Wistup Scholarship Ambassador Application

Last week, I submitted an application to become the next Witsup Scholarship Ambassador. You can read more about it here - http://www.witsup.com/competitions/witsup-scholarship-ambassador-competition-201314/.

The first time I saw this, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. But I didn't know how to put a video together and I'm nowhere near being a top age-group athlete worthy of a sponsorship package. However, after watching the first webisode of Witsup TV (http://www.witsup.com/witsup-tv-ep1/) and finding out what they were looking for, I taught myself how to use iMovie and decided to apply. Why not, right? Nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

I really, truly, genuinely love triathlon. I don't just mean love like a new bike or a house or a puppy. I'm talking something I love so much and feel so strongly about that I think I have recruited almost all of my friends to try it.  I don't think I have ever been more passionate about anything before (except for maybe Channing Tatum, but that's a whole different blog post). Most of all, I love supporting people at races equally as much as I love competing and I hope that over the next few years, I can continue to recruit even more people to love it as much as I do.

Over the last five or so years, I have met a lot of people through triathlon; from race commentators, to pro athletes, to people in triathlon media, to people from other clubs. I just love everything that this sport represents - challenge, fun and incredible people. And I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

Whilst I am not a "top age-grouper" just yet, I train hard and I'm more enthusiastic about triathlon than anyone I know. I've heard so many people say that they are "passionate about the sport" but I have never actually seen these people get involved in much more than competing in a race. Competing might be love, but helping other people is true passion.

I've been in the marketing campaign for Triathlon Pink, I'm a huge advocate for the Women's Triathlon Festival in Sydney, I organise a girls group ride for my tri club every week and I've just started coaching some girls to compete in their first big race. I honestly think I would make a meaningful contribution to the sport if I was given this opportunity and I hope that by putting this out there, it will remind more people that middle-of-the-packers love triathlon just as much as the podium finishers, and it's possible that enthusiasm and energy may be just as important as winning.

The video can be found here - http://vimeo.com/68473182

Thanks for reading. 

#witsup #fonginatorFTW 

The Her Coach-His Coach Triathlon Training Camp (Sydney) Wrap-Up

It was the June Long Weekend, and all through the house,
There were wind trainers, bike shoes and a grease covered blouse.

The bikes were all packed, but what have we missed?
Swimmers and run gear, what kind of holiday is this?

The first session up, was transitions then running,
Pushing bikes by the seat, I could see them all gunning.

PB's were set, helmets clicked in with ease,
Run style they learnt, they made it look like a breeze.

They jumped on their bikes, they scooted, they smiled,
Inappropriate talk, this group sure was wild!

Next was a pool swim, Mac Uni was the venue,
Drills and balance, were the mains course on the menu.

Too many straight arms, "Pull to the fanny," I said,
Poor Iain, token bloke, secretly wishing he was dead.

Next up was cycling, The National Park in Lane Cove,
Time to float up the hills, and head first they all drove.

Changing a flat tyre, well that was a treat,
There was grease all over, our hands and our cleats.

Day 2 was a brick session, we set up the wind trainers,
With the best view in Sydney, there were definitely no complainers.

They were pedalling so hard, but they needed motivation,
Coach Bel and her dancing, needs no explanation.


The Health Whisperer arrived, for a sports nutrition chat,

Then a mind-talk with Tracy, to squash those inner demons flat.


Open water swim, we headed to Balmoral Beach,

"Don't worry, there's no sharks," said the coaches in their speech.


The best moment of the day, was Susanna of course,

Putting the wetsuit on inside out, what an attractive force!


They practiced their buoy turns, rotation in the waves,

Sighting was an issue, but they were all very brave.


Time for some strength work, followed by a nice stretch,

Another day gone, another night to rest.

The final day was near, time to put it altogether,

A swim, bike and run, we were so lucky with the weather.

We gave out awards, some laughed, some squealed,
"Remember on the first day, Cristie forgot her front wheel?"


We managed 28 people, so eager to learn,

With enthusiasm and love, many calories were burned.


Its people like this group, who make me love this sport,

To see so many smiles, from everything we had taught.

On behalf of Coach Mel, we want to just say,
To the athletes who came, from near and far away.

Thank you for coming, for the laughs and the cheer,
Hope to see you at the next race, you are all athletes now, you hear!

[Photos courtesy of Teresa Boyce aka The Health Whisperer & Elise Garner from Le Coco Portraits]