A local athlete, Dougal Allan, is training meticulously towards defending his title at February’s gruelling 2020 Coast to Coast Longest Day race.

The Coast to Coast demands a high level of fitness, as well as skill sets across three sporting disciplines. “The main skills that can make the biggest difference on race day are your ability to run efficiently across very technical terrain, your ability to read braided rivers and rapids to a level where you feel confident 'racing' (opposed to 'surviving') in such conditions and the ability to handle your bike in strong winds. It is also an important skill to be able to manage your energy levels, nutrition and mental focus over an entire day of racing,” commented Allan, from his Lake Hāwea home. 

Given the nature of New Zealand South Island and its multitude of climates, the preparation for not only the unpredictable weather, but also the diverse landscape is the result of getting to know about this special land through time. “I guess, with so many years in the sport, I have become experienced at reading weather forecasts and having a general understanding of the elements that play a big part in the various locations I train and compete. The big factor when it comes to Coast to Coast specifically, is the river levels for both the run and paddle stages which often rise even in summer and make training on the course impossible for days or even weeks at a time,” commented Allan.

Support from the family means a lot to Allan. “While I still call myself a professional athlete, the reality is I am also a professional coach and a dedicated husband and father of two. So my days are never dull, but everything I do is exactly what I always wanted to do and I am living my own dream! Of course it wouldn’t be possible without the support and patience of my wife Amy, who helps make it all possible and has had to put a lot of her own dreams on hold while I live mine,” which makes Allan a complex athlete balancing work, training and family life, which is probably the biggest challenge of them all.