Weekly News Number 8

After last week’s adventure, this week was a little less adventurous. Usually there is always something to talk about even if sometimes it’s just the weather.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that the weather is the number one small-talk topic here as well. When people don’t know what to talk about, they either say: “The last few days have been pretty hot, haven’t they?”

And when it rains, there are two camps. Some say: “Wow, rain is just beautiful.” Others say after the first drops: “Oh no, rain is not nice.”

But enough about the weather. What actually happened this week?

I actually had to look at my training plan to figure out what I did.

A new step

The biggest news: On Monday evening I had a phone call with my good friend Kurt and decided to start working with him.

For me, this is a big opportunity to give someone a chance who genuinely cares about me. That is exactly what I was looking for.

Who is Kurt McDonald?

He is ranked in the top 50 in the world and brings a lot of experience from elite sport. He has the practical knowledge and knows exactly what it takes to win a triathlon.

For me, however, it was even more important that I already know him well as a person, get along with him, and trust him.

Feel free to check out KAM, his brand, and see what he is doing.

Already in the first week I’m very happy about this step. I notice that I have more time again to focus on my athletes and to do what I really enjoy: analysing what makes them faster and thinking about which sessions make sense at which time.

New energy

Last week included some new variations of training sessions. It feels refreshing almost like changing jobs.

You’re still doing what you love, but the processes are different. You’re surrounded by new people and feel a different energy.

At the moment that gives me a lot of optimism for Geelong, even though I’m not in the same shape as last year.

After this training week, however, I know: I will be ready and give everything I have on that day.

Wednesday morning at Main Beach

Back to the week. There were still one or two highlights.

On Wednesday, Holy and I started the day at Main Beach here in Noosa. Meeting point was 6 a.m. And as always, you’re not alone there.

Some people are surfing. Others are swimming. Some walk along the water, while others sit with a coffee reading the newspaper.

There are countless scenes at this beach.

I really enjoy being outside before the day truly begins. After swimming in the ocean, we took some time for a coffee before both heading into our respective days.

Between sessions on Wednesday, I also finalized my blog and uploaded it to the website. Uploading it is easy – but getting the text ready for you to read, adding the pictures and making everything look right always takes a bit of time.

Between Wednesday and Sunday nothing spectacular happened just normal daily life here.

Noosa Main Beach

Thoughts on Sunday

Sunday morning started with news about wars a bit of a dampener.

I try to stay informed about what’s happening in the world every day. Not to overwhelm myself, but also not to be completely disconnected. When there are votes in Switzerland, I take part in the online voting.

I think it’s important to have a voice in your own country. Even though I’m not currently living in Switzerland, I still have these rights, and the least I can do is stay informed.

It’s hard to read that there is war on our planet and that hotspots are emerging in many places. You feel powerless watching from the outside.

But I keep reminding myself of something:

In everyday life we can be considerate.We can be kind to the people we meet. We live in a world where we constantly encounter different cultures. That’s exactly where we have influence. I observe how I continue moving forward with an open and positive attitude.

Why it isn’t insignificant after all

At first it almost feels trivial to talk about a run.

And yet I see something beautiful there:

In sport and movement we meet at 6 a.m. in the national park. You give each other a short smile and say hello.

Afterwards we sat together in a small group, drank coffee and talked.

By 8:30 everyone went on with their Sunday – and I had a relaxed day with a swim in the afternoon.

Sometimes it’s exactly these small encounters that show you that community begins in everyday life.