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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
