Surround yourself with people who make you a better person.
3. What is the most gruelling challenge you've ever set for yourself?
This last challenge of 100km on the rowing machine was probably the most physically gruelling as I got that cheeky bite of incapacitating leg cramp from 90km onwards. It was only relieved by focussing on the feeling of skin parting company from my butt after 6hr 20m of repeated shearing force from the seat. Rowing the Cook Strait was easier physically but more of a mental battle as so many elements were out of my control.
4. At 7pm on any given weeknight, what are we likely to catch you watching on television?
I don't own a television but I do have an awesome waka whanau with Parihaka Waka Ama Club and they are better than any television. They have been incredibly supportive of helping me to learn their sport. My favourite thing to be doing at 7pm on a weeknight would be to be out paddling the Hatea with them, with our head torches on, feeling sorry for the rest of the world that didn't get to experience the beauty of that moment.
5. What album is playing on your stereo/computer at the moment?
X by Ed Sheeran.
6. When it's been a full-on week, what is your favourite way to unwind?
I quite like punching people! Activ8 runs an amazing boxing class and it makes my heart smile to be working hard out pummeling the pads of the person you are paired with, it's strangely satisfying.
7. You recently set a new rowing world record, what was the inspiration?
I needed a winter training goal that would keep me focused, and the 100km record seemed like a good idea at the time. Ash Lovell from rowing didn't step out the way fast enough when I was trying to work out if it was possible, so he got roped in too. Shayne Dunseath and Matt Harrison who are personal trainers and co-owners of Activ8 Northland are to be credited (blamed) for all the goals.
8. What's evoked you to lead a sporty, health inspired lifestyle?
I have been privileged in my job to work at both ends of the spectrum of life and I have learned to appreciate the moment and try to not sweat the small stuff. Right now is the oldest you have ever been and the youngest you will ever be again.
9. What is the one thing you could not live without each day?
That's a tough one ... I guess I would not be happy if I was living without the odd failure.
10. Do you have any party tricks?
I'm pretty good at making a glass of wine disappear.
