Springing

Coming off of the Florida training camp I was feeling fit and looking forward to nailing my winter goal, race in the Bazan Bay 5k. I've missed it the past 5 years due to a combination of injuries and training camps, mostly injuries. I felt if I was able to do this race then I that would mean I've had a consistent winter of training, which is what I desperately needed.

Thankfully, I got to the start line in one piece and I was able to throw down a solid effort and get a new PB!

It was nice to be able to compete for team Running Room and put in a good performance. I was able to pace off of Whitfield for the whole race (minus the last ~150m) which definitely helped me push that extra gear. My previous best at this race was 16:12 (diff. course) so to be able to push that down to 14:52 was pretty cool, but I think I might take another few years off if I want to bring it down by any more!

Big thanks to Bob Reid for the comp entries!

Our group also did some bike and run testing at the CSI Pacific Labs. It sounds like we'll be doing more of this in the future so I'm looking forward to tracking the changes over time, good or bad! It was great to work with Wendy and her crew again.

Screenshot from a vid. Somewhat badass.

After that particular week of pain I was ready to just get back to some regular training, however I had been given the chance to address the Strathcona Triathlon Club in my hometown Campbell River, BC. It was a cool opportunity and something I would like to get more involved in the future...If the demand is there!

I took them out for a run session where we did some drills (thanks Bobby!) and a quality session; 6 times 2' just above threshold, 1' just below. If you're curious.

Unreal that it wasn't raining!

I think they were surprised how slow I ran.

After the run, we went inside and I gave a little presentation on my journey through the sport and my future goals. They were quite receptive and it is always great being able to discuss sport. Although the club has lost a few members it sounds like they have a really solid base that they can work with. Big thanks to Colleen and Steve for organizing the event!

On the Tri front I was able to race the local Westshore Triathlon, we were lucky to have the sun come out and the ones who raced really put it down. It was nice to shake the cobwebs out and get a feel for Triathlon again. Big thanks to Phil for for the comp entries!

Bittsweet as it was Carolyn's last day before her mat. leave. We're all pretty excited for her though!

Crushed the bike split thanks to Fort Street Cycle!

Notice the duster, it seems to be the theme for the local races.

So all of that leads in to the start of my ITU season. I'll be racing the most competitive race of my young career in San Diego next weekend. Unfortunately it sounds like Jonny B has a niggle and won't be racing, so no full Olympic podium to compete with. However, there is a solid crop of Olympians and upcoming talent who I'll be able to race with. This is a huge opportunity and I'm really excited to start racing with the best. My main objective with this race is to gain experience, but I would also really enjoy some points! Its a lot easier to get on start lists even with middling WTS results. Which I think will be important this year.

Haven't decided whether I'll don the 'stache yet. It'll probably be a game-time decision.

The race, as always is broadcast by the ITU. If you have the means then I'd suggest you invest in their seasons pass. If you're like me, then CBC sports is carrying it as well, sans cost. 4PM on Saturday is the scheduled start time.


Giddy up!

Groveland Sessions

Just finished up a great block of training in Florida with most of Triathlon Canada's development group. A ton of quality sessions were mixed in with an amazing group of people all working towards the upcoming season and beyond.

Our training was complemented with some technical, theory and planning sessions led by running expert Bobby McGee and our High Performance Director Libby Burrell. Its no secret that my running is my weakness, so being able to work with Bobby and have him give me feedback really makes me feel confident I'll be a stronger and more consistent runner going forward. Libby sat us down for some realtalk where she laid out the high performance and funding structure moving forward. Of note was the emphasis on our need to improve the results and depth on the Men's side. As impressive as it was qualifying 3 Men's spots this past summer there is clearly a drop in numbers that only recovers around the U25 age group. Ultimately, competition breeds success and we can only get better if there are more Males going head-to-head with greater frequently. I feel like we are moving in the right direction, and with our leadership Canada will be able to move up the rankings these next few years.

On the other side, the ladies can just keep on keepin on.

Been back in Victoria for a couple of days and I am still a bit fatigued from the travel. I had an opportunity to sleep in today, however it was not to be as CCES rolled up at 7AM looking for a sample. I was not a fun person to be around given I was in zombie-mode, but the testers were in good spirits and I'm always keen on helping keep sport clean.

I also had some testing on the bike today which involved some blood taking, concentration and a lot of pain. The testing is designed to help us track our improvement over time and although I didn't test earlier in the year I can definitely say I've improved. I might toss up the numbers if people want to check them out.

Looking forward I'm excited to say I am healthy and will be ready to get back on the start line at the Bazan Bay 5k World Championships.

Thats not an understatement.

This race is flat and fast, perfect for a PB, and usually it attracts some of the faster guys out west. I've been unable to do it the last 4 years mostly due to injury, so I'm looking for a wicked 5k PB and early scalps. Funnily enough it was my main winter goal this season, as I know if I'm healthy enough to compete than I've had a consistent winter.

Stoked for the weekend!

Some Goings On

We here at the NTC had our own bike focus the last week. Some sixteen hours of riding in 5 days made for some tired legs Sunday evening. I collected some snaps from the week that was...

I'm leaving for Clermont, Florida tomorrow. Looking forward to putting in some big miles in the sun! I should really start packing...

Fit on Fort

Last Thursday I went down to Fort Street Cycles to get a proper fit on the new S5. I was able to work with Don Henderson using the Dartfish software to find the optimal fit for myself on the bike.

Putting the bike on a pedestel

Don moved the seat up quite a bit.

"This one?" "No, not enough drop"

Don using the Dartfish. Angles = Power

Slam that stem!

Becoming one with the bike.

Gratuitous Gabor shot! My favourite Hungarian!

I took the bike out for a spin on the waterfront right after the fit. I noticed I was a lot more relaxed and felt like I was getting more power from each pedal stroke. It also helped my front end was dropped quite a bit for the aero advantage.

Drop was significant, not as extreme as above though.

I was stoked.

With Spring on the horizon and the increase in bike mileage, I recommend Don at Fort Street for a fit that will increase power, comfort and overall experience on the bike.

CTV Island MVP

Nothing too exciting to report around here on the training front, I got a flat yesterday and it turned out it was an inch-long nail! Sometimes its tough to know what caused it, that was not the case this time.

We just wrapped up the filming of my promotional video and it'll be out on the interwebs in a few weeks. Really excited to put it out there, I think its great!

I have to thank Crystal Bergeron from Island Triathlon who nominated me for CTV Vancouver Island's "Island MVP" spot. It was an opportunity to create some awareness for myself and what I am trying to achieve.

Laying the Foundation

First off, I'm very fortunate to be able to continue my relationships with Eload, Running Room and Nineteen Wetsuits for the next season. They are all very supportive of me and believe in what I do, and I gain a lot of confidence from that. If you have a need that these guys can fufill, I would urge you to check them out as they have all played a role in improving my performance.

With that being said, I am still on the lookout for new supporters. The current focus is to form a long-term  partnership with a bicycle company. Preferably one that fits a 6'4'' individual, although they do make really long seat posts these days...

At the moment I'm working on a promotional video that will hopefully resonate with potential supporters, or at the very least, keep you entertained for 3-4 minutes.

I'm also in the process of creating a personal website, I have Carlos Vilchez at omis.ca  helping me out with that. We connected when I was helping create the Triathloncode site. He is a really good dude, who happens to be a solid age-group triathlete!

Hopefully when these projects are done people will be able to connect and identify me, connect with me and understand my goals.

At the moment I am slowly getting back into training. My arms are sore again and my sleep is coming back to a normal level.  Feels good.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, You're Far too Kind

I had a lot of support this year, its time to recognize those who helped me out.

Sponsors:

Eload- Been with these guys for two years now, they're great people with amazing products. I love being able to recommend them, as they have improved my performance in racing and training. Glad to be partnered with them moving forward.

Running Room- Love going into the store here in Broadmead and just chatting with guys like Ron and Craig. Really down to earth and just want to see people happy and running, something I can really get behind. Their selection is great and I am able to find a shoe that really works with me.

Nineteen Wetsuits- *Story time* I turn into a useless person when cold and I complain a lot. I'm not a fun person to be around. Back when I was in New Zealand I struggled in the cold lake swims. My previous wetsuit was a little to thin for the colder lake temps. When I got into the new Rogue wetsuit I couldn't believe how warm it was, this past year of open water swimming was my best ever. The cold wasn't a factor, I was happier and able to train harder.

NTC Team:

Have to thank my teammates and coaches Carolyn Murray and Patrick Kelly. Getting the work done was a lot easier with a friendly and motivated crew. Kudos to everyone for getting through the rough patch(s), the group is on solid ground moving forward. I'm excited for everyone in this upcoming cycle.

New Zealand crew:

Thanks to Simon for bringing me along and providing continual support. ARuss and Sarah-anne for keeping it real. Jon Brown and Marilyn Adams for their help in returning me to the most consistent period of running I can remember.


Injury Prevention/Management:
 
Matt Rose
Brendan Cali
Bruce Turcotte
Leftcoast Health
Noa Deutsch


Big thanks to Craig Taylor for once again hosting me in between races out in Guelph, always a pleasure to spend time with CT and his family. And always swell to spend time with the awesome group out there.

Lastly thank you to my family, friends and my girlfriend for keeping me on the level. It gets pretty hard sometimes with all the travel, training and financial considerations and I've been able to keep it together with their support.

So thanks,
Matt