After getting the late call up into Wellington based GODZone team ‘The Epics’, Coast to Coast recovery was cut short and a hurried buildup to GODZone ensued.
Arriving in Kaiteriteri the pre race preparation, formalities and carbohydrate overload went smoothly and before I knew it we were standing at the start line on Kaiteriteri beach nervously awaiting the starting hooter and the week of racing ahead.
Rather than providing an in depth of report of the stages and days that were to come (and there were a lot!) I have tried to summarise our race briefly in a series of memorable highlights and lowlights accompanied by some of the amazing photography captured by the international media that supported the event.
Lowlight: Any stage involving ‘swimming’ usually fills me with trepidation! Stage 1 consisted of coasteering around the Kaiteriteri shoreline. We got off to a slow start, getting caught in the bottleneck of teams coasteering around the shoreline after dropping a pfd earlier on the beach.
Highlight: Unlike some teams, we surfed in for a perfect beach landing on Rabbit Island thanks to our kayaking gurus Dean and James, arriving into transition in 12th place after a strong paddle.
Photo: Shutter Sport
Lowlight: Foggy conditions on the Red Hills made for difficult navigation and played a part in a navigation blooper costing us 6 hours, lots of extra climbing and set us a long way back in the field – ouch!
Photo: AJ Photo
Highlight: A quick St. Arnaud pie stop to fuel up for the coming Porika track mountain bike, orienteering at Lake Rotoiti and cold, dark Lake Rotoroa paddle in the coming few hours!
Highlight: Paddling the stunning Matakitaki River into Murchison. A few thrills and spills, but a lot of fun!
Highlight: Climbing to the summit of the spectacular Mt Owen as dusk approached. It’s often the sunrises and sunsets that makes the pain and sleep deprivation seem worthwhile.
Photo: AJ Photo
Highlight: The incredible local support we received throughout the race, in particular the school kids cheering is on during the final 140km ride to Totaranui. Thanks guys!
Highlight: Paddling through the Abel Tasman into the finish line on Kaiteriteri Beach after 5 days and 9 hours of adventure, having completed the full course in 25th place. Time to enjoy a well-deserved beer, and a nice hot shower!
Adventure racing is a tough but hugely rewarding sport that pushes comfort zones and redefines personal limits. GODZone 2016 didn’t disappoint! Alongside the highs and lows were plenty of learning points to take on board for next time. Thanks to all those who supported us and followed our ‘dot’ during the race, and to Torpedo7, Matty Graham from Exponential Performance Coaching, and Optimal Performance who enable me to make the start line fit and as well prepared as possible!
