#ENGINEATHLETE Training Day Recap

Another year, another #ENGINEATHLETE training day in the books! On the 29th of September, we brought together 70 dedicated Engine Athletes for a full day of training, teamwork, and fun. This annual event is not just about pushing limits; it’s about building camaraderie, refining skills, and celebrating the Engine spirit.

The day kicked off bright and early at Somerset College pool, where Engine’s very own Andrew Lauterstein teamed up with Ali Day to lead a pool swim session. Athletes were challenged with a variety of swim sets designed to push them out of their comfort zones and enhance their technique, endurance, and speed. The energy was electric as the squad gave their all, pushing through every lap with determination.

After a demanding pool workout, it was time to refuel. The athletes enjoyed a well-deserved hot breakfast, giving them the energy needed for the rest of the day’s activities. There was plenty of time to catch up, share stories, and bond as a team over a delicious meal.

With everyone recharged, the group then moved on to a dynamic gym session at Neighbourhood in Mermaid Beach. Athletes were divided into smaller groups, rotating through a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session and a hot Pilates class. The HIIT workout focused on building strength and endurance, while the hot Pilates session emphasized flexibility, core stability, and recovery. Both sessions were demanding in their own right, leaving athletes feeling strong and invigorated.

Following a break for lunch, where the team had a chance to relax and recover, the afternoon featured an insightful interview session with Ty Dowker. He sat down with athletes Matt Bevilacqua, Lana Rogers, Ethan Callaghan, and Holly Maine, who shared stories about their unique journeys and perspectives in the sport. From training challenges to career highlights, their insights provided inspiration and valuable lessons for all in attendance.

With spirits high, it was time for the final session of the day, taking the athletes to the beach for some open-water training. Led by an exceptional coaching team of Phil Clayton, Matt Bevilacqua, and Lana Rogers, the session included paddling and swimming drills, allowing the squad to apply the skills they had developed throughout the day in a real-world setting. With the sun shining and conditions perfect, it was the ideal way to wrap up a full day of activity, with everyone embracing the challenge and thrill of being out on the water.

To capture the day’s experience from the athletes' perspectives, we caught up with #ENGINEATHLETES Charlotte Cross and Luna Piazza, who shared their thoughts on the training, the team spirit, and what made this year’s event special. Keep reading to hear their first-hand accounts of the day and see why this annual training day is a highlight for our athletes.

What was your favourite part of the #ENGINEAthlete Training Day and why?

Charlotte: I loved spending time with my friends and getting to connect with the new Engine Athletes who recently joined the team. As well as athletes from other states whom we rarely get to see throughout the year. 

Luna: My favourite part of the #ENGINEAthlete day was the gym and Pilates, these things were the highlight of my day doing the circuit training with others and the hot Pilates which I've never done before, so that was a really fun experience being able to do something new. 

Did the pool, gym, and surf workshops help you learn new skills or improve your technique? If so, which skills or techniques did you find most beneficial?

C: I really enjoyed the hot Pilates session at the gym. It was a nice change from my usual pool and beach training, and I learned some new ways to move my body that I can incorporate into my routine. 

L: In the surf workshops I learnt new skills about my stroke board paddling and swimming, both skills I will take on for every day training, getting my stroke deeper and when I'm swimming make sure to change my stroke against the current. I think those are some beneficial skills to have in the surf.

What did you enjoy most about interacting with the other athletes and professionals like Ali Day and Matt Bevilacqua to name a few?

C: Listening to everyone’s unique journeys was eye-opening. Each person has faced their own highs and lows, and no two journeys are the same. It was a great reminder that we all move at our own pace, and instead of comparing ourselves to others, we need to celebrate our progress and trust that we’re on the right track for our journey. 

L: It's amazing having conversations with others from other states and being around such a great group of people all day, and hearing about Lana and Bevy's story was really great to hear about.

How did the #ENGINEAthlete Training Day inspire you to continue pursuing your athletic goals?

C: It reminded me of the incredible opportunities we have and the amazing friendships I've formed through this sport. The passion and enjoyment that each athlete displays is truly inspiring and it’s rewarding to see our hard work paying off, motivating me to keep pushing toward my goals.

L:These training days make me want to continue to be able to come back and have another day like that, it is so amazing to know the support that you have and really makes me want to pursue this sport in the future.

Feel like you have what it takes to become an #ENGINEATHLETE?  We want to hear from you! Go ahead and visit the application link HERE (be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page).