Glen McSkimming (45) will have another crack at Challenge Wanaka next weekend. It is in his blood - and more on that later. Hayden Meikle talks to the Dunedin multisporter.
Hayden Meikle: How many times have you participated in Challenge Wanaka?
Glen McSkimming: This is my seventh time. I've only missed a couple.
HM: What do you like about the event?
GM: Just the location, really. It's so handy to Dunedin. Usually you have to go to Taupo for something like this, and it's a hassle to get there. Wanaka is what you might call a boutique race. The field's a bit smaller. And the Challenge brand does a better race than the Ironman brand, I reckon.
HM: Best performance in Wanaka?
GM: I've won my age group once and got second twice.
HM: What are you expecting this year?
GM: Well, I was sick last year. I got a bacterial infection in my blood and was in hospital for just under a month. I wasn't going to do Challenge but made the decision before Christmas. So it'll be interesting. You could say I'm a bit underdone.
HM: How did the blood infection come about?
GM: Apparently it's common in rice. It's a type of food poisoning. The bacteria gets into your blood and knocks you around. I basically went into hospital with meningitis symptoms. From September to November, I was just really lethargic. I'd get all pumped and ready for a bike ride. Ten minutes in, I'd say, ''Bugger this.''
HM: Back to full health now?
GM: I think so, yeah. I guess we'll find out.
HM: How many triathlons or ironman events have you done?
GM: I've done 17 ironmans, I think. Triathlons? Lost count.
HM: Most memorable event?
GM: I raced in Kona, in Hawaii. And without blowing my trumpet, I've won five national titles in my age group over Olympic and half-ironman distances. I've also been to the world championships three times - Queenstown, Portugal and China.
HM: Any plans after Challenge Wanaka?
GM: Not sure. The event in Germany, in Roth, maybe.
HM: Most of us think you guys are a bit nuts. What's the key to finishing these gruelling events?
GM: Just being strong mentally. You've got 17 hours to do it. The good ones do it in nine. But the ones who are out there for 17 hours, they're really tough. You go through some bad times and you just have to push through it. You might get on the bike and think you've got no legs left, but you just try to keep going, and at the 40km mark or something it kicks in.
HM: Did you play other sports when you were younger?
GM: Cricket and soccer. Then a friend got me into triathlon, but I really sucked at swimming. I became a competitive cyclist. Did a couple of Tours of Southland. Then I ran a marathon in 2000 and started thinking about doing an ironman.
HM: Any goals left to achieve?
GM: Just enjoy these events. I used to be obsessed with my times, and I think it took the enjoyment out of it.
HM: Who's going to be supporting you in Wanaka?
GM: My partner, Tamsyn Hayes, usually races the pro event, but she's not racing this time. And I've got family from Clyde and a few mates. It's great to have supporters there, especially on the run. You see friendly faces and it spurs you along a bit.
HM: How much training are you doing?
GM: I'm tapering off. The biggest week was maybe 22 hours. Just 12 hours this week.
HM: You're the owner of Ace Suit Hire. So one final, important question - what should a bloke be wearing at a fancy occasion?
GM: You want the navy or maybe the charcoal, or the classic black single-button dinner suit.
HM: You like a good suit yourself?
GM: Lycra, ha ha.
