Hippos, whales, groupers and a 'tea bag' dip

World Triathlon Training - Week 3

Monday was scheduled as a rest day, but feeling motivated, I booked into Pilates reformer at lunch and a stretch class at 6pm.

I'm not sure if anyone reading has ever attempted this so-called stretch class, but it's that thing where you're suspended in a soft, oversized human sling. You see these glamorous people looking elegant and poised... this is how I assumed we would all look. Boy was I wrong.

I struggled... big time. I'm sure I looked more like a hippo crossed with a giraffe tangled in an oversized scarf – limbs flailing around, swinging mid-air, hoping no one was watching. Full credit to the instructor – she was amazingly patient and I made it through! Feeling stretched, the final 5 minutes of relaxation was sublime. Laying in the sling, supported like a hammock – weightlessness and central nervous system grounding. Bliss. Even the giraffe inside was relaxed.

Will I go back? Not sure I can justify the $30 per class, however I would consider just 30 minutes of relaxation if it was on offer.

Tuesday was spin class – after kids' drop-off, I headed to the gym for a 45-minute class. Our local gym offers spin on demand, which is awesome. I can rock up and start a class via video anytime. After, I had a quick 1km run off the bike to remind myself of that dead-leg feeling you get after spending 45 minutes spinning. Yikes...

Wednesday morning – a great run with Natty Pacemaker! Up at 6am, an hour before meeting – dressed, small carb snack (per the nutritionist's advice), made lunches, fed kids, and out the door. #Nailing life so far.

My trusty steed well into retirement, I left her home for the first 6km, then planned to transition from Natty Pacemaker to Taco for the final 3km. We hit the rifle range for our long run.

It took me 4km to realize NPM had kept me talking the whole time. I was struggling to breathe while she cruised through the first 4km! Nice move but I see what you are doing here. Then we spotted the whales! Probably 8 in total! All frolicking off Maroubra Beach! I still can't believe this is where I live! #grateful

I made the switch at 6km – NPM headed home and I picked up Taco for the final 3km. Starting to feel a little fitness building, but equally my feet are starting to feel the kilometers. Lucky Naydee Girl needs to stop to pee or sniff every 2 minutes – a quick stretch and a moment to catch my breath.

We made it home for a quick glass of Milo (my kind of protein shake), then hustled the kids into the car for drop-off. #still nailing life today.

9km in 60 minutes to the second.

Thursday – another lunchtime Pilates class and a quick lunch with some local mums and Kempsey Gal. Tonight I was raising money and sleeping out for the Vinnies CEO Sleep Out.

What an amazing experience. I met some beautiful women who had experienced 'sleeping rough' and was totally humbled by the whole night. We were given 2 cardboard boxes and allowed a sleeping bag – luxury compared to how tough some people do it. We raised just under $3mil in NSW. A great cause and a humbling night under the stars.

Friday was a rest day, and I was booked in for a 90-minute massage with my amazing friend Rima. I found Rima about 11 years ago working in a local physio and have followed her across Sydney ever since. She's amazing, and I highly recommend her massage services to anyone. Just message me for her details.

Saturday morning, Natty Pacemaker and I hit the bikes again. This time a little later – we headed out at 11:30 and what a day! Perfection. We clocked 25km and finished up at the beach. Glorious!

A planned swim a few hours later down at Clovelly Beach. I was joined by Kempsey Girl, who decided to get her gills wet – another water baby who enjoys a 'tea bag' dip mid-week...(a questionable term if you ask me)

Regular swim buddy Ribz made an appearance a little after we hit the water. Freezing cold but crystal clear. I spotted the Grouper in the back northern corner and followed him for a short time. I saw him again on my second lap. Ill take the go pro next time and get some footage of the channel and the amazing fish we're lucky enough to swim with. There are normally 6 groupers living in the channel, including a massive 1-meter-long majestic blue grouper.

A solid week of training! We're heading into the last week of June (which is my busiest time at work), so training might be sporadic and may include a night out to celebrate another financial year. Watch this space.

The toe has healed nicely - thanks for asking