Lately I have been fatiguing, I'm too sure why, maybe it's just too much too soon. It has been getting better though. I did my first track session on Tuesday and my running coach Jill thought that I had been secretly training because I was able to run some quick times. I think it is the fact that I had some strength in my legs from my riding. I am getting stronger on the bike and I am absolutely loving that, but once again I am coming back with aching muscles and that is very unusual.
I am heading south for Christmas so I'll be training away and unfortunately Mum won't let me take my bike away so I'll just be running and I will also have to start swimming. After the doctor last week he said that I should be able to get my hip wet in a week and that time has come. As racing has finished for this year, it's just training now for state triathlon, state athletics and possibly national athletics in sydney next year.
Hopefully this stage of being fatigued so easily will pass and I'll be able to train how I like to.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
A piece of entertainment!
Although this blog is mainly about my training and racing, I thought it would be nice if I put up a video that I found recently of a trials rider named Martyn Ashton. He rides on a road bike and does some absolutely breathtaking tricks, something that an ordinary rider wouldn't attempt. It features Martyn Ashton, Danny MacAskill and Chris Akrigg.
Anyway enjoy!
Anyway enjoy!
Getting back to training
This week has been an awesome week for me. My hip has healed so much more and it's almost a complete scar. I tried to run on Tuesday but I had general soreness and there was still minor pain in my hip. On Thursday though I went to my running group to join in and ran about 5/6km which I was really happy with.
Today I convinced myself to go out on the bike for a few hours and that's exactly what I did. Left home at 5:10 his morning and came back at about 10:30, three hours of riding with some socialising to break up the effort. Clocked up 90km and I felt good, except I have fatigued this afternoon so tonight I'll be replacing my electrolytes and doing some stretching to try and help recover so I can do it all again tomorrow. I plan to ride again tomorrow and then off to work in the bike shop. I must say it's the best job in the world!
Things are starting to go upwards. It's been some long recovering, but I am absolutely loving being able to training everyday in the holidays and just get out there and enjoy myself.
Today I convinced myself to go out on the bike for a few hours and that's exactly what I did. Left home at 5:10 his morning and came back at about 10:30, three hours of riding with some socialising to break up the effort. Clocked up 90km and I felt good, except I have fatigued this afternoon so tonight I'll be replacing my electrolytes and doing some stretching to try and help recover so I can do it all again tomorrow. I plan to ride again tomorrow and then off to work in the bike shop. I must say it's the best job in the world!
Things are starting to go upwards. It's been some long recovering, but I am absolutely loving being able to training everyday in the holidays and just get out there and enjoy myself.
Monday, December 9, 2013
I have great news
After my accident it has taken me a long time to get back into training. I have started riding and did my first long ride on Friday morning and on Saturday I rode again. After some quick thinking and taking some time to convince Mum, I came to the decision that I was going to race the Copperlode Cup on Sunday morning. This is a 15km race up to Copperlode Dam. It is race held once a year and is a training route for many cyclists in the area.
I had decided that I wasn't going to do anything stupid, just make it though the race but knowing my attitude, that definitely was not the case. I may have told Mum otherwise but I knew in the back of my mind that I don't go into races just to ride, I go in and I race. It started off hard from the gun but I also knew that I had to play it a little safe because of my hip. I rode the B Grade boys off my wheel and focused on one guy that was up ahead, slowly pulling him back. I caught him at the road works traffic lights, which for him was a disadvantage. I was able to sit on his wheel and I just kept thinking that soon the pain would be over and I could relax. I passed him on one of the short descents but took a corner too quick and nearly went into the mountain. I got back onto his wheel but unfortunately for me, my chain came off just before another climb. I had to settle for 4th place which was more than enough for me as I hadn't been training. One thing that did make me smile though was beating my Dad up the hill. It would have been the first race we've done together and well he couldn't hang on.
I think I rode really well considering I had done only two rides. I'm slowly getting back into training now, but I still can't get my hip wet and this is tough because I need to start swimming. It's been a long process but I think it was a well deserved break.
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| Coming into the finish of the race in 4th place. |
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
This is Getting to Me
Well I got the good news of being able to start training again and I thought that it would be best to go and at least try go for a ride. I got all geared up and it was a nice feeling to be wearing that kit again. Checked my bike and pumped up the tyres and said my goodbye to Mum. I felt my hip pulling as soon as I started, but I took no notice and thought that the pulling and pain would stop soon. I rode approximately 2.5km down the road when I couldn't take the already aggravating pain. I made the decision to turn around and come home.
I'm just finding it tough to have to sit around at home, not being able to train. It was nice at the start but this has just dragged on too long and I'm starting to get more agitated. I will try again soon but I just want my hip to heal.
I'm just finding it tough to have to sit around at home, not being able to train. It was nice at the start but this has just dragged on too long and I'm starting to get more agitated. I will try again soon but I just want my hip to heal.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
I Just Want To Train
As everyone is probably aware, I had my crash three weeks ago, tomorrow. Unfortunately for me I haven't been able to do any training. My back is all healed up but my hip is taking a lot longer than expected. It is still a deep wound and the doctors aren't worried, but more surprised by the fact that it is taking so long to heal up. Yesterday one of the doctors said that I am able to start riding again and that has been some of the best news that I have received for a while now. Hopefully tomorrow afternoon I will find some time to get out and have a peddle.
This afternoon was our running group break up. I felt pretty honoured to come away with a stand out performance medal for my efforts of getting into the final at State Athletics and to also receive the Male Athlete of the Year. This is something that is really an honour to receive and as a gift for this award I received Sally Pearson's book which was signed by her. Today was pretty successful and now I just hope I can get training again as there is a road race in just over two weeks.
This afternoon was our running group break up. I felt pretty honoured to come away with a stand out performance medal for my efforts of getting into the final at State Athletics and to also receive the Male Athlete of the Year. This is something that is really an honour to receive and as a gift for this award I received Sally Pearson's book which was signed by her. Today was pretty successful and now I just hope I can get training again as there is a road race in just over two weeks.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Missing Out
Today was the day that I was supposed to race regional triathlon. After my crash last week my Mum and I decided that it was best if I just watched from the sideline. It felt so uncomfortable not to be out there racing, it just didn't feel like me. I guess that's one of the biggest dangers of being a cyclist, the crashes. You never know when they are going to happen and unfortunately for me it occurred one week before this race.
Thankfully today was not all bad news. As soon as the decision was made not to race Mum started filling out all the necessary paperwork to get on the team under special consideration. Luckily enough for me, with my recent results the team managers accepted me onto the team. Next years state titles will be held in Hervey Bay which is a new location. I just cannot wait to heal up and start training again.
Thankfully today was not all bad news. As soon as the decision was made not to race Mum started filling out all the necessary paperwork to get on the team under special consideration. Luckily enough for me, with my recent results the team managers accepted me onto the team. Next years state titles will be held in Hervey Bay which is a new location. I just cannot wait to heal up and start training again.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Unfortunate Race Yesterday
Yesterday I raced the Club Championships for the cycling club. I felt that I was in the best condition and my legs were feeling great. The race was approximately 80km and I knew that racing in B grade I had a shot at the win. The first lap (40km) into the race was feeling good and I was working well with three other guys. There was a field of about 15 riders and none of them wanted to do any work which was frustrating. One guy said, "On the second lap Cahn, start racing and we'll split this field apart." I tried desperately to attack off the front and form a break away but it just wasn't happening. I was told by the same guy to have another crack on the first rise, but again we could not form a break.
We were about 5km from the turn when things got messy and I was sitting about 3rd or 4th from the front. I heard some swearing and then one guy went down and his bike was right there in front of me and I had nowhere else to go but hit it. I slammed my brakes but possibly my front brake too much and by the time I hit his bike I was already flying over my handle bars. I hit the ground and remember my hip being in a lot of pain. I got up but had to quickly sit down again. One of the other riders helped me over to some shade where I began going into shock and vomiting. The race was automatically called off.
Bikes were everywhere and about four riders had gone down. One decided that because of the pain I was in and how much shock I was in that it was best if an ambulance was called. So I was taken back to the hospital where I spent the next four hours. Nothing was broken luckily but I did end up with gravel rash on my back and an abrasion on my right hip.
Due to this crash, it has ruled me out of the regional triathlon championships next week which is a huge disappointment for me. Hopefully I can still get selected to race the state championships next year by reviewing recent results. It was a very unfortunate day for me and the other riders who hit the deck. I am hoping for a speedy recovery and I cannot wait to get back on the bike.
We were about 5km from the turn when things got messy and I was sitting about 3rd or 4th from the front. I heard some swearing and then one guy went down and his bike was right there in front of me and I had nowhere else to go but hit it. I slammed my brakes but possibly my front brake too much and by the time I hit his bike I was already flying over my handle bars. I hit the ground and remember my hip being in a lot of pain. I got up but had to quickly sit down again. One of the other riders helped me over to some shade where I began going into shock and vomiting. The race was automatically called off.
Bikes were everywhere and about four riders had gone down. One decided that because of the pain I was in and how much shock I was in that it was best if an ambulance was called. So I was taken back to the hospital where I spent the next four hours. Nothing was broken luckily but I did end up with gravel rash on my back and an abrasion on my right hip.
Due to this crash, it has ruled me out of the regional triathlon championships next week which is a huge disappointment for me. Hopefully I can still get selected to race the state championships next year by reviewing recent results. It was a very unfortunate day for me and the other riders who hit the deck. I am hoping for a speedy recovery and I cannot wait to get back on the bike.
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| The gravel rash I obtained on my back and my hip all covered up |
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Just an Update
I thought that I should give a quick update on how I am travelling as I haven't been on for a while and I have a few races coming up.
This week has been pretty big, well training wise that is. I swam for the first time yesterday since about June. All I can say is, wow that hurt. I have been on the bike about four times which is quite a lot for me in one week and last but not least I have run twice. I suffered in my running session due to a sore hip and I am not sure where that arose from. Today I got out 118km on the bike which I felt was good. I can definitely feel that I am getting stronger because I was able to surge on the hill sections and still keep the pace high.
Tomorrow morning I am racing the club championships road race which should be interesting. I feel good, especially after today. I just hope that my efforts today wont detract from my performance tomorrow. I'm planning on racing B grade and I think that I have a good chance of getting a win.
Next weekend I am racing the regional championships for triathlon and this will also qualify me for the state championships next year. Despite my lack of swim training I feel confident that a win is in my reach. All I have to do now is hope off that my recent performances will back up and allow me to race at my potential.
This week has been pretty big, well training wise that is. I swam for the first time yesterday since about June. All I can say is, wow that hurt. I have been on the bike about four times which is quite a lot for me in one week and last but not least I have run twice. I suffered in my running session due to a sore hip and I am not sure where that arose from. Today I got out 118km on the bike which I felt was good. I can definitely feel that I am getting stronger because I was able to surge on the hill sections and still keep the pace high.
Tomorrow morning I am racing the club championships road race which should be interesting. I feel good, especially after today. I just hope that my efforts today wont detract from my performance tomorrow. I'm planning on racing B grade and I think that I have a good chance of getting a win.
Next weekend I am racing the regional championships for triathlon and this will also qualify me for the state championships next year. Despite my lack of swim training I feel confident that a win is in my reach. All I have to do now is hope off that my recent performances will back up and allow me to race at my potential.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
State Titles Athletics
A week ago today I look back and I would have been racing the 1500m final at the State Athletics Championships.
I began my racing down there with the 800m heat. I had not expectations of making the final, all I was out to achieve was a PB. From the gun it was all go! I have never sprinted so far in my life. It was amazingly quick and I was able to come away with a time of 2:03:15 smashing my personal best by 4 seconds.
A day later I was on the start line for the 1500m heat and again there was no pressure on making the final. All my coach wanted from me was a PB. I don't remember to much from that race except the pace felt comfortable. I remember crossing that line and seeing the clock, not sure whether or not to believe the time that I saw. I wanted anxiously at the finish line to see my time and when it came up on the board I saw my name and next to it was a time of 4:23:54. I absolutely annihilated my old PB by 9 seconds. I knew it was a good time and well to my surprise I had made the final. I was absolutely over the moon because it was the first state final I had ever made. I knew now that I couldn't finish any lower than 12th in QLD.
Well the day of the final came and I think I put to much pressure on myself and maybe my expectations were to high, but at the time I thought they were very much achievable. I did not run to my potential because I ran 4:26:31. I finished 11th in the state and that is nothing to be ashamed of. It took me a while to realise that I did achieve a great result and I should be really happy.
I have had an easy last week and now it's time to refocus and reassess my goals for regional triathlon this month.
I began my racing down there with the 800m heat. I had not expectations of making the final, all I was out to achieve was a PB. From the gun it was all go! I have never sprinted so far in my life. It was amazingly quick and I was able to come away with a time of 2:03:15 smashing my personal best by 4 seconds.
A day later I was on the start line for the 1500m heat and again there was no pressure on making the final. All my coach wanted from me was a PB. I don't remember to much from that race except the pace felt comfortable. I remember crossing that line and seeing the clock, not sure whether or not to believe the time that I saw. I wanted anxiously at the finish line to see my time and when it came up on the board I saw my name and next to it was a time of 4:23:54. I absolutely annihilated my old PB by 9 seconds. I knew it was a good time and well to my surprise I had made the final. I was absolutely over the moon because it was the first state final I had ever made. I knew now that I couldn't finish any lower than 12th in QLD.
Well the day of the final came and I think I put to much pressure on myself and maybe my expectations were to high, but at the time I thought they were very much achievable. I did not run to my potential because I ran 4:26:31. I finished 11th in the state and that is nothing to be ashamed of. It took me a while to realise that I did achieve a great result and I should be really happy.
I have had an easy last week and now it's time to refocus and reassess my goals for regional triathlon this month.
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| I am in about 6th position in my 1500m heat |
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Training This Week
This week I have not been doing a lot of training, just a few runs as I have been a little sick. As I have states next week I thought it was best to take it easy and kind of chill out a bit. In saying this the sessions that I did get out and complete were very tough.
On Tuesday we worked on speed, my times were pretty good and from this set I am feeling confident that I am in the right form to race this week.
On Thursday my coach thought it would be best to do a time trial to get ourselves into race mode to start our preparation. She got myself and one of my mates to do a 1km time trial on the track. I was really nervous for this because she wanted us to run 2min55sec and I thought I would struggle to break 3 minutes. We went hard from the word go and luckily enough for me I was even able to break 2min50sec, with a top time of 2min49sec. This was a personal best (PB) time for 1km.
I topped Saturday off with a quick 80km before work. I really struggled through this ride and I am still trying to find out why. I felt as though I did not have any energy or maybe I was fatigued? I think it will remain a mystery but I have learn't to make sure I have plenty of fuel with me when I train.
Nothing much is planned for the rest of the week, just an easy run in the morning and again on Tuesday before I fly out to compete at State Championships on Thursday and Friday.
On Tuesday we worked on speed, my times were pretty good and from this set I am feeling confident that I am in the right form to race this week.
On Thursday my coach thought it would be best to do a time trial to get ourselves into race mode to start our preparation. She got myself and one of my mates to do a 1km time trial on the track. I was really nervous for this because she wanted us to run 2min55sec and I thought I would struggle to break 3 minutes. We went hard from the word go and luckily enough for me I was even able to break 2min50sec, with a top time of 2min49sec. This was a personal best (PB) time for 1km.
I topped Saturday off with a quick 80km before work. I really struggled through this ride and I am still trying to find out why. I felt as though I did not have any energy or maybe I was fatigued? I think it will remain a mystery but I have learn't to make sure I have plenty of fuel with me when I train.
Nothing much is planned for the rest of the week, just an easy run in the morning and again on Tuesday before I fly out to compete at State Championships on Thursday and Friday.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
General Update
This post is more of a general update on training and the past week as I have not had any races on. I just want to say that I am racing state athletics down south in a week and a half and I am running in the 800m and 1500m. Most of my training has been athletic based apart from the occasional ride.
After last weekends race I was contacted by the local paper and an article was published about me and my race. Since then a cafe has been interested in offering some sponsorship which has been amazing. Below I have attached a link for anyone who is interested in reading the article.
http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
This morning I got out for a ride and clocked up 105km. I thought that a long ride would be nice but this one really hurt. I rode on the shop ride and this morning it was unusually fast and attacking up some small hills really tested my legs. I think it was a good start to my triathlon training for regionals in november. I am planning on starting my swimming training tomorrow morning seeing as though I haven't been in the pool since sometime in June.
After last weekends race I was contacted by the local paper and an article was published about me and my race. Since then a cafe has been interested in offering some sponsorship which has been amazing. Below I have attached a link for anyone who is interested in reading the article.
http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
This morning I got out for a ride and clocked up 105km. I thought that a long ride would be nice but this one really hurt. I rode on the shop ride and this morning it was unusually fast and attacking up some small hills really tested my legs. I think it was a good start to my triathlon training for regionals in november. I am planning on starting my swimming training tomorrow morning seeing as though I haven't been in the pool since sometime in June.
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| The article that was in the paper. |
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Local Triathlon
Today I competed in the last of the Yorkey's Knob triathlon series. I just took it as a local race and believed I was capable of a top 5 finish overall. I came out of the water in 6th and managed to get myself into a small group before I decided that if I try I would be break up the field. Before the first ride turn around 5km into the bike I was in the lead. I kept pushing even though I felt that at a few times I was hitting the wall. I managed to keep my lead and over a few other athletes even extend the lead I had. The run came and all I was hoping for was to run strong and finish what I had created. Unfortunately for me my legs felt heavy which made this last leg undesirable. I had a small gap on the closing runner, Nathan 'Sandy' Sandford and everyone was cheering for me to take the win. I pushed through and when I came to 1.25km to go I wasn't sure if my gap was enough. I ran strong to the finish and was able to claim gold. This was my first win the I have won overall and I am super stoked.
Soon after the race I received a phone call from the local newspaper the Cairns Post regarding an article that they wanted to write about me on my win. Tomorrow I am meeting up with the photographer to get some photos done. I guess I can say that today was very successful and I look forward to training for the regional trials in november.
Soon after the race I received a phone call from the local newspaper the Cairns Post regarding an article that they wanted to write about me on my win. Tomorrow I am meeting up with the photographer to get some photos done. I guess I can say that today was very successful and I look forward to training for the regional trials in november.
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| Me with 3rd (Brett Housley) and 2nd (Nathan 'Sandy' Sandford) |
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Last Week's Triathlon and Criterium
A few weeks ago I raced down in Townsville in the Sprint Triathlon and the Criterium. I did really well in both of the races.
It was the third year doing this triathlon and I had been improving every year. This year I was out to better myself and that's exactly what I did. I hadn't swum since about June so I wasn't expecting anything special. Although I surprised myself and came 6th out of the water in my wave. My bike leg was good but I think it could have been faster. But I can't go on without thanking a good mate of mine, Alex who let me borrow some Dura-Ace c75 wheels for the race. My run leg was pretty average in my opinion but I still ran under 20 minutes for 5km which is good off the bike so I can't complain. I finished 7th overall my best placing ever and 2nd in under 19's.
Two hours later I had to back up and race the 'B' Grade criterium. I watched C and D Grades and thought well, maybe I should have done that because they were fast races. I had watched this race for three years and thought, I'm going to give this a crack this year. It was fast from the start and I thought maybe my expectations of myself were too high. I managed to get into a break with three other guys but they were all working against me because they were on a team. They managed to get one guy off the front and when I tried to chase him down they wouldn't do any work and they would slow the pace down. I thought to myself, "I know I can't win, but I can definitely get 2nd. Let's show them how to ride." I did my work and got into the best possible position for the final sprint. We came around the corner and I nearly became unstuck as one guy cut me off. I held it together and sprinted as fast as I could to the line, blitzing the others. I did exactly what I told myself and that is what I am most proud about.
It was a great weekend of racing and I will be back next year bigger and stronger.
It was the third year doing this triathlon and I had been improving every year. This year I was out to better myself and that's exactly what I did. I hadn't swum since about June so I wasn't expecting anything special. Although I surprised myself and came 6th out of the water in my wave. My bike leg was good but I think it could have been faster. But I can't go on without thanking a good mate of mine, Alex who let me borrow some Dura-Ace c75 wheels for the race. My run leg was pretty average in my opinion but I still ran under 20 minutes for 5km which is good off the bike so I can't complain. I finished 7th overall my best placing ever and 2nd in under 19's.
Two hours later I had to back up and race the 'B' Grade criterium. I watched C and D Grades and thought well, maybe I should have done that because they were fast races. I had watched this race for three years and thought, I'm going to give this a crack this year. It was fast from the start and I thought maybe my expectations of myself were too high. I managed to get into a break with three other guys but they were all working against me because they were on a team. They managed to get one guy off the front and when I tried to chase him down they wouldn't do any work and they would slow the pace down. I thought to myself, "I know I can't win, but I can definitely get 2nd. Let's show them how to ride." I did my work and got into the best possible position for the final sprint. We came around the corner and I nearly became unstuck as one guy cut me off. I held it together and sprinted as fast as I could to the line, blitzing the others. I did exactly what I told myself and that is what I am most proud about.
It was a great weekend of racing and I will be back next year bigger and stronger.
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| At the end of the Criterium |
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Training this Week
This week is one that I would describe as a not so fantastic week. It started out good, running Tuesday, a good ride Wednesday morning and then an awesome 8x 400m running session Thursday. Unfortunately Thursday's set was run on the tartan track and this meant that I was running on my toes and in my minimal support spikes. I pulled up with calf soreness and did not stretch and ice my muscles that night. The biggest mistake I made was turning up to Athletics Friday night and running an 800m on the track again. This led to my calves feeling like they were on fire and my Saturday morning run set being shortened and I was unable to finish. After a good week of training I ruined it by one silly run at athletics. There was a big lesson that I learn't in this week and that is to listen to my body and stop if there is pain.
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| Leading the pack in our 4x 1km on Tuesday |
Monday, September 9, 2013
Getting Back into It- State Cross Country
I haven't been posting lately and I thought that it was time I started again.
I have been racing an awful lot over the past half a year and well it's safe to say that I haven't had too many disappointing results. Races such as State Cross-Country, Coral Coast Triathlon and now into the Track season.
I'll start off by saying that my Cross-Country season was amazing, well that was up until my race in Bundaburg. I trained hard all the way and did just about everything my coach asked of me. I felt good in myself and I thought the track would be good because there was only one hill. The start of the race went well, I was running in the top 15 which was where I need to be. From there it just went down hill I could not feel anything and I was slowing down. I was my coach on the side of the track and the one thing I remember from that race was saying to her, "I can't do this."She told me to keep fighting but I couldn't it was too difficult this time. I crossed the finish line and remember collapsing and being carried away to a medical room. The medic said if i wasn't hydrated like I was I would have been in the back of an ambulance on my way to hospital. I finished 31st.
Despite having what I call a Disaster of a Race my athletics season has started off really well.
I will post my results up soon from my athletics season soon.
I have been racing an awful lot over the past half a year and well it's safe to say that I haven't had too many disappointing results. Races such as State Cross-Country, Coral Coast Triathlon and now into the Track season.
I'll start off by saying that my Cross-Country season was amazing, well that was up until my race in Bundaburg. I trained hard all the way and did just about everything my coach asked of me. I felt good in myself and I thought the track would be good because there was only one hill. The start of the race went well, I was running in the top 15 which was where I need to be. From there it just went down hill I could not feel anything and I was slowing down. I was my coach on the side of the track and the one thing I remember from that race was saying to her, "I can't do this."She told me to keep fighting but I couldn't it was too difficult this time. I crossed the finish line and remember collapsing and being carried away to a medical room. The medic said if i wasn't hydrated like I was I would have been in the back of an ambulance on my way to hospital. I finished 31st.
Despite having what I call a Disaster of a Race my athletics season has started off really well.
I will post my results up soon from my athletics season soon.
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| At the end of my State Cross-Country Race 2013 |
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
A message from Jill
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jill Boltz (in photo with Cahn below), Cahn’s running
coach a few times and I’ve enjoyed watching her work with Cahn. Jill is more
than qualified to train Cahn having ran the 3,000m and 10,000m for Great
Britain at the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games and was a silver medallist at the
1990 Commonwealth Games. More importantly though is Jill’s enthusiasm for
running and energy she brings to training is incredible. Her training sessions
with Cahn and his friends are no doubt hard work physically but they are also
fun. It’s amazing to see Cahn enjoying his sport and the training sessions he
does.
I love Jill’s updates on Facebook about the kids she trains
and then photo she posts of them at events. She is such a supportive coach and
she really understands how Cahn operates as an athlete. I recently asked Jill
to send me a few comments about Cahn for to include in his blog and she wrote:
“there are so many great things about Cahn especially how
motivated he is and humble he is. Despite his recent great results he has
stayed grounded and focussed knowing there is a lot of hard work ahead in order
to get to the next level. He has the potential to get to the National level and
I am hoping he is beginning to believe this”
My brother
It’s been some months since Cahn has written on his blog and I thought
I would kick start the blog again with a piece about Cahn from my perspective.
There is 15 years age difference between Cahn and I and I feel this has given
me a real appreciation of his achievements.
Hopefully he writes again soon,
Gretl
I clearly remember Cahn as a toddler....and if I had to describe him
at that age, a few words I would use would be challenging, headstrong,
determined, impatient and stubborn. While people would often see this side of
Cahn at the shops for example, I think they would have felt sorry for my mum!
She had her hands full that’s for sure! It’s funny though because on reflection
these are some of the characteristics that I think make Cahn successful at
whatever he puts his mind to.
From the moment he could walk, he was able to kick a soccer ball with
both feet, had great coordination and was energetic but those physical
attributes can only take you so far. It’s Cahn’s mental strength and focus that
make him really excel. There aren’t many teenagers that get themselves out of
bed at ridiculous hours of the morning day after day to train then go to
school. Not to mention the days he trains after school and the events on the
weekends. It’s constant and if he didn’t want to do that he wouldn’t. You can’t
make a teenager spend their spare time climbing mountains or running kilometre
after kilometre.
Cahn is his own worst critic and it takes a lot to impress himself. He
is lucky though to have a strong network to support him during his training and
races. This includes our mum, coach Jill, teachers, his training mates and his
friends. I’ve found that letting Cahn know you are there is enough, especially
in the lead up to events. He needs his space and its impressive to see him
transform from his usual jovial teenage self to a focussed young man on a
mission.
Hopefully he writes again soon,
Gretl
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Adelaide Tour Down Under
Yesterday was very unfortunate for myself as I was descending down a very long hill return to Adelaide from the end of the stage. It was very unfortunate that someone had crashed after a team car was handing out drink bottles at about 50km/h. One lady was taken out by a young rider and I went over the top of her and ended up on the road.
Despite that, I was able to get back on the bike today after only receiving minor cuts and grazes. This experience will only make me stronger and more aware.
One week of training remains before state triathlon in February. Im very excited to continue my hard work and determination leading into the race and following the Santos Tour Down Under
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| A look into the height of the hills that we are climbing here in Adelaide |
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| Some grazes that I got after yesterday's crash down a very nasty descent |
Monday, January 7, 2013
Feeling The Pain
Yesterday proved to me that I am getting stronger in my running but I am also feeling the pain. My goal was to run 7km in 35 minutes, which is not overly fast, I ran out for 15:20 which gave me roughly 3.45km. It was not the 3.5km that I intended to run but I was starting to fatigue and I knew that I still had to make it home. Once I has turned around my next goal was to negative split the return journey. I kept pushing the whole way home trying to keep under 4:30 per kilometre which to me is not very fast. I managed to complete my goals for that run, to go hard, and to negative split the return leg.
Although in any sport there some negative consequences. Last night and this morning have had a really stiff pain in muy right calf muscle. Today is a day of recovery although I have training scheduled. Ice and rest are the key components to a quick recovery. Hopefully I will soon be recovered from this and I will be back to full standards soon.
Although in any sport there some negative consequences. Last night and this morning have had a really stiff pain in muy right calf muscle. Today is a day of recovery although I have training scheduled. Ice and rest are the key components to a quick recovery. Hopefully I will soon be recovered from this and I will be back to full standards soon.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Christmas Update
The past few weeks have been very quiet with Christmas and New Year happening all very fast. Despite the lack of training I am very keen to pick it all back up and begin a big block of training and preparation for State Titles which are to be held in Febuary down in Brisbane. Over the new year there has been no races up in the north but I believe 2013 will bring great success.
I will keep you updated on all my training in the lead up to State Triathlon
I will keep you updated on all my training in the lead up to State Triathlon
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