Since the Europeans I have had some time off from training and I just started my off-season training program. From now until December the focus is not on training, while I still am doing it, but on my study. I really do have to finish it, I have been around (on the University) for over 6 years now and that is really long enough! And if I finish this year I do have the possibility to go back Down Under again, to fulfill a dream... Namely to race and finishing the Coolangatta Gold, it is not my type of race since I am more of a 'sprinter' but it is just a challenge  and accomplishment to finish the 46,65 K course. I am more of a one round around the cans type, that can manage a 'normal' Ironman (Oceanman), but that is already a challenge!

So currently I am focusing on my courses, but that does not mean that I do nothing with my sport or training. During the LifeSaving off-season I do keep on swimming and paddling my craft. But not as much as in the (pre-)season and I do add some other sports activities to the program. Therefore I recently bought an ATB, to go cycling and biking with friends even when there is some snow/ice on the road. And since I am going Australia to do the Gold I do have to extend my training sessions, and on the bike you can quite easily go far a 5 hour trip. Doing this in a pool, on a board or ski is hard and running would be impossible because off risks of injuries.

Next to this Koen de Haan (Trivelo), Robin den Oudsten and I have been busy with the start-up of a MultiSportsTrainingscentre in Eindhoven, we will combine a LifeSavingTeam and a TriathlonTeam on the campus and facilities of the Eindhoven University of Technology. So far we have 10 athletes willing to work with us and thsi includes 2 World Champions in Lifesaving and medal winners on European and World LifeSaving level and the Triathlete's are internationally active and have the potential to win medals on (inter)national level or have already done this.

This time's trainingtip is, during the off-season fins a sports activity that enables you to keep fit but is not specific to LifeSaving. This works refreshing and when the(pre-)season starts again you are ready and eager to get started!!