Morning team,

it’s been a fascinating year…and despite the many pitfalls, I feel like I’m making progress towards racing in this second semester! After all those years of school and Uni, it’s hard not to think in semesters still!

I’m 5 weeks post op and doing some regular jog/walking and cycling. Plus the strength work and swimming means I’m getting back into shape again. Long process. Check on Rudderfish.com (Drew Ginn’s blog) about the long way back from surgery…if you don’t know who he is, then surf on over (and shame on you). He’s an icon of the Goulbourn Valley!!!

I’ve been active on many fronts, despite my injuries and surgeries. I’m surgical assisting an old mate from school (who is now an orthopaedic surgeon) half a day a month. It’s great to be reminded of anatomy and what’s going on inside hips, knees and more. The magazine has been copping my rage about all things WTC- their latest tinkerings with the professional sport of Ironman is demonstrative of a corporation that has little regard for non-US athletes and more importantly, the grass roots of the sport. Watch this space, and Australian Triathlete magazines for comments from all the Pro’s. And a little of my ‘hulk’ impersonation!

And while I’m mad, I’m also sad. Vale David Baxter- he died almost a fortnight ago in Stockholm, after a four year battle with melanoma at the age of 33. I studied all though Uni with Dave (literally, we did Science Hons at the same time and spent countless hours studying and in the same groups at various Hospitals in medicine). He was a cracker- feisty and talented. He jettisoned a successful running career for his medical pursuits- after he won a bronze medal in the 4*100 at the Commonwealth Games and excelled at both the 100/200 for many years. Up til the last, he was giving me advice on what I should be doing with my hammy! Thanks Dave, you will be missed. (Check here http://www.athsvic.org.au/ for Dave’s memorial and more musings on what a terrific fellow he was).

Finally, I’ve been at it again with Phil Wrochna- we’re playing hard on SEN 11-12 midnight, talking all things Tour de France. You can stream it online or listen on 1166.

See you on the track,

Mitch