Out in Las Vegas Magali Tissyere is making her final preparations for the 70.3 World Championship this weekend. In the midst of focusing on Sunday's race, Magali took some time to reflect back on her year thus far.

Anyone that has ever met Magali or seen her race, knows that she has a contagious energy and smile. However, over the last few months and even just a few days out from the big race, her energy and confidence has been raised to a whole new level.

Just a few months ago, Magali made some tough changes in both her personal and professional life. She wasn't racing at her full potential and knew she needed to reevaluate her physical and mental training to get back on track. Mags packed her backs in LA and headed back home to Canada. There, her family, friends and her old coach, Lance Watson, greeted her. And after a short time…she seemed to not only bounce back to her old self, but started getting better than ever. Since her switch, Magali has been on fire and her continuous list of 1st place finishes proves she will contend on Sunday:

• 1st at Mooseman 70.3
• 1st at Mont Tremblant 70.3
• 1st at Calgary 70.3
• 1st at Sooke International Triathlon

In her first statement during the interview, she said, "I'm just happy." Plain and Simple. She went on to talk about how she has newfound confidence and is heading into this weekend with a positive outlook knowing she has done all the work she could have. She talked about how moving back home was really refreshing and just what she needed.

With Magali returning to work with Lance, she has also changed her training quite significantly as well. This year preparing for the unforgiving Las Vegas climate, Magali did some hard-core heat training, or as she referred to it… "5 days of hell." Magali also commented on her new focus of interval training. She has made the switch with Lance to focus on harder and more challenging workouts than she was doing in the past.

Coming back to the coach that she used to work with seemed to have been the answer for her. She said that their communication is better than ever and she has found a new sense of trust in her coach. Magali also now knows when to speak up and how beneficial true teamwork between a coach and athlete is.

Based on the heighten level of communication and encouragement from Lance, to do what makes her happy, after Vegas, Magali will be tackling a new challenge that has been in the back of her mind for many years now…Xterra Worlds. Her excitement sparked up again talking about how much she is looking forward to getting some new variety in her cycling, and finding the fun again in racing. Last time Magali was on a mountain bike was about 15 years ago when her and some friends decided to jump into the Canada Cup for fun. After Sunday she will, for the first time, start some specific mountain bike training through October with coach Dan Smith.

Magali has one of the best attitudes out there: stay fit and healthy but never loose the excitement and drive to race. I think we can all take a lot from her journey this year. Take chances, listen to your head and heart, stay positive and have fun. Magali has made all the right moves this year and will be bringing everything to the table on Sunday.