Hi from Western Australia

Annika Gillgren

Hi All,

New trail member here.  I live in Perth, Western Australia.  Mid-season and just heading into the height of summer here.  We've just had our first IM and 70.3 for the season in Busselton.  I did the 70.3 and it was an eventful day...

We had a shark sighting result in the cancellation of the swim (I got evacuated 300m into my swim), a bush fire on the full IM meant some competitors has a shortened bike course, 95F temperatures- oh and two competitors got taken out by kangaroos on the bike...  welcome to Australia!!

Other than that WA is a lovely place for triathlon- plenty of clean/nice beaches, great pool facilities, nice weather and good bike infrastructure for safe training (long bike paths with no stopping).

So a little about me:

I've got a 4-5 year background running marathons, but high mileage running  doesn't seem to agree with my bones so I've decided to switch to triathlon to help keep things sustainable.  I'm a competitive age grouper - aiming to do more 70.3, get faster (maybe on the podium) and have fun.  I do train quite hard - but also enjoy changing things up getting out on the mountain bike and trail running. 

Thanks,

Annika 

Paul Hough

Welcome Annika!  You are definitely half way around the world...or maybe I am  Bummer about the IM swim canx but better that than being shark food.  I'm sure you will enjoy EN and that the club can help you achieve your goals.

Peter Greagg

@Annika Gillgren
Peter Greagg here from Canberra.
I have done the 70.3 at Busso a number of times and always loved it. Glad to miss the excitement this year.
I am guessing that EN will redefine your idea of work!
We have a saying — #workworks# and it does. 
It will probably take you a bit of time to get used to the intensity that we use though.
I am racing at IM Australia at Port Macquarie in May 2018.
What other races do you have of your schedule?

Oh, and BTW, ask any questions you want — we are all keen to help.

Annika Gillgren

Hi Peter-- good to see there are a couple of other Aussies on here.   How do you go with the imperial system on the site?  I had a quick look but can't see a way to put  pace zones etc. in metric?

Up next for me is Karri Valley in March (1500,60,12).  Lake swim so shoudl be safe there:).  Then another attempt at Busso 70.3 in May -- unfinished business there. Fingers crossed the fish behave this time and/or they come up with a plan B.  May 2017 was also affected by sharks....  I vote we get rid of the drones/choppers so we go back to being blissfully unaware.

I'm familiar with FTP and VO2 type sessions- just probably not as frequently as the programs here at EN.  Coming from running background I've probably been a little conservative with how much intensity I do any given week and have done more volume with the far before fast mindset.  Think I can make some good gains on the bike especially by focusing on lifting FTP - so will be interesting to see how things go with the fast before far method. 

Peter Greagg

Sadly you have to put up with the imperial system.
I suppose you will use the EN Short Course Plan to prepare for Karri Valley?

Robert Sabo

Hello Annika,

I am from the US but my daughter lives in Melbourne.  Visited and raced in Australia a few times.  My long range plan is to go back to Cairns in 2019 for the full.  You will enjoy this team.  You will work hard but you will learn a lot and race better and smarter.  Welcome to the team and any questions just ask away.

Annika Gillgren

Thanks. 
Yes Peter - I'm on the bike focus initially (my weakest leg), then short course till Karri Valley then onto the 70.3 plan.

And awesome Robert- the Cairns course looks great.  I've driven the bike course- very scenic.

Shaughn Simmons

Welcome as always!  Reach out as needed, ask questions, have fun, dig deep, build relationships, find your triathlon family here for life...........