Brisbane, my Brisbane

Karla and I are loving it in our new city. Brisbane really is a Triathletes buffet. Located in the southeast of Queensland there is so much to this place we call home. So many choices, so many groups to train with, over 500km of cycle and running paths, and of course there is the AMAZING weather.This climate allows for outdoor swimming all year round and races covering all distances throughout the year.


Not too many places that have a beach on one side of the river looking across to the city. It's free and is surrounded by cafes and restaurants with paths to walk, run and ride on. A beautiful place.

The 'Story Bridge' is just down the road from our apartment complex and is one of the gateways to our running and cycling ad ventures. The boats that adorn the river are the 'rivercats' and are one of the many fantastic public transpot systems linking the suburbs to the city.

The flower covered arches are located in Southbank and make for a relaxed running experience.Not only is the city a great place but the surrounding areas are all very accessible and offer various terrains to train on. Mount Mee is a favourite of ours with a 6km climb and wonderful views of the city and the ocean. I love this place.

Starting anew

I sometimes get inspired to write. For what reason is unclear, but I know that when it happens there is definitely some clarity in certain aspects of my life. Right now I am starting anew. With what?Many things.

• This blog, though designed the same and continuing on from the past posts is a new venture with the same topics but with a new view.

• A new wife. It's not as though I found her in a catalog, but the marriage itself is very new.

• Brisbane is a brand new home and I am loving it for many reasons. Right now it is the temperate winter. I'll have to write a whole post on this topic I think.

• A new job is keeping me busy (though Karla may disagree). Life Education is a childhood memory that has turned into my first full time job.

• A new coach and group. Al Pitman and the Cycos. Definitely a post or two on this topic.

• A new goal. Ironman Western Australia is the goal race. There are lofty targets and big goals. I'm ready for obstacles and ready to work hard.

So as you may have guessed there is a lot of 'new' in my life. New is great, new is fun, new is unpredictable. I can't wait until there is something else new to discover.

Giardia Strike

I was always wary of travel bugs that had to watched out for when in other countries. Usually I hear of the tales regarding Asia and Africa and even the southern Americas. But 2 years ago after a trip through the Americas I came back fit as a fiddle and then after being back in Oz for a few months I got sick in the nation's capital which I soon found out to be Giardia.

Well after 2 years the pain in the arse Parasite (literally) has returned to slow down the training regime.Seems like I am out of commission for a few days and am going to have to wait it out. With all the travel warnings Canada and Australia never seemed to hit the top 10lists of places to watch out for such things.

I guess you can never have the most ideal lead up to a race. At least it didn't happen on the race weekend.

Spring is a sprung but i'm still feeling cold!

This weekend is looking like the 1st possible ride outside. I can't remember the last time I was able to ride on the roads and I imagine there will be some balance issues to deal with.

The swimming is looking strong and the running outdoors has been made much easier thanks to the runs with the group.


Just a few weeks ago I braved the cold along the great lakes to model the new swimmers. Lets just say that I am looking forward to summer.

Why I Stayed!!!

It seems that with an on-going winter and people struggling to understand how I can live let alone train in this environment, especially with the easily accessible option of Australia and 30 degree heat just a plane ride away I figured it was time to show you why I am here.

It has been eight months today since I have been seeing Karla and although the weather is not the kindest Factor it is enough to get me through this miserable outdoor freeze.


I am missing my friends back home and can't wait to go back in November for Rich's Wedding but I am very lucky to also have met some great friends here to train and socialise with.


Canada is a great place. It is also a place that I would gladly welcome some warmer climate change weather.

The Weather Channel Sux

22 Weeks on a schedule has begun and I am three weeks the better for it. Considering my only outdoor training happens once or twice a month I am seeing real improvement in strength and endurance. The weather here is relentless, and only occasionally offers a reprieve involving sunlight.
Among my Winter hiding I have often sat inside and cursed the weather channel which now sits atop my most hated of channels. Even ahead of the shopping network and the channel that shows Big Brother and other reality TV Shows.

I am starting to see the occasional 4 hour ride crop up on the schedule and despite the constant use of the home trainer I am actually enjoying most of the rides. Quite often I am lucky enough to do these rides with Karla or with a group of friends being instructed by coach Jen.

Can't see an end in sight for this weather but I guess it will only make me appreciate the warm weather even more when it gets here.

Splish on Board

Looking at the few photos and pictures on the Blog I am sure you will come accross a sign for Splish Custom Swimwear. This great group have been brave enough to sponsor me over the season and I in turn am wearing their swimwear.

I was amazed when I saw the range of colours available and once seeing a custom suit on Chrissy Parks (now in Touscan) I had to make the call. I have posted some photos of the designs I have developed for my personal use and will soon post some pictures of the modeling stage.

The options are endless and anybody can design a suit to wet their appetite.

The website is www.splish.com

Thanks guys!!