Ironman used to fundraise for PHO

Those who know Lynda Emmerson  describe her as someone with a big heart who doesn't do things by halves.
So when the Raumanga-raised Emmerson announced she  would be doing the Taupo Ironman on March 6, as a fundraiser for Whangarei District's Manaia Health Primary Health Organisation, no one was surprised.
"I have wanted to do Ironman for ages as I see it as the ultimate challenge - I planned to do it about five years ago but rode my bike into a truck  and broke my arm in four places," the 36-year-old said. "Growing up I was reasonably good at most sports but always struggled with swimming and running, so this is a challenge to improve the things I'm not so flash at."
To get through the gruelling event - 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run - Emmerson has put in countless hours training in the pool and on the roads since  deciding to do the  Ironman, in March 2009.
"At last count, I had done around 3000km either swimming, running or cycling in training since March," she said.
Her main struggle over the past year has been fitting in the  training along with her medical school studies at the University of Auckland.
"Training is really hard to fit in - this past month have been horrendous with the start of the new med year. Generally I have a big day on Wednesday and then two big training days on the weekends. Sometimes it's just a case of forcing myself to do it, and imagining what it will be like when I cross the finishing line," she said.
Despite the huge physical toll the Ironman will take, Emmerson said the psychological aspect will be the hardest. "Anyone can do an Ironman, you just need to break it down into smaller pieces," she said.
During the  holidays, Emmerson returns to  work at Manaia Health and wants to move back when she has finished her degree.
"I am totally committed to coming back to Whangarei once I graduate, and Manaia has played a big part in this, they are incredibly supportive of me.
"That is also why I have chosen to raise money for this cause - all the money will go to people in the Whangarei community - particularly older people."
After discussions with a local pharmacist, it was decided funds would be allocated to allow pensioners to have a Medico pack subscription for several months.
The packs enable pharmacists to sort medications for their patients, making it easier for the right medicines to be taken at the right time.
 
Visit www.ironmannutter.com  for more information.