A month after having completed my biggest physical challenge to date – the Kathmandu Coast to Coast – I thought it timely to see if I could dredge up some memories and thoughts from this epic event.
On February 9th and 10th Moss and I ran, cycled and kayaked our way 243km from Kumara Beach on the West Coast of New Zealand over to New Brighton Beach on the East Coast through some of the best scenery that our country has to offer. I am definitely experiencing some post event blues and starting to wonder what meaning my life will take after this. I think this is more of a “What Next?” feeling and the need to have some kind of physical challenge to focus on. The Coast to Coast has been on my list of challenges for so long now that it feels somewhat surreal that it is all over. I could give you a blow by blow account of the race and there will be some of that as no good race report would be complete without some details. What I am going to do instead is give you a list of my highs and lows and a picture of the physical and mental roller coaster that was my experience of the Coast to Coast. Low Lights Day 1: (2.2km run, 55kkm cycle, 33km mountain run)
While day 1 was over and all I wanted to do was chill out, lie down and eat, there was plenty to be done to get ready for day 2. We had a wash in the river and put on clean clothes and started sorting out our gear. We got our kayaks and bikes ready for the next day, organised our nutrition and had a run through with our support crew. By then it was dinner time, some more last-minute organising and off to bed! I enjoyed camping and the atmosphere of Kumara Racecourse the night before the race and also at Klondyke Corner in the middle of Arthurs Pass. It was great being surrounded by so many like minded and friendly people. There were a lot of things I would do differently next time, such as better air mattresses, better cooking facilities and maybe a solar shower! Maybe even a camper… Day two dawned and soon enough it was time to get up and get ready for the final challenge! I was very nervous about how my body and energy levels would hold up and worried that I wouldn’t have the mental strength to push through when times got tough. I am very thankful that Moss and I were competing in the tandem event because we had each other there the whole way to reassure each other and talk through those moments of hurt and doubt. Low Lights Day 2: (15km cycle, 1km run down a gravel road with our bikes, 70km Grade 2 paddle, 70km cycle)
Total Time: 14 hours 45 minutes 06 secs The Kathmandu Coast to Coast 2018 was an incredible experience and one I will never forget. I don’t think I am quite done with the race just yet and know that I will be back someday – I have a little score to settle with that Mountain Run!
0 Comments
|
CaHi, I'm Carolyn. Follow my journey as an Everyday Athlete trying to experience life in it's fullest. Archives |