Dougal Allan: The Relentless Journey of a Multisport Legend Join Oska and Tom on the Run Spesh Podcast as they sit down with the incredibly determined, compassionate, and fiercely competitive Dougal Allen. Dougal's story is one of unwavering dedication and unexpected triumphs, a two-time Coast to Coast winner with nine podium finishes, an Ironman Xterra athlete, and most recently, the Cyclo for Team NZ. From Small Town Kid to Sporting Giant: Hear Dougal open up about his childhood in Foxton, New Zealand, a typical country upbringing where life was simple, filled with climbing trees, playing rugby, and exploring the beach. He reveals how the flow of life and a deep-seated curiosity led him from dreaming of playing rugby for Otago to discovering the multisport world during his university days in Dunedin. His father, David, describes Dougal as outgoing, adventurous, and determined. Despite excelling in various sports like rugby, basketball, and cricket, Dougal's dad notes his "noteworthy" lack of swimming talent. A Decade of Determination: The Coast to Coast Quest Learn about Dougal's incredible 10-year journey to win the coveted Coast to Coast one-day race. After winning the two-day event in 2008, he witnessed the "superhumans" of the one-day race and initially felt he'd never reach their level. However, a surprising 8th-place finish in his first one-day attempt in 2009 ignited a spark. Dougal shares the mental, emotional, and physical toll of coming in second multiple times, only to take a strategic hiatus to explore Ironman and adventure racing. This break, which he reveals was not without moments of doubt, ultimately allowed him to return to the Coast to Coast in 2019 and claim his long-awaited victory. Lessons in Discipline and Passion Oska shares personal anecdotes of living and training with Dougal in Wanaka, highlighting Dougal's almost unbelievable discipline and relentless commitment. Dougal's unwavering passion for his sport was evident from the 5:55 AM coffee machine alarm to fitting five hours of training into a time-crunched day. Discover how he found creative ways to fund his multisport ambitions, including participating in intense, multi-day adventure races. This episode is packed with inspiration, offering a deep dive into an athlete's mind who exemplifies what it means to outwork others and chase a passion, even when the path is long and challenging.