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MEGAN PARR : MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND
Based in Marlborough, Meg Parr balances a demanding career with a passion for endurance sport and the outdoors. She has worked as a paramedic with Hato Hone St John Ambulance for the past 12 years, a role that requires resilience, dedication and a strong sense of community.
At home, life is shared with her wife and their two energetic Australian Shepherds, who help keep things busy outside of training. And life is about to get even more exciting, as the couple prepare to welcome their first baby.
The Endurance Journey
Meg’s endurance journey began while she was studying at university. In her final year, she decided she wanted to challenge herself and signed up for her first marathon in 2014.
It didn’t take long before curiosity led her toward triathlon. Watching videos of Ironman races initially felt overwhelming, the distances seemed almost impossible.
But over time, the challenge became irresistible.
After navigating some health challenges, Meg returned to consistent training in 2019, focusing on triathlon and working toward completing an Ironman. Since then she has completed three Ironman 70.3 races and three full Ironman events, and it’s safe to say endurance sport has well and truly taken hold.
Training Life
Meg is fortunate to live in one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions, and one of her favourite sessions is heading out for a ride along the Queen Charlotte Drive.
With winding coastal roads and incredible views, it’s the kind of training environment that reminds you why you love the sport.
The sessions she enjoys a little less? Long pool swims.
Coffee is a must before training, although with a baby on the way she jokes that it may soon become both before and after.
And after a solid training session, nothing beats a simple classic: chocolate milk.
The Big Moment
Among several endurance achievements, one moment stands out, completing the 2024 Ironman.
The race conditions were far from easy, with a rough swim and strong 50km/h headwinds on the bike making it a tough day out on the course.
Despite the challenges, Meg kept a positive mindset throughout the race and focused on enjoying the experience.
“The conditions were extremely challenging, but I stayed positive all day and had such a fun time.”
Looking Ahead
Right now Meg is focused on a very different kind of endurance challenge.
At 34 weeks pregnant, she jokes that her current training goal is simply preparing for birth.
But the love for triathlon hasn’t gone anywhere.
Once she returns to training postpartum, the dream is to get back to the start line and complete another Ironman, with a goal of racing an Ironman 70.3 in 2027.
The TEAMCPNZ Difference
Meg joined TEAMCPNZ after hearing about the coaching and community through friends at work who had been coached by Richard for several years.
What stood out immediately was the friendly, encouraging culture and the genuine care the coaches show their athletes.
“The connection within the team and the supportive community is amazing. Even on race day, you might be cheering on someone you’ve never met before, but everyone is out there supporting each other.”
For Meg, that shared support and atmosphere is a huge part of what makes TEAMCPNZ special.
Advice for New Athletes
Meg’s advice for anyone considering endurance sport is simple:
If you have a goal – even if it feels scary – just start.
It doesn’t matter if your goal is an Ironman and you can currently only swim 100 metres, bike 5km or run 1km.
Every step toward that goal counts.
“Start the process and enjoy the journey.”
TEAMCPNZ
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