Episode 72 - Kepler 2019 ft Vajin Armstrong, Nancy Jiang and more

Kia Ora Whanau. What a weekend that was! This show was recorded live at the Fiordland Lobster Company meeting room (true story) during registration at the 32nd annual Fresh Choice Kepler Challenge. Parts of it were also recorded in room 212 of the Distinction Hotel (true story) and a small part of this was recorded in Eugene’s bedroom (true story) because as per, we were giddy and fatigued during the intro and forgot stuff. We speak to Steve Norris, the Kepler Challenge race director about the conditions that necessitated the change to the alternative course for the 3rd time in 32 years. We speak to Nancy Jiang, back to defend her women’s victory last year about her year of racing in Europe and the challenges she has faced from injury and crashing her mountain bike (the bike was fine, don’t worry). Three time winner Vajin Armstrong talks to us about his experiences in Africa, including training in Iten and running Comrades ultramarathon, and we bring it on home with Grant Guise, who shares with us his lifelong fascination with Kepler, and his favourite anecdotes from the race’s history. We also share our race experiences and lots more on this bumper Kepler special. Enjoy!