Her interest in the event was peaked more than 20 years ago when at just 11 years old her teacher first introduced her to the idea.

“That teacher had been involved in Outward Bound and I just thought it sounded so cool and I wanted to do it too.

“I was really interested in being outdoors and was always looking for new challenges.”

When Hastie was 21, she completed the Outward Bound. The programme is designed to help young people experience a perfect balance of adventure and reflection. It encourages them to challenge themselves outdoors in Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.

“After having completed that I was inspired for the next outdoor challenge in life.

“When I was in Teacher’s College, I had thought about doing the Coast to Coast then, but I’m glad I didn’t.

“I don’t think the timing would have been right to take on such a big training commitment.” 

It would take more than a decade later for the timing to finally be right.

“For the first few years after I was qualified you have wedding season and we always seemed to have a wedding on that weekend of the Coast to Coast.

“Then we had children and it wouldn’t have been possible to train properly when they were really small but now, they are 10, 8 and 6 and I can train while they are at school.” 

Hastie also teaches part time at Hornby High School and has completed other events over the years before deciding to tackle the Coast to Coast.

“I’ve done the Spring Challenge, The Kepler – which I really enjoyed. I also did a half Ironman in 2016.” 

Hastie’s husband is also into multisport, he completed the Abel Tasman this year.

She says she loves the example that events like this set for their children.

“It’s about doing it for yourself, to challenge yourself. I think it’s one of those events that not many people enter because they think they will win it. It’s about training and working hard toward for your own goal and accomplishment and that’s what’s important.” 

Hastie’s niece who was born when she was 11 – right around the same time she was being inspired by the Coast to Coast is also competing in the event in 2020.

“It’s been great we’ve done some training together and it’s awesome to have that support – we are competing but not against each other.”

For Hastie, she has her preferred disciplines and a definite least preferred.

“The kayaking is the toughest for me. I actually really enjoy it but it’s by far my most difficult component. I enjoy running the best.” 

Hastie is also grateful for having so many areas to train right on her back doorstep. 

“I love Kennedy’s Bush and The Crater Rim and there’s also lots of events to enter in the lead up to the Coast to Coast as well which has been great.” 

With the days getting longer and the temperatures warming up Hastie is looking forward to no more “freezing” mid-winter bike rides. She also hasn’t ruled out competing in the event more than once.

“I just really want to enjoy it and then wait and see if I want to do it again, I think it’s one of those events which would be different every year.”