Training Logs 20-2-12 to 4-3-12

Double training log this time. Busy couple of weeks with a Bucks Party in the Gold Coast with Groomsmen Mal Derbidge, James Freeman and Andy Rayner along with sick kids, Sam organising wedding things and work on. I got in what training I could but still managed to do quality rather than quantity. So much so that I am feeling a lot more comfortable with my runs and swimming. Wedding plans are coming along and it is getting exciting now for all ;)

Training Week 13-2-12 to 19-2-12

Hi Guys,
Lots of work-life balancing this week in regards to training. With sick kids and shocking weather, many of the planned sessions were changed to pushing the two kids in the pram at a hard pace for a good sweat out and muscle strength work. I got an Ironman distance bike in on the weekend 11 weeks out from race day and the feeling in the legs was good. Great for moral when a long way out from race day and the longest part of the race is feeling good.
Next week will be a 'whatever I can get done' week. Sam is away in Sydney for work, kids are still sick, and I head away late Thursday until late Sunday night for my Bucks Party Weekend with my Groomsmen Mal Derbidge, James Freeman and Andy Rayner. Hopefully some of the recovery can involve some swim-jogs to 'flush the system out' ;)

Training Log 2-6/2/12

Biking is going well. Running is coming along and body is feeling good for it. Now I just need to up the swimming. Adding more runs in and lengthening as the body allows. Weather has been a shocker and just hope for a small window of 'Summer-like" weather to get some fun kilometres in. Winter cycle race programs are coming up soon and will be fun to plan in a few good hard races that will test me.

Training Week 30/1/12-5/2/12

Another week down. Non stop torrential rain whenever I had the opportunity to train this week which stopped the walks with the kids that add a few hours of pram pushing (10kg bub + 15kg+ girl + pram of gear). The family headed down to Sydney for the day on Saturday for a day of catch ups and a fitting-lunch of the Groomsmen for my coming wedding to Sam in March. Run are feeling better and I just need to add more sessions in. I got a good bike session done on the Sunday with a hard race with lots of efforts and more big dog work after. Swimming sessions need to increase. I had hoped for more this week but it just didn't eventuate.

Training Week 23/1/12 to 29/1/12

Hi Guys,
A good mix of training and fun this past week. I got back into the swimming with a couple of sessions also and the shoulders are reminding me I need to get going again with more swim consistency. A fun Golf day on Sunday with the crew from Hunter Industrial Ceramics topped off a great weekend. A few more training sessions linked in with Max and Frankie to make use of my child minding time with some fun for the kids. Bike racing is progressing well with an unfortunate last lap puncture ruining any chance of a placing. Intensity on the bike is creeping up and the thighs-back are adjusting well. I'll increase the runs this coming week after testing runs this week went well. We had a great family day on Australia Day with a lovely BBQ and foreshore harbour fextival mixed in. Overall, I pulled up well in a recovery week and can increase again next week.

Training Week 16-22/1/12

Another week down. Busy week at work with the partners away. Sam had her Hen's Night on the weekend and by the longevity and severity of hangovers it seems that it was a great success :) . The kids were a dream so all worked out well. I signed on for a new countryside loop with Justin Jefferson and the boys and it proved to provide great terrain that I will incorporate into my training. Walks and Mtb with Frankie-Max replaced a few sessions due to commitments but lugging an extra 20kgs around on the Mtb certainly added some strength work to the week.
Run and swims will be added to next week along with possibly two bike races if the weather allows. That should take care of the intensity for the coming week.

Bevan Training Log 9/1/12 to 15/1/12

Hi Guys,

Second week completed and feeling better on the bike. I increased the testing of the legs on the bike this week with some good hill efforts and an A grade bike race. Nil swimming but I did start my core work again. The running-walk has allowed the body to ease back in and I will be increasing the time this week however run intensity stays the same. Lacked race fitness and the recovery from the hills sessions took the zip out of the legs. However the diesel engine is still there. Tour Down Under is on the tv this coming week so that will be great to view with GreenEdge becoming the first Aussie Pro Tour team.

Training log 9-15/1/12

Cheers, Bevan.

2012: Training Log 1/1/12 - 8/1/12

Hi Guys,

I will be posting my weekly training log in an effort to keep this blog updated with my ramblings and activities. Whilst having the best intentions, time seemed to always slip away and the blog updates never got done. Weekly posting will prompt me to add updates as well as be more consistent with my training plus post my thoughts on new gear, training methods, recovery techniques, preventative techniques and physiotherapy methods I come across.

Training Log 1/1/12 - 8/1/12

I am trying to be consistent and do some activity each day. I am slowly bringing the running back in with a jog-walk to run-walk method working on extending session length and then shortening walk time before moving to intervals. My biking is coming along well and picking up where I left off in early December. I will be testing it out next week with a Bike race. My swimming needs more consistency but with sickness rotating through the household, time was a limiting factor. I am also reviving my strength and core sessions as I had slackened off this last year to my detriment.
So here is to my weekly update and bring on more consistency this year.
Cheers,
Bevan.

Updates To Come

Hi Guys,

I will be posting an update soon about all the changes over the past 6 months. Many great changes have occurred on both a personal and professional level. Stay tuned.

Cheers,
Bevan.

Frankie's New Bike and Chauffeur

Sam has given the green light for me to take Frankie out on the bike. We found a great little seat that attaches to the front steering tube rather than the back of the bike. Much safer and I can keep an eye on Frankie easily. Seat is from www.iBert.com which I have no affiliation with - it is just a great product. Frankie loved her first ride and didn't stop screaming with delight and 'yahooing' the whole time. Even better is that I get to spend time with her and Sam has some of her own time. Will come in handy later with another bub on the way and getting some extra training in. Here are some photos of Frankie and her chauffeur.

Australian Long Course Triathlon Champs - Huskisson

I headed to Huskisson for a hit out to test where the body is at in my preparation for the Hawaii 70.3 in June. Training has been on a casual basis with a few niggles that I have been getting tested for in regards to breathing difficulties and some muscle-joint issues. I had been doing some good biking for Team Newrad picking up a couple of wins. Running and swimming had been 1-2 sessions per week of slow build. So Huski was to be a real 'where am I at' in regards to all aspects. I was expecting to get it handed to me from guys having this as their A race for a national title but was going to give it all.

The swim felt good sitting in the lead grouping until the last turn where a good rip started. The two guys in front of me let a big gap open at the turn buoy and the pack was gone. Lost a minute plus to the finish. Felt ok though but the arms knew it at 1.5km in. More swimming and speed work needed.

Bike went very well. Having lost 2mins plus to the leaders post the steep step climb to transition and a fast pack ahead, my work was cut out. However I comfortably road solo for the whole 83km sitting on good averages over 40km/hr+ on the undulating course for the majority without burning too many candles. I rode through the whole grouping and was announced as the lead age-grouper out of transition. This surprised me a bit as I new I was motoring (low 2hr time) and passed the top guys of my group but I was still comfortable.

Onto the run and being in the lead I had to give it all for a glimmer of hope in holding onto the podium as it is a Nationals. Needless to say the training I had done came through and I relinquished the lead 2km in, the podium 6.5km in. With no glory to happen, I eased up on the run to limit any further damage to my healing hip and ankle and finished in a jog in under 4:30hrs.

Overall a great training tester. I am getting the body in order finally with medical testing and the appropriate rehab. I am ahead in my biking. My running and swimming needs more hours and consistency. I will now sit down and work out my program for Hawaii 70.3 to address these issues.

I have a few cycle races beforehand, the Sydney ITU olympic triathlon, and a half marathon to utilise for testing and pace work. Photo's were taken by Belinda Crossingham who has graciously let me post them here.

Cheers,
Bevan.

8 Tips to Battle Training Blues - Article for endurance Junkie Newsletter

Taking a bit long to get back into the swing of things? That break going longer than it was supposed to, with no injuries to blame? Hitting the snooze button too much or just lost your training mojo after a major achievement or bad race?

Well here are a few tips to get things going. I didn´t have a great race in Hawaii and here I am in February with a way too long extended training hiatus and overweight.

Tip #1: Sign up for a race.
Any race. Doesn´t matter if it is not the sport of choice. Running races, ocean swims, cycle road races, club triathlons. Get out and feel the burn and competitive spirit. Being out and enjoying the sport and feel of pushing oneself is a great motivator to do more. Who knows, you may surprise yourself from your layoff form. I just scored silver at the National Sprint Triathlon Champs on zippo training and a very unhealthy Xmas dinner the night before.

Tip #2: Join a local cycle club.
Being a triathlete can mean lots of training and no races or all out "flog-fests". Cycle races are every week for the majority of clubs (we have a choice of 3 each weekend where I live). They are a fantastic way to learn skills to help in triathlons plus get extra strength/time logged on the bike. You may even pick up a training partner or group to help with those long rides in your program.

Tip #3: Jump on the scales / Take a photo of yourself in shorts only.
Looking at this compared to your last race photo/race weight can be some damning evidence of too much fun. Sometimes a reality check is needed. Move that weight and get the diet/training going.

Tip #4: Buy a new kit/gear/gadget/pair of shoes.
Triathletes love gizmo´s and cool gear. New stuff makes you want to try it out. I wouldn´t mind a nice Garmin 500 to get me out on the bike more and check out instant inclines temperatures on my local rides (borrowed one in Hawaii to help race prep and loved it). Sometimes instant feedback options are great as it keeps things interesting and will push you further. Or a nice new race kit that has been personalised (thanks endurance Junkie!).

Tip #5: Remember why you do this sport.
Is it health? Fun? Social? Family orientated? Challenge orientated? Personal development? Sightseeing? Because you can? Mental break from work/stresses? Have a bucket list of triathlon objectives. Read it every day for a week. Not motivated by then? You need a new goal/dream list.

Tip #6: Got Kids?
I want to be around for them. With full time work, training, races, house duties, family-life balance and kid time to organise, I want to be healthy to get the most out of each and be there to play with the kids. I do not want to be physically unable to enjoy my children. Triathlon and its healthy lifestyle aids in my goal to provide for, enjoy time with and love my children. Involve your family in some training-races. Team shirts done with iron-on logo lettering or text are great. My 2yr old daughter cheers on every cyclist that passes us as she thinks they are racing. She tells people "daddy is running/riding" and bolts around the house copying me. Nice to know she is getting the idea of a healthy-fun lifestyle. Alternatively, organise a short race weekend away for the family where the triathlon-race is minimal and family fun is at a maximum. They´ll want you to train more to go on more trips!

Tip#7: Make a bet with family/friends.
Don´t break the bank but make it worthwhile. It could be something like vacuuming the house for the wife/partner for six months if you do not train each day (that would motivate me!). Or make it a dollar amount that goes to a charity or your/other wagers child(s) account. I lost a bet with a mate and he made me do a triathlon. Been hooked since.

Tip #8: Watch a Youtube clip.
Rick and Dick Hoyt, Hawaiian Ironman wars, Olympics, Alcatraz, Roth, ITU races, or athlete highlights. They are out there and easily accessible through the internet. Click on it and get the feel-good Goosebumps chill to get out and train.

So there are a few of the things that get me moving back into the training groove again. Not all will work for everyone but try one that sounds good to you. Have fun and get out on the road.

Train safe, play hard.
Bevan Leach

Physiotherapist/Level 1 Tri Coach/Triathlete.

Silver at National Sprint Triathlon Champs 2011

Hi Guys,

Just a quick note to say I have started back training after the Hawaii extended break. A good couple of months of not doing much but light jogs and the occasional bike spin on the coffee train.

Caught up in Canberra with the parents for a late Xmas with Frankie and Sam. National Triathlon Sprint Champs were on so thought I'd give it a bash and see where the pain barriers were on the unconditioned body.

Well I blew the cobwebs out and placed 2nd in the Men's 35-39yrs with the fastest swim and bike but got run down with 1.3km to go. Not to bad for where I am at but would have been a nice surprise to pick up another national title on no training. As it is, another 2nd at the National Sprint Tri Champs. That's two silvers from two Sprint Nationals. I might train for the next one and really give it a go to see if I can get the title.

Cheers,
Bevan.

Hawaiian Ironman World Championships 2010 Race Report

Well I have finished another Hawaiian Ironman and received the lovely lei, medal, finisher’s t-shirt and goodies bag. One of the best parts of the bag was a fridge (refrigerator) magnet. A fridge magnet you ask? Yes, a fridge magnet.
Why? Well you peel off sections and it allows the magnet to become your official finishing time. This is now on my fridge saying “10:20:28”. 10 hours, 28 minutes, 28 seconds. This now hits my vision every day mocking me, motivating me, and driving me to want a new fridge magnet that has my goal time of near 9 hours flat or a dream time of sub 9.
Whilst happy to have finished and happy that I put myself in a position to challenge for a podium, I am not happy that nutritional issues derailed my race at 7 miles into the run leading to a run time of 4 hours 16 mins and about an hour slower than I had practiced for and am definitely capable of. This is now my drive for the next year.
I had had a great lead in training over the whole of the course and felt strong, fast and relaxed. I was ready. Race morning transition went on without a hitch and in my orange endurance junkie t-shirt it was very distinctive and helped the guys pick me out.
I had a good warm up swim in a ‘Sailfish prototype speedsuit’. Fought and held position in the front line. Got front water until the board paddler decided to stop and sit up closing in the group. I then joined the thump fest for the next kilometer with people who have no idea to swim draft. I lost some considerable time on the lead swimmers but after gaining free water I pulled back many groups and did it comfortably. The swim went well coming in around mid 50’s with little energy expended.
Transition was going to take longer as I had endurance-junkie compression calf guards to put on and a speed suit to take off. This was taken into consideration so nil problems there. Was interested to see people running out of the water in calf guards after I was told by the swim director that it was illegal to have any clothing/guards on due to the new swim rules and it would be a disqualification.
Lost a few places because of this but it is a long day and being a good cyclist I knew I would pick people off easily on the way to Waikoloa.
On the bike and into the mini loop I looked for the family as it passed our Kona accommodation which had been organized by Hunter Industrial Ceramics. Great to hear them cheering and make eye contact. It is a long day for the spectators and they make sacrifices as well. Plus it also is a great boost.
Using the first large hill back into town to see where the age leaders were and to settle in, I could see comfortable pacing would close down the leaders by scenic lookout-Waikoloa. So I settled in and got the nutrition on board.
Things went as planned and I picked up water-electrolytes at each station and slowly made way up to the front grouping with a couple of people off the front. With the heat and winds picking up I knew it was time to not get caught drafting and be alert to sitting near the front with a good gap. Heading for the Hawi turn and people were already dropping and the outliers were being picked up.
Hitting the base of the Hawi road with 30kms to go the turnaround and things got messy with the hills and the cross winds. Cards were going all over the place and I wanted none of it. So I rode with comfortable power, clean and found myself (being used to the crosswind from training) riding away from all and passing guys up ahead with ease, a low heart rate and able to get nutrition in. Towards Hawi I only spotted 1 guy out front, and 3 in a group, then myself and two others about to pick me up from behind with the head wind into Hawi.
All going well and on target for a comfortable mid 4:40’s. Special needs and slowed to make sure all onboard properly with a troublesome descent at speed to come.. Lost contact with the two guys who had caught me near the turn (both went on to win their age groups I believe) but rode my own race. All ok and rode well on the descent picking up a couple of guys and keeping the others in rein and moving towards to lead car and small lead pack that had formed.
Saw a heap of people on the side of the road after crashes and pulling up stumps for a rest in the wind!
Had a bad patch at around the 120km mark for 10kms but worked through it.
Got my first ever draft penalty in Ironman and second ever since 2000 after passing the Waikoloa timing mat. Lead through the matt and a guy I had picked up 5km before on my tail passed me on the way up the rise/hill. He hit the crest and sat up in the head wind and being down in aero I drifted into his zone. Rather than passing I eased up out of the zone to make him work so he couldn’t jump on my tail again and ‘bang’ done by a draft buster. Ah well, line call but no point arguing. Asked where the next penalty box was and told either in the next two stations. You have to pull up at the next box or you get dq’d. This information meant I could up the tempo a bit and get some more liquid on board to drink and use the 4min penalty time plus stopping time for nutrition/stretching. Useful. Mentally drained me a bit and took a few minutes to pull out of it loosing a small amount of time but thinking of it as a good nutrition-stretch-rest break brings the race back into focus. Knew I could still get to the podium if I used it sensibly.
Grabbed extra drinks at each of the next 2 stations and stopped at the 2nd at a tent with yellow/red large flags and a bike rider sitting in it with an official. Called out my number and the guy walked over saying it wasn’t a penalty box but medical, withdrawal, volunteer rest box – yellow/red flag were signal flags only to alert riders. AGGGHHH. Off I went. Eased up at each aid station getting extra fluid to find that there were no boxes all the way until transition 2. Lost some time stopping-slowing at each one but was riding well and feeling comfortable to run well off the bike not being fatigued for once. Knowing I was going to ride in around the low 4:50-mid 4:50’s was ok but having to serve a penalty but the stop-slowing at stations cost a bit of time.
T2 and my penalty in the heat was fun sitting in the humidity with a helmet on with no fluid was not what I had planned for for my penalty. I used the time to stretch out, drop the heart rate and focus on the run. Changed and ran out comfortable for my marathon.

Saw the family and a quick running chat was great. And off I went. I was still holding on to the top of the age groupers and in 6/7th so the podium was in sight even with the lost time. Got into rhythm straight away and ticked away the kilometer marks comfortable but on pace for a 3:15hr marathon. Nutrition was going ok and I felt strong and energized. Saw the MacDonald’s who I had stayed with training in Waikoloa and Kona who run Newcastle Radiology and was moving well.
Hit the turn around and the aid station and put some gels in, bang, straight back up. Water the same, coke the same. Anything in went out. Ice on the body and off I went to the next station to allow time to settle it. Next, tried salt tabs (even worse as they made non stop dry retching). Managed to get two sips of coke in plus ice on the body and kept going. Slowing the running down as I was starting to get dizzy and a bit tired with no energy to push off, I was working on the ‘ease up and let it settle so that you will come good again soon’ motto.
By the time I was back into town I had got 6 sips of coke in and nothing else but lots regurgitated and plenty of dry retching. Still hopeful I could turn it I kept up an ok pace. Seeing the family again in town was a pick up. Out on the Queen K and I knew it was going to be pure survival and a finish for the year. Got to see Macca and Raelert fighting it out plus the compacting of the top guys racing for a pay cheque.
My battle was now to get some nutrition in some how and walking all aid stations was the way through it hopefully gaining a few sips that stayed down was a bonus. Not much else to say but struggled through to the special needs where I grabbed some salt tabs and sustagen-like drink that stayed in. This turned things around a bit and I could jog home for the last 7kms.
On Alii Drive my fiancée Samantha and daughter Frankie were on the side of the road cheering. I was able to stop for a good cuddle, photo and kiss before heading down the last few hundred meters to the finish line.

I take a lot from this race. I was able to ‘race it’ rather than go to just go to enjoy the experience and aim for a finish. Even though things didn’t turn out great I take a lot of positives out. I swam and biked strong and fast at a very comfortable feeling, heart rate and mental state. It was a windy day with strong crosswinds. It was hot – reports of temp gauges being over 50 degrees Celsius on the bike and 40’s in the run. The run started out great and I got into a good pace early and easily. I was able to be with the leaders pushing for a podium in the age groupings. My family and daughter got to be a part of a Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon race. Samantha and I got engaged in Kona before the race. We had a great trip and want to return. I have the fire to have a fridge magnet saying as close to 9:00:00 as possible.

As an aside, I was trialing a new two piece suit for the endurance-junkie team. In some of the warmest waters and with a speed suit over the top, I did not overheat or have drag issues. In some of the windiest and hottest (50+ degree Celsius) biking conditions I had no over heating issues and was comfortable with fantastic performing padding. In hot running (35-mid 40 degree Celsius) and struggling with nutritional issues and dehydration, I still felt comfortable and cool. Post race I had no burn marks or sun issues at all. The suit worked under the toughest conditions and came through great. Plus it looked ‘shmick’ as one of my triathlon mates said.

Cheers,
Bevan.

Hawaiian Ironman 2010 Update

Well it is not long now to Kona and the Hawaiian Ironman Champs. This will be my third time racing and I feel like things are coming along nicely. It will be an added bonus this year as my family will be coming including my 22 month old daughter on her first overseas trip to cheer me on and swim with some green turtles. Race numbers are up and I am number 1385 in the Mens 35-39 year grouping which is traditionally one of the fastest and most competitive.

I have utilised a different approach this time working on eash leg individually. With the lack of races available in Australia during winter (zero triathlons) I have focused on marathons and bike races for preparation. This is always a problem for southern hemisphere athletes as Kona occurs before our season starts so it means lots of dark cold hours of training and a white tan on arrival in Hawaii. Acclimation is a big part of the race and some take to it in a more fun way than others :)

Running has been a weaker leg but I feel that this is changing. I have run two challenging marathons placing 11th overall and 2nd overall in my last one in late August on a hilly on-off road course.

Cycling is going well with some good wins including the District Individual Time Trial. Notably I have utilised power for the first time to train my legs to not go 'overboard' and save some energy for the sapping Kona marathon conditions.

During my build I have also had the chance to trial some new endurance Junkie suits that we used in photoshoots for the brand. Kona is the one place you really want to leave nothing to chance especially the suit you will be racing in. I know I can rely on the Kona suit to be comfortable and aid in thermoregulation which plays a big part with temperatures ranging from 20-50 degrees celcius in the lava with humidity 30-90%. Being a bigger guy I need all the help I can with heat regulation and Peter and the team at endurance Junkie have hit on a winner.

I head over this Sunday after a good confidence boosting weekend at the Forster Triathlon Festival. I got a lot of training done and some race practice picking up a win in a Teams Sprint Triathlon and an age group third in an individual Olympic Triathlon. I am looking forward to providing the finishing touches in the next two weeks to place myself on the start line with every chance to achieve a great overall result.

I feel confident, I feel strong, I feel fast, and I will be stylish in my new endurance Junkie race kit. The perfect combination for that winning finish line photo!

Train safe, Dream Big, Be an endurance Junkie ;)

Cheers,
Bevan.

endurance Junkie - top notch triathlon apparel - Press Release of Launch

Hi Guys,

A couple of weeks ago I completed a photo shoot for endurance Junkie triathlon clothing. Fantastic feel to the suits with a revolutionary material designed for comfort and performance. Andrew Sawatske from Hi-Tide Photography was the photographer for the shoot in Newcastle and Christina Turner joined me and modelled the female suits. Perfect weather and an amazing location to highlight a stylish triathlon suit. Below is the Press Release for the launch of endurance Junkie and I will have some photos from the shoot to post soon.

PRESS RELEASE: New triathlon brand “endurance Junkie” launches with Sportwool™ Race Suit.

July 15, 2010 sees the launch of endurance Junkie, a new brand of triathlon apparel aimed at long-distance and Ironman triathletes. Focusing on quality, performance and style, the brand’s products are designed for maximum breathability, body temperature control and total freedom of movement.

“We believe Ironman triathlon to be the most beautiful sport in the world”, says Peter Brees, founder of the brand and a long-time triathlete. “Everything endurance Junkie does will be based on our passion for the sport and designed to celebrate the glory and suffering unique to Ironman athletes.”

Sportwool™ Race Suit
endurance Junkie’s first core product is the Sportwool™ Race Suit. Available in both a men’s and women’s cut, the suit combines high performance with distinctive styling. The unique blend of technical fabrics provides maximum moisture wicking properties, first-class body temperature control and exceptional wearer comfort.

“The use of Sportwool™ is totally unique in a triathlon race suit”, states Peter. “When I look at what’s available on the market today, a race suit is supposed to be slick through the water. But what’s the point when 99% of the time, athletes wear a wetsuit over it for the swim? We rather believe comfort is key when you’re out on the course all day. We believe in maximum performance on the bike and during the run.”

Why Sportwool™?
Sportwool™ is a lightweight, composite fabric consisting of a layer of machine-washable superfine Merino wool next to the skin and a layer of tough, easy-care polyester on the outside. As a result of Sportwool™’s unique construction, the wearer stays cooler when exercising and formation of liquid sweat is delayed. When formed, the liquid sweat is carried away from the skin to the outside of the fabric, leaving the inside dry and resulting in less ‘clammy’ garment cling. In addition, Sportwool™ is elastic, provides UV protection and does not retain odours.

Extensively tested
The endurance Junkie Test Program collectively engages endurance Junkie designers, manufacturing associates and triathletes of all levels throughout the entire product development process. Before being put to market, new products are tested extensively in real life conditions.

Australian former pro triathlete Bevan Leach, a member of the test team, raced Ironman Australia in a Sportwool™ Race Suit prototype and qualified for Ironman Hawaii in it. “Very impressed with how the suit went. Comfortable all day, I did not notice the heat at all. It did its job well. Looking forward to putting it on the podium in Kona in October”, is what he had to say after the race.

Where to buy
Products will be available exclusively on the website www.endurance-junkie.com. If you are a member of a team or a club and would like to book demo suits for trial purposes, please get in touch with Peter at peter@endurance-junkie.com.

Dedicated athletes who place a premium on quality, performance and design can now add endurance Junkie to their list of must-have brands.

info@endurance-junkie.com
www.endurance-junkie.com

END OF PRESS RELEASE

OFF TO KONA - IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPS 2010 !!

Hi Guys,

Just a quick note to say that the objective of qualifying at the Port Macquarie Ironman Australia Triathlon was completed. I am now off to Kona for the Hawaiian Ironman World Triathlon Championships on October the 9th 2010. I will post a race report and some of the great race photos. I also received a lot of good coverage being in the top 2 age groupers overall most of the race.

I had a good swim (new pb 46:15mins for 3.8km) and bike leading my group and 2nd overall in age groupers off the bike. It was a hot day and although I had a bad patch in the run I was able to consolidate my Kona slot and finish 27th overall. I had great support on the day and now have the time to work on things for Kona and add some more Australian/local racing into the schedule.

Cheers,
Bevan.

2nd Sparke Helmore Teams Triathlon

Hi Guys,

I competed in the Sparke Helmore Teams Triathlon on the weekend for Hunter Industrial Ceramics. I am happy to say that we placed 2nd overall in our division.

I lead out the swim which was a great hit out for Port Ironman next weekend and handed over with a good time lead. Arms felt great and good to see that there was some speed in the body after the long stuff. Peter had a great ride on a borrowed bike and really powered through the course. Sam (my partner) had an awesome run to hold onto second place. A great cheers squad of the Hunter Ceramics guys, the Bynons, the Mahons and our little Frankie provided that added encouragement on the course.

Next up is Port Macquarie this coming weekend. All is going well and I am looking forward to a fast race and grabbing that Kona slot. Endurance Junkie has sent over a great suit that I will be racing in and providing some final feedback. There is some extra compression in the legs and length in the body for me. It is always nice to have a custom made suit especially when the material and design is fantastic. The guys have hit on a winner here.

Next update will be checking in from Port Macquarie.

Cheers,
Bevan.

Port Macquarie Ironman Update - race number #794

Hi Guys,

Well we are only 2.5 weeks away from Port Macquarie Ironman. Training has been going well with some consistent sessions with both strength and endurance having being built up. Now it is for some more intensity to be injected and to concentrate on correct nutrition leading into these last weeks where it is easy to lapse into some splurges.

I will be racing the Sparke Helmore Triathlon the weekend before Ironman with the Hunter Ceramics guys. I will be doing the swim which should get the team off to a good start. Frank Bynon will be smashing the bike and my lovely partner, Samantha, will be ripping up the run course. We should have a good showing. Only doing the swim will allow for a good run session later that day also plus a chance to test out the wettie pre-ironman.

I will be race number #794 for the Ironman. Whilst being 34, I will be competing in the 35-39 year age group due to rule changes regarding qualification for the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships on October 9 2010. You now qualify based on your age as of 31 December 2010 so all have a level playing ground. This actually helps me as traditionally the 35-39 grouping is the largest (normally over 20% of the field of 1550) giving more slots to Kona.

I tested the 2nd prototype for Endurance Junkie and there were more improvements as the designers listened to feed back and acted accordingly. They have really hit on something here and now with a better product all round I am looking forward to using the slightly modified suit at Port Ironman.

Train safe,
Bevan.

Update & Results for Win @ Maitland Sprint Tri

Hi Guys,

Results have been published. I picked up the win in a seasons fastest time of 51:14. Top 3 were:

1st Bevan Leach 51:14
2nd Craig Shafer 51:44
3rd Charles Rodgers 51:52

Nice hit out and definitely a good tester to start the season. I've been back into the pool regularly and I am starting to feel like I can 'grip' the water finally. Running is going well with builds up to 2hr45min feeling good. Training is going well for the focus on the Hawaii qualification at Port Macquarie Ironman. Next up is the Oceania and Australian Championships in Huskisson on the 21st February. This will be a good indicator of my fitness and a final testing ground for Port IM. Racing will probably be done with no taper and in a semi-fatigued state.

Cheers,
Bevan.