Thursday Tri-Training

This post is not really about me it's about our youngest girl, Alice. She is a keen and talented tri-athlete and today was her main session for the week. More about that later.

The day started for me with a 110 km bike ride around the aka block. It involves some decent hills including Paekakariki, Moonshine and the Akas. I'm really enjoying my racing wheels and I'm finding that I'm beating some very good cyclists up the hill climbs.

This afternoon it was training for Alice at Whareroa Farm. Murray Ashley, her coach is a wonderful mentor for her and he also coaches Mitchell Rutter, a national triathlon medalist.

Today it was just me and Alice doing the training. After my long ride in the morning I settled for only doing the ride. Alice and I had a steady hard ride of 17 km that we did in under 33 minutes. After the ride Alice did a 4.5 km run to the beach return. I just did a 2 km easy run. I felt surprisingly good considering the morning ride.

Alice is really motivated and determined to win a medal at the National Triathlon in April at Lake Karapiro. She finished 5th two years ago and I'm sure with the commitment she is showing to her training she has a realistic chance.

A reflective Alice with her coach, Murray before training

A light-hearted Alice before training

Alice in transition from the bike to the run

Alice not happy about being photoed at the end of the run

Wordless Wednesday

We sadly said our goodbyes to Kate's boyfriend, Victor on Tuesday as he returned to Brazil. It had been wonderful spending time with him during the year as he got to know our family.

Victor and Kate playing Sims

Farewell Dinner

Oops! What have I done?

Child Play

As a teacher and parent I have had the great fortune to spend a lot of time with children and have loved the opportunities I've had to enter into their world. If the truth be known it has allowed me to bring out the kid within me.

Through teaching I have enjoyed immensely being able to tap into their imaginations and ultimately help them express what it means for them to be a child. Often their creative side is brought out through sharing music with them.

In parenthood I really loved seeing them grow through play and being able to be part of those experiences. I enjoyed their journey of self discovery and during that process I discovered myself. I watched Barney and Postman Pat religiously with the girls. Playgrounds and outings to McDonalds featured regularly, dining on Happy Meals mainly to get the free toys.

I have found myself inspired to write music as a result of my personal experiences as a teacher and parent. It has brought me pleasure to be able to share my insights with children and see them appreciate singing my songs.

I have countless treasured memories. Following is a photo of Kate with some of her favourite toys. The teddy on the left deserves a blog of it's own as there are far too many stories to tell here.

As a song writer I have written a lot of children songs. The song below talks about some of my experiences with Kate and Alice.


Click here to listen to Vigour of Youth

Our Furry Companions

Eight years ago we bought a little kitten for Alice for a Christmas present. She had been asking for a pet for a long time and finally we gave in. Although a female Alice was insistent that our cat be called Garfield.

As a kid growing up we had cats and dogs which I became attached to. I seem to have a reputation though as not being an animal lover but all animals seem to be attracted to me. However this is not always a good thing as I described in my blog A Hazardous Sport.

Over the years I have become extremely attached to Garfield. Typically in the evenings she joins the family in our lounge and makes herself comfortable on my lap often stretching out full length.

Garfield and myself enjoy head butting and some quality conversations and she always obediently leaves the lounge at bed time.

What special moments do you share with your pets?

Here is a photo of our cherished cat, Garfield.