Along with Shannon and I, there were 3 other friends racing- Jason and Kerryn and Elliot. All Kiwi's we have got to know whilst in London. As the 2 foreigners the support from their family and friends was much appreciated throughout the day.
About 1000 competitors entered the race, with 39 countries represented. For the first time Shannon Phillis was entered as a Brit. There were 48 couples 'racing', and the oldest person was 73 years old. As an event it's a wonderful spectacle- people of all ages from around the world coming together to complete a race that has required a year's training and dedication.
The Pasta Party
Two nights before the race the organisers host a pasta party and welcome to Taupo. It's a fun night to meet some other competitors and generally relax. I use the term competitor & race guardedly as one a few of the actual athletes are racing- trying to win the age group and earn a place at Kona, Hawaii, later in the year.
The local Maori Iwi performed a traditional dance for us. Obviously we were all thinking about the race but the addition of the local history / culture is what makes the NZ race so special.
Mixed Emotions
The few days before the race are full of mixed emotions- excitement, nerves, anticipation. Entering the town of Taupo a few days previously made the whole thing very real. We all started to question if we had trained enough, worked on our bikes or run sufficiently.....Needless the say the time drags on a little but the thing you know it's only a few hours beofre the race- that's when you have to focus....
Staying focused
Before any race it's good to remain focused on the race ahead- especially such a long race. Up at 5.00 to prepare for a 7am start all was going to plan. Imagine the shock to fine the floor of the flat flooded within 5 minutes due to a leaky water pipe. It was a welcome distraction before the start.
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