Coast to coast finisher: Amy Spence. Picture by Marathon-Photos.com. Copyright: &Copy; Coast to Coast
For Amy Spence, Sam Manson and Clare Webber, the Coast to Coast was much more than a challenging solo pursuit.
Spence, from Gisborne, had one of her best friends, Katie Edwards, as support crew, she had Stephen Sheldrake as coach and her family helped look after her two children, Toby, 7, and Madeline, 5.
Manson, a kayaking instructor and multisport coach from Christchurch, formerly from Wairoa, came second in the one-day elite race and said he enjoyed having his family there for the big occasion.
“My parents, Vicky and Peter, and my sister Rebecca travelled down to the South Island to support me,” he said.
Webber’s support crew comprised husband Jeremy Webber and children Sophie, 12, Eliot, 10, and Flynn, 5. Formerly from Gisborne and now from Taupo, she was coached by former Olympic and Commonwealth Games triathlete Sam Warriner.
“Being organised is really important, having a set training programme and trying to stick with it as much as possible, but also recognising the need to be flexible to change training if other commitments come up with the family,” Webber said.
Her husband put his own event goals on hold.
“I involve the kids as much as possible so that they can enjoy the journey, too, and understand why the training is important,” Webber said.
“It’s never a solo effort — there is a team behind every individual.”
Spence, 38, owns the Black Fig catering and events company. She would often work evenings and head to the great outdoors during the day.
“I haven’t got much of a social life,” she said.
But being so busy made her more organised at work.
The Coast to Coast was “achievable for anyone”, she said.
“The harder you train, the faster you go.”
Having competed in teams in previous years, Spence stepped up to the individual two-day challenge this year.
“It’s a big mental game, to get over the line,” she said.
Strong on the kayak, she found the mountain running frustrating at times and had to battle a strong headwind on the bike.
Spence finished in a time of 18 hours and 39 minutes, 35th in the field of 46 open women (18-39) and 56th female overall of 77.
“I was stoked to be there and tick off a big goal.”
Manson, 27, was in contention to win the elite race. Leading at one stage, and battling with eventual winner Dougal Allan and Australian Alex Hunt, Manson paid dearly for a lapse in nutrition on the kayak.
“I knew from the start that there was potential for me to take it out,” he said.
“I also respect the athletes around me a lot for their ability, having raced against them many times over the past seven years.
“I thought I had a strong chance until Dougal paddled away from me with 25 kilometres to go . . . he can bike faster.
“However, when I did get on my bike I rode hard, knowing that others were behind me and also that anything could happen to Dougal, whether it be a flat tyre or a reduction in energy.”
Manson said creating confidence was key.
“Sometimes I just have to get a little angry to create some fire but other times I have to remember how much work I have put into the season, and back myself.”
Manson had been building up to the event since May last year.
“I gave it everything out there and couldn’t have gone much faster.”
Webber, 43 this week, was 29th in the field of 77 women, finishing sixth in the veteran women’s division in 16:48.
“I’ve learned that negative self-talk is your biggest enemy,” she said.
“I’ve also learned to ignore other people’s expectations and, to a certain extent, ‘chatter’ about how tough or hard or impossible something might be.”
Sick the week before, she tried to take the pressure off herself by not thinking about the result.
“I started well, with a good initial run and ride, felt strong on the bike, and found my way into a good bunch. Then it was on to the run, which I knew was going to be my most challenging section of the race, and it was.
“It’s mentally a tough course, too. You’re scrambling over river rocks and crossing rivers constantly.”
She enjoyed the kayaking on Day 2 and the “sweet sight of the finish line”.
“I don’t think it’s out of reach for the average person, and there are heaps of really inspiring stories you hear before, during and after the event of people who have achieved what they or others might have thought was impossible.
“For me, training with a group of people is easier as it makes me more accountable.”
Manson recommended that people look at the course during the warmer months so they know what they’re in for.
Some rest and fun outdoor adventures were next for him.
“Then I’ll be working on a plan to develop myself so that next year I can race faster and get a better chance at the No.1 spot.”
Spence’s one piece of advice for people thinking about having a go?
“Just get out and do it. Get your entry in.”