Athlete in Profile: Nicole Wilson

An athlete with 30 years experience in the sport still chasing the high of racing, the love of training, the challenge of balancing family, work and training and the ultimate love of feeling strong, fit and healthy. Starting her Triathlon days in the 1990’s Nicole has seen the sport change, and take shape over the years to where we are today and we can’t wait to continue the triathlon journey with her….

Name: Nicole Wilson

Nickname: Nic. Nice and simple!

Age / Age Group: Old Hen! ;-p

Lives: Malvern, Vic

Targeted Sport: Triathlon

Years in the Sport: 30 years (on and off) (told you I was an old hen…)

How did you get started: Monash University Tri Club. Like minded people who even made a Saturday night swim squad session fun!
(I do not know ANYONE who swims on a sat night – so there’s a first!)

Why I choose CPC: I was introduced by another CPC athlete Caroline Houston. 🙂
(would of mouth is fab – thanks Caroline!) 😉

What I ‘get’ from my sport: I love the challenge and diversity of 70.3 Triathlon racing. With more self-sufficient teenagers at home it’s been great to invest in consistent training and hopefully greater life longevity. I aspire to keep racing and training for a long as my aging body can keep up.

Ultimate Goal:  Swimming, riding and running for as long as my body will allow – at at least until l get my pensioner card.

What I couldn’t live without: A family who are very understanding & flexible.

Biggest love: My boys (husband, 3 teenagers and dog)

Pet peeve!: Wasting time.
(ohhhh that’s a goodie! We’re with you on this one!)

Interesting fact about me: Country girl who grew up in Cobram.

Athlete in Profile: Jacqui Graham

A new comer to the sport of triathlon who is already making her mark. Podiuming in her first Ironman and qualifying for Nice 2024, she’s ready to embark on coaching to see how far she can take her racing. As a shift worker, she is also keen to continue to buck the trend of traditionally poor health outcomes for not just shift but also health care workers – so continues on her quest of participating in competitive sport and making good lifestyle choices. Keep an eye on this athletes. She truly is just getting started….

Name: Jacqui Graham

Nickname: Cracker Jacq – less frequently used these days!

Age / Age Group: 30-34

Lives: Yea, Vic

Targeted Sport: Triathlon

Years in the Sport: A very loose 1 year !

How did you get started: In 2022 a very good friend signed up for an Ironman as a bucket list tick off, prior to his first child. My wife and I decided we would do the 70.3 as support. I enjoyed the day with no real intention of doing another. However 6 months later I had forgotten that, then deciding to do a full IM in Dec 2023.
(and Jacqui conveniently left out the bit where she qualified for the IM World champs at said race!)

Why I choose CPC: I’ve not had previous coaching and I am super excited to work with someone who has the expertise to get the most out of myself. I’ve only heard of good things re CPC and the match just felt right.

What I ‘get’ from my sport: Sport/being active has always been a main priority for my wife and I. Being a shift worker, which is associated with poor health outcomes, I have always been determined to not let that stop me from participating in competitive sport or making good lifestyle choices. The exception to the rule hopefully. Or maybe the rule could change!

Ultimate Goal:  Ultimately, it would be to never stop getting better. However, Sub 10hr IM and sub 5hr 70.3 would be equally ace.

What I couldn’t live without: My wife & doggos + homemade hummus. 🙂

Biggest love: The above + exercise!

Pet peeve!: Dirty floors (two floofy dogs makes for a regular occurrence).

Interesting fact about me: I’m vegan. It would be un-stereotypical of a vegan if I didn’t mention it. ;-p

We can’t wait to see what is instore for Jacqui – as we know it’s going to be an exciting ride!

The Festive 5 Challenge

The final wrap up to our 2023 build / season / year is the return of our Festive 5 Challenge!! 
A take on the well known ‘Rapha Festive 500’, but ours with a twist to ensure everyone can gain the most from the challenge, and make it applicable to you and your goals. Ultimately the purpose behind the challenge is to add a little focus and a training spike over the Xmas / New Year period when many tend to have time off work / extra time to train. Nothing like a challenge to keep (or even increase!) your consistency and compliance over the festive season!

THE INSIDE DETAILS: 

Commences: Xmas Eve (eve!) – Saturday 23 December.
An extra day this year thanks to the weekend…. ;-p
Concludes: New Years Eve – Saturday 31st December (9 days inclusive)
The Challenge: Complete YOUR challenge over the duration of the 9 festive days, as you see fit. Indoors or out. Pool or Open Water. On or off-road. You choose!

Here are some challenge options you could take on: 

FESTIVE 500 RIDE CHALLENGE
The Ultimate
:
Ride 500km over the 9 days.
The Consistent:
Ride 50km a day on 5 or more days
The Half:
Ride 250km over the 9 days
The Conservative:
Ride 50min/day over 5 or more days

FESTIVE 50 RUN CHALLENGE
The Ultimate:

Run/walk 50km over the 9 days
The Consistent:
Run/walk 5km/or 50min /day on 5 or more days
The Half:
Run/walk 25km over the 9 days

FESTIVE TRI CHALLENGE
Swim/ride/run your way over the 9 days:
The Ultimate: 500km riding, 50km running, 5km (or more) swimming over the 9 days
The Consistent: 50km riding, 5km running, 500m swimming / day on 5 or more days
The Half: 250km riding, 25km running, 2.5km (or more) swimming over the 9 days
The Conservative: 50min riding, 50min of run/walk, 50min swimming on 5 or more days

Or any other alternative that works for you! (and why not make up a name and share with us?!)

Follow along: 
More details will be shared over the coming days and we’ll get the chatter started! 
FACEBOOK: All details, info, chatter and more will be shared in our FB group here
STRAVA: If you are on strava, why not follow us online here

CONFIRM: If you are joining in, and what challenge you are up for, as I will program accordingly and provide some guidance on how to tackle the challenge based on your goals.

Athlete in Profile: Stef Rankin

An athlete returning to endurance sport and ready to see what her body is capable of in the cycling world. But don’t discount triathlon again just yet ! …. With a love for discipline, chasing goals and seeing results, Stef has shown that dedication and drive can take you a long way in life – no matter which path you take…

Name: Stef Rankin

Nickname: No nicknames – Stef will do nicely!

Age / Age Group: 45-49

Lives: Ashwood, Vic

Targeted Sport: Cycling, via Triathlon, Pole Dancing and Bodybuilding!

Years in the Sport: Six years, followed by a six year or so hiatus

How did you get started: I was introduced to triathlon by a guy I was seeing for a while and enjoyed the sense of community and the energy of the events. I later signed up for my first mini tri and swimming lessons on the same day! As a 32 year old I had decided that it was time that I learned how to swim properly (passably?!) and signing up for a race was a good motivator to make it happen 😀

Why I choose CPC: I knew of Sarah and her coaching style through the Victorian triathlon scene and whilst I didn’t know her personally, her approach and the community that she appeared to be building with CPC definitely appealed, in addition to her experience and the well rounded service that she offered. I’m really excited to see where I can go!

What I ‘get’ from my sport: Like so many would say I’m sure, training gives me energy, keeps me sane, and allows me to set and strive for sporting goals which may perhaps initially seem unachievable. I love the discipline of structured training and the feeling that hitting milestones, PBs and goals gives me. Now that my son is older (six and a half) I also love to share some of my active lifestyle with him – last year we did Run the Rock out at Mt Macedon together and crossing the finish line of the kids run with him was absolute gold. I also greatly appreciate the community spirit and the camaraderie that comes from being around people who have similar goals and aspirations.

Ultimate Goal:  From a sporting perspective, at the moment my ultimate goal is to safely – and strongly (if you can put it like that!) – complete Peaks Challenge well within the cut off time; I’m also toying with the idea of throwing my hat in the ring for ITT, because who doesn’t enjoy feeling like their lungs and legs are going to part company with you?!

What I couldn’t live without: Ooooh that’s a tough one. At the moment, my nightly fruit, cheese and dark mint chocolate late snack?!

Biggest love: Well, for a love like no other, I can’t look beyond my son, Parker. Otherwise, as odd a choice as this may seem – progression. Getting stronger, getting faster, seeing results, seeing change, whether in cycling, running, bodybuilding. life in general.

Pet peeve!: Not a peeve per se but I have a rather irrational and very intense dislike of the song, Holy Grail by the Hunters and Collectors. Can’t stand it lol.

Interesting fact about me: Ha I’m not very interesting, however I’m a sucker for creativity and after giving up triathlon I danced and did burlesque for three years, got into competitive bodybuilding, and started making elaborate cakes, fondant cookies, costumes etc. Love colour and sparkle!!

Socials: Instagram

Athlete in Profile: Heath Lowry

Relatively new to the sport of triathlon, but not new to setting big goals! ‘Heater’ is preparing himself for the heat of Busso and tackling his first Ironman. But the journey hasn’t been without it’s challenges, including working on his mental health, keeping niggles at bay and doing the hard yards solo! But he has a story to tell – including one that involves the great Michael Schumacher ! . . .

Name: Heath Lowry

Nickname: heater

Age / Age Group: 35-39

Lives: Moama, Vic

Targeted Sport: Triathlon & AFL !

Years in the Sport: 2-3years in Triathlon

How did you get started: My uncle is in the sport and he encourages me to get involves, and the local triathlon club in Echuca/Moama has been great.

Why I choose CPC: Sarah was recommend to me many years ago, and now that I have a couple of big goals thought it would be smart to get the right coaching! A good decision, because now I don’t have to just be in my own head, I know what’s planned and I can bounce things off her – especially any doubts I may have along the way !

What I ‘get’ from my sport: In recent years I have struggled with my mental health and by getting outside training it has helped massively in this space. The benefits of it have been huge on my journey.

Ultimate Goal:  To complete the Busselton Ironman in December 2023!

What I couldn’t live without: My Coffee Machine

Biggest love: Vietnamese pho soup

Pet peeve!: Bad Manners!

Interesting fact about me: I once cooked a meal for Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari F1 Team. (I think we will all need more details on this Heath!!)

Reliving my Kona experience

I had mentioned recently to my athletes that it was 10 years since I raced in Kona. My Ironman World Champs experience was in 2013 – the year that Mirinda Carfrae won her second Ironman World Championship Title and had the 3rd fastest run split of the day – including the pro men. Simply incredible! She then went on to win and break her own run course record again the following year in 2014. And only now, have we just witnessed a new run course record thanks to Anne Haug with a 2:48.23 in 2023!

I could have sworn I did a race report / recap after my Kona race – and I thought I found it, but it was actually a recount of my first Ironman – Ironman Melbourne in 2013 when I qualified for Kona in a time of 9:23 (year the swim was shortened). Read about that race experience and how I qualified here.

So I don’t have my recap to share with you, however I did find some of my pics and what I can say is, what an awesome experience it was. And I got to share that experience with my parents – something they still remember fondly. As well as long time friend and athlete Narelle Crooks who was on the sidelines supporting, along with her hubby Nathan who was racing and fellow training buddy Brett. Brett, Nathan and I spent countless hours together training. So many long rides and long runs together, hundreds of laps in the pool, open water swims, trainer sessions, interval runs around the tana and along the beach…. Brett and I even travelled to Port Douglas in the lead up to Kona for a Half Distance race – trying to acclimatise for the heat before we arrived.

But honestly, nothing can really prepare you for the heat and humidity. It truly is a HOT and brutal the race is. But how spectacular and magical the Island is. I get why athletes all over the world still want to compete at this race. It’s not about becoming one of the best in the world in your age group, it is the experience. Living and breathing Ironman the week leading into the race, swimming in the crystal blue waters amongst tropical fish, turtles and dolphins, riding along the Queen K and through the lava fields, running along Ali’i’ Drive, up Palani and through the Energy Lab. And that finish line line. Simply incredible! The visuals from race broadcasts are exactly that. But being there, experiencing it, putting your body through it, truly is something else. And in that moment, the result matters little. Especially for those going there for the first time….

My Kona result?
Swim 1:11.38
Bike: 5:34.14
Run: 3:45.22
Overall: 10:39.53

For anyone who has the dream of racing the World Champs, talk to me. It truly is an incredible experience and something that is possible with the right training, hard work and race planning… I previously wrote an blog on how to qualify for the Ironman World Championships. So take a read if you want to find out more on how and what it takes to qualify for this magnificent race…