Fleur Pawsey - CP Sponsored athlete

What is your background?

I don’t have much of a sporty background at all – in fact I used to hate PE class at school! But I grew up on a hill country farm with very fit and active parents and an outdoorsy older brother, so it was normal to spend spare time outside riding bikes, horses, swimming in the creek etc. I feel very lucky to have had that sort of upbringing!

How did you get into multisport?

I had a friend whose boss talked him into entering Coast to Coast. He needed a team runner; I put my hand up. That was my first multisport race of any kind. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Steve Gurney passed me on Brougham St – he was on his way to winning the Longest Day, while I was struggling in to come home almost last in the two day mixed teams event! For some reason I wasn’t put off and have been an addict ever since.

Name 3 key results that you are most proud of

My best results are winning the Coast to Coast Longest Day in 2007 and being in the runner up team at the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge for two years running. I’m proud of them, but I felt proudest when I completed the Longest Day for the first time. It seemed like such a step into the unknown, the thought of it scared the heck out of me, and it felt unreal to make it to the finish line.

What is your favourite race and why?

For multisport, probably Coast to Coast because of the technical nature of the course. For running, the Tararua Mountain Race. It’s a rugged course where conditions can be quite extreme, and it’s almost always a race against the elements rather than the other competitors. A true adventure!

What is your favourite training food?

It varies – at the moment I think it’s honey sandwiches made with toasted Dovedale rice & chia bread (I have Coeliacs Disease so have followed a gluten free diet for the last 11 years).

What are the things that you find the most challenging about multisport?

Finding time to fit everything in, and keeping on top of the endless pile of dirty washing from training clothes!!

What do you do to relax when you are not training or racing?

I read – I always need to have a book on the go – I occasionally dig out charcoal and a sketch pad and do a bit of drawing, and for some reason I find baking very relaxing and therapeutic. It’s not the best hobby for a gluten intolerant athlete, but luckily I have family, flatmates and workmates who are appreciative of my flour, butter and sugar laden treats!

What are your goals for the season?

I’m aiming to be on the Coast to Coast start line in February; my goal is to get myself there fit, healthy and injury free, and to race to my full potential. After that I’ll switch focus to the Godzone Adventure Race, an expedition race to be held in Queenstown next Easter. I’m racing there with a team from R&R Sport; this one is all about having a good time (well, as much as can be had in an four to five day non-stop race where sleep is optional!!)