Before I wrote the last post, I was being asked frequently, what are you doing now that it is not track season? Are you racing at X? My standard answer was, I am having a bit of a break and have been really busy at work. This was quite an accurate answer.
In fact, the project that I have been working on has just gone live. You can see it here: Medicine Label Review and if you are interested in seeing changes to how medicines are labelled, I encourage you to write in and let me know!
(C) TGA.gov.au
But, in what may come as no surprise to some of you, the other reason is that my kit is getting a bit snug...
But I am sure it will fit again some time after 27 November, right?!!
Excuse my indulgence and the delay in posting this. Truth be told I wrote this in my head on the plane on the way home from Track Nats!
In about October last year I did a deal with the long suffering engineer that if I made it to Track Nats that would be my last race at elite level. It was time to hang it up.
We know how track season panned out and I can't say I was disappointed and even though I didn't quite tick all the goals I set myself in Adelaide, I went away satisfied that I had done everything I could.
After endless questions about what I am doing and why I am not racing, it is time for a bit of reflection. The Golden Girls theme really sums up how I feel about my time in the Oz Women's peleton. I have made some awesome mates and shared some fantastic experiences on the bike. There has been some tough times on the bike, but there has always been some one to help me out and push me over the next hill.
I have achieved the goals I have set myself, including numerous state titles and medals, and some top 10 finishes at national level on the track and road.
I have lived through some disappointing results and come out the other side a better, stronger bike rider.
I have been humbled by people telling me that they are riding a bike because of me (although one of them does it in the middle of swimming and running, one day I might fix that!!).
I have contributed to the success of others which are some of my most rewarding memories.
I had the pleasure of sharing a room with Vicki Whitelaw the night she won her medal at track nationals in 2008! (Those of you who know Vicki will be able to understand why that is a vivid memory! Sorry Vic!!)
I have also had the pleasure of working with some insightful and inspiring coaches and people in the sport. And it was the conversation with Gary Sutton on the final night at nationals that made me realise how much passion I have for the sport.
I have been guided and mentored by some very dedicated coaches, who had faith in me when my own was waning. Some of these people I regard as some of closest friends now. I also hope that I have learnt well from them as I embark on giving back to the sport as a coach to some up and coming juniors.
I was lucky to have the support of Mike and all the guys at Onya Bike Belco and Civic. These guys truly were amazing and more generous than I probably deserved at times!
And I have had and still have the pleasure of riding around with some pretty amazing people in Canberra. Be it world para-champ, riders with pro-contracts, or just club members striving to achieve their goals.
