Training is easy when the sun is shining, the temperatures are warm and the daylight hours are longer. But with winter now officially here, the colder temperatures and darkness setting in before you even get home from work, enthusiasm and motivation can very easily waver.

So to help you remain inspired and passionate for your training and upcoming events, below are some strategies for you to try;

• Decent Kit! If you have good quality clothing, training in the colder temperatures or wet and windy conditions really is no problem. Put your layers on and get out into the elements – you know as soon as you get going you will warm up. And remember – you won’t melt in the rain! So head to your favourite outdoor clothing store and grab yourself a few essential items to keep you warm and safe.
• Feel Good Factor. You know how good you feel after any training session right?! So if you are feeling sluggish, think about how awesome you will feel after you have been out there and done it, and how good the hot shower will be when you get home.
• Make it an Adventure. It may be wet and windy…but that just adds to the challenge and fun of the session. Get those layers on and face the elements…push the boundaries (safely) and see how capable you are. You may just surprise yourself!
• Team up with your Mates. Keep yourself accountable by organizing to do your session with a mate. Or join in with a group. Training with others has many benefits so don’t feel you always have to go it alone. Check out the fun and friendly Team CP group sessions available every week; https://www.teamcp.co.nz/group-sessions/group-timetable/
• Stay Healthy. Respect your rest days and avoid over training and fatiguing your body. With winter ills and chills in the air, you are more likely to become unwell if your body is already run down. So train sensibly, keep warm, prioritize sleep (this is important!), fuel your body well and ensure you are getting plenty of the right nutrients on board to keep yourself fit and healthy.
• Make it a Journey. Training for an event is a journey so ensure you make it fun. Add variety into your sessions, explore new places, make a day of it with family or friends…this way you are creating a story and many awesome memories, making the end result of crossing that finish line so much more rewarding.

Winter is simply a season and we are fortunate to have such a varied climate that allows us to experience and enjoy such a wide variety of absolutely awesome activities. So embrace it, relish the extra challenge and continue doing what you love year round.

The Winter Worlds Workshops are split into two parts catering for those new to bunch riding & racing – Bunch Skills (Part 1) – and those who have Bunch racing experience: ‘Race Ready’ (Part 2).

This workshop is a PART 2 (‘RACE READY) and is delivered to you by Team CP and Odlin Cycle Coaching.

What you need: your bicycle and cycle clothing (cold weather gear if it gets inclement – postponement will occur if really bad & you won’t lose your payment).

The workshop covers:

Bunch riding skills: leading, following (how to “Scout, shout & point out”), how to rotate in a group & riding adjacent to others.
Sprinting & race tactics: rules of sprinting.

If you complete either Part 1 or 2 workshops you receive a $5 discount off full entry price every time you race Winter Worlds in 2018.

A champion team will always beat a team of champions – John McGrath

It’s been over two weeks now since we stood on the finish line of GODZone after 7days 3hrs 2min of racing in the wilderness of Fiordland. Most of the time it didn’t feel like a race, it was more an epic adventure, sometimes feeling like a game of survival. We stuck together, helped each other out and really became a team, which is what got us to the end. The race was so long and some bits are still blurry that this is just a summary of the race.

When the planner (with what the race would involve) was released it was clear that GODZone was going to be truly epic. It scared me, the enormity of what we were about to take on. The only way I made it though the race was focusing on one leg at a time and often I broke these into even smaller stages. Before the race we had a quick team talk about our goals, strategies and what everyone wanted out of the race. This was really good as it put everyone in the team on the same page. Our main goal was to finish the full course and to focus on racing our own race.

 Stage 1 – Packraft, trek and Abseil 110km

The start line with the team and our awesome supporters (team parent)

We started the race with a run in Te Anau and a packraft paddle down the lake and Waiau river. Then it was into a trek. I wasn’t feeling so great so boys took some of my gear to lighten the load. The night before starting I hadn’t slept well and had ended up throwing up, which was not a great start, I think it may have been nerves. We made it smoothly through the trek to the abseil. I have never done an abseil at night or one of 100+ meters, so this was an epic experience. I have heard that it was much more scary in the daylight.

We had an interesting packraft down the Monowai River in the dark and enjoyed the company of the Bend Racincg / Yogaslackers team. We couldn’t see very well which made it more exciting. We were then dark-zoned before getting on the next section of river, which worked well for us as we had already planned to sleep.

Stage 2 – Mountain bike and caving 55km

It was nice to off our feet and onto the bikes. I really enjoyed the caving and thought it was a cool thing to do in the race. It involved a compulsory two hour stop so once we had been though the cave we all enjoyed some food and a chance to dry our feet off. Then we were off to finish the bike leg.

Stage 3 – Packraft and trek 150km

This leg was massive and slow with lots of bush bashing. Navigation was important as well as looking after ourselves, especially our feet. We knew we were battling in the top 20 teams but just continued to focus on our own race. Our navigation went well mostly with minimal mistakes (CP 17 didn’t go well for us). To get through such a massive leg I just focused on small section at a time, often this would be thinking about when we would be in a packraft next.

We were dark-zoned after the paddle across Lake Hauroko so a lot of teams regrouped here and essentially the race restarted in the morning with a packraft on the Wairaurahiri River. This was one of my highlights along with other packrafting legs on lakes and rivers.

After a big bush bashing adventure there was a long tough slog (roughly 55-60km) out along the coastal track. We managed to get a chunk of it done in the dark before crawling under some bushes for some sleep. After 4ish hours we were off again slogging it along the track. We had to keep pushing forward; we spent all day on this track with our feet getting more and more painful. It was tough. We were rewarded slightly at the end with a gorgeous sunset behind us looking back at where we had come from (which was miles away). Everyone was in the hurt box in this section and all we could do was go forward.

It was dark by the time we finally made it to the transition. It was amazing as our parents and supporters were all there waiting and cheering us on. It gave us a good boost. It felt so great to be there and to have survived that trek.

Stage 4 – Mountain bike 155km

Road riding section

I was so excited to see my bike. We had a slow transition but still managed to get out and get some of the leg done before settling down for a sleep. We really tested our gear here as we didn’t put the tent up and then it started to rain. The water resistant sleeping bags paid off as we stayed dry. We biked though Rowallen Forest; did a big road section and then the good stuff came. The Borland road and Percy Saddle. I enjoyed the first big climb, we chipped away at the climb well, the decent was wicked and the views great. Once we got onto the climb to Percy saddle it was more hard work. We pushed our bikes up most of the steep climb, it kept feeling like we were getting closer to the top but then we got to the real hike-a-bike section. This was hard work scrambling through the bush over big rocks while carrying our bikes. I was definitely feeling pretty tired at this point (so were others as well) but we just worked on chipping the final part of the climb off. I put my bike on my shoulders to carry it when possible. When we finally made it to the top we were stoked! It was super satisfying, we were there just in time to catch the view before the sun set. It was incredible, then we enjoyed going downhill to the transition.

We were super surprised and excited to see Tom and Levi’s Dads at the transition. They had been on their own adventure to get there. This transition was pretty slow, everyone just slumped for a bit feeling a bit tired and enjoyed eating chips. Eventually progress was made and we got through the transition.

Stage 5 – Kayak 14km

We made slow progress on this leg, it was dark and hard to see much. I really struggled to stay awake(Sorry guys!), I took double caffeine tablets to try and stay awake but it just wasn’t really working. I hoped the trek would wake me up.

Stage 6 – Trek 28km

There was a nice warm hut at the start of the trek where we took the time to look after our feet. Glen had trench foot and Levi was starting to develop it also which was not great. We bush bashed our way up the river for a couple of hours before deciding to get some sleep. I was feeling a bit dizzy so sleep was a relief. Two hours later I woke up on the morning of day 7 and decided it was time to go home but first we need to finish this trek and a paddle. We continued to bush bash up along the river. Tom carried Glen and Levi across any water to try and keep their feet dry and to prevent the trench foot getting worse. For awhile we were joined by Bend racing/yogaslackers (who we thought were way in front, but had taken a bad route choice) and enjoyed chatting to them before going our separate ways. It felt like it took forever to climb up to Lake Herries but the terrain we covered was really interesting.

Lake Herries – One of my favourite spots in the race

We were 10-15metres away from the Lake and we couldn’t see it. We were all stoked to finally make it to the Lake and were surprised to see Braden Currie and his Dad there. We then paddled across the lake which was one of my highlights being in such a cool location. We saw a team (Bend racing/Yogaslackers maybe) just behind us so we put the pressure on climbing up to the saddle. The saddle was awesome and from there it was a slow slog out along the river. Downhill was a lot more painful on the trench foot and an injury Glen developed, so it was slow going. We took weight out of Glen’s pack to take the weight off his feet. It felt like it took a really long time walking out. Everyone just kept going. Not far before the transition we saw lights behind us, it turned out The Sneaky Weasel Gang had caught us and our teams both arrived at the transition at the same time. The paddle was dark zoned so we had our last sleep. This trek was challenging but I really enjoyed the scenery.

Stage 7 – kayak 35km

We got up in the morning ready to paddle home. The Sneaky Weasel Gang managed to get away just before us on the paddle; we never managed to catch them and enjoyed a paddle on flat water to the finish. It felt amazing to make it to the finish line after such an epic adventure. It felt satisfying to make to through the entire course. It challenged you mentally and physically, it was the toughest thing I have ever done. We managed to finish 10^th overall (only 25 teams finished the full course out of roughly 72 teams that started) which we were stoked with (and we all wanted to make the top 10 if things went well). We also took out first place in the Colts category, and were the youngest team in the race again.

I didn’t know how it would go training for two-day Coast to Coast and GODZone as they are two very different races, overall I’m stoked with how it all went and am not sure what the next big challenge will be. Really it’s time for a rest and Richard has prescribed 6 weeks off training. Of course I can still go out and have fun so I’m hoping to ride down some hills on my mountain bike. I want to say a massive thank you to my teammates, Mum, Dad, James (my partner) and Richard Greer. James has put up with months of training, going to work while I go paddling, me being tired from training and has supported me heaps along this journey. My parents have always supported me and I could never have achieved my dreams with out them. Thanks Richard for setting me a good program and putting up with my always-changing study and life timetable. Our team had the help of some great sponsors – Gurney Goo, Duncan Venison, Hilary Foods and Awaken Bars. Their support helped us through the race; we went through a lot of Gurney Goo and it helped to keep our feet in great shape. Last of all thanks to all the friends who have supported both myself and the team along the way.

We did it!

Great to be sitting on the ferry in the Awatere plus lounge (free food, including lamingtons, and drink) on the way home. All good for recovery I am lead to believe.

I have had a great time at IMNZ, spent with Leah, friends, supporters and all other competitors.  The atmosphere at the race and around town, Iron Town –  Taupo Town is incredible.  It gets into your skin.

I can look back on the last 12 months and feel very satisfied.   I have nursed my achilles all year, and it hasn’t let me down. I have been lucky, but also managed my luck.  Training has always gone to plan. Pre build up racing went well.

My race went to plan. ‘My “A” Goal of 12.5 hours was always going to be tough, so to come in at 12:37 was a thrill I can’t explain, especially when I felt I struggled on the run. But like all struggles it needs putting in perspective. All other goals of improvement in each leg were achieved. Some significantly

I had an incredible swim, at 1.57 per 100 m and swimming 3870 m I could not have done any more. 1hr 15.  Big gain, 25 mins.  It was a battle out there for a big part of it with some swimmers consistently climbing up over me. Goggles off, arms and legs everywhere. Still, I hope that is never changed. It’s like nothing else in sport I have been involved with, and of course I started right near the front.  ?

The bike was consistent.  I tried to stick to 190 watts. Good speed at that without too high a heart rate. Leg one went really well, as did leg two. The third leg was out into a head wind and it showed with many suffering a wee bit more, including me.  Leg 4 I consolidated, not worrying about passing people, just ensuring I still came in about 5hr:50.  That’s a 20 minute gain on last year, so more than enough without being greedy and paying the price.

Transitions were good, and I started running well, maybe too good. That downhill start to the run, the crowds, the adrenaline from the last 10k downhill bike into town all kick in and make you feel bullet proof. Soon though it all changed, I felt dry, but I had was drinking and eating heaps. I wanted to lie down on the grass and go to sleep. I wanted to give up.  Can’t explain why, it was awful.

But I kept going, Leah came past on the bike encouraging me, with msgs of support from family. I needed that reminder. By 30 km and the last lap, it was a bit cooler, but still warm, and I was home ward bound, knowing I had a great overall time to protect. It got me home, along with the support from Leah and my friends, but the people of Taupo as well. 5hr 8 mins. Another PB for me.

Unbelievable to run up that Red carpet, high five’s from the crowd as well as Iron Mike who was calling the finish as I crossed the line.  Great celebration on the carpet. I earned it.  !

Why was it so hard, well when I look back, it’s simple.

I trained well, prepared well, ate and drank well.  I believe I did everything I could. No excuses. My story is like many others, and it was neat to share these experiences with others afterwards.

But it’s a race against the clock and more importantly myself, and I went bloody hard.

It’s a tough race.  That’s why they call it Iron Man.

Thanks every one for your support as always. It really does help.

A week off now with some light exercise and walks. I had a nice swim on Sunday, and will do yoga and a massage over the next week to help recover.

Looking forward now to racing with my Family, 70.3, Busselton. WA in May.

Goal for the next one – easy.  Blow it out of the park!!

Cheers Grant.

What event are your training for and what is your goal?

Iron Man 1/2 Taupo 2018 & Challenge Wanaka 1/2 2019 (sub 5 1/2 hours) – AND eventually a full Iron Man! Under 12 hours (at least) – because that’s the battery life of my Garmin.

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?

Wanting to complete an Iron Man. A super tough endurance race that includes swimming (the part that I least suck at of the three disciplines).

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?

I was supposed to go support a friend at Challenge Wanaka and decided I wanted to be part of the event. I tried to find team mates, but 3 days before registration cut off it was proving difficult, so decided to bite the bullet and just try the full thing as an individual. I gave myself 3 weeks to train – hadn’t been on the bike in 2 years, hadn’t swam for about 12 years. I got across the finish line, loved it and got addicted to the feeling of pushing myself. It seems crazy as the only real ‘background’ I have was a sprint swimmer as a child where the average race was 30-60secs – compared to endurance racing it’s been a bit of a jump.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?

I have three that have stuck with me. Challenge Wanaka 1/2 2017 – because it was what set me on this mission of trying new things and to eventually (hopefully) completing a Full Iron Man. CHCH Marathon as I set myself a super challenging goal, determined not to sell myself short and managed to achieve it – with 46 seconds to spare! However the one I’m most proud of was my first ever Ocean Swim race with Fit & Abel. I remember (figuratively) shitting myself sitting on the shore at Corsair Bay. I had put on my wetsuit earlier that day and went for my first ever swim in the ocean – which hadn’t exactly been a confidence booster – in fact I didn’t even make it more than 10m or 4 strokes without having a panic and stopping so it seemed ridiculously stupid to attempt the 2km race (you see I hadn’t left enough time to ‘ease’ my way into it – it was a LITERALLY sink or swim situation). I remember watching them putting the buoys out thinking holy moly that’s a long way… then left dumbfounded when I realised that was only 500m and I had to do 4 laps. I was so sure the lifeguards would be rescuing me in a matter of seconds. Thankfully after 20 seconds or so of freaking out, I settled found a rhythm and completed the 2km. It wasn’t a huge or flashy event, and it wasn’t about the time or the placing but one of my favourite events as it was the first time I had completely thrown myself outside my comfort zone – which has resulted in me taking other leaps of favourites and lead to a whole heap of amazing adventures.

What is your favourite training ride/run/kayak/swim etc?

Can’t beat Purau return (on a nice day, and out of Magpie season). And anything and everything in Wanaka.

Who is your biggest fan?

My parents who have to support me no matter what. Or my best friend Claire who has been super supportive on the sidelines of all my events so far. Although her side line support might turn to along-side support very soon as I drag her through these events with me. 😉

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?

I have a few that typically get me through tough times: “He who says he can, and he who says he can’t, are both usually right”, “Pain is temporary” “Great things never come from comfort zones” “Our greatness weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is to always try just one more time.” OR It’s more of a theory then a quote. Navy Seals have a theory that “When you’re body thinks its done, your typically only at 40% of what you are capable of”. – I always remind myself when the body wants to stop that if it was life or death I really have another 60% left.

What is your favourite recovery food?

Chocolate Milk + Onion Rings + Cheesecake. 3 Essential Post Race Food Groups. Not in the same mouthful

Day one

Everything was ready to go, I was ready to take on the Coast to Coast. It would be about giving it everything and trying to do it as fast as possible. I often feel, at the start of a race, that I should have done more training but for once I felt like I had done everything I could.

The Start – 2.2km Run

Somehow, I found myself in the front row getting ready to go. I felt proud to be standing next to a close friend of mine; she was doing the team event. Many years ago, I never would have imaged us standing on this start line together.

Then we were off. It was carnage with people pushing to get off the beach and over the rocks. I was pushing the run and then settled into a good pace. I was huffing and puffing when I entered the transition and found my bike. Running shoes off, bikes shoes on and I pushed my bike out of the transition, jumped on and was off. I had a smooth transition and did my shoes up once I was on my bike.

55km Cycle

I got a bit carried away starting on the bike as I was trying to make it to a good bunch. I drafted off a tandem team for a while in a small bunch that grew bigger and bigger over the ride. I kept hydrating and smashed down three Gels over the ride to make sure I kept my energy levels up for the run. A massive bunch caught up to ours, after which it was a bit crazy. You had to be super careful of other people. I am best at hill rides rather than flats so this ride suited me, but it got frustrating on some of the climbs as the bunch would slow down a lot and then start accelerating closer to the top.

We crossed the railway line and I knew we were close to the transition. I went through what I needed to do in the transition in my head, remindin

g myself that ‘smooth is fast and fast is smooth’ and that is how the transition went. I racked my bike, leaving my road shoes with it. I spotted my support crew and then my shoes and bag were on and I was off. I had practiced for the first two transitions, which definitely payed off.

32km Run

I slowly ran out of the transition smashing down part of banana. I felt really slow, so I focused on my race plan to start slow and ease into the run. I did not feel great so concentrated on getting to the first bridge, then the first river crossing and to keep moving forward. It was discouraging having lots of guys passing me, but I just stuck to my plan. One female in my category passed me early on and I just let her go. Not knowing how I was placing at that point I was surprised more females were not passing me.

I started feeling better further into the run. Along the way, I talked to some people and decided to ask everyone where they were from. By the end of the day, I had meet people from Wellington, Queenstown, Fairlie and Napier among others. Before I knew it, I was at Dorreen Creek – nearing the beginning of my favorite sections. I filled up my soft flask and managed to lose the lid. This was not good as I was planning to carry water in it on the bottom run section.

I kept going and continued drinking from the river. I enjoyed the boulder section and caught up to some people here and got stuck behind others. Eventually, I caught up to the chick that passed me. I sat behind her for a while before making a move past and heading up the hill climb to the hut.

At the top of the hill, I was looking forward to the downhill. I was feeling good at this point and flew down the hill, having lots of fun. Luckily a competitor was kind enough to lend me a spare soft flask which saved me as otherwise I would have had a limited water supply. I kept ticking points off and was glad to get up and over Dudley Knob. I enjoyed the technical sections and found that this was where I was catching people.

Before knowing it, I was onto the riverbed and getting closer to the end. My training had paid off as I was still running strong on the final sections, but struggled on the very last section and was pleased to make it to the finish, totally shot. Day one done – I was pleased with how most of the run went, but did not make the 4hrs 30 minute time I would have liked. I finished in 3^rd place, which was exciting, but knew I had my work cut out to hold this place.

Day Two

It was hard to get up for the start of day two. I was feeling a bit tired and sore; it reminded me of how it feels every time you wake up from sleeping during GODZone. I made it to the start line, looking forward to the paddle.

15km Cycle

We started with a nice short cycle to warm up. Competitors were broken into waves and set off at 1min intervals. I started in the same group as the 4^th placed chick who finished close to me on day one. I had a good cycle, enjoying some quick climbs, although it was hard work as I pushed it on the ride. Then I was off my bike and running down the hill to Mt White bridge pushing my bike. It is surprisingly challenging running down the hill pushing a road bike and I really wanted to ride it.

67km Kayak

My kayak transition was not the quickest, and running along the river in my mountain bike shoes wished I had changed into my booties just before the rocks. I finally made it to my kayak and spotted that the flag was still on the end. I was getting ready to go and spotted the 5^th place chick! I focused on myself, she got off before me but I made sure to get my drinking system set up correctly. Then I was off.

I was not sure about my placing at this point and focused on my paddling and my race plan – to get to, and through the rock gardens. It was not long until I saw the chick that passed me. I slowly caught up to her and then caught another chick who had snuck past me in the transition.

I made it through the rock gardens safely and to the start of the gorge. I enjoyed the gorge, making sure I picked good lines. I got my heart rate up going through Hamilton Rapid and was happy with my line choice, sneaking down the left line and avoiding the rough stuff. Allthe way, I sipped on tailwind and a yummy berry smoothie to keep me fueled. I knew there was a female on my tail and just had to keep moving forward. Sometimes I took safer, rather than fast lines, but everything was going pretty smoothly.

Eventually I was hanging out to get to Woodstock, once there I knew there was not far to go (15km). I tried to picking up the pace, but was not super successful although I was making ground on a lot of guys during this section. What I did not know was that somewhere on the paddle I passed the female who came first on day one. I made it to the Gorge Bridge and was glad to get off the water.

70km Cycle

I had a smooth transition onto the bike, and was off ready to tackle the final leg. I knew I had my work cut out for me, as I was still being chased. I hoped to get a bunch, which I did for the first half of the cycle. It was going well, until another bunch caught up to ours. Then our system started to fall apart, with holes starting to form. I was dropping from the front to the back when things fell apart for me. The back was a mess, with lots of holes and I ended up getting dropped. Everyone was pushing hard not to lose the group, but I just could not get back on the end of the bunch!!

It was not good, another guy also got dropped and we worked together for the final sections of South Eyre Road and into Christchurch. It was slow going with just two of us into the headwind. We were maybe 10-15km to the finish when a bunch caught us and there were two individual females – eck. I jumped on knowing that I had to stay on this bunch to try to hold onto a podium finish. I knew there was not long to go. We picked up a few more people who had dropped from the big bunch and then entered the final 1km and this was it. I stumbled off my bike, dropping it and ran up the finishing chute at the same time as another female. I had made it, 243 km over two days from the west to east coast. It was finally over, the training had definitely paid off and it felt nearly like the end of a journey. I scraped into 3^rd place female individual; taking it by just 2 minutes. It shows that small things can matter (I’m glad I didn’t get a puncture on the final ride!)

With my awesome support crew. Thanks guys!!!

Well it’s not really over yet, I am taking it easy at the moment, recovering and preparing to race GODZone at the end of the month. It has been challenging training for both and soon time will tell if I have been successful in that. Then the journey will be over, I will take a holiday from training and racing and start a new challenge and stage of my life starting a new full time job (after finishing study). For now, I just need to make it to the start line.

The training is pretty much over. With less that a week to go until Coast to Coast, the excitement is starting to build up. It has been a long time coming and I am now well into tapering. I’m just doing a few shorter sessions and focusing on getting the body ready to race and sorting the final pieces of gear and food. I am looking forward to getting off the start line and seeing what I can do and I’m sure many other people are as well.

One thing to remember is that the race is only one part of the journey. The first achievement is to overcome challenges to make the start line. My build up has gone reasonably well, some weeks have been good with everything on Training Peaks turned green and others a mess where I have had to adapt to the weather and people, to make training on the course happen. Some days it was easy to get out training and others not so much, but the drive of my race goals would eventually get me out the door. I have kept working on my paddling, wanting to get more confident in my kayak. I’ve enjoyed the adventures of running through Goats Pass and paddling the Waimakariri River. Sometimes it’s worth taking a moment to slow down and it enjoy those amazing environments.

So now is the time to trust my training and the journey I have had to get to the start line. I need to trust that it will get me though the race, when things get tough just focus on moving forward, or as Richard would say just focus on getting from one point to the next. Overall, the most important thing to remember is to have fun!

The other weekend I completed the Red Bull Defiance that is set in the hills surrounding Wanaka – what a brutal course with so much climbing and in hot conditions. This is a two person team event where you need to do the entire course together supporting each other through the ups and downs.

The last stage was a 28km “run” that had 1700 metres of elevation gain in it (that is a lot of up in the hot sun).  The final 6kms of this was on the flat around the lake to the finish line and this bit sounds like the easy section but oh no.  We knew that the finish line was just there but we were so far away and it felt like we would never make it.  We were going so slowly and had completely had enough by that time.  The landmarks crawled by and I was starting to believe that we would be actually running this track FOREVER!!!

But we did make it and as I write this 4 days later it doesn’t seem so bad – it didn’t actually take that long to get to the finish line.

So when you are at your next event and you have totally had enough and are in the middle of struggle street these things might just help to get you to the finish line without throwing your toys…

• Set small achievable targets – just run to that big tree and then I’ll reassess.  The worse that you are feeling the closer the target is. Progress = Success
• keep moving – walking is fine, running is even better and heck crawling is okay too but just don’t stop as you will be out there forever.
• Distract yourself – what else can you see, what else can you think about.
• Celebrate each target – have a drink, pat yourself on the back, give yourself an internal well done.
• Put the distance into reality especially if you haven’t done the track before – okay so it is 6kms to go – that is the same as me running around to the ice-cream shop and back – I can do that.
• Think about all the important people in your life that are wanting you to do well and keep putting the effort in for them
• Check your technique – how is your posture, how are you moving.  This is something that you can control – good technique will help to get you there faster
• How is your nutrition – Have you have a drink or something to eat recently?
• High five an official or member of the public – if you give a bit out you will get some encouragement back (this does become difficult when you can’t lift your arms above the height of your waist).

And finally when you do make it make sure that you pick the pace up over the final 100m so you look good as you cross the finish line!

What event are your training for and what is your goal?
My ultimate goal is the 1/2 Challenge Wanaka and then onto the age group worlds Sprint and Olympic Distance Triathlon worlds in September.

What it is your motivation for wanting to achieve this?

Initially it was just to complete Challenge Wanaka but this has evolved into a lifestyle where I am enjoying training and racing and the bonus is that it also keeps me sane…

What is your background and how did you get into your sport?

I was a sycronised swimmer in my youth and won a number of national titles in my native Holland.  When I moved to New Zealand I got into cycling and worked up to the point of being selected for the NZ National team in 2007.   During this time I did a lot of training with a friend who was preparing for the Taupo Ironman, naturally this got placed on the bucket list.  Now i am enjoying the new challenge of triathlon and  ticking some of these things off.

What is your favourite event/or training mission so far?

I love hills so the Corsair Classic event in the weekend was really cool and any riding around the port hills!

Who is your biggest fan?
Izzi (my 7 year old) – it is so awesome to have her in my corner cheering me on!

Do you have an inspirational quote that you would like to share?
Believe in yourself and the work that you do – the time and effort that you put in will pay off.

What is your favourite recovery food?
A nice refreshing green smoothie, after all I am a vegan plant powered athlete!!