Natalie VC Abroad
Comrade Natalie Van Coevorden headed overseas in early May to Spain. Nat bases herself out of Vitoria Gasteiz for 3 months of the year where she trains and races. Before heading over to Spain Nat stopped over in Yokohama to race in the WTS Yokohama event.
Nat had a strong race in Yokohama after spending the Australian summer between Campbelltown, Woolongong and Canberra where she has been working hard behind the scenes to build a strong base and be ready for her 2nd summer overseas.
Exiting the water in 7th Nat was positioned well to latch on to the first few girls out of the water for the bike. 3 laps in the chase pack caught Flora Duffy and Katie Z and the pack settled into the ride. After a bumpy T2 Nat ran a strong run leg to finish 14th a result she is knows she can improve on.
After Yokohama Nat headed to Vitoria Gasteiz in Spain. Below Nat gives us an insight into what the first few weeks of living and training in Spain has been like for her.
Nat:
After Yokohama, I headed back to my second summer home, Vitoria Gasteiz. Vitoria Gasteiz in the Basque Country of Spain and I have lived here for the past 7 years ranging from 3 months to nearly 6 months away from home. I like coming back here as it’s familiar and training and life seem to be such a breeze.
The first few weeks here are about getting settled again, buying the essentials and getting the body and mind into a good routine. Vitoria is known as the green capital of Europe and I have now realised why, as the summer weather is yet to greet us. Some days have still been in single digits with pouring rain but I am lucky to still look good in my Camino Apparel kits on the road or on the trails. I love the culture here as it’s super laid back and my favourite is buying my fresh baguette everyday for lunch with my cafe con leche (coffee with milk)
I am currently preparing for WTS World Cup in Belgium.
A day in the life of Natalie on a hard day in Spain looks like:
AM- easy run with some strides
Breakfast
AM- hard swim 4km total
Lunch
Siesta
PM- 2km x 5 plus 1200m faster
PM- Hour Gym Session
Dinner
Sleep
