After a 40-year break, 61-year-old jumps back in the pool

Lee Gray, Tia Hape and Vanessa Hape about to tackle the swim leg of the Tane and Wahine duathlon.

Before Jo-Ann Ellen began training for Dannevirke's Tane/Wahine duathlon it had been 40 years since she had jumped into a swimming pool.

Last Saturday 61-year-old Jo-Ann, supported by husband, Jeremy, tackled her first fitness challenge and came away smiling and revitalised.

"My husband has been there every step of the way, but I've never done anything like this before," she said, waiting anxiously poolside.

Jo-Ann Ellen, 61, was supported by her husband, Jeremy, as she prepared for the whanau duathlon in Dannevirke.

Jo-Ann is a Christchurch earthquake "refugee," along with Jeremy and their new fitness regime also included giving up smoking at 8pm the night before the duathlon.

"Jo-Ann has had it rough and she's seen a lot in her 61 years, but we've been married three years now and she's doing things for herself. It's about health and self-empowerment," Jeremy said.

After coming through the Christchurch earthquake, both Jo-Ann and Jeremy ended up in the North Island alone and rekindled their former relationship through Facebook.

"Jo-Ann was in Woodville and I was in Foxton and the rest is history," Jeremy said. "We came to Dannevirke because we don't want to be in the rush and bustle. We've a good life now, with no stress."

Jeremy said his wife "is brilliant," pushing herself to overcome health problems and get fit.

Friends Vanessa and Tia Hape, along with Lee Gray were taking on the challenge, along with 20 others in the Rangitane organised event. It was a first for Tia and Vanessa.

"As you can see my shoes aren't worn at all. In fact, I had a hard time finding them," Vanessa said.