Connor on the pace

October 2nd 2009

For most of the 450 entrants, the gravelly path at Montana Vineyard Brancott Estate simply marked the start of the Marlborough Kids Duathlon.

But for Connor Hammerich, that gravelly path marked the end of a journey that lead him back to self belief.

Two months ago, the Spring Creek student didn’t like to break out of a walk, let alone take on a 5km run-bike-run event.

“At the start of it I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. Now I can,” the 10-year-old said.

“I’m excited about it. I’m not worried about anything. I’m only doing it for fun.

Connor’s newfound confidence came after a six-week training programme, funded by the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme (NPA), in preparation for the event.

NPA sponsorship funded the entry fees of 37 kids and also gave them access to a specialised training programme developed by Sport Marlborough’s Serena Hounslow.

Connor was one of 15 kids to complete the course and said it prepared him well to take on the course.

“I usually don’t run but now I’m into running,” Connor said.

“I’ve been biking on the weekends and I want to do more running.

“I’ve got heaps of energy.

“I want to go for a run now!”

And it’s not just his attitude that’s changed.

His mother Maureen said she noticed his general health and attitude had improved.

“He’s sleeping better,” she said.

“He used to have patchy sleep, now he’s a deep sleeper.

“Where he used to snack, now he wants to eat whole meals. He didn’t take a packet of chips to school all last term.

“He used to get bursts of energy, now he’s not as moody, he’s more steady … has a more even temperament.”

Duathlon Organising Committee member Nicole Ecklein said the training programme added a lot to the event.

“In previous years, the training was missing for some kids,” she said.

“These kids knew each other out there and were able to support each other on the course.

Nicole said she was amazed at how motivated the kids were at training.

“Each and every child brought lots of enthusiasm and a positive attitude to every session.

“They were great – I’m really going to miss them but I’m sure they’ll be back next year.”