the latest goings on with charlie paul

What I eat is a vast topic. I’ve procrastinated over covering it for precisely that reason. I’m still learning and making adjustments to find the optimal diet. What I eat now is quite different to what I ate this time last year, the year before that and the year before that…So that also makes it tricky to offer solid concrete advice. It’s more “at this time, with the information I have, this is what I think…”

It’s not only what I eat that has changed, but when I eat it. Some foods can be better consumed at different times of the day.

How much I eat of different foods is also evolving. The ratios between carbohydrate, fats and protein and how much you need of each. I have never weighed or measured my food- and I don’t think I ever will. I’m talking rough calculations.

I’ve been taking photographs of my food for over a year now. Sometimes just pride in an awesome looking plateful! And sometimes I think it was a great meal idea that I’d like to pass on.

Why have I been changing my diet so frequently?

Good question, and these are my answers.;

1. Runners bottom! I could not go for a simple 30 minute run without having to route it via a bathroom. This was particularly true of afternoon runs. No pun intended:)
2. Bloating.
3. Increase performance
4. Injury prevention
5. Health

I have been able to change my diet quite radically because my husband is often the change instigator. We are both triathletes and both looking for the same results out of what we eat. Importantly we are both willing  and open to change. I understand that some couples and families will not have everyone wanting to eat the same and this would make changes much more difficult, but still not impossible.

I gave up my favorite fruit for 18 months because I thought it was the right thing to do. That was a sacrifice I was willing to make. However neither of us are saints! There have been times when we’ve been less conscious of what we’ve put in our mouths and it really did come back to bite us:) Thank goodness we’ve found evidence to support coffee drinking and dark chocolate consumption! What we have been is always willing to try anything that we’ve researched that sounds like a positive change. We both agree that we don’t know it all, so we’re still learning, adapting and refining our diets as we go.

In the coming posts my aim is to share with you some of the diets that we’ve tried and their impacts- good and bad. I’ll also do something with my library of meals! I can also recommend some reading you can do to understand the role food plays in terms of injury prevention and boosting performance.

The most important thing that I have learnt from all of this is that just because everyone else is eating it- it doesn’t mean it’s good for you! Conventional wisdom may be too inextricably tied up in the food industry to really give you the best information out there. Very sad, but true.

And even though I often think of food in terms of fuel, of course it’s much more than that. It’s a social thing, and there are often times when you really should be flexible so that you can enjoy life and not be a pain in the butt! Food is one of life’s simple pleasures, and herein lies the beauty of the 90/10 rule.

Charlotte

Like most people I know- I’ve just finished reading “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. The main feeling I got from it was a renewed passion for running, just wanting to run free! Just running for the sake of running, with no agenda, for the love of it. For that reason alone I would recommend this book to anyone who would like some fresh inspiration.

I loved one character, Jenn, and her approach to racing. Basically flat out until she couldn’t go anymore. It sounds exhilarating. However I’m not sure about her pre-race drinking:)

The book throws up a lot of controversial topics, ranging from shoes, injury management and causes, even diet. I do like a book that makes you think, and isn’t instantly forgettable. McDougall mentions studies that show a surprising correlation between cost of shoe and rate of injury! As cost increases, injuries rise rather than fall. The book throws up the questions, are we in shoes to make the shoe companies money? What about orthotics?

McDougall suggests that some medical professionals are a bit too quick to blame running for injuries, rather than the shoes- and hence the run technique. I think it’s a crying shame that people are told to stop running altogether when they get injuries that are in fact simple to fix.

My shoes have progressively been getting lighter and lighter, and less built up over the last 2 years, whilst I have been injury free. I’ve moved gradually over the last 2 years from training in “lightweight trainers” like the Nike Zoom Elite, to now shoes that are considered racing flats like the Nike Marathoner, Lunar Racer, Speed Spider and the Free 3.0. So for me, book confirms what Kristian and I have been thinking and doing, and that we’re moving in the right direction.

I’ve been making the move gradually, allowing my feet to adjust and get stronger. In January this year I finally threw out my orthotics. That was a fantastically liberating feeling. A pretty similar feeling to getting rid of the heart rate monitor! I didn’t like the idea of being dependent on them- like a crutch. I can’t tell if my lighter shoes have made me faster- there are simply too many other variables. They certainly have not slowed me down and it’s my longest spell injury-free. But I do agree that a lighter shoe puts you in a better position. One that is more upright with your feet landing underneath you, preventing the heel-strike.

A friend of mine tuned in on the diet aspect of the book. To be honest this part of the book washed right over me.

My take home message was to continue my gradual shift into lighter and lighter shoes. That the Trigger Point Performance Therapy approach to injury prevention and rehabilitation is the correct one. And that we are in fact “Born to Run”.

OOhh, and I do love a good quote…

“You don’t stop running because you get old.
You get old because you stop running.” Jack Kirk

“The best runner leaves no tracks” Tao Te Ching

So as the barefoot phenomenon gathers speed … pick up a copy of “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall and see what all the fuss is all about.

Charlotte

P.S “Running makes me happy” Lorna Jane.

What I’m reading now…

I had no idea he had done this…

I think I did a record amount of tweets in one day for me- yes I was struggling for entertainment!

Swim conditions were close to perfect this year. Strong currents taking you out- and instead of swimming back against the current- there was close to no current at all. 100 athletes went sub 52 minutes!

The service that Aquashop offers is incredible. They are there for you on race morning to make sure you have your suit on properly- makes a big difference.

Lisa had a great swim and bike, but unfortunately a kick in the face in the swim ultimately ended her day early. Lisa had an awesome bike leg considering she started it with blood streaming down her face. But it came back to bite her on the run when her head was pounding…
Read her race report here
All in the bank for her next outing at the Busselton Half Ironman in May.
Frustration and disappointment- if channeled wisely can be great fuel for the fire!

Belinda was given a huge honour by being inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame at the carb party on Friday night. She is a true legend in the sport and it was well deserved.

Read Belinda’s comments here Yep she’s blogging again:) Catch her before she stops!

Scott also had a mishap on race day- stepped on something going into the swim and cut his foot open. He soldiered on to within 38 seconds of his PB time. Next time Scottie x

Follow Scott on Twitter

It was a great week catching up with everyone, helping people with their niggles and injuries, cheering…etc… The drive home took a heck of lot longer- we were exhausted. After some ebay chair shopping, we still had no room in the car but we stopped at Ikea anyway- my favourite shop.

I read this great blog post by Tim Kenington- a twitter friend!

Anyway I liked it so much that I wanted to share it with you.

http://timkenington.com/2010/03/22/the-curse-of-the-ironman-pb/

I’ve had a lot of emails lately from people wanting to get to Kona, and not quite making it for one reason or another. Ironman is a hard race to crack, and once you THINK you have it, another challenge pops up! But this is exactly why this sport is so addictive- you can be soooo near and yet sooo far…

Good luck for the weekend everyone. I’ll be urging you on to reach your goals.

Charlotte

My top tips for Ironman Port Macquarie

Following the popularity of my China post- I’m now going to give you tips for all the races I’ve done. Actually I’ve never raced the Ironman at Port. I missed one race with injury, and then illness, and then I think I decided it wasn’t meant to be.
But I have been in Port for every one of the 5 Ironman races, raced the 70.3 4 times and the Long Course Champs here numerous times. I think I know Port!

So anyway, I’m going to share with you a little inside info…This post is geared towards those who’ve never raced Port before. If I help just one person…

Training prior to race day

If you’re arriving in Port during race week, do your taper sessions out on the course as much as possible- even if you’ve raced here before.
BUT- riding or running the undulations is going to tax you- much better to save those parts of the course for race day itself. Choose the flatter sections- even if it means getting in your car.

Swimming- you can swim on the course in race week- there are usually some markers out- if not- get there around 7am and there will be plenty of people to follow.
If you want to jump in the local pool- there’s nice outdoor 50 and 25m pools on Gordon St in Port Mac.

Riding- you can ride on the course prior to race day, but be careful of the traffic, and chose quiet times.

Run- easy to jump onto the run course since it goes straight through town- where most accomodation is. As I said- chose the flat sections in race week!

Food in race week

Since most athletes racing IM Australia are Aussies, it’s easy for you to eat the foods you are used to in race week. Port Mac has a big Coles, Woolies and an IGA, and a fair few restaurants and cafes- depending on what you like/budget. If you can self-cater in race week- even better.
After traveling to Port for the last…7 years in a row, sometimes twice a year, our favourite cafe is Crema. It used to be under the Rydges, but has moved to a bigger space where the  Starbucks briefly was on the cnr of Clarence and Horton Sts. Great coffee, brekkies and lunches- and free Wifi. We spend a lot of time in there!

Post race day breakfast is the biggest social occasion of the week! The atmosphere is soooo different from 2 days earlier. I love this day. Great brekkie spots are Crema, The Corner Store, and the Pancake Palace-I’ve been told but never been. Or anywhere where you see a big group of hobbling, smiling triathletes:)

Race course

I think 99% of you will have either raced here before or been to check it out. If not…

the swim…be prepared for one of the roughest swims in Ironman. And I’m not referring to the chop! I mean the mass start and the shape of the course make it quite “aggressive”. If you’re concerned about it- start to one side- so that you can avoid it as much as possible. There can be a current in one direction, so be prepared for it feeling harder and slower in one direction, but you’ll fly in the other.

Bike. This is quite challenging one- a mix of undulations and flats, a real power course. The road is really quite bumpy in sections- chip sealed. If you’re attaching anything to your bike make sure it is REALLY firmly attached. The road is always strewn with gas, tires and gels!!
If you’re new to the Port course you should check out Matthew Flinders so that it’s not a surprise on race day:) Very short but vertical so you need to be prepared in your smallest gear.
In past years its been pretty drizzly on the bike- even cold. Make sure you pack arm warmers and a vest in your T1 bag just in case.

The run is another challenging one- but the times amaze me every year- they’re always quick! There are some beautiful sections of course taking you along the beach with some great views. You can have one of those “ahhh how good is this” moments.
Some race days have really heated up by this stage in the day- max 30 I’d say.
(this week the forecast shows min 15- max 28 and clear sunny days! Awesome!)

Race Day

This race has been run by the legend Kenny Baggs for donkies years. He is one of THE BEST race directors in the world. He has you covered! The race will run like clockwork, and all you have to focus on is yourself. The aid stations are fantastic and the volunteers are pros!

There will be heaps of spectators out there to give you support when you most need it. It’s certainly not a lonely course, and being a large field of athletes and a mass start you’ll likely have company the whole day.
Pete Murray and the finish line will be urging you home…

There’s only one person responsible for your success and that’s YOU!
Make sure you’re well prepared and organised this week because it will fly.
Enjoy the butterflies, they’re just energy waiting to bust out! You’re fit and ready and you can stand on the start line feeling confident, relaxed and focused.

I’ll leave you with a great quote by Johan Bruyneel on Lance Armstrong;

“I didn’t need to see the figures tracking his speed or calculating his watt output or any of the other important training markers. I’d seen something more important: belief”

I’ll be working all week in the expo on the Trigger Point Performance stand, so come and say hello!
We’ll be having Belinda Granger on the stand on Saturday, so come and have a chat and  get a signed photo of the 3 x Ironman Malaysia Champ, and perhaps even Luke McKenzie…will announce times soon.

Enjoy and good luck.
Charlotte

P.S Go ahead and leave comments if you think I’ve missed anything you’d like to share…thanks.

Kristian really likes his pizza. This recipe is for people who want to eat healthy, but feel like they’re missing out on pizza…
I think that if you follow the 90/10 rule, and that 90% of the time you eat nutrient dense quality foods, that you can afford to eat non-optimal foods 10% of the time. But this recipe doesn’t encroach the 10%- bargain!
It’s very filling because the base is all almonds. It’s high in fat- but essential awesome fats.
When you’re eating really well you do sometimes get cravings for junk foods, well Kristian and I sometimes do, especially post training, and this recipe really satisfies that craving without putting you backwards.

Ingredients:
Crust:
2 Cups Almond Meal/Flour
2 Eggs
2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp salt

Instructions:
Crust:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees f
2. Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This should give you a ball of “dough”. If your dough is too “mushy”, continue to add almond flour until you get a good consistency.
3. Make a pizza sheet or baking tray non-stick. This is VERY important if you want your pizza slices to come off in one piece.
4. Press your dough on the sheet nice and even about 1/4 inch in the middle and 1/2 inch at the edges.
5. Put crust in the oven for 15 minutes. It should look slightly golden brown when you take it out.

Once the base has been cooked, you are free to add your tomato paste and toppings.
In this one below we added chicken (already cooked), red capsicum, mushies, toms, organic mozzarella and a homemade basil pesto. It turned out pretty amazing. Went along great with a big-ass salad and a glass of red.

We got the recipe for the base from Mark Sisson’s website, Mark’s Daily Apple. I’ve been trying a few of their recipes and so far they’ve all been pretty darn good. I can also highly recommend the roast chicken marinade called “Cuban Mojo”- it’s insanely tasty, and beats anything you can get in a jar.

Please feel free to add comments with any pizza ideas you’ve found to tick the yummy and healthy boxes!

Charlotte

We’re less than a week away from Ironman China 2010.
How exciting!

I would have loved to be on the starting line again this year, but I’m taking a year off from racing, so I will be a virtual spectator via www.ironman.com. It’ll be an emotional day for me I’m sure, as my memories from one of the toughest yet rewarding days of my life are evoked. This was my race report from last year, a day I’ll never forget.

China is a strange beast. The forecast in Haikou this week has days fluctuating between 18-29 degrees c. So what should you expect? Anything! The top piece of advice I can give is to be prepared for anything and everything, but always expect the best- we get what we expect after all.

Training Prior to race day

The Crowne Spa is the host hotel, where the race office, carb night etc is held. It has a pool that’s close to 50ms long- perfect for turning the arms over prior to race day.
I didn’t swim in the river at all before race day- let’s just say it doesn’t look especially clean, so I’d rather be safe than sorry.

Riding- the roads are mayhem. Cars, buses, bikes, mopeds, goats, chickens and pedestrians traveling in any direction other than which you’d expect. But if you can ride with at least one other person- safety in numbers- I would recommend riding cautiously to the transition area. Once there, the road that you ride out of transition on, on race day, which is also the start of the run course, is a good spot for training. It runs parallel to the river, it’s got a good surface and pretty much traffic free- great for stretching the legs.

Running- the easy one. I think if you turn right out of the Crowne Spa Hotel and then keep going you come to a coastal path which is quite nice. I always felt relatively safe and ignored by the locals. There are also treadmills in the hotel gym if the weather is bad.

Food in Race Week

I’m going to assume that you’re staying at the Crowne Spa Hotel…I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner there leading up to the race. I didn’t think this was the time to be testing the local cuisine. There’s several cafes/restaurants/buffets at the hotel, so plenty of variety. The only thing lacking was any kind of shop for snacks. I shared a cab into the city with some friends I made, and we managed to find a small supermarket with some labels and brands we recognised.
I drank only bottled water- really cheap- even to the extent of declining ice. I also cleaned my teeth with bottled water.

(My pre race dinner was Hainan Chicken- my lucky dish:):) That leads me to another tip. Saturday night dinner was packed out in the hotel restaurant, they were totally overwhelmed and took forever- so get in early.

Race Course

I didn’t see any of it before race day. I decided it was just too hard! There’s nothing that you need to see in terms of technical difficulty. A couple of guys did manage to ride off course last year, but I honestly don’t know how.
Don’t worry about the traffic- it will be gone on race day. They are amazing with keeping the roads clear and immaculately swept.

The swim looks like a horror to be honest. Listen to the advice regarding temp. and wetties. Water temps last year were very warm, but wetties were allowed for AG athletes. Is it worth overheating for a couple of minutes that may come back to bite you later in the day? Currents were also strong last year- so much so that you felt as if swimming on the spot. Make sure you listen carefully to advice in the athlete briefing on best lines to take since they are not necessarily the shortest route. If the swim is a horror, just “set and forget”.

Bike – super smooth highway, that’s undulating. The village section has a couple of tight corners and some small climbs. It’s actually a nice break from the highway. It’ll be a fast course with perfect conditions. Be aware that because it’s a smaller race field, you’re not going to get the usual packs forming. Be prepared for a solo ride, then you won’t be shocked on race day if you do find yourself on your own.

Run- I would call it flat. There are some false flats, but there’s nothing like any climbs or pinches. It’s very exposed for most of the course. If it’s hot you’re going to feel it. The hottest part of the course is the first 10kms that dips into a slight valley- like an oven.

Race Day

Be on the first bus to transition! The volunteers are inexperienced and things just take a little bit longer than they should. Plus if you have any kind of mechanical or drama you’re going to need time to sort it out.
Last year the portaloo keys went missing! Bring tissues:)

Slow down at the aid stations. As I said before the volunteers are not so experienced, and the aid stations not so long. Its worth taking it easy to get what you need. Last year the water was in 600ml plastic bottles- like the one’s you’d buy. This was fine since the road is smooth enough for it to not bounce out-even with the lids off.

I used special needs on the run- but it was a bit nerve-racking! Most of the volunteers don’t speak English. I had to try and communicate that I wanted my bag on the next lap and not right now. I didn’t know whether when I came past again it would be gone? Perhaps if it’s something you really have to have- keep it on you. My bag was there for me.

You’ve really just got to maintain an inner calm and confidence- and be ready to roll with the punches.
Have a plan A B and C, and race smart.
You’re racing in Asia, so issues may occur, stay relaxed as you can, it is what it is, and I expect it’s the same for everyone. Control what’s controllable.

Be prepared for mostly Chinese spectators largely staring at you! On the plus side. You are out there racing against yourself, for yourself and it’s a very pure experience.

I loved the adventure of racing in China.
Listen to your body out there and heed any warning signs your body sends out. Silly risks are not worth it. In extreme conditions it becomes all about survival, and if you want that Kona spot…you need to survive and just keep moving!

If it were easy everyone would be doing it- and there would be no challenge!

Enjoy

Charlotte

P.S If you need to buy gas at the Expo, be there as soon as it opens.

P.P.S Get all mechanicals fixed before you get there.

P.P.P.S Sodium is your friend.

P.P.P.P.S Hoping you get 25 and cloudy:)

P.P.P.P.P.S Send me an email if you have any more questions. Happy to help.

Is the same as the biggest fear on the planet- public speaking.

This is no exaggeration. At senior school when my English teacher asked us to write an essay and present it to the class, half of us went AWOL. There were tears! In University I purposefully chose subjects that did not include presenting. As a result I have a degree in one the driest and most unimaginative subjects, that I have never really used since- economics.

To be totally honest, when I first started triathlon, if someone had said to me that I would one day have to make a public speech in front of several thousand I would have quit the sport right there and then.

Needless to say, when I got up to make my first proper speech, aged 34, in front of about 2,000 people when I won Ironman Western Australia, it wasn’t a total disaster, but it certainly wasn’t a raging success. I was stressed for the entire day, I was terrified, and as soon as I got off the stage I downed a beer in about 30 seconds flat.

All of this was needless. It was a F.E.A.R.- False Evidence Appearing Real. What did I truly have to be afraid of? What was the worst thing that could happen? Would they boo me, or throw eggs at me? I doubt it. Really I knew that they wanted to hear what the winner of the race had to say and they were happy for me that I had won.

With a long time between drinks- my second speech being in front of another several hundred at Ironman China and 18 months later- I hadn’t improved much. I had made one visit to a Toastmasters group, and met the friendliest women on the planet- it was a little bit spooky, almost too friendly- a bit Stetford wives club. I thought it would be great practice having to talk in front of all of them, but between their holiday break and my travel, it meant that a follow up visit never happened…

Why is this so important for me? As a Professional Triathlete I miss out on a multitude of opportunities to increase my value by being unable to speak in front of an audience. These opportunities are plentiful; speaking at camps, motivating athletes pre race, corporate work etc. My obligations too could be better fulfilled; media conferences, press interviews etc that pop up pre and post race. I’m not expecting to become the next Winston Churchill, but it would just be nice to eliminate the stress involved. One on one interviews I do fine, but group speaking…no go.

More than just this. I want to improve. It’s a challenge that I think I can overcome if I do actually give it some attention and practice. I don’t want to feel so crippled. I do think I’d like to pass on my experiences successfully. I do also think that because it is such a huge fear, that to nail a speech would be a huge rush!!

I’m reading a great book at the moment- “Mind Maps” by Tony Buzan. We have house guests here at the moment, Teresa Rider, a long time friend and in fact my first inspiration in triathlon, and her husband Scott Jones. So “mind maps” is a book that has been on our bookshelf for a while, that I’d never read. Jonser read it in one day and got me excited to read it too. I expected the book to help me organize my life, which I think it will. But a surprise chapter covers mapping for communication and presentations…how handy!

Thus my conversation with Jonser… It turns out he’s quite experienced in speech giving. So I want to share the advice he gave me with you, because I thought it was pretty awesome- simple and straightforward.
Perhaps you’d like to comment and share your own advice with me?

Jonser’s best tips;
- Never talk about myself. Talk only about the audience.

- Keep it short. (I think I mastered this one first time:))

The speech structure;

-Start with an opener to break the ice.
-Then thank everyone en masse. The only exception being my husband! And obligatory thank yous of sponsors etc.
-Then there are 3 main points.

1. Talk about something that relates to everyone in the room- a common bond- easy with Ironman- e.g. the extreme weather conditions on race day…
2. Tell a story- something entertaining, memorable and inspiring.
3. Summarize 1 and 2.
Say your goodbyes! Done!

The following is “mind maps” advice, and I also think it is excellent, and could actually fit nicely with Scott’s advice on structure and content…

It suggests that the problem with most speeches or presentations is in the planning. Many speeches are written out in sentences- encouraging the reader to keep looking down at the page- with the potential to lose their spot easily- and losing eye contact with the audience. Reading from a page can sound monotone because you loose the flow of natural speech. Another issue is that if you are holding papers you’re not using your body to convey your message, and body language is important. This is me all over!

So what to mind maps do? They keep you aware of the whole picture by having a central theme, in the middle of your page, with a few key points radiating off that theme. These can be numbered and certain points highlighted. They allow you to keep better eye contact with your audience and leave your body free to move and you can be yourself… Sounds easy right?

So now all I have to do is win another race to get the opportunity to speak again!
Take care, have fun and embrace your biggest fears, because after all they are just False Evidence Appearing Real.

Have a great weekend.
Charlotte

It’s IM NZ tomorrow, and I want to wish you all the best of luck for the races that you deserve!

I loved racing in NZ last year- beautiful course, plenty of spectators, more coffee shops than you can poke a stick at…and a great atmosphere. This is one of the original IM races outide of Kona, so they know what they’re doing! The race director Kate Patterson took part in Kona in 09, giving her a wonderful insight into what we all go through.

My only advice to you all is put clothes for any kind of weather in your kit bags- because in Taupo you never know!

As with any race, be prepared for anything, but expect the best.

Wishing you all sunny skies and speedy legs, Kona spots and PBs.

One special mention to Jarrod Hudson- GET THAT KONA SPOT!!!!!!! IT’S YOURS! JUST DO IT. x

And I’ll sign off with a quote handed to me by a good friend, Michael Baker, before I raced IMWA in December;

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

I’ll be watching.

Charlotte

In 2009 I took part in some amazing races. These are my top picks!

My advice- get in quick because some of them are going to sell-out.
(I’m leaving Bussleton Half off the list because it already has sold out!)

I’m also leaving Ironman NZ and China out of this because I think if you haven’t already planned on racing these, it’s a little bit late for this year.

Challenge Roth- Iron distance-18th July 2010.

Why?- because riding up Solar Berg is the most amazing experience of any race in my entire career! It’s as close as I’ll ever get to experiencing what the riders of the TDF feel- cutting your way up a climb through a sea of people.
Unbelievable. Plus the Germans live and breathe triathlon! And the beer and bakeries fantastic post-race.

more of my Roth pics , and a few more…

Philippines 70.3- 22nd August 2010. Entries open May 31st.

Why?- because I’ve never had such a warm welcome by a community, the local triathletes, even the local Govenor wanted to meet us. This race is organised down to every infinitesimal detail. I loved it there, the race has such a warm vibe, and there’s plenty to see and do  afterwards, like…go wakeboarding! Or go to the Islands where many of the Survivor series were filmed.

More photos from my Philippines trip

And my long time favourite…

Ironman Western Australia- December 5th 2010, Entries now open and close really early this year on June 30th.

I love this race because of the beautiful Busselton location, the super fast flat course and the local volunteers who year after year have supported the race coming into their community. The first thing I do when I arrive in Busso is head straight to the Goose for a coffee and to admire the view. You can’t come to this race without a visit to the Margaret River region- famous for some of Australia’s most amazing beaches and wineries.

More from WA

Have fun choosing- the World is your oyster! I’ve travelled to so many wonderful locations because of triathlon. For me location is really important as there’s more to a race than just “the race”. So be adventurous and step outside your usual race routine and throw in a holiday afterward. My next post will cover some post-race holiday destinations!

Charlotte