Charles Amoamo (Whakatōhea) finished his first ultra in November, a 50 km – 11 hours and 22 minutes at the Valley Ultra. And, yeah, it was tough - rain, cold, some decent hills. But you know what, he’s tougher than all of that put together. At one point, Charles was 182 kg, experienced anxiety and had four toes amputated after a work accident, so, yeah, he’s been on a journey. Why did he do it? Well, in Charles’ own words, he did it “for mental health, for suicide awareness, for health and well-being, to be a Māori role model for our next generation, to inspire people to go climb their maunga (mountain), to not go to the grave with their song unsung. Adventure awaits you, all you need is a little courage to take that first step. Believe me, it is so worth it!” Believe us, too, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Also this week, we encourage everyone to get in behind Kerry Suter and Ali Pottinger as they embark on a steep climb themselves after Kerry’s MTB accident, and we have a pertinent Greatest Run Ever. Enjoy! 

Episode Links 

Charles Amoamo on Instagram

Tailwind NZ

ZeroTwenty Sports

Aerobic Edge

Givealitle for Kerry’s Rehab 

Whakarewarewa Forest's First Aid Response

Dirt Church Radio on Instagram

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Dirt Church Radio on Facebook 

Dirt Church Radio on Patreon

Ciele

Further Faster New Zealand

Ultraspire NZ

Spring Energy NZ

SCOTT Running