It’s been a couple of months since my last update and its certainly been a busy time. Since leaving Australia in May I have raced in Yokohama (Japan), London, Germany, France as well as a few local races locally here in the Basque Country. 
After an average race in London ITU World Series (I finished 16th) I had a few days break before starting a big training block to kick off the second half of the season. I also managed to find time (and precious energy) for some ‘fun’ races in between training with a bit of success – I was 2nd in the Bundesliga in Kraichgau, Germany followed by 2nd in the relay in the French Grand Prix in Valence, France. I also raced a bit closer to “home” in some of my favourite races in the Basque Country where I won two Txapelas (look it up) in San Sebastian and Pasai Donibane. I love the Basque races – the courses are always crazy tough (normally straight up and down a mountain), the atmosphere is incredible and the locations stunning. The locals are so supportive of triathlon!
Last week I headed back to Germany, this time returning to Hamburg for the World Series. I had a good swim – despite the thrashing around the buoys and through a long, dark tunnel – and managed to get into the front group before the end of the ride. I was disappointed to not run to the same level and finished up 18th – not exactly what I was hoping for but there were plenty of positives to take from parts of my race. I held onto 13th in the World Series Rankings.
In between I have been doing the hard yards in the pool and on the roads and the trails in Vitoria – Gasteiz. This is my 6th year of living in Vitoria, so it really does feel like home (although my Spanish is embarrassing!). I say it every year, but I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to spend much of my time here.
I also found out last month that I had been selected to race in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Test Event to be held in just over a week. Obviously with Games selection being a major focus for me at the moment much of my training has been in preparation for that event and the unique (ie super tough) course that is expected there. This is the first (and only opportunity this year) to qualify for the Australian Olympic Team, so it’s a pretty big deal! I’ll be lining up alongside 5 other Australian girls who all have the same goal, and with many countries also using the Rio event as an automatic qualification its going to be a pretty exciting race and I’m extremely honored just to be given the opportunity.
I couldn’t be happier with how the build up has been so far and I’m very much looking forward to heading over there! I’ll be in touch before the race and let you know how it’s going.
Charlotte
