Multisports: Bowler doesn't mind being tail end Charlie

Wayne Bowler compares notes with Aaron Carter, of Total Sport, at the Hunua 2011 event.

Wayne Bowler is the definition of a weekend warrior.

He has completed more than 50 total sport events, mostly marathons, and always comes in the top two at the wrong end of the field, always finishing with a smile.

The 45-year-old accountant, who played senior rugby as a prop and now plays social touch rugby, has competed in about 20 Auckland XTERRA events since the Riverhead Forest event in May 2008.

"It's hard to get out for a run through the winter so having events every three weeks keeps you motivated," said Bowler, who is proud to be a tail-end Charlie.

"Running through new forests on a different course - although they always seem to find an extra hill to throw at you - is great. Plus, it's great to catch up with everyone as there are plenty of familiar faces at the start line."

Bowler said the XTERRA events were now three times the size they were when he began.

"As an ex-front row forward I don't tend to make much impact on the front end of the field. For me, it's about getting out there, going as hard as I can and enjoying the day. I do have a competition with my mate Rob where he spots me a good bit of the time. Often the trip home is spent calculating who won on our handicap system."

But for Bowler the series is more about camaraderie than competing. "I have made a number of friends that I look out for at each event, not to mention the total sport team, who are always full of encouragement.

"At most events you end up plodding along with someone and having a chat about the run and how good the sausage and beer will be at the end. Even with the increased numbers, the off-road people seem to be a very friendly bunch."

For Aaron Carter from Total Sport, it is people like Bowler who make the XTERRA Series special.

"They support what we do, and are a big part of the total sport community that has developed over the years. Without these loyal supporters, we're all out looking for new jobs. Wayne is a trooper, he always wants to do the longest trail run option at each of the events, and we've had some great times with him over the years."

But Bowler says people shouldn't follow his training programme.

"I would not recommend that anyone follow my example, as I tend to only run once a week on the weekends. I am lazy when it comes to training so when I do go out, I try and make the most of it, running 20-30km at a time. I also do so many events each year [usually 20+] including 8-10 marathons. I rely on the events to get me fit for the next event."

Bowler's tip for newcomers: It's very different from running on the road as you have to concentrate on where you put your feet. I enjoy off-road running more than pounding the streets. If you are going to do a number of events, a good pair of off-road shoes is worthwhile as there always seems to be plenty of mud.