Profile: Multisporter Kath Kelly
It’s the typical understated attitude you’d expect from any good ‘southern woman’. When I first approached Kath Kelly about an interview for NZ Triathlon & Multisport magazine her answer was “I’m not sure why you want a profile on me?!” Oh, I don’t know, Kath, maybe we could talk about the time you won the two day Coast to Coast, or the Goldrush, or the four times you’ve won the Contact Epic or the MLT Moonshine Trail… When it comes to multisport, Kath Kelly, originally from Roxburgh, can put her name to a few trophies. I was keen to learn more about how she started out in the sport and what’s still on the bucket list.
Can we start out with the basics:
DOB: 12 October 1972
Born: Roxburgh
Lives: No fixed abode - I am a drifter! Anywhere between Roxburgh and Auckland.
Occupation: Artificial Insemination Technician in the dairy and deer industry. I have spent this last summer guiding for Hiking NZ.
NZT: How, when and why did you start out in multisport?
KK: In 2007 I was encouraged by Tracy Pringle and Michael Wright of Ettrick to join their biking, running and kayaking missions. Then they coaxed me into doing my first multisport race at Waikaia. I was instantly hooked and due to my addictive nature, it changed my lifestyle.
NZT: What is it you love about multisport?
KK: I enjoy the hype and camaraderie among the likeminded fellow multisporters. I enjoy the coffee and sharing stories after a race.
I enjoy the aspect of cross-training with regard to the varied disciplines. It ensures plenty of training options. Training sessions are also a great way to catch up with training buddies and scheming the next event on your calendar.
Having travelled throughout New Zealand, the training opportunities are endless. We are so spoilt in New Zealand as everything is right on our back doorstep. Although my favourite training grounds is still Central Otago because of the ease of accessibility to kayaking, running and mountain or road biking.
NZT: Are you a naturally competitive person?
KK: I would have to say yes. As long as I have given maximum effort, and I have learnt something from a race, then I am satisfied with that. I like to feel that well deserved hurt after a race.
NZT: You've got a few titles to your name, do you have a favourite event?
KK: That is a tough one... I would have to say the Hawea Contact Epic has been a favourite as it is usually the last race for the season for me, and the scenery is absolutely stunning (when I get a chance to take it in!!). I enjoy the crossing of the Hunter River at the turn around point, looking down the valley knowing that I am heading for the finish line ("like a bolting horse for home"). I have been lucky enough to win it four times. However, in 2011, I ended up in hospital with a blood clot on the lung after the race. Along with this setback, university and work commitments took priority and my training and racing was put on the back burner this season. Consequently I was beaten fair and square, placing fourth this year. There is no substitute for racing fitness.
I have always thoroughly enjoyed the Goldrush event as it is more of a local and social race, with the second day being my favourite as it is hard, long and involves biking, biking and more biking!
NZT: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement - sporting or otherwise?
KK: The two day Coast to Coast in 2008 would have to be a highlight, as it was my first major race, and I won it first time up.
Completing my Physical Education degree as an adult student last year, 2011, was also a proud achievement.
NZT: What sporting goals do you have left to achieve?
KK: Loads really. The Longest Day Coast to Coast has been a monkey on my back since winning the two day. With having sporting injuries and other circumstances leading to poor form, I haven't got around to it yet. If I get all my ducks in a row, I will have a crack at it in 2013 as a 40 year old!!
Erin Greene and I have just entered the two person team Cape Epic race in March, 2013, held on the western cape of South Africa. It is rated one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. It is a gruelling eight day (approximately 700km) mountain bike stage race, which involves a massive amounts of climbing. This will be a huge challenge for me.
NZT: What does your training schedule typically involve?
KK: Due to work commitments my training schedule has always been based around that. Generally it has been a case of just do as much as I can, when I can. It is not unusual for me to bike from Roxburgh to West Otago at 5.30am where I begin my Artificial Insemination run with the cows, as otherwise I would run out of time at the other end of the day for training. At a guess, I would probably train anywhere between 10 - 25 hours a week in the height of the racing season. However, racing has been the key to having that edge of peak fitness.
NZT: How do you think the future of multisport in New Zealand is looking?
KK:I have seen plenty of young talent coming through the ranks and it is great to see. I always wished that multisport was around when I was a teenager. I encourage as many young athletes to make the most of the opportunity to get into the sport.
As for the future of the sport? I believe there are too many events being organised now and many event dates clash, resulting in some events suffering. Plus there are so many different sports and activities to choose from nowadays. Event organisers have a hard road to hoe with planning, property accessibility, complying with the road safety management plans and relying on volunteer marshals etc. I have the utmost appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes in getting an event to take off and run smoothly. As far as I am concerned my part is easy. I just have to turn up ready to race.
At the end of the day, it is the economic consideration which dictates what families and individuals can afford and participate in.