquered.<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3mNr8Ehgng/TpYyIn3A-WI/AAAAAAAAAGg/T21ltgYWAyI/s1600/MUSKETEER+VIEW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3mNr8Ehgng/TpYyIn3A-WI/AAAAAAAAAGg/T21ltgYWAyI/s1600/MUSKETEER+VIEW.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="color: white;"><br />
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<span style="color: white;"> </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;"> What a day. Rising early (4am), the mood was full of nerves and anticipation. The 'last meal' was consumed with a strong cup of coffee before the musketeers head down to start what would be a phenomenal day.<br />
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Down at the swim start, thousands of competitors were gathering their thoughts, pumping their tyres and visualizing the day ahead. Months of hard training and preparation have brought them to this point, the pinnacle of the sport they hold so dear. Supporters spoke only in hushed tones encouraging their loved ones, whilst nervous themselves.<br />
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The Kona Ironman is known to have one of the most challenging Swim starts, and this year was no different. 1800 athletes all starting together, the congestion was quite incredible and the medics were kept busy with broken fingers and bloody noses. </span></span><br />
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Out of the water in their Blue Seventy speed suits the musketeers leapt onto their Scotts and settled into the 180km ride. The strategy was to get up to Hawi, (100km into the ride) before the wind picked up. Unfortunately the wind turned early and the guys got hit with a head wind half way up. Taking the right hand turn onto the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Queen Ka Hwy</st1:address></st1:street>, there was a hard head wind for 25km which then lead to the crazy cross winds of the lava fields on the way back into town<br />
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<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Off the bike and into the run, this is truly the business end of Ironman. The heat in Kona is incredible and the marathon quickly separates the field. The Four Musketeers all had awesome runs, a special mention to John Mergler who was initially behind off the bike and put in a brilliant tactical marathon to reel in his opponent and run on to win his age group. </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Todd Israel took out a fantastic 4<sup>th</sup> in his age group, no doubt the first of many podiums to come. </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">Brenton and Andy had fantastic debut performances and now have the Kona bug. Watch out for even more incredible performances to come. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;"><em>John Mergler:</em> ‘Common with all Ironmen, at some point, for however a fleeting moment, the thought flashes through your head, “What the hell am I doing? I will never put myself through this again.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But every time you cross that finish line, the elation and sense of accomplishment overwhelms any negativity that you felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s this feeling that will ensure the Four Musketeers come back for more in 2012’. </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2quuQHPmS8/TpYyQ8D0_FI/AAAAAAAAAGo/zYv3rsWNNZY/s1600/musketeers+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: white;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2quuQHPmS8/TpYyQ8D0_FI/AAAAAAAAAGo/zYv3rsWNNZY/s1600/musketeers+bowl.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;">John and Todd receiving thier Kona Ironman Champion Bowls. </span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">A massive Musketeer thank you to all family, friends and supporters out there that have inspired and motivated the Musketeers to perform so well. Not only in Kona but through out the whole process. </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">The Musketeers also could not have performed without the support of their sponsors. Velosophy Bikes, 2XU, Shift60, Blue Seventy, Inov8 and Scott. Thank you so much for all your assistance through this process. </span></span></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">So, what’s next I hear you ask? Don’t worry; there is plenty in the pipe line to keep you intrigued. So stay tuned. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="color: white;"> </span><br />
<div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: white;">All for one.</span> </span></i></div><div class="ecxmsonormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 16.2pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq6yHDvhi5Y/TpYx0Yob1dI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xxGCEX8hOAY/s1600/MUSKETEER+SPONSER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hq6yHDvhi5Y/TpYx0Yob1dI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/xxGCEX8hOAY/s1600/MUSKETEER+SPONSER.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge thank you to our sponsors. </td></tr>
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-28357508069743718992011-10-06T19:09:00.000-07:002011-10-06T19:09:55.286-07:00The Four Musketeers have made it. Over the last few days, the team have buckled down to some long rides and hard runs in the heat, getting in that last bit of training done whilst acclimatizing to the heat. <br />
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There has been much discussion around race nutrition. The winning formula to date has been Black and Gold brand red frogs and a can of coke. Unfortunately, in the land of candy and all things sweet, the musketeers have been unable to locate any red frogs. The search for a substitute lolly has also proved futile. So, the team have turned to power bar energy blasts for Saturday. <br />
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The guys are now in proper taper mode. Today was a 1hr easy bike ride in the morning and a cruisey 4km run this afternoon. Tomorrow morning the guys will try out their new BlueSeventy speed suits on the swim course, then take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sunshine.<br />
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Judging by the amount of trash talk that's recently developed, The Four Musketeers seem quite relaxed now that training is complete and all they have to focus on now is race day. <br />
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This means that the team can enjoy a little bit of what Kona has to offer. This morning everyone went for a drive around the island, checking out the volcanos, views and the many beautiful beaches around the island. Managed to get a few pics whilst there (check out the Facebook page). <br />
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There is so much energy around Kona, the expo has opened, the streets are packed full of athletes running and cycling, everyone soaking up as much as possible before race day. <br />
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The Four Musketeers are amongst them and look dangerously fit. <br />
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Keep a look out for photo updates on Facebook through out the day.Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-31384152557946762962011-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:002011-10-01T19:47:28.664-07:00Aloha!The Musketeers are in Kona and settling in nicely. The weather, whilst hot for most, it's actually quite mild for this time of year. Temps are around 29 degrees with 60-70% humidity.<br />
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As you can well imagine, the days have been filled with swimming, cycling and running. Todd has been in Kona since Tuesday. An average day for Todd since arriving has entailed 90km on the bike, 2-3km swim and some good runs. <br />
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John and Brenton, having arrived on the Thursday, have cracked straight into it. Yesterday the guys hit the swim course (encountering dolphins and turtles along the way) followed by riding 90kms of the cycle course. This was the first taste of the Kona cycle course for Brenton, but old hand or new, all were taken by the sheer heat of the road and the huge cross winds that threaten to throw you from your bike. <br />
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The team seem to be embracing the heat and getting on with the task at hand. Today Todd Brenton and John are doing the full 180km of the bike course to get a good feel of what to expect on race day and tomorrow will consist of a 20km run. In order to ensure that the guys don't smash up their legs too much, the run will be broken into 2 x 10km runs. One in the morning after their swim, and the second at approx 2pm to replicate the conditions that will be experienced on race day. <br />
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For those that have never been to Kona....its a little town on Hawaii's big island. The weather is terrific and the water as clear as you've ever seen it. Though once a year, it becomes the triathlon Mecca. You have no doubt come across a few die hard Ironmen at some point. Well, get 1800 of them, plus their die hard Ironman partners, friends and kids, throw them into one sleepy little town, and you have the IM World Championships. One can expect that the only conversations you will have with strangers (or overhear for that matter) will be revolved around race nutrition, kit, swim speeds, marathon times, race weights, wheels and of course the ever compulsive sizing up of potential opponents, 'so, when was your last race, how many Kona's have you done, What is your expected race time' etc etc... <br />
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Might I mention I've never seen so many tremendously fit looking people gathered in one place. It truly is a congregation of the worlds fittest men and women. The Four Musketeers are certainly amongst their own. <br />
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Check out our Facebook page for photos of today's ride.<br />
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All for one.Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-64987380199252647402011-09-28T23:50:00.000-07:002011-09-28T23:52:51.362-07:00Then there were twoThe musketeers are well and truly on route to Kona. Todd left the crew on Tuesday to get as much Kona sun as possible before the big day whereas Andy decided to take an alternative approach to acclimatization, via Germany, to be best man at his friends wedding this weekend...thats commitment, thats the musketeers way. <br />
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This leaves John and Brenton who are due to depart today. <br />
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Loads in store for the Musketeers in the coming week. Alongside a whole lot of training that we will keep you updated on, the team are looking forward to visiting Mona Kea and watching the sunrise and embracing the spirit of the musketeers. <br />
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A special mention to BlueSeventy who have come on board as a sponser for the Musketeers. The team are looking forward to catching up with the gang from both BlueSeventy and 2XU in Kona. <br />
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So, look forward to a whole heap of updates on Facebook and the blog. Its going to be a big week ahead and we look forard to having you with us along the way. <br />
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One for all...<br />
<strike></strike></strike><strike><strike><strike><strike></strike></strike></strike></strike></strike><strike></strike></strike>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-65552285014478109392011-09-18T19:06:00.000-07:002011-09-18T19:19:35.222-07:00Taper Time<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The promise of taper has been a key motivator for the Musketeers in the past month. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The team ramped it up for one last mega weekend before the long awaited taper commenced. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Saturday, The Musketeers cycled 180km to the Gong and back, followed by a lovely 18km coastal run off. They guys also stopped in at Velosophy to say hi...</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJf9_8sNJvU/Tnai3oYKLII/AAAAAAAAAGA/zoBmDUKkjJs/s1600/weekend+velosophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJf9_8sNJvU/Tnai3oYKLII/AAAAAAAAAGA/zoBmDUKkjJs/s1600/weekend+velosophy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sunday had the Musketeers out at Kurnell completing a Multi-set of 90km ride/15k run/90km ride/15km run. A great training session with huge speeds on the bike. Off the bike, the locals of Cronulla got quite the show with 4 bare chested and sweaty men... with moustaches... tearing it up along the coastal path. One dissapointed Musketeer fan wonders... where were the capes?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So...here they are... the training intensity has peaked, and now is the time to focus on rewarding the body for all its hard work. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The intensity and volume of Musketeer training sessions will decrease 30% each week until race day. Having said that, tapering for the Musketeers is largely based on feel. In order to give the body optimum recovery, one has to acknowledge how it is feeling on each given day and make adjustments as required to ensure nothing is being pushed too hard. The work has been done and there is nothing to be gained by pushing yourself too much in the 3 weeks leading up to a race. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a rule of thumb, swimming is something that can maintain its intensity up until 3-4 days out from race day. Its lower impact and as such, recovery is generally quicker. The majority of reduction in volume and intensity will be seen in cycling and more again in running. <br />
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The Musketeer diet will now change. As the volume and intensity of training reduces so too will the food intake. A well balanced diet of green vegetables, red fruits (berries etc) and lean protein has been enforced. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</style> <![endif]-->Good quality sleep, and lots of it, now becomes high priority. Fortunately, the Musketeers have incredibly supportive Wife’s and Partners... These people are the key ingredient in helping Musketeers do what they do. Without their understanding and unwavering support, Kona would be a much harder road. </div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Musketeers are fighting fit and ready for the challenge ahead. What a spectacular road to Kona it’s been so far.... nearly there!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>All for one. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bvY1XVuXLw/Tnai9-WSOgI/AAAAAAAAAGE/I_gEnErvVXY/s1600/Weekend+mother+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bvY1XVuXLw/Tnai9-WSOgI/AAAAAAAAAGE/I_gEnErvVXY/s1600/Weekend+mother+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No long ride is complete without a can of 'Mother'. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-57543530758696589422011-09-14T20:50:00.000-07:002011-09-15T15:52:33.012-07:00All things Ironman<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 weeks to go and The Four Musketeers are on top of their game. Last weekend the team head to Otford for the Coastal Classic, a 29km run through the bush trails from Otford to Bundeena. John (Athos) Mergler once again produced spectacular results winning his category for the day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the Sunday the Musketeers once again churned out a Wisemans Ferry loop, clocking some phenomenal speeds with a very quick 18km run off the bike.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As Kona draws near, the musketeers are putting their thoughts to all things Ironman.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>John ‘Athos’ Mergler:</u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Three and a half weeks to go before the race on the big Island and we are all looking forward to start the acclimatisation in Hawaii. How good will it to wake up pull on your speedos and saunter down to the pier for a swim with the sun rising over the volcano and the water temp a balmy 26 degrees.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The last couple of weeks has seen the intensity of our workouts increase and with this the need for more recovery and management of our body maintenance. An easy trap to fall into during the last few weeks of ironman preparation is to con yourself into believing that you have not done enough training and start to over compensate by doing extra sessions or pushing to hard when you should be having a massage or a nap. We are all guilty of this, that's why having the other musketeers around to share the experience brings a collective responsibility to keep things in perspective and not dig a big hole for ourselves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The image i carry with me in the last few weeks of preparation is that my body is being gradually wound up like a well maintained elastic band. if wound too tight it will form into knots and sometimes snap before race day. I visualise my body being nurtured to the correct tension, that when the gun goes all that speed and endurance i have worked on is unleashed across the pacific ocean and along the black roads of Hawaii.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Conversely my mental preparation at this point is the reverse process. The elastic band in your head that has been tightening, increasing stress levels in anticipation of the race and anxieties that some how the preparation is floored, now needs to be released. The work is almost done, the preparation and planning is well under control, life is good. Hey... the race is on one of the most beautiful Islands in the world with arguably 1800 of the fittest 18 to 85 year olds on the planet. You are in the company of your mates and loved ones about to participate the one of the greatest sporting carnivals ever staged.... no need to stress, no need to wind up that elastic band to fixate on things that are out of your control. Relax, soak it up, open your eyes and see what you have achieved in getting to this point, live the moment, start to embrace what a amazing moment in time Saturday 8th October will be for the Musketeers and all the other noble competitors in The 2011 Ironman World Championships.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>Andy ‘Porthos’ Reynolds</u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Physically, I’m feeling really good, I’m very confident with my cycling and running and my body is holding up really well. Swimming still needs some last minute cramming! I’ve been feeling pretty tired after all the big training sessions so definitely looking forward to the taper and catching up on some sleep.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mentally I feel pretty relaxed, some of the epic training sessions have given me a lot of confidence although Kona's reputation for the tough conditions, particularly the heat on the run make me a little nervous! Doing all our training in the pretty cold weather has me pretty keen to get acclimatized as quickly as possibly in Kona.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Training for Kona has been quite different for me, usually this time of year is the off season and I work on my running (which needs the most work!), maintain my cycling and do very little (if any!) swimming. Full on training through winter has been tough, so having the other Musketeers to train with has been awesome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Training for my previous Ironman races I think I used to get a little more stressed and I felt the pressure a little more. I’ve always had pretty high expectations of myself and have been desperate to qualify for Kona. Over time its become easier to relax and enjoy the process which definitely helps me perform better. So for Kona I figure I've already achieved a massive goal in getting there and I plan to soak up my first Kona experience and learn as much as I can!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>Brenton ‘Amaris’ Yates</u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 3-4 weeks before any race for me always means it’s time to start focusing on the little things which I know will be important come race day – things like concentrating on my run pacing during bike run offs and getting my race day gear and kit sorted are all things I like to have ‘dealt with in my mind’ around this time so that there are no surprises come race day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Training has been going well - I’m now just starting to feel really comfortable on the new bike and set up. That’s been a massive confidence boost, and has resulted in some great running for me off the bike.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In these last few weeks I think it’s really important to make sure all sessions are completed well, so I’ve be spending extra time on recovery measures to make sure I’m ready to fire each time. For me it’s all about lining up race day and feeling comfortable and confident with your preparation. Once again John has got us ready to go, without making training actually feel like training. Being out there with the boys and tearing it up together is such a buzz..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kona is different from other IM’s in that I’m a whole lot more excited about getting to the venue and getting ready to race. Obviously the weather is going to be great (can’t wait for an early start without the cold!), but being able to get over there 8-9 days beforehand to settle in and get some decent training done without the usual day to day distractions is just going to be awesome. All the other races I’ve done have involved arriving 2 days before, registering, setting up a bike in a hurry and then racing... I’m really excited to finally get to race without thoughts of work or other pressures still pumping through my head. Obviously getting to race with the best of the best and being confident of producing a PB is also really exciting for me as a first timer.</span><br />
<br />
<u><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Todd d'Artagnan Israel </span></b></i></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span></span><div class="MsoNormal"><span>My body is feeling a little tied 3 weeks out from Kona, I think working full-time and trying to put quality sessions together have court up with the body. However, I know when we start to back the training off the body will come good. Mentally I am going well, and now that my injuries are coming good I am stating to feel confident about racing in Hawaii. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span>As Kona will be my fourth Ironman in 3 years I am still learning new things about how to train and race. The preparation and feeling has been different for all. With the first I was very relaxed and only wanted to finish, in my second ironman race I was very nervous being it was Kona 2010. For my third ironman I was more confident and had a great swim and bike leg. So I feel like I am ready to put it all together and have a great race, But as we know anything can happen on the day. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><u>Recovery and Injury Management for the Musketeers</u></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a lot of queries around how The Four Musketeers manage to hold themselves together through all this intense training. Whilst it sounds as though all they do is train, there are other aspects of this sport that are just as important as running riding or swimming.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When not training, the Musketeers ensure they maintain a well balanced nutritional diet. All the Musketeers lead busy lives and a lot of consideration goes into fuelling their bodies correctly. Todd specifically is a vegetarian, making it even harder to ensure what goes in, gives maximum performance. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are certainly niggles that come up from time to time. A musketeer knows that if these aren’t jumped on quickly, what started out as a slight twinge, fast becomes a huge hurdle. They know when to rest, they know when to ice, and they also know when to leave it to the professionals.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of these professionals (on speed dial) is Nick Torrence. Nick runs Balance in Motion Physiotherapy and he is a lower limb specialist with an interest in running injuries. He doesn’t use machines, just his hands and acupuncture needles. Nicks common point of difference is his ‘new school’ approach. Balance in Motion will identify the area that isn’t functioning well – whether it be the ribs, pelvis, hip or foot. He then corrects this region and the root cause of the problem, integrating the corrections into the swim, cycle or run.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A common injury Nick sees in triathletes is plantarfascia and/or big toe pain which is actually from overloading of the tibialis posterior and the toe flexor tendons. This has been caused by twisting of the pelvis. The twisting of the pelvis is common in cyclists and is caused by a muscle imbalance, accentuated on the long rides. This causes a loss of deep pelvic stability. The lack of stability increases the forces to the foot during the run. Nick finds that addressing the root cause ins leading to no lost training time and improved running efficiency.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Musketeers use Balance in Motion Physio for all their lower limb concerns. If you would like more info, visit www.balanceinmotion.com.au or contact Nick on 02 9365 6274.</span></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsBxY6bVakM/TnGQfvNuaiI/AAAAAAAAAF8/qPjUQ5k5dn4/s1600/ballance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsBxY6bVakM/TnGQfvNuaiI/AAAAAAAAAF8/qPjUQ5k5dn4/s1600/ballance.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<i>Until next time... All for one </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvrWs5L0dTo/TnGQUeu19MI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EoUrsK4zJ8E/s1600/george+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dvrWs5L0dTo/TnGQUeu19MI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EoUrsK4zJ8E/s320/george+back.JPG" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new Mascot 'George'</td></tr>
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-11451936456052001322011-09-01T00:42:00.000-07:002011-09-01T00:50:18.868-07:00The Velosophy 360km Time Trial for RedKite<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu2wJGU-KyA/Tl82gUYH6MI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Mffx3S6dxxI/s1600/musketeer+redkite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu2wJGU-KyA/Tl82gUYH6MI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Mffx3S6dxxI/s320/musketeer+redkite.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proudly supporting RedKite</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Wednesday 31<sup>st</sup> August, Velosophy’s Four Musketeers set out to complete a 360km Time Trial (95 laps) in Sydney’s Centennial Park to raise awareness for RedKite and the Sea 2 Summit Challenge. RedKite is an organisation that <span class="st">provides real support to children, young people and their families through the difficult cancer experience. The goal was to complete the time trial in under 10hrs. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st"><i>John</i></span><span class="st"> ‘</span>One of the key factors in success at Ironman racing is mental strength to keep on going however arduous or painful it becomes; it also honours the mental and emotional strength that the children and their families affected by cancer display on a daily basis’<span class="st"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">At 6am the Musketeers met at Centennial. Spirits were high as the Musketeers flaunted their very latest bit of gear. The Musketeer Cape. The turnout of fellow cyclists was awesome. There were people from numerous triathlon and cycling groups around Sydney and everyone was eager to support The Musketeers endeavour. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmwiTt9KBD4/Tl80eeBwLSI/AAAAAAAAAEw/XLrIIen7bt8/s1600/musketeer+cape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmwiTt9KBD4/Tl80eeBwLSI/AAAAAAAAAEw/XLrIIen7bt8/s320/musketeer+cape.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new kit...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">The team set off with supporters in tow, setting a reasonable pace for a Musketeer warm up. As the hours wore on, the real work set in. Averaging a steady 37kph, by the time they stopped for lunch (202km) the team was starting to gain a full understanding of the task they had set themselves. <i>Andy</i> ‘K</span>nowing that there was another 160 to go was pretty daunting.’ <i>Brenton</i> ‘We’d just come off a big weekend of training from which I really hadn’t recovered. The first 60km was ok but I really struggled physically and mentally for the next 180km’</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UndfRgSqcb8/Tl81zbPxmmI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ygITj1OL9VA/s1600/Musketeer+fans+behind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UndfRgSqcb8/Tl81zbPxmmI/AAAAAAAAAFA/ygITj1OL9VA/s320/Musketeer+fans+behind.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all the supporters who came to help us on our way</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUoRPO4rAf0/Tl81NPj0nKI/AAAAAAAAAE0/y2JE6F1rTiE/s1600/Musketeer+supporters+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUoRPO4rAf0/Tl81NPj0nKI/AAAAAAAAAE0/y2JE6F1rTiE/s320/Musketeer+supporters+sun.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next 160km required the Musketeers to dig deep and draw on all the strength and endurance training they’d endured over the past months. This was true Kona training at its best. <i>Brenton</i> ‘Obviously the physically strength and conditioning component of what we did was very important. Mentally though I’m taking a lot away with me from the experience. Its about adjusting physically and mentally to get yourself through the bad patches that can make or break your race day. I fully expect to hit a few low points in Kona and hopefully this experience just sets me up to deal with them just that little bit better.’</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRShf5RqqaM/Tl81UFOUVZI/AAAAAAAAAE4/nNThezMlnlw/s1600/Musketeer+pace+line.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRShf5RqqaM/Tl81UFOUVZI/AAAAAAAAAE4/nNThezMlnlw/s320/Musketeer+pace+line.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="st">In the final 60km, when the Musketeers were close to finish, there was an awesome shift in spirits as people came to cheer them on. <i>Andy</i> ‘ One of the high points </span>was when the Velosophy boys came out to join us at the end of the day, knowing we had only around 40k to go and we were going to get there.... finishing the 360k was amazing! Aaron from Velosopy was huge support cheering us all day and also our Domestique Dave Hay who handed us nutrition when we needed it – this was vital to our success.’ </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The result? 360km completed in 9hrs 44min. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCAO1zgDCiA/Tl81fj3oj7I/AAAAAAAAAE8/O4vSBa3SHq4/s1600/Musketeer+sun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LCAO1zgDCiA/Tl81fj3oj7I/AAAAAAAAAE8/O4vSBa3SHq4/s320/Musketeer+sun.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Brenton</i>: The four of us working together and getting around the park the way we did, we really do lift each other which is just awesome to be a part of. The four of us crossing the ‘finish line’ together was unreal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>John</i> ‘10hrs in a time trial position speeding around in circles averaging 37kph is testament to design and build of our new Scott Plasma 3 Bikes. These machines supplied by Velosophy make the job of riding hard that much easier.’</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The conditions were brilliant, support unbelievable and made so worthwhile not only for the training miles but the money and awareness raised for Redkite. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A special thanks to Velosophy for all their support to The Four Musketeers. Without them and the Velosophy gear, sub 10hrs would not be possible </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">TriZone also played a huge part in getting the word out about RedKite 360 TT. They took some great photos on the day which you can see at <cite>www.<b>tri-zone</b>.com</cite> (and on this blog)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">And the day after? </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Brenton</i> ‘An overall sense of tiredness for sure. The legs and body feel fine just mentally fatigued. Probably to do with the poor night’s sleep I generally have after those sorts of sessions. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Andy</i> ‘My body has pulled up very well, though I’m pretty tired, need a massage and a couple of good night’s sleep!’ </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A BIG thank you to all those who donated. The Four Musketeers raised <span class="money">$3,588.00 towards RedKite and the Sea 2 Summit Challenge. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To make a donation, please go to <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers">www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers</a> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sea 2 Summit Challenge covers 248 km, climbs a total of 5,500 meters and traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in south-east Australia. The ride starts on the Sapphire Coast at Merimbula Beach, located about halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. It ends at the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. Sea 2 Summit cyclists have raised over $230,000 to ensure children and young people with cancer, and their families, can access Redkite’s practical and professional emotional, financial and education support services.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Deadline for Sea 2 Summit entry is Thursday, Sept. 1.<br />
<a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers" style="color: red;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrWvHQGsWc/Tl82DN0TLLI/AAAAAAAAAFE/QzLv4A5I1u8/s1600/Musketeer+domestique.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrWvHQGsWc/Tl82DN0TLLI/AAAAAAAAAFE/QzLv4A5I1u8/s320/Musketeer+domestique.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Domestique Dave</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHRMRWO4N6o/Tl82wHngGSI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CKpfqoHEzI8/s1600/musketeer+front+cape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHRMRWO4N6o/Tl82wHngGSI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CKpfqoHEzI8/s320/musketeer+front+cape.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwfFuHfkccw/Tl82qOH8weI/AAAAAAAAAFM/sgWa2dzd2W8/s1600/musketeer+solo+cape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-58824950882288409002011-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:002011-08-28T21:20:34.135-07:00TT Goodness<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGFZKUrt6uc/Tlrnkp_MnHI/AAAAAAAAAEk/U3_Eox0jbeg/s1600/nursery+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SGFZKUrt6uc/Tlrnkp_MnHI/AAAAAAAAAEk/U3_Eox0jbeg/s320/nursery+shot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Four Musketeers completed a critical couple of days training over the weekend. The aim was to get a solid amount of Time Trial work done and accomplish some good strong runs off the bike. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Saturday: The team took the new Scott Plasma’s out on a 180km ride allowing plenty of TT opportunities such as sublime point and Kurnell. The legs felt strong and the guys look fitter than ever. Back at Centennial, the team got straight into a 10k run at a cracking sub 4min/km pace followed by a 5km cool down.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sunday: Heading straight for the flats of Kurnell, The Four Musketeers let rip on their Scott Plasma’s. Joined by Lisa Marangon, the team smashed up a 180km Time Trial. This was Lisa’s first long fast ride since starting ITU racing. Given she comes from an excellent pedigree being the Australian Series Half Ironman Champion, Lisa certainly held her own out there. The Musketeers noted a HUGE Velosophy presence out at Kurnell reminding them how great it feels to be a part of the Velosophy movement. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5IEPlECBw4/TlrnNybviPI/AAAAAAAAAEg/SvdFUjBegTI/s1600/kurnell+pace+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i5IEPlECBw4/TlrnNybviPI/AAAAAAAAAEg/SvdFUjBegTI/s320/kurnell+pace+line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Straight off the bike, the Musketeers commenced a very scenic run along the Cronulla foreshore. This was the first run completed in new 2XU Compression Tri Shorts; and it definitely won’t be the last since the Musketeers glided through 30km in a very comfortable 2:10hrs </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Speaking of 2XU – Vlad Shatrov – Proprietor of the 2XU Performance store in Paddington, had a spectacular run in the City to Surf, finishing in 12<sup>th</sup> place with a time of 44.45min. Well done Vlad! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sundays glorious sunshine was the first real taste of hot weather to come. It is important for The Musketeers to get as much exposure to heat as they can in the next 6 weeks. Hawaii is known for its hot climate and those who have raced Kona will tell you that acclimatisation is key to performance. This is a very real challenge and something the Musketeers have discussed at length whilst finalising their race nutrition and hydration strategies. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This comming week is a big one. On Wednesday the guys will be completing their 360km Time Trial in Sydney’s Centennial Park. The aim is to complete the TT in under 10hrs. 10hrs is a long lonely time on a bike, so come along and join in for a few laps or simply to cheer them on. This TT is all to raise awareness for Redkite and the Sea to Summit Challenge happening in November. To donate, please visit <span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers">www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This upcoming weekend will include Multi Sets, a Wisemans Loop, Calga TT, and some very strong runs.<br />
<br />
They are fast, they are strong and they are ready for Kona. Look out for The Four Musketeers!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One for all... </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC1-oz9LuY8/Tlroj9HkkmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/piRdasnvaxI/s1600/mechanics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IC1-oz9LuY8/Tlroj9HkkmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/piRdasnvaxI/s320/mechanics.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Scott's are well looked after</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-21104775323774691512011-08-25T23:04:00.000-07:002011-08-25T23:15:39.423-07:00The Four Musketeers 360km Time Trial....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On 31 August, The Four Musketeers will attempt to complete a 360km team time trial in Sydney’s Centennial Park in under 10 hours. If you are in Sydney, come help them along! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
Starting at 6.00am, the ride will aim to raise awareness for Redkite’s annual Sea 2 Summit Challenge set for Nov. 19.<br />
<br />
<span class="text_exposed_show">Venue: Centennial Park Grand Drive start at and finish at the Restaurant<br />
Time: 6.00am<br />
Distance: 360km<br />
Laps: 95<br />
Riders: The Musketeers<br />
Redkite Donations: <a href="http://www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>www.everydayhero.com.au/fo</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>urmusketeers</a> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
The Musketeers are inviting all cyclists and cycling clubs in NSW to join them for one or more laps to help keep them motivated and bring awareness to Redkite, which supports children and young people with cancer and their families through the entire cancer journey.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
John Mergler explains they came up with the idea after attending an information night about Redkite’s Sea 2 Summit Challenge.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
'We were introduced to the great work that Redkite do for kids battling cancer. We are all committed to doing this ride in November … and we thought, ―What else we could do to promote the ride and also raise some more money and awareness for the cause?’<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'As the Musketeers are an Eastern suburbs team supported by local sponsors…we thought it would be fitting to ramp up our training and ride a 360km team time trial in Centennial Park.'</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
John explains they chose 360km as it is twice the distance of the Ironman World Championship bike course; where they all will be representing Australia.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
'One of the key factors in success at Ironman racing is mental strength to keep on going however arduous or painful it becomes; it also honours the mental and emotional strength that the children and their families affected by cancer display on a daily basis.' </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Sea 2 Summit Challenge covers 248 km, climbs a total of 5,500 meters and traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in south-east Australia. The ride starts on the Sapphire Coast at Merimbula Beach, located about halfway between Melbourne and Sydney. It ends at the summit of Australia’s highest mountain, Mount Kosciuszko. Sea 2 Summit cyclists have raised over $230,000 to ensure children and young people with cancer, and their families, can access Redkite’s practical and professional emotional, financial and education support services.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
Deadline for Sea 2 Summit entry is Thursday, Sept. 1.<br />
To donate to the Four Musketeers, visit www.everydayhero.com.au/fourmusketeers</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
For more information on Redkite, or enquiries in participation or donation for the Sea 2<br />
Summit Challenge, please contact Beth Palmer, National Manager Event & Community Fundraising, Redkite, on 02 9219 4006 or bpalmer@redkite.org.au</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
Velosophy, located in the heart of The Entertainment Quarter in Sydney's Moore Park, is the official bicycle retail provider and partner for Redkite’s Sea 2 Summit Challenge and proud sponsor of Velosophy’s Four Musketeers. For more information on the Four Musketeers and Velosophy please contact Aaron Lee on aaron@velosophy.com.au.</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-55153069889141517552011-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:002011-08-18T15:30:45.286-07:007 Weeks to go...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-AU</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">7 Weeks out from Kona... The Four Musketeers have ramped up their training in a massive way and Kona is fast becoming a reality.<span> </span>The next 4 weeks will be solid training with maximum intensity, followed by 3 weeks of conditioning and taper before race day.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today, through Velosophy, the Four Musketeers welcome onboard Scott as a sponsor. With this relationship comes a new set of wheels to take on Kona. The Scott Plasma 3 Time Trial bike. The team hope to take delivery of their new set of wheels over the coming few days. Check it out... </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-DS5k_LOXs/Tk2RsE4upvI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Vu-XY8aoVRw/s1600/plasma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5-DS5k_LOXs/Tk2RsE4upvI/AAAAAAAAAEc/Vu-XY8aoVRw/s320/plasma.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This weekend the Musketeers say farewell to hills of Wisemans Ferry, Akuna Bay and Wollongong as they head to Kurnell for 180kms of TT loops. The weather looks doubtful, but the spirit of the Musketeers is unwavering. Look out for them!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All for one. <span> </span><span> </span></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-40883872740710287052011-08-10T22:39:00.000-07:002011-08-10T22:39:10.459-07:00<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Awesome swim session this morning from The Four Musketeers. The next Musketeer challenge is in planning phases...this time it will be located in Centennial Park. Stay tuned for further details. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzAP4C3XRmXh3zCIp39eeFDtVUxEwdLzBmhSxNLJyqwZLu-HxPtepUdG5tT9iPvpPcAclcIwrz7VsIpIQ-3iQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">All for one... </span>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-33177236209420903782011-08-07T20:59:00.000-07:002011-08-07T21:19:16.527-07:00The Wisemans Loop<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s been no secret that The Four Musketeers training was going to step up in a big way post ‘Canberra Chill’, but wow, this weekend was a giant leap in terms of the speed, strength and intensity required to meet the expectations The Four Musketeers have set for themselves. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The weekend started out with the Wisemans Ferry loop- clocking up 180kms in the legs. The team absolutely smashed the ride, time trailing the 28kms uphill from Spencer to Central Mangrove. The Musketeers were moving quick, at various points throughout the ride hitting 50kms on the flat. Let it be said, a Wisemans ferry loop is never over until the last race up the final hill at Bobbin Head. This weeks winner, D’Artagnon Israel. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUcxOn4ocl0/Tj9ezmEH6RI/AAAAAAAAAD8/4rIHnU6Wc2k/s1600/guys+riding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUcxOn4ocl0/Tj9ezmEH6RI/AAAAAAAAAD8/4rIHnU6Wc2k/s320/guys+riding.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Straight into a 16km tempo run off the bike, the 8hr training session was complete. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Coming off the back of the Canberra Chill and with the goal in mind to lift the intensity of this ride, The Four Musketeers were anticipating a tough day of training, particularly given the notorious terrain of the 180km Wiseman’s Ferry Loop. The Musketeers however were pleasantly surprised not only with the exceptional weather which came out to play but also with some newfound strength in the legs, which could only be attributable to the previous weekend’s activities. Almost certainly the Wiseman’s Ferry Loop course record (presently held by Athos Mergler) will tumble over the next few weeks if the Musketeers keep up this sort of form! <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">A special mention to Andy ‘Porthos’ Reynolds who missed his alarm on Saturday.<span> </span>Whilst the temptation to stay in bed for the whole morning would have been too much for most to refuse, Andy took it upon himself to cycle down to Sublime point and back, diligently keeping the rest of the team posted along the way. <span> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The team met in Centennial Parklands on Sunday for a 10 lap time trial session around the park followed by a long run. It was awesome to see so many Velosophy cyclists out and about in their unmistakable gear. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pwd-rmXmj0/Tj9ejy2TkqI/AAAAAAAAAD4/LQc5KqZ-KpQ/s1600/tod+on+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Pwd-rmXmj0/Tj9ejy2TkqI/AAAAAAAAAD4/LQc5KqZ-KpQ/s320/tod+on+bike.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Straight into it again this week. 4km swim first up on Monday morning. This evening The Four Musketeers are heading to SHIFT60 Hour of Power - 60 mins of combined strength sequences and cardio intervals. The Musketeers are totally embracing what the Shift60 team offer in terms of developing their strength and power through full body functional resistance sequences.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Until next time, all for one... </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Check out Athos and D’Artagnon killing it on the straights. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-57200273064998412382011-08-04T00:13:00.000-07:002011-08-08T21:44:45.626-07:00The Canberra Chill<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">The ‘Canberra Chill’ celebrated the completion of the Musketeers endurance foundation in preparation for battle on the fields of lava on the big island of Hawaii. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">The weekend consisted of 285km cycle to Canberra, 60km Ultra distance bush marathon, cycle 285km back to Sydney. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Venturing out on one of the coldest mornings Canberra had seen in 30 years, the Musketeers felt terrific representing Velosophy in their super comfortable cycling kit.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">The team set off at 7am from Macarthur on their 285km bike ride to the countries capital. Sub Zero temperature cycling is simply not possible without the right gear. Fortunately (more a god send) the Musketeers had their Sub Zero Cycling jackets by 2XU. These jackets shielded the guys from arctic temperatures that, without them, would have had them turn around and head straight home. So cold...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4amaVPs1ltA/Tjskqb0V62I/AAAAAAAAAC8/FduYlexAuQE/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Arriving in Canberra by nightfall, the Musketeers may have underestimated how tough the road to Canberra really is. Huge stretches of dead road with incline after incline, the guys certainly had a hard days cycling. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">How does one keep motivated when:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-indent: 14.2pt;">- Night is falling</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">- You’re 230kms into a head wind </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">- Its Uphill </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">- Its Cold</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">- You know you have a 60km Marathon to do the next day</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">- followed by another 285km cycling. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">In the words of Brenton ‘Amaris’ Yates, <i><span lang="EN-US">I think with Kona fast approaching the thought process was that if we could finish each day/objective well, we’d be going into the last 8 weeks of preparation pretty strong. That was a big incentive knowing the intensity which is about to hit in the next phase of our training. Also, being away from my family can be really tough and not something which I take for granted. So if I am going to be away on training adventures like these, it’s 110% the whole the way – pulling the pin just isn’t an option, no matter how tough it gets out there. Oh, and did I mention a few cans of MOTHER also helped - ALOT.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">After a quick shower and dinner, sleep was the order of the evening.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHBi4jhiBCQ/TjskGQKJDTI/AAAAAAAAAC0/38CzgPq3Dao/s1600/bush+velosophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHBi4jhiBCQ/TjskGQKJDTI/AAAAAAAAAC0/38CzgPq3Dao/s320/bush+velosophy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Musketeers felt great representing Velosophy</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Saturday 5am- the temperature read -5 (that’s minus)... Now, there’s no real way to make minus 5 degrees sound fun to a group of runners psyching themselves up for a day of greatness, but spirits were high, particularly once the team found the coffee.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4amaVPs1ltA/Tjskqb0V62I/AAAAAAAAAC8/FduYlexAuQE/s1600/car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4amaVPs1ltA/Tjskqb0V62I/AAAAAAAAAC8/FduYlexAuQE/s320/car.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Cold...</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Heading over to the start line, there was a great deal of focus amongst the musketeers. With 285kms already in the legs, this would be no ordinary run. Today was the day that all those Shift60 sessions would come into play. Andy, John and Brenton set out first for the 60km Ultra over fields of frost and ice. Todd then followed with his assault on the 25km event. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Since the arrival of the Inov8 F-lites. Musketeer trail running has become faster, stronger and more comfortable, paving the way for incredible results. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">John took 1<sup>st</sup> place for the Ultra, making a spectacular comeback after a wrong turn saw him in 16<sup>th</sup> place. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Brenton was a shoe in for a placing in the Ultra, however like most people on the day, he took a few wrong turns (we are wondering if some local kids were out there switching signs, or maybe everyone’s brains were nuked from the previous day). </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Todd came second in the 25km, learning a valuable lesson in the process. Shorter does not mean easier. When you’re racing, your racing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><div class="MsoNormal">Andy Reynold’s had an awesome race, pounding the course in a solid time with comrade Sally Lynch. When asked about how one gets through an Ultra on already fatigued legs, Andy comments:<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Despite taking it pretty easy, everything hurt at the end of the marathon, the terrain was tough and it was pretty hard mentally to head back out for another 18k. Though seeing John chase down the leader after what we'd done the day before was pretty inspirational.... just kept trying to put the 60k out of my head, focused on technique and getting to the next aid station!</span></i> </div> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Those hills and that distance on already fatigued legs, I wonder if they would have done so well without the specialised strength training the guys have received from Shift60. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Perhaps the greatest result that day came from Andy from New Jersey. Saturday was Andy's 636th 42.2km Marathon, and the last of his goal to run the 6 States and 2 Territory's of Australia. Now there is a challenge for the Musketeers!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGM9npPxwKM/TkC7EBmBFtI/AAAAAAAAAEA/XDYgd8w2EF4/s1600/john+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PGM9npPxwKM/TkC7EBmBFtI/AAAAAAAAAEA/XDYgd8w2EF4/s320/john+running.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athos Mergler on his way to victory in the 60km Ultra</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh6WqhSUXQM/Tjs0XFDS3DI/AAAAAAAAADo/XRqEf74fAL4/s1600/Tod+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jh6WqhSUXQM/Tjs0XFDS3DI/AAAAAAAAADo/XRqEf74fAL4/s320/Tod+running.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todd firing down the finish line<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs1bwTWfelY/Tjs0dzc6ydI/AAAAAAAAADs/iv999xpE8b0/s320/sally+and+Andy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy and Sally, a force to be reckoned with. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA74d7v0T5w/TjszHmLHFtI/AAAAAAAAADk/ObJgIFzfg10/s1600/brenton+lost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TA74d7v0T5w/TjszHmLHFtI/AAAAAAAAADk/ObJgIFzfg10/s320/brenton+lost.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">T</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">he moment that shattered Brenton’s podium chances </span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 9pt;">“I wonder if its straight ahead or that way….hmmm???”</span></div></div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXuux6sVTwA/TjskTipxpFI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mFpBZAQFA5U/s1600/bush+marathon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iXuux6sVTwA/TjskTipxpFI/AAAAAAAAAC4/mFpBZAQFA5U/s320/bush+marathon1.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brenton, Tod and John post race.</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Once everyone was back at the hotel, massages were arranged to try and combat some of the muscle soreness before final cycle back to Sydney. The Musketeers got together for dinner and reflection of the weekend’s events so far. Brenton entertained the crew with his guitar tuning skills whilst plans were being made for upcoming adventures. Besides the obvious Kona, events such as Ironman France, Coast to Coast and Cycling across the Nulabour were brought to the table... all great plans, all in the pipe line. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">Sunday was a much warmer 4 degrees which helped a great deal with the teams battered bodies....sort of. With memories so dear of frozen noses and lips from Fridays ride, Andy and Brenton decided balaclavas were the best option... Andy’s balaclava was ingeniously created using his 2 day old undies... perhaps this look would fare well in the winter collection for Velosophy or 2XU? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">It was a slow start on the way back to Sydney, cold, with the tease of rain. Fortunately the musketeers loosened up quickly and made incredible time, taking advantage of the descents that they so gallantly climbed only days earlier. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">It was here that the Mother and Baked goods (brilliantly cooked up by Sally and John) really came into their own. The Musketeers braved hooligan mountain folk, cultists and Great Danes whilst racing a setting sun to Macarthur- arriving just in time to grab a drink and nestle into the warmth of the train seat, and reflect on an epic weekend. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">When asked what he took away from the ‘Canberra Chill’, Tod responded, ‘I learnt that I can do big mileage and still feel strong’. A lesson that will no doubt give him and fellow Musketeers the edge in Kona. These gladiators are now entering the next phase of their training. The intensity will ramp up in a big way and the Musketeers are only going to get stronger over the coming 8 weeks to Kona. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;">A massive congratulations to the Musketeers and a HUGE thank you to the sponsors that got them there. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdqKc_9_bU/TjslSfsiVHI/AAAAAAAAADE/C2FxTBaZpAY/s1600/velosophy+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpdqKc_9_bU/TjslSfsiVHI/AAAAAAAAADE/C2FxTBaZpAY/s200/velosophy+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Velosophy – These guys really are the way of the bike. The Musketeers looked awesome and felt terrific, even after hours in the saddle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PU8L5WEL6EI/TjslYnLBsqI/AAAAAAAAADI/tjzpWQI20IU/s1600/shift+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PU8L5WEL6EI/TjslYnLBsqI/AAAAAAAAADI/tjzpWQI20IU/s200/shift+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Shift60- The Shift60 team have provided the Musketeer's with cutting edge training techniques that have assisted in developing the strength required to pull such mileage. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpHfeplXt_A/Tjsle1Q-buI/AAAAAAAAADM/_x6pdIiDwFQ/s1600/inov8+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpHfeplXt_A/Tjsle1Q-buI/AAAAAAAAADM/_x6pdIiDwFQ/s200/inov8+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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Inov8- The way forward in trail running. These shoes go everywhere the musketeers go.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h6ZLpOeBRU/TjslomfUX1I/AAAAAAAAADQ/HEaXbjXUZWw/s1600/2xu+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h6ZLpOeBRU/TjslomfUX1I/AAAAAAAAADQ/HEaXbjXUZWw/s200/2xu+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2XU Sub Zero Cycling jackets are the future of winter cycling in Australia. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The team was toasty, ventilated and comfortable whilst braving sub zero temperatures... Who would have thought it possible? Clearly, 2XU. </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: 14.2pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also a big thanks to Sally Lynch and David Hay for their awesome support on the road. Not to be overshadowed, these fine athletes had tremendous results both cycling and running.<span style="font-size: small;"> Sally bagging 2</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><sup style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">nd</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Female in the 60km Ultra, and Dave snatching a PB in the Marathon. Well done guys!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qCU2Anuf-Q/Tjs0iSQVCwI/AAAAAAAAADw/_E2cCqBcpVU/s1600/dave+hay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1qCU2Anuf-Q/Tjs0iSQVCwI/AAAAAAAAADw/_E2cCqBcpVU/s320/dave+hay.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dave Hay scoring his marathon PB </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Check out the Musketeers Facebook page for more photos! </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY_euhWCGSk/Tjs2KqjUYGI/AAAAAAAAAD0/PuYAsz8qUJ8/s1600/bush+brenton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zY_euhWCGSk/Tjs2KqjUYGI/AAAAAAAAAD0/PuYAsz8qUJ8/s320/bush+brenton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-37028676677853521472011-07-25T20:17:00.000-07:002011-07-26T02:59:36.353-07:00Le Tour de Turbo<span style="background-color: #444444; color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><u><a href="http://www.facebook.com/GNCCanberra#!/pages/The-Four-Musketeers/249408518402591"><strong>Don't forget to check out our Facebook page - Click Here!</strong></a></u></em></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What a weekend for the Musketeers! Anticipating the upcoming Tour de France withdrawals, John ‘Athos’ Mergler hosted a final Tour and Turbo Breakfast. Complete with pastries and coffee of course! After a solid 3hrs on the trainers, the team hit the streets for 25k run. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The ever dedicated Brenton ‘Aramis’ Yates then cycled down to Wollongong for a function he had to attend that evening. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On Sunday the team cycled down to Wollongong. Brenton, in true Musketeer style, shook off the previous nights festivities, cycled half way back to Sydney, turning around when he saw the crew, and joined us on the way to Wollongong (and back to Sydney again). The words ‘I feel like I’ve been cycling to Wollongong for about 4 days now’ were heard from Brenton’s general direction a few times that morning. The Musketeers then held a solid pace on the 25km run to La Peruse off the bike. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This Friday the team commence their epic training weekend in Canberra. This will consist of: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">285km cycle to Canberra </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">60km Ultra distance bush Marathon </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">285km cycle to Sydney </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you’re at a loss for something to do this weekend, head down to Canberra where <span class="st">The Capital Bush Marathon is being held and cheer them on! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJ8uWAVU_k/Ti4wcR82UiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TjpVMUOoCOg/s1600/breakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfJ8uWAVU_k/Ti4wcR82UiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/TjpVMUOoCOg/s320/breakfast.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Musketeer <i>Tour and Turbo Breakfast</i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Todd "d'Artagnan" Israel & Brenton 'Amaris' Yates</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqRS1Sj4PQ4/Ti48JUaMIAI/AAAAAAAAACg/XY4Fs1kNYJQ/s1600/breakfast+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tqRS1Sj4PQ4/Ti48JUaMIAI/AAAAAAAAACg/XY4Fs1kNYJQ/s320/breakfast+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F7WM2AL6-o/Ti4wqGM8XqI/AAAAAAAAACY/Y5_s1tCY9bA/s1600/breakfast+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--F7WM2AL6-o/Ti4wqGM8XqI/AAAAAAAAACY/Y5_s1tCY9bA/s320/breakfast+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>John 'Athos' Mergler </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd92Qgph5YI/Ti4wvOIcMWI/AAAAAAAAACc/yGJYpwXkbi4/s1600/breakfast+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gd92Qgph5YI/Ti4wvOIcMWI/AAAAAAAAACc/yGJYpwXkbi4/s320/breakfast+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Brenton 'Amaris' Yates</b></td></tr>
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</div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-7450105961908790112011-07-17T19:04:00.000-07:002011-07-17T22:28:25.167-07:00Training Weekend: 16-17 July<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A grand weekend of training for the Four Musketeers. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Saturday morning was dedicated to a turbo session whilst watching the previous nights Tour De France. John ‘Athos’ Mergler watching so intensely that he started taking corners as if he was in the race. Not a great idea when you’re on a turbo trainer. The team then head to Centennial Park for a long run. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cycling down to Wollongong and back awoke the legs on Sunday. The weather kept up its end of the bargain for the most part, creating delightful conditions for the monster climb back out of the Gong. The team then backed it up with a 20km run to Watsons bay and back, then called it a weekend. Training from here on will be building week to week on the road to Kona, so stay tuned. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>Upcoming- Canberra Weekend </b></u></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Friday 29th July: The Kona Musketeers will be cycling 290kms from Sydney to Canberra. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Saturday 30th July: The Musketeers will be breaking out their <b><a href="http://www.barefootinc.com.au/product.php?range=inov_8&id=160" style="color: cyan;">Inov-8 FLite 195’s</a><span style="color: cyan;"> </span></b>and running in the<b> <a href="http://www.mountainrunning.coolrunning.com.au/events/bmarathon/2011/ShowHtml.php?filename=eventinfo.pdf" style="color: cyan;">Canberra Bush Marathon</a></b>, a 60km Ultra Distance Marathon. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sunday 31st July: The Musketeers will be cycling back to Sydney, another 290kms<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsmYpdvsdIo/TiOUOUMp2XI/AAAAAAAAACI/lqEu0UPBd2w/s1600/Gong+Ride+170711+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsmYpdvsdIo/TiOUOUMp2XI/AAAAAAAAACI/lqEu0UPBd2w/s320/Gong+Ride+170711+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztBMnyxP__y_ZEOr1MBS_bjpHy4Ft6vsG8ZS3PY9IB9HUSg3RS08sX8KOeiEijIeih9BqNSmdaDccCrlq4QQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008108834191622087.post-18308769686904194822011-07-13T20:52:00.001-07:002011-07-13T20:52:44.730-07:00<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9FVewn03Z5s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FVewn03Z5s&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL"></a>Genevievehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15005615434412915416noreply@blogger.com0