Since moving to New Zealand from Scotland, Dave Cochrane has found his sporting passion in triathlon.
Dave and partner Catherine headed to New Zealand in October 2010 after deciding to trade in the hustle and bustle of inner city life for a more laid back existence in Palmerston North.
Dave had always been interested in triathlon, and admits to often looking at road and time trial bikes in shops thinking they were stunning things.
But back in Scotland he'd always got the impression that the sport was only for top level athletes, not beginners like him.
It wasn't until he arrived in New Zealand that he got the chance to see triathlon in its most true and enjoyable form and was encouraged to give it a go.
"It seems the attitude here is very positive and laid back. People weren't looking at me thinking ‘how could you ever do a triathlon?'
"I think quite often in parts of the UK and certainly Scotland that's how triathlon can be. We just find find it a very positive experience for our health and in general the people here are great.”
First up for Dave was one of the Scorching Triathlon series races in Wellington, where he battled through a bad cold to complete his first ever triathlon. After that he was hooked.
"I got out of the swim and thought I was going to die. I was bloody minded about it though, so I persevered and slept for about a week after the race.
"It's very non elitist and based on fun. It's a really good start point and I'd tell anyone to give it a go.
In his second Kiwi summer season he will again compete in several local races with his ultimate goal to complete the standard distance race at the Wellington round of the Contact Tri Series in March.
Long term he would like to take on a half iron distance race, but in the meantime he's simply enjoying his training and the camaraderie the sport offers.
"Triathlon is an interesting mix, you know, the effort is all up to you blasting out as hard as you can but the camaraderie is very positive.
"I'm all about the fun, although I do have some personal goals. Running is still my weakest point, if I can get the run done in under 56 minutes [in Wellington] I'll be very happy.
"I think my aim really is to be able to keep doing this well into my older years and I really find it's something that keeps life interesting.”
