August was a busy month in the Atlas Calendar with the completion of our two major events; the McDonald’s Brisbane Marathon Festival on August 5 and the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon on August 19.  We want to thank all of our squad for their patience with us over this time.  We would like to make special thanks to some Atlas members; Inna Atkinson and Susie Bardsley for the hours they spent at registration, Ruth D’hennin for organising all of the Rockers for Knockers team and volunteers (plus all of the Atlas vols who supported her), Helen Greenfield, Nathan Fitzakerley and Dave Ogg for pacing, Dave and Kate Price for managing the elites, Grant Edwards, Dave Matthews, Jack Matthews and Paula Free for lead bikes, Kim Alexander for hosting, Mark Laforest (M1) for commentating both events, Vanessa Ng for her podiatry expertise and of course Greg Biggs for his tireless energy and helping with both the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast.  We are very grateful to everyone who rolls up their sleeves for the events and we thank you.

TQ is planning an LTO (Local Technical Officials) course on Saturday the 22^nd of September in Brisbane at Sports House running from 9am-12pm. 

If anyone would like to register or know more about the course email Tracey directly at technical@qld.triathlon.org.au or view the TQ website http://www.triathlon.org.au/State_Associations/QLD/qld/Get_Involved/Officiating.htm

Alex SLSC Aussie Gold Luncheon

Sunshine Coast – 16th August 2018 at  BCC Cinemas Sunshine Plaza 

Click here to purchase tickets

Now in its fourth tour, the Run Nation Film Festival has selected the very best running films to leave your heart pounding and your mind mesmerised. Watch these inspiring stories – and if you’re running at the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon, get pumped for the best running festival in Australia!

Presented by Travelling Fit, the 2018 collection of original short films will focus on human-interest stories that use running as the medium of storytelling.

Two hours of heart-pounding of running – you won’t break a sweat, but you may wipe a tear. From the elite athletes’ experience through to the back of the pack runners, you’ll live the good, the bad and the painful. Because it’s more than just tracks and trails, roads and ultras; these are films that will inspire you to put on your sneakers and pound the pavement.

Sit back and watch real-life stories with heart, soul and passion that will leave you thinking, talking and to inspire you to reach your next level best.

For further information or to purchase tickets please Click Here

Triathlon Australia has recently amended the Race Competition Rules which will come into effect on Sunday 1 July 2018. TA will be communicating rule updates directly with members on Monday 2nd July.

Please read the complete race compeition rules which are available on the Triathlon Australia website.

We have summarised the amendments as follows:

1.1.j – The rule prohibiting the use of communication devices & headphones – this rule has been updated to align with ITU & Ironman definition, allowing athletes to use various forms of technology to track & record their race. There is now no rule that excludes the use of a mobile phone during racing – but you can not use them in a “distracting manner”) – ie no calls, texts or 2 way radio usage, no headphones or music, no photos or social media. 

2.7 – Calf sleeves.  This rule has been amended for clarification, but not changed.  You are allowed to wear calf sleeves under a wetsuit. If it is a wetsuit optional swim and you choose not to wear a wetsuit, you can’t wear calf sleeves in the swim. You are allowed to put calf sleeves on in T1 following the swim.

5.2 – Mount line – This rule is clarifying that you must have one full foot on the ground after the mount line before you mount the bike, and one full foot on the ground before the dismount line at the end of the bike leg.

1.4 – Outside assistance.  An athlete can not physically assist the forward progress of another athlete on any part of the course. Ie – you cannot provide an unfair advantage/disadvantage to another competitor. 

2.8 – Swimskins.  This rule clarifies that a swim skin is constructed from 100% textile material only, and that it can’t extend past the shoulders or knees. A rubber gripper is ok. You can test whether your swim skin is allowed by holding the fabric up to a light – if you can see through it, it is textile.  If you can’t, it most likely contains banned materials.

6.6 – Blue card time penalties – This rule clarifies what you are permitted to do in the penalty box.  You may consume food and drink that you are carrying with you. You may not do any kind of bike maintenance/adjustments, or go to the toilet while the penalty time is being served – unless the penalty clock is paused.

5.6 – Transition area conduct  (new rule) – you can not mark your position in transition to make it  easier to find your bike. Any items deemed to be marking a location will be removed (eg, chalk markings, flags, balloons). A bright towel on the ground would not be considered a marker, but a bright towel hanging over the bike seat may be.

5.7 Transition area conduct (new rule) – only equipment used in the race can be left in transition. I.e, you can not leave bags in transition.

If you have any questions relating to the updated Race Competition Rules, call our Technical & Sanctioning Officer, Tracey Zammit on 07 3369 9600 or email her on technical@qld.triathlon.org.au

Squad sessions are on winter break from Sunday 24th June – Sunday 15th July.  Online programs will continue during this time.

Triathlon Australia’s membership season starts on July 1st.  From June 17th, you can join as a new member, or renew your existing membership.  If you are already a member, your state association will be sending you an email mid-June specific to the type of membership you have, with detailed instructions on how to renew.  Triathlon Australia have compiled all information you will need to know about memberships here.  Don’t forget to select Atlas Multisports as your club when you join or renew!   Atlas membership packs will be mailed out in July.

We will be placing an order for Atlas Hoodies with Scody.  Please place your online or through lisa@atlasmultisports.com.au. Orders will need to be placed and paid for by Thursday 14th June 2018.  We will then receive and distribute the hoodies approximately 4 weeks after order date.

We will be selling Ride for Russ wristbands at Atlas squad sessions for the next 2 weeks.  Please bring your $2 coins to grab one!

Alternatively you can donate to the Ride for Russ Fundraising Page here.

Any donation big or small would be greatly appreciated for the Ride for Russ!

THANK YOU.

1. Where do you live? I’ve been in Peregian Beach for about 8 years, however I previously lived in Brisbane and briefly in Melbourne. I love living in Peregian because it is a small community where people actually talk to each other! I also like it because it allows me to train in Noosa and Mooloolaba – being not too far from either. 

2. Who does your family include? I guess I’m a bit unconventional here. My immediate family includes my dad and his wife Jean and her children who are all my age. They are all in Brisbane, my brother is in FNQ and my nephew is in Tassie. I have “Cinder” my black GSD and I have friends that I consider part of my family. Then there’s my police family and of course my Atlas family!

3. What keeps you busy during the day – What keeps me far too busy during the day AND night for my liking is my job. I’m a Detective Senior Constable in the QPS – based at the Nambour Criminal Investigation Branch. 

4. Your Hobbies… Trying new restaurants, Travelling, guitar, singing, Geocaching, learning languages. 

5. Why do you do triathlon? I like the cross training of the three disciplines and the beautiful destinations you get to travel to for races. I also love the like minded people you meet through this sport that you may not normally get to associate with. 

6. Favourite food and drink? Now that’s a hard one. If I had to pick one – I’d pick Japanese or Thai. My favourite drink changes with the time of day and company I keep!

7. If I won the lotto… I would quit work quicker than I’ve just typed this sentence… then start ticking off some bucket list races like Roth, London Marathon, Great Wall of China Marathon, Marathon du Medoc, and Escape from Alcatraz. I’d donate a portion to charity and do heaps more travel!

8. Favourite book and song? So so many. I love a book called “The Wave” by Susan Casey that examines big waves from different perspectives and all of the Game of Thrones books. Music always has been a big part of my life as I sang with a few bands in another lifetime. I’m getting back into watching live music these days and I love it. 

9. Your favourite race/triathlon moment. I absolutely loved the NY Marathon and am proud of my IM finishes …. but my proudest and most favourite moment was finishing the Ride for Russ in 2016. To have an idea and see it become so much bigger than you could ever have imagined is an amazing feeling. I cried like a baby at the finish line and don’t think that any other race experience could ever come close. 

10. Your advice for anyone wanting to start the sport – Don’t get caught up in what others are doing. Everyone has different goals, experiences and personal situations. Run your own race and chip away at the goals you (and your coach) have made for yourself. Mostly though … remember to factor some fun times along the way. A lot of people take this sport waaaay too seriously!