Sometimes a break can do wonders.
Feeling exhausted and doubtful before Christmas after a string of disappointing results, Warrimoo triathlete Sam Appleton took some valuable "me time" away from the sport.
In his first Ironman 70.3 event for 2015 in Geelong on February 8, he not only put himself in a great position coming into the final leg, but challenged reigning world champion Craig Alexander all the way, finishing just 17 seconds behind him.
Appleton said his impressive time of 3:46:42 came at the perfect point on a personal level because he'd cut short last season after feeling run down and struggling mentally to get his body up for the gruelling demands of Ironman competition.
"I was able to completely let go of triathlon and recharge my batteries - by the time 2015 rolled around I was more motivated than ever to have a successful season," Appleton said.
To the 24-year-old's surprise, his fitness returned quickly and a solid training stint in the humidity of Byron Bay with coach Tim Reed put him in great stead for a strong showing in Geelong.
"I had a confidence in myself that I hadn't felt in so long.
"I managed to establish myself in a good position in the swim leg and emerged in 3rd place, about 15 seconds behind early race leaders Marko Albert (EST) and James Seear (AUS).
"I had a slick transition to the 90km bike leg and wanted to be aggressive. Craig Alexander and Mark Bowstead caught me at about 30km and we went to work together to lock down the podium spots."
Appleton, who won his first Ironman 70.3 title on Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin course in December 2013, said his plan heading into the run was just "to stick with him [Alexander] for as long as I could.
"The man [Alexander] is more seasoned than a Sunday night roast, not to mention the five World Championship titles he has to his name, but I was thriving off it.
"I kept on him for a long as I could, alas with three kilometres to go we hit a downhill section and Crowie lengthened his stride and got the gap he needed.
"As ecstatic as I am with second place, coming so close to the win is a little bittersweet.
"But this performance is a huge confidence booster for me."
It didn't take Appleton much longer to secure a win though.
His first place at the Huskisson Long Course event on February 22 - one of his favourite races - will make him feel even better as the 2015 Asia-Pacific Cup in Melbourne on March 22 draws nearer.
Glenbrook triathlete Andrea Forrest had a podium finish in the women's race at Huskisson, finishing third.
