"It's so important to be good at all three disciplines that I make sure I'm working hard at each one."
He has been competing in the local cross country races in the Wairarapa and despite the heavy training load still managed to sneak into eighth place at the National Cross Country Champs.
He expects to be better in the kayak after working hard on his technique with the expert coaches at the Mana Kayak Club.
Coubrough, who won the event in 2011 by 19 minutes from Andrew Turnbull in a time of 9h 54m 20s, is looking forward to his title defence. He enjoyed a stellar debut in the event as he broke Marcel Hagner's record of 10h 13m 12s from 2003.
"It's always an honour to take any title especially since I had wanted to race it for so long.
He was first interested in the race after seeing it in a magazine 10 years ago, and was amazed at the stunning scenery and gruelling nature of the race.
He even drove up from Wellington to scope out the course. But he never made it up to the race due to sickness.
"Now that I'm training hard for multisport I always felt I had unfinished business up in Coromandel.
"There is no pressure as defending champion - the only pressure is pressure I put on myself."
Coubrough is one of over 400 athletes expected in the Coromandel next weekend.
Matt Tuck, the race director of the Coromandel Classic, said the event, which is in its 13th year, has come a long way since the first race, with both the field and the community support for the event growing.
"It's a lot harder to find accommodation in Tairua on the Saturday night than it used to be," said the 40-year-old who is a former New Zealand orienteering representative.
"It's a great social race, and being a two-day event everyone spends plenty of time together. The Saturday night catered dinner is a case-in-point.
"There are plenty of team competitors, and the Coromandel is a beautiful place for a race at this time of year. It's a great event."
Tuck is a former Auckland rep in track and cross country, and an Ironman and Coast to Coast finisher. He said the challenge of the Coromandel Classic is all part of the appeal.
"The day one run is iconic, following the main tramping track towards the Pinnacles, but then turning off and traversing the Ranges to the old Rangihau Rd end. Getting up and going again on Sunday morning is also pretty tough with sore legs from the day before."
Coubrough added some weight to those comments.
"I've competed in three World Mountain Running champs around the world and the run over The Pinnacles rates right up there among the toughest I've done, due both to the distance and terrain," he said.
"The four different disciplines over two days [running, kayaking, mountain bike and road bike] means you have to be well organised and your support crew needs to be on to it; the transitions are very important."
But it is not so tough that it's impossible.
"Any athletes who have done a reasonable amount of training will find the team event achievable.
Tuck said: "Anyone who has run a half marathon can manage either run, and with bike legs less than 30km and the kayak legs [17km and 11km] in estuaries and rivers, it's an event for all abilities.
"A four-person team member does one leg each day and has a great social time in between."
What advice do you offer to newcomers to the Coromandel Classic?
James Coubrough (2011 men's champion and record holder): The main stages of the 27km mountain run over The Pinnacles you really need to pace yourself because just when you think it's over you find there's still 8km of road running at the end to reach the kayaks. Also, since it's such a long race, nutrition plays a huge part - so remember to eat and drink. Finally, remember to hold something back on day one - day two is still a brutal race.
Rachel Cashin (2011 women's champion): Go for it. You do not know what your body is capable of. Do some training and go out and have some fun as a team or tackle the whole race if you are fitter, no matter what level you are it is always going to hurt.
Matt Tuck (race organiser): Be prepared for a great weekend with your mates. Make sure your runner can handle the day one run, and enjoy all the Coromandel has to offer.
Coromandel Classic
When: Friday, August 24 - Sunday, August 26
Where: Registration at the Thames racecourse
What: Day 1: 22km MTB, 27km mountain run, 17km kayak, and a 28km cycle leg. Day 2: 15km kayak, 30km road bike, a 21km mountain run, 30km cycle.
Event options: Individual, 2-4 person relay (most popular) and also a "Traverse Teams" section where teams of 2-4 do the entire course together.
Race records
Individual men: James Coubrough, 9h 54m 20s (2011).
Individual women: Emma McCosh, 11h 45m 53s (2010)
Relay team: Broken Records, 9h 15m 15s (2010)
Traverse team: Crash Bandicoot, 11h 04m 21s (2006)
For more information visit: www.coromandelclassic.co.nz
