Chengdu Premium Asian Cup

Last week I headed across to China with a group of four Aussie athletes to compete in the Chengdu Premium Asian Cup. I am not the biggest fan of long-haul flights, so having an unexpected night in Hong Kong was a welcome surprise after we missed our final connection. Getting upgraded to a premier suite for the night was definitely a highlight, with a view to die for from my room.

Race day began with a 12km ride to the venue. The venue is a specifically designed triathlon course, which meant the roads and set-up were world class. Despite the 30+ degrees outside temperature, the race was still a wetsuit swim, giving us good motivation to get the wetsuit off quickly into T1. I was also excited to show off my brand new race kit, thanks to Vorgee and Cannibal Insport. I'm sure it was hard to miss!

Unfortunately, I had an average swim/bike day and was left disappointed and unsatisfied. My run, however, was a huge improvement on this season's performances, proving that it is moving in the right direction. I came away with 6th place overall and the first of the Aussies.

Whilst in Chengdu, I was lucky enough to visit the Panda Research Base. I had never seen pandas before so it was an incredible (not to mention super cute!!) experience and one I would definitely recommend.

I am really looking forward to riding to Noosa next week to kickstart our club training camp. I will keep you posted on the camps' progress here so make sure you stay tuned!

Ellie xx

Easter Base Training Block

Over the Easter weekend, instead of tucking into piles of chocolate eggs and hot cross buns, I spent the long weekend in my biggest base block to date.

Good Friday began with a 5km swim set at 5.30am to wake us up and prepare us for what was to come. The group was generously given some time for brekky before embarking on our 130km ride out to Mt Mee and back. We ended up arriving back around 2.30 in the arvo and I can confidently say that I have never been so pleased to get the bike saddle out from under my bum!

Saturday morning began at 6am with an easy swim and run session. It's safe to say that nobody complained about not having a ride session that day. This was followed by a much needed 3hr nap and a massage to get the legs back in working order. Another swim and run session came our way that afternoon, with a speed run session making sure we got the best out of ourselves when we didn't think we could. It's definitely those sessions that you get the most out of and feel the most satisfied with. After all, you only get out what you put it.

Sunday morning meant heading out to Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious for another 6hr ride. With my incredible navigational skills, I managed to take my group out to Mt Nebo the back way, forcing us up climbs as steep as 20%. I was not on top of the Christmas card lists that day, that's for sure. Sunday afternoon was time to relax and recover so, after a midday nap, dad and I headed to kangaroo point for Easter lunch. Under strict dietician's orders, there was definitely no chocolate involved!

I am really looking forward to putting all my hard work into action next weekend in Chengdu, China. Stay tuned for my results.

Ellie xo