Ultra running and adventure sports athlete Ivana Kolaric is back with us for this episode where she talks about her most recent and very exciting multi-day, non-stop adventure in New Zealand - Godzone - also known as the largest expedition race in the world.

For those of you who haven’t heard our first chat with Ivana on the podcast where she tells us what makes her push her limits in sports and discusses her self-supported Trans Balkan Ultra Cycling Race in 2022, don’t worry, head to EP2 here: ‘TENACITY: Ultra athlete Ivana Kolaric on going from fitness to seeking the world’s toughest races’ .

We had to get Ivana back on because we were excitedly following her as she did this 558km multi-discipline challenge, which involved 136kms of trekking, 310kms of mountain biking, 47kms of canoeing and 65kms of kayaking over 12 stages, which her team of four had to finish in 8.5 days.

We don’t just want to take you back in time with stories of athletes as they grow in their sports but aim to bring you their experiences from their challenges and find out how others can get involved.

And that’s exactly what we got from her rollercoaster journey through the Fiordland of New Zealand. We talk about how the team of four - Luke, Ivana, Nikolai and Adrian - was formed, packing gear, navigating it with only a physical map and compass (no technology allowed), the nurturing role of the support crew that met them at different stages, highlights and lowlights and how this race promotes a spirit of participation for everyone with its equitable rules.

We also find out that navigating a bush in New Zealand requires a different skill, one that they couldn’t have done without their master navigator Adrian, who we would like on our adventures too!

Was this her hardest challenge and would she do it again? Keep listening to find out.

To know more about Godzone, visit godzoneadventure.com

Today’s episode was supported by the awesome and adventurous team at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest pool. Check them out for some truly awe-inspiring scuba and freedive experiences. Visit www.deepdivedubai.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore.

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

Dawn & Afshan

@dawnable

@afshahmed