Nothing to Do!

As you may have already worked out, Chantal and myself are very active these days. Not only do we go to the gym/swimming pool three times a week, go on regular training runs, but during the winter we both play two games of hockey a week. Then there are the summer sports and activities. I still play cricket but my enthusiasm has wained due to wanting to do so many other things (surfing, bike rides, soaking up the rays whilst enjoying a beer, etc.). In fact, I choose to play in only half the games now.

We’ve also tried our hands at new sports. For three months, during springtime, Chantal tried her hand at rowing. She showed real dedication by getting up before dawn to go to Kerrs Reach (just a 5 minutes cycle away) to train on the ERGs and, then when it was light enough trained on the water. It was a steep learning curve for her crew, and after that first session on water, the one hit wonder known as Yazz would have said, "the only way is up." On that first occasion, they drifted across the river into the far bank before zig zagging their way up the river. Nevertheless, they stuck at it and improved beyond recognition. Come regatta day, though, Chantal ended up coxing her crew of eight due to injury! I think she is planning to participate again next year and with luck if she stays injury free will row.

However, the sport that has really grabbed us is multisport. I’m sure most of you know what triathlons are: swim. cycle & run. However, there are many other combinations (run, kayak, & cycle being one). See an earlier blog for one that Chantal did called the Spring Challenge that involved mountain biking, white water rafting & trekking/running.

Ultimately, my aim is to complete the Coast to Coast race (http://www.coasttocoast.co.nz/). This is a 243 km race that starts on the west coast of the South Island and crosses the Southern Alps before fininshing on the east coast on Sumner Beach, Christchurch.