Sporting greats thrive on challenges

Frank Bunce (pictured) and Tawera Nikau have transformed their love of a challenge on the sporting field to everyday life.

Sinking a few beers after completing the New York Marathon, Frank Bunce and Tawera Nikau were on top of the world - it was the perfect time to pitch the idea of the Oxfam Trailwalker.

Many months later and that idea of attempting to walk 100km becomes a reality for the two New Zealand rugby (Bunce) and league (Nikau) greats.

Bunce and Nikau are part of the Achilles International team organised by good mate Peter Loft and his son Brennan and, after three months of arduous training, they feel like they are prepared to complete the marathon journey.

"We had a few beers after finishing the New York Marathon and Pete caught us as at a weak moment," said 44-year-old Nikau.

"We thought we could do anything after running 42km at an iconic event like the New York Marathon - 100km, well, it seemed like a good idea at the time."

"Yep we were all gung-ho after that marathon and thought 'Shit, what next?' and this is what came up," added the 49-year-old Bunce.

"It was definitely one of those 'good-ideas-at-the-time' moments and now we are heading into the total unknown.

"It is hard to say whether we are prepared for this because we haven't done anything like this before but that is what makes it exciting: the challenge."

Nikau, who recently played in the Legends of League Charity Match at Mt Smart Stadium fundraising for Christchurch, continues to live a full life considering he had his leg amputated after a motorcycle accident.

"My leg is fine - I can run and jog on it, no worries," said Nikau.

"It has been about getting conditioned to walking long distances and our training has me ready to take this on. We have done the hard yards and I have no doubt that we'll make it.

"Life is all about overcoming challenges and for me I guess I have had a few in the past few years but it is all about being positive and taking on a new challenge - it is fun and it keeps me going. "

Similarly for Bunce it is challenges like this that keep him active and inspired.

"It kills two birds with one stone," added Bunce.

"Firstly, it is obviously great to contribute and raise funds for organisations like Oxfam - that is really rewarding - but, secondly, when you retire from competitive sport there is a void in your life.

"These challenges are great at getting you really fit and focused on achieving a common goal."

The team has completed walks up to six hours, over all sorts of terrain and through the bush to be ready for the popular event.

"100km is a hell of a long way to walk so we made sure we've put in the hard yards to achieve it," said Nikau.

"This is a fantastic concept. They have 300 teams of four every year and about the same number of support crew to help along the way, so people really get behind it.

"I think the best thing about the Trailwalker is it's something that anyone can be involved in and achieve something pretty special."

And for the painful hours on the trail ahead there is a plan to keep the mood light among their mates.

"Buncey and I have plenty of funny stories to tell from our footy days which should help pass the time but it is a long time to be together - probably around 24 hours - so we need to keep everyone talking and up so we're positive till the end," said Nikau.

"The mental battle is going to be the toughest bit I think, we'll all go a bit mad," said Bunce.

Needless to say that finish line is going to be a great sight on the morning of Sunday, April 10.

"I had a look at the flyover of the course and, shit, it is a long way - we'll be buggered when we finish but it's going to be sweet," said Bunce.

"I am planning to have a chilly bin of cold beers at the finish line to sit back and think about how far we have come," added Nikau.

"That will be awesome knowing that all the sacrifices, the time training and the money we have raised - it was all worth it."