The Spring Challenge all girls adventure race is something that’s close to our hearts and an event that we believe wholeheartedly in getting behind. The event was established by adventure racing legend and 3 x World Champion Nathan Fa’avae and his partner Jodie and as supporters of the event since the beginning (10 years and counting!), we’ve seen it grow from humble beginning to now be one of the biggest multisport events in the country.
The positive benefits are undeniable and taking part is often the first step in a greater journey for many of the women involved. By the end of 2016 approximately 10,000 Kiwi women will have taken on and achieved the Spring Challenge and the fact the South Island event cannot supply the demand for teams wishing to enter speaks volumes for the experience and kudos the participants are being rewarded with. No matter what your skill level you’ll be warmly welcomed into the family come race day.
“The Spring Challenge events are massive to organise, the logistics, the staff required, managing thousands of people, moving to a new location each year, it’s a herculean task. But when I greet teams crossing the finish line I’m reminded over and over again why we do it. Metaphorically, Adventure Racing lessons are life lessons. I know it’s cliche, but the journey the event takes many people on is life changing for some, and life altering for all. Women make significant sacrifices and efforts to be on the start line. I’ve heard stories of women shedding weight, increasing their self esteem, thriving being part of a team, the event has given them a refreshed purpose, it expands perceptions, breaks from routine. The participants learn new skills, try things they never thought they would and grow in confidence as they learn to navigate and complete an Adventure Race. As a mother of three children, I’m well aware of the role, the stresses, responsibilities and serving nature. Why I think the Spring Challenge has been so warmly received is because we’re saying to women – Stop, it’s time to do something for yourself, it’ll help you to be a better you, and it works, women are happier and healthier and the downstream effect filters to their relationships and families – that’s what I love about it.”
Jodie Fa’avae
This year we’re proud to continue our support of the South Island race and are excited to see the launch of the inaugural North Island edition of the Spring Challenge in Rotorua. We can’t wait to see more women take on the adventure racing challenge and hope that if you’re considering it, you’ll take the plunge and sign up next year!
We asked the Torpedo7 family to share some of their experiences from the event and you can read what they had to say below…
Torpedo7 staff
A number of our staff have taken up the Spring Challenge as a means to challenge themselves further or kick-start a new found interest in getting active and involved in the outdoors. With the Spring Challenge now running in the North Island we’ve got a number of teams entered and are looking forward to their stories after the event!
“I saw it as an opportunity to give something ago that I would have never tried before (I think the all women thing is pretty supportive,) and keep fit over winter. Also be pushed outdoors more when I generally just hibernate when it’s cold… I’ve seen myself get fitter and actually enjoy more things because of it e.g mountain biking/orienteering. There’s definitely a lot of skill and technical aspects involved but when you’re fitter you can actually focus on these more.”
Danielle
“Entering the Torpedo7 Spring Challenge has been the catalyst for a complete change of life style for me this year. It’s all been about the journey getting to Spring Challenge that I’ve really enjoyed – getting out there with my team and giving new stuff a go. In January I went for my first attempt at running since school days, and I only made it 200 meters before I had to stop and walk. I persevered and slowly increased the distance and last weekend I entered the Cambridge 10k run and came home in under 60mins! This time last year I never would have thought I could achieve that. Previously I never had any form of physical exercise built into my day to day routine, now I’m running 3-4 times a week and out on my new bike as often as I can.”
Elissa
“A good excuse to get out on more adventures. The excitement, adrenaline, and atmosphere of 1200 ladies racing with us last year made us come back for more in 2016! I never imagined i’d ever compete in an adventure race! Spring Challenge has totally changed that, as there are no barriers for participation. Golden bay 2016… and maybe one day Godzone! NO limits ladies!”
Michelle
Torpedo7 athletes
Our T7 Athletes are a pretty active bunch so it’s no surprise to see them mixing it up in the Spring Challenge. Last year team members Fleur Pawsey and Sophie Hart joined Susie Wood to lead home the 9-hour competitors in the event in Wanaka. Will they repeat their performance this year?
“Spring Challenge is a unique type of adventure, with so much girl power it really does stand out from the crowd.  The tension that usually lingers on the start line was replaced by excitement and energy as each team huddled together ready for a big day out in the hills. The day whistled by as everyone pushed on through the course – running, rafting, biking, trekking and navigating. Obstacles were overcome, fears were conquered, there were highs and lows and above all many memories and war stories were created! Crossing the finish line brought a true sense of achievement at the team work carried out to ensure you completed the challenge. The day ended with bodies tired and sore but faces full of satisfaction, smiles and a little bit of hunger building for the next challenge!”
Fiona Dowling
“Adventure racing  is so physically and mentally taxing, we open ourselves up to vulnerability when we ask so much of ourselves and our teammates. Every time I  race I confront my fears, again and again, and every time I finish with more confidence than before. ‘To expose your weakness, is to find your strength’.”
Emily Wilson
AUTHOR
James Mulcahy
Marketing & Sponsorship - Torpedo7
