5Q'S W/ ENGINE ATHLETES - PART 1

We put forward 5 noteworthy questions to some of our awesome Engine athletes following on from round 2 of the Ocean6 series. Here’s what they had to say!

 

 

ALI DAY

How would you summarise your performances after the first 2 Rounds?

I have obviously had two contrasting results, but that’s our sport! I’m really proud of the way I’ve kept my head going from one race to another and at the end of the day that’s what matters most in my view. I’ve been able to recover from the Gold and am now finding my feeling in the shorter races, so I’m pumped for what’s to come.

What are your goals for the remainder of the series?

Consistency. I just want to remain at the pointy end, round after round. It’s easier said than done but consistency is key.

How do you structure your training during the season compared to your off-season? 

Training throughout the seasons differs quite greatly. Training throughout the season is done in blocks and on average it’s 3 sessions per day. The off-season or the lead up to the summer is where all the hard work is done. Training is long and based on improving weaknesses. It’s all about consistency throughout this period. Being that we are racing every third weekend at the moment, the biggest thing is listening to my body and being aware of how I am feeling/ recovering. Now the work has already been done, taking care is key, as well as having fun without it!

How do you manage to keep on track with training and nutrition throughout the holiday season? 

Christmas is my favourite time of year, and that’s of course including the food! I think it’s so important to enjoy yourself and the time with friends and family and in doing that, still make mindful decisions. I find setting little goals helps, as well as ensuring a bad day of eating doesn’t become a bad week! Training-wise, I try and keep it up as much as possible, again going lightly on myself if a session is missed, but essentially ensuring I move each day. That can look like a surf, a run or a swim. It’s important to come out of the season feeling refreshed!

Top 3 tips for aspiring Ocean6 athletes?

1. Work Hard, especially early on in your career. Don’t take short cuts! 2. Surround yourself with good people. They’ll be your biggest supporters win, lose or draw and that's important! 3. Enjoy it, make it fun, these are the times and friends you’ll look back on, I know I do!

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BRIELLE COOPER

How would you summarise your performances after the first 2 Rounds?

I’m super happy with my results in Round 1 and 2 I’m currently sitting 5th overall which is a much better position than I was this time last year.

What are your goals for the remainder of the series?

My goal for remainder of the series is to try and get onto the podium a couple of times and finish in the overall top 3. I’m trying to ensure I am always learning from each race and taking something new away to improve on over the following weeks.

How do you structure your training during the season compared to your off-season? 

My training in the off season decreases massively. It is a time to take a mental and physical break, this helps to reset and get ready for another season of training and racing. I stop my regular training program of 2-3 sessions a day and try to do other activities such as going for a walk, a swim, a surf or even some Pilates. I let my body rest for about 4-6 weeks depending on my goals/events for the next year.

How do you manage to keep on track with training and nutrition throughout the holiday season? 

I’ll definitely be taking a small break over the holiday period to reset both physically and mentally before beginning the final part of the season. I’m all about balance you shouldn’t feel like you have to miss out on all the exciting Christmas treats because you’re not training, go for a body surf, a walk or just catch a couple of waves to helps the guilts if you like! Maybe just don’t eat the whole entire Christmas cake haha.

Top 3 tips for aspiring Ocean6 athletes? 

1. Take every opportunity given to you whether its training, racing or experiences. You’re guaranteed to learn something from it. 2. Hard work will always pay off. 3. Dream big!

 

 

 

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MADDY DUNN

How would you summarise your performances after the first 2 Rounds?

Extremely happy to have a win in the first round and also happy to stay consistent in the second round which now has me placed 3rd overall.

What are your goals for the remainder of the series?

To stay consistent in the remaining rounds of the Nutrigrain Ironwoman and hopefully come out with a podium finish.

How do you structure your training during the season compared to your off-season? 

I have 6 weeks off after Aussies where I just surf and relax. Then I progressively build up my training beginning with 2-3 swims a week and 2-3 skills sessions in the afternoon. In the peak of the season I do 5 swims, 2 board, 3 ski, 2 iron, 2 gym and 2 runs a week.

How do you manage to keep on track with training and nutrition throughout the holiday season?

The holiday season is tricky as it’s in the middle of our season so we aren’t able to enjoy all the festivities. However Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and usually two days to relax and enjoy.

Top 3 tips for aspiring Ocean6 athletes?

1. Pain is temporary, victory lasts forever. 2. Power of positivity. 3. Have fun and smile. 

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MAX BROOKS

How would you summarise your performances after the first 2 Rounds?

Mixed. I feel I’m racing really well but I wasn’t happy with how I finished in Round 1 (12th). Round 2 (5th) was an improvement and I was much happier.

What are your goals for the remainder of the series?

To win a round and be on the podium for the finish!

How do you structure your training during the season compared to your off-season?

I start to speed things up for racing and increase my gym work/sessions to make sure I’m strong for the shorter, sharper racing (as opposed to building base in the off season).

How do you manage to keep on track with training and nutrition throughout the holiday season?

It is very tough throughout the holiday season. I personally believe it’s important to enjoy yourself over Christmas and New Year’s Eve - but getting in as much training is possible is crucial (and you know a lot of your competitors will not be doing the same).

Top 3 tips for aspiring Ocean6 athletes?  

1. Don’t be discouraged going from 19’s to opens. It is a lot more difficult and takes some getting used to. 2. Make sure you work on your ski in the 17’s so you don’t fall behind. 3. Compete in the teams events on the day - it gets your warmed up and takes the pressure off!