Living in Melbourne it can be tough to keep myself motivated to train enough. The weather gets cold and wet, the days get shorter and finding the motivation to get out for a long run, ride, swim or paddle can be tough. It’s too cold, the event is too far away, I don’t have the right gear, I don’t want to come last, I don’t have the time, I don’t have the money…
Well, recently I realised that while I have a hundred reasons why I don't train enough, I really don't have any valid excuses. I have ample opportunity to.
I’ve entered a lot of events this year and that keeps me motivated to train when I can. I am also finding that variation in both my training and the events I am doing helps me keep motivated. I recently joined a training group in Melbourne through Vigor Health and Fitness, which provides group running, cycling and paddling groups over winter. That is helping a lot, so too are the seemingly endless number of events available on the weekend to participate in.
The motivated train regardless of the weather
Last weekend was the first race in the Salomon Trail Running Series events run by Rapid Ascent. It just so happened that the race was scheduled on the same day as a recreational bike event, a Melbourne institution the Melburn Roobaix. So, taking my new found approach to keeping variety in training, I decided to do both.
Without really putting a lot of thought into it, it turned out to be one of the best days training I have done, and probably the coolest duathlon in Australia.
The day started with Race 1 of the Salomon Trail Running Series events. These events, conducted each year by Rapid Ascent are becoming extremely popular. The race organisers offer 2 lengths of course, conducted along fire trails and single track paths within easy reach of Melbourne CBD. 
Thousands of runners participated in Race 1
Race 1 was held at Studley Park Boat house and saw over 1200 runners, from all walks of life and ability levels enjoy some spectacular trails along the banks of the Yarra. This event is all about participation.
While there were some trail running bullets in the field runners of all ability levels are welcome. If you are looking for a good day out on some really sweet trails, check out the series.
The second event, the bike leg, saw me take part in a mass participation bike rally through Melbourne suburbs. The Melburn Roobaix is a fantastic day out. Hippies, Hipsters and Hacks all navigate their way through a series of checkpoints scattered throughout Melbourne.
Modelled on the One Day Paris – Roubaix professional bike race, the Melburn Roobaix involves a series of navigation sections along the historic cobbled laneways of Melbourne and ends at the Brunswick Velodrome.
Just like trail running, this event has become hugely popular and attracts riders of all abilities. I wrote up a bit of a report on both events on my blog if you are keen to read more.
All riders in the 2012 Melburn Roobaix had one thing in common - Great Big Smiles
Thinking back on last weekend’s duathlon, I am having a hard time complaining about my lack of motivation for mid winter training. There are group runs, rides, paddles organised just about every day of the week, weekends have such a large selection of events to participate in (either challenging like the trail running series or purely entertaining like the Melburn Roobaix) that there is really no excuse.
If I want top get out there and take part, the only thing stopping me is me. So, instead of writing any more of this entry talking about my lack of discipline to train, I am going for a run.... and its wet, cold and dark.
Adam Evans
Middle of the pack adventurer
The Banzai Adventurer 2012
