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Surgery and Sponsorship

As many of you know, I have been dealing with heart issues for the last three and a half years. While generally it hasn't been too much of an issue, having it occur at this years Coast to Coast broke me. Since then it has also been causing episodes of fainting which doesn't exactly lead to quality of life when you're constantly worried about what 'might' happen. After many trips in and out of hospital I was finally able to capture an episode (while pulling out a 2nd place at a duathlon of course).

On July 27, I went in to surgery to have an electrophysiology study and ablation. It was a crazy procedure, lying on the table, not even realizing they were doing anything until they were almost finished! During recovery I had one bad bleed from the wound and all I could do was stick my finger in the hole and wait for help to come! Its been a great story to tell, particularly since the operation went through my groin, watching people's faces in horror as they try to work out exactly what hole I mean!! The initial report from the doctors is they believe they have fixed what was causing my heart to play up. Certainly the early impressions from training seem to support it, albeit stupidly unfit!


Many other things have happened since February. I was fortunate enough to be able to join NZRT-1 (RATS) a local rescue response team, which has been a great way to distract myself from the fact that I couldn't train properly, while learning lots of new skills and of course getting lots of new toys!

As of next week I will also have a coach which will be a big change going forward as I haven't had one in many years. I'm super looking forward to working with Rosie at Freedom Fitness & Coaching and seeing what I can achieve under a structured program.

And finally, the last couple of days have been super exciting around here, with the announcement that I will be representing Trek Bicycles for the season. Its a great opportunity for me and I cant wait for my bike to arrive next week in to Cycle Workz, who have been super supportive already and I'm excited to help promote.


I'm super lucky to have a great team join Pics Peanut Butter and Long Cloud Kayaks + Outdoors in supporting me despite my performance the last few years being below my own expectations. It may take a while, but I know with the support from these companies and Rosie's coaching expertise (and of course the support from my Rosey), I will be back racing better than ever.

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