Gruelling day for fitness folk

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 373, 12 February 1991, Page 16

Gruelling day for fitness folk

SUBMTTTED BY CHARLESTOM FITNESS Waimarino's Charlestom Fitness Gymnasium hosted a triathlon for its members and invited guests recently.

The gruelling triathlon involved cycling 27km from Raetihi to Pipiriki, canoeing or kayaking 26km to Matahiwi, running up the Matahiwi track 8km, then cycling again down the other side of Matahiwi track and up the Parapara Road to Raetihi . The event, initiated and organised by Steve Gordon and gym proprietor Tom Mareikura, was

aimed at giving members an incentive to train harder and enable the long hours at the gym workouts worthwhile. The sessions at the small but friendly gym are of high impact variety, encompassing aerobic, anaerobic and cir-; cuit training along with speed, strength and endurance workouts with weights. "We assign our train-

ings to suit athletes of varied disciplines (sports). It is essential we incorporate procedures that benefit all our members' sporting backgrounds, such as rugby, karate, cycling, running and general aerobic and anaerobic fit-, ness," said Tom. The Raetihi Pipiriki cycling section provided some high speed downhill stretches. Bruce Frances headed into Pipiriki with a comfortable 1st followed by Steve Gordon, Caleb Dempsey and

close by was Brendon Wilson. With the Wanganui river up some four and a half metres the canoeing leg was expected to be a fast one. One craft capsized very early in the piece, but despite having to float for 2-3km because of the volume of water the three occupants, (Tom, Kevin and Jason) did very well on this leg. First across the line at Matahiwi in a three man canoe were Rex and Charles Mareikura and captain Ziggy Bauer, with just seconds behind Richard Akapita and Maxine Parker. Steve Gordon took third place. Setting off up the Matahiwi track in very high humidity didn't hinder the racers but running up the very difficult slope seemed endless to the runners with every corner unravelling several other comers. In the final sprint at the end facial expressions on some, although showing signs of exhaustion, also showed feelings of achievement. Ziggy Bauer crossed in 1st place, 2nd Kevin McGregor third Bruce Francis. There was only one speed downhill in the last cycling leg - fast, leading $o a few close calls as well as a few; 'humorous' moments of uncontrollability ! Although the track was dry continual stock use over the dry period had created undulations enough to shudder the body almost into submission. Turning onto the Parapara Road the heat and lengthy ordeal began to take its toll. By now a large entourage of helpers and

well wishers were in support with their vocal support a much needed boost. The final sprint home capped off the feeling of the day, with much vocal support to all making it to the line. Kevin McGregor decided to entertain the crowd with a wheelstand only to find his front wheel fell helplessly from his bike frame resulting in a forward sommersault over the bars! Maxine Parker, the only female competitor, came in at a creditable 5th position overall. Consistency throughout the day paid off. Richie Akapita at 64 years still continued to amaze all with his fine display on the cycling sections and his 2nd place in the canoe segment. Brendon Wilson faired extremely well coming in at 2nd place overall, especially after being in a kayak for the first time. Ziggfried Bauer made no mistakes in blitzing the field on the run section and was also in the first canoe home. Steve Gordon, Bruce Francis and Caleb Dempsey were always near the front in all sections with Thomas and Rex Mareikura and Jason Haitana hot on each others heels. After a very long day, Steve and Rhonda Gordon played host with a Bar-be-cue to a very subdued bunch of competitors. Support crew, who were extended much thanks, were Jeff Reid, Angel Rapana, Dave Herewini, Rangi Bristol, Christianson, Dennis McDonnell & family, Rhonda Gordon, Elle Hamlin, Allison McGregor.