Many triathletes sabotage their race before it has properly begun by going too hard in the first 10 minutes. Learn why adrenaline can trick you into poor pacing decisions, how to stay controlled early, and why a patient start often leads to a stronger swim, bike, run, and finish.
View More The First 10 Minutes Can Ruin Your Triathlon
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)