Summer is on the way - so that can mean only a few things... unexpected heavy rain showers, a desperate push to tone up before the beach season really gets underway - and a lot of people doing the first of the Stroke and Stride series.
So if you fancy watching the athletic people get down to it, Mission Bay is the place for you.
The Stroke & Stride Series is New Zealand’s most popular swimrun series and is held in Auckland each summer. Each event involves a sea swim followed by a road run on the waterfront allowing participants to enjoy a regular form of healthy, outdoor exercise progressing through the summer months and makes the most of the city’s magnificent harbour and beaches.
The Stroke & Stride is now in its 19th season, and all events are over distances that are achievable and at the same time offering excellent competition for the top athletes. All entrants are in the draw to win the $50,000 in prizes including more than $35,000 prize money for the fastest competitors plus orca wetsuits, Timex watches, adidas shoes from Shoe Science and Merida Bikes from Velo.
The good thing is that these events take place all through out the summer until March 2008 so there's plenty of time to see how people are motivated - and be inspired enough to finally lose some of that winter coat ready to look your best on the beach!
So are you taking part? Do you know anyone who is? And if so, how tough is their training regime?