Jess Bray’s first half ironman at Challenge Wanaka was a masterclass in smart racing — calm swim, disciplined bike, and a strong, confident run. In this debrief we unpack the training, strategy, mindset, and lessons learned from a first-time athlete who raced with maturity beyond her experience.
View More What a First Half Ironman Can Teach You About Racing Smart
Pacing is everything at Challenge Wanaka. A controlled swim, disciplined bike, and measured run can make the difference between a strong finish and a fade-out. In this article, I break down a complete swim–bike–run strategy for the Wanaka 70.3, including common pacing mistakes and how to avoid them — plus a free downloadable Challenge Wanaka Pacing Blueprint to guide your race day decisions.
View More Challenge Wanaka: A Complete Swim, Bike & Run Pacing Strategy
Challenge Wanaka is not a standard 70.3 triathlon. Cold morning conditions, a deceptively demanding bike course, and an honest, exposed run mean that small pacing mistakes quickly become big problems. In this article, I break down what makes the Wanaka course different, where athletes commonly go wrong, and how a smarter race plan can help you arrive at the run ready to perform — not just survive.
View More Challenge Wanaka: What Makes This Course Different (and Why That Matters for Your Race Plan)