You have to admire endurance athletes. They blend incredible fitness with an ability to believe in themselves beyond normal pain thresholds and physical limits. That's impressive.
This week we got the chance to tag along on a training run with Jason Low (age group champion from Challenge Wanaka last year), Tamsyn Hayes (fifth women's pro last year at Challenge Wanaka), Bob Norton (previous age group winner an Challenge Wanaka), Glen McSkimming (previous age group winner an Challenge Wanaka), Dick Geeves and Geoff Williamson. These guys tackle the seriousness of a 220km road ride with excited babble and playful jest, then they run 65km like it is just what you do with mates at the weekend. They complete the training weekend with no less than 5km of swimming – not including a session of dives off the pontoon in Lake Wanaka.
By the time Challenge Wanaka rolls around on January 18, 2014, these guys will be truly primed and we can just tell they're going to enjoy every kilometre of it.
Helping these guys to perform at their best is a product called Sweet Cheeks – an anti-chafing cream designed and made right in Wanaka by the lovely Jennie Taylor. We were lucky enough to meet Jennie and get a glimpse into all the natural ingredients that go into her products. Athletes rave about the properties of her Hot Cheeks, Butt Butter and Super Balm so check them out. We've started using the Butt Butter on our necks where the wettie grinds ... so far buttery smooth results.
Small waves on the south coast all week with a pulse on the north coast for Friday. Brave the rain ... it will be worth it.
See you out there ...
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