To compete in New Zealand’s largest multisport race, the Coast to Coast, is a goal I have had since getting involved in this sport a few years back. The past six months have seen me focus my training toward the two day event, seen as the launch pad for many athletes before tackling the what is known as the ‘Longest Day’ – the entire 243km from one coast to another in a single day of racing. After a long buildup, race day finally arrived – here’s my account of how it unfolded.

After a 4:30 am start to gulp down some breakfast, I found myself racking my bike before taking my place on the start line on Kumara beach. Just enough time for it to sink in that the race that hasn’t been far from my mind for the past six months was finally here, then the hooter went, and we were off. I took the short run up from the beach at a steady clip, not letting myself get carried away, but slowly moving forward in the field and knowing I would be happy to get on the bike in this position. A quick transition onto the bike, a couple of frantic minutes, and when things settled down I was pleasantly surprised to find myself sitting in the first bunch – something I hadn’t been expecting. I was able to relax a little and enjoy a free ride for 45km (thanks lads) and managed to get some gels and fluids on board. As we reached, Jacksons I got caught out in a dangerous position at the rear of the bunch, as the pace lifted slightly I was dropped off the back when it split. I worked hard to try and chase the bunch down, kicking myself for my mistake, but soon realised that they were gone. Fortunately it wasn’t long before I was picked up by a few other riders and we worked together until the Aickens transition, two minutes down on the first bunch and the leading female.

I’ve had the benefit of training regularly on the 33km Mingha Deception run route that the course then follows and I was relishing this section of the race. I found my legs within the first few kilometres and made good ground up the early part of the valley. Seeing Anna, the leading female, on the wrong side of the river as I ran by, I slipped into the lead and set about keeping a consistent steady pace. At Doreen Creek I had opened up a 3 minute gap, but it was about here that the effects of the cycle caught up on me, and as the valley steepened in the section known as Big Boulders, my legs stopped cooperating and I started to lose my composure, taking poor lines and struggling with my footing on the rocks. Anna came by and I was unable to follow, instead I was in survival mode until Goat Pass where I hoped I could recover coming over the top and put the hammer down on the run out. But it never happened, a recent knee injury I have been managing  flared up causing me some pain, taking my mind away from the race at hand. As the cloud burned off and the heat of the day set in I felt pretty cooked and was in the hurt box big time. A couple of big stacks on the roots to show for my fatigue. Hitting the river flats where I usually enjoy upping the tempo it was all I could do to suffer along at what felt like a snail’s pace. Finally making the finish line at Klondyke was a relief, and somewhat of a surprise to see I had come through the run in 4:20, slightly faster than I had in training, and pleased to be in second place, 7 minutes behind Anna.

Starting Day two, the first three women were within 15 minutes of each other, so I knew anything could happen. The 15k bike leg was set off in seeded waves of 10, I hoped I could stick with the boys in the bunch but with legs still on the burner from yesterday’s effort I was soon off the back, managing just to cling onto the next bunch that came through until Mt White. A slick transition into the boat (that practice was worthwhile – thanks crew!) saw me make up lost ground and I set about my work on the river. Having had a few trips through the gorge where a snorkel would have come in handy, a lot of time in the U2 and some adjustments to my setup in the prior month had seen me convert my doubt about this leg of the race into a quiet confidence, as I knew the features and lines in the gorge as well as anyone. Making it through the Rock Gardens amongst lots of traffic, I was paddling with the 3rd placed female, Shannon until the the top of the Gorge. Seeing her steady tempo drop off a little, I went past and hit the gorge feeling strong, picking off one paddler at a time while sucking on my delicious chocolate milkshake that was a last minute addition to my nutrition plan. Having come through every noteworthy feature, and starting to relax a little, a small lapse in concentration down the bottom saw me hard against a bluff and shortly after, taking a quick swim – gotta cool off somehow! I was pleased to pass Woodstock in good time and grind out those final k’s into the rising easterly, and began to mentally prepare myself for the final ride to Brighton.

Coming out of the water I was informed that Anna had put a couple of minutes into me but I had put some more time on Shannon and Natalie in 3rd and 4th. Onto the bike I found myself riding with one other competitior. As the luck of the draw would have it, we shared the workload between us for a steady 40km before we were finally able to latch onto a passing a bunch for a faster ride back to Brighton. Once again my legs were toast, and on the finish line I was satisfied I’d given it everything in the tank. Time to kick back, relax and enjoy the result.

All in all, I’m pretty satisfied with my race and to come away with second place in my first attempt. Plenty of things went right but I also have a lot to work on, leaving me excited about the improvements I can make for next time round! Most of all, I’m incredibly appreciative of all the support I recieved throughout my buildup and on race day – my parents, support crew and all the friends who encouraged me, gave me advice or put in the training yards with me, Matty from Exponential Performance Coaching, Torpedo7 with the best gear to keep me fully equipped for training and racing and Optimal Performance – thanks, I couldn’t have done it without you, and I’m looking forward to next time round already!