Sean Cox

This week I logged my 6,000th activity on Strava!

With my current streak being 268 consecutive weeks and 3561 consecutive activities.

When I uploaded my first one years ago, I wasn’t thinking about milestones. I was simply moving, running, cycling, swimming, sometimes just walking, doing what I could to stay balanced. Fast-forward to today, and that number represents thousands of times I chose to show up, no matter how I felt.

Not every activity was a highlight reel moment.

Here’s what 6,000 activities have taught me:

1. Consistency compounds.

Just like compounding interest, small daily actions add up. The magic isn’t in one workout or one effort, but in thousands of ordinary steps stacked over time.

2. Resilience grows on tough days.

The hardest sessions, the ones I wanted to skip, were the ones that built the most grit. The same is true in business: consistency during challenges builds the resilience teams rely on.

3. Discipline beats motivation.

Motivation comes and goes. Discipline, showing up when it’s inconvenient, is what creates transformation.

4. Consistency transforms identity.

Logging 6,000 sessions didn’t just change my fitness, it shaped how I see myself: as someone who follows through, in sport, work, and life.

This lesson goes far beyond Strava.

In the workplace, we often celebrate the big wins, the promotion, the contract, the product launch. But those moments are built on thousands of smaller actions: the calls, the meetings, the follow-ups, the persistence when it feels mundane.

Success, whether in sport or business, isn’t about intensity, it’s about consistency.

The 6,000th activity isn’t a finish line. It’s a reminder that showing up, one day at a time, is what creates extraordinary outcomes.

Here’s to the next 6,000. And here’s to the power of consistency, in movement, in business, and in life.

After taking a full week off to recover, I’ve been slowly building back into the rhythm. I stopped the clock at number 16, but I’m determined to keep pushing through October. It might not be every single day, but the goal hasn’t changed, I’m going to get it done.

And while this challenge started as a personal goal, the real purpose is much bigger: raising funds and awareness for Blue September, which for me is rolling into Blue October. Prostate cancer affects so many Kiwi men and their families, including my own, and every kilometre I cover is for them.

Here’s how the last few weeks have shaped up:

Week 2 – 228 km covered

Week 3 – 71 km covered

Week 4 – 148 km covered

The distances and pace may ebb and flow, but the commitment is steady. Compared to the battle faced by those living with prostate cancer, my challenge is small, but it’s one way to turn effort into impact.

There’s still a way to go, and I’d love your support, whether it’s donating, sharing this journey, or simply helping spread awareness. Every bit counts, and together we can make a difference.

After finishing the first week of my 30-day triathlon challenge on such a high, I’ve hit an unexpected hurdle. Since late last week, I’ve been battling a virus that left me struggling over the weekend with a temperature. The body simply said, Enough for now!

As much as I hate to pause, I know it’s the smart move. I’m pressing pause on the challenge for a couple of days so I can recover properly and come back stronger. This journey was never meant to be easy, and like so many challenges in life, it doesn’t always go to plan.

But here’s the thing, I’m not stopping. This cause is far too important. Every kilometre I cover is still in honour of the men and families affected by prostate cancer, and I’ll be back out there as soon as I can to keep pushing towards the goal.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me so far. Your encouragement means the world, especially on days like these. I’ll keep you updated, and I’ll be back out there soon, turning effort into impact once again.

The first week of my 30-day triathlon challenge is complete. Seven days of swimming, cycling, and running ....seven triathlons down, 23 to go.

It’s already been a rollercoaster. The highs included the buzz of day one and the huge boost of receiving a brand-new wetsuit from Orca NZ. The lows were very real too, heavy legs, wet weather, a surprise open-water swim when the pool was closed, and even a head cold that made me dig deep just to get through.

But this challenge isn’t about chasing personal bests. It’s about something far bigger: raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer, a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families, including my own. Every kilometre I cover is in honour of them , turning effort into action, and endurance into impact.

Week one stats:

Bike: 291.67 km 

Run: 70.8 km

Swim: 10,500 m 

$266 raised so far (towards my $5,000 goal)

There are 23 triathlons still to come, and plenty of tough days ahead, but I’m committed to showing up, because, compared to the fight families face with prostate cancer, my struggles are nothing.

I’d love your support. Whether it’s a donation, sharing this challenge with your network, or simply helping raise awareness, every action counts.

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I was battling through with a heavy body and a head cold, but today felt like a complete reset. I got out on the bike for a much longer ride than usual, and honestly, it was a privilege.

There’s something special about being able to move your body, breathe deeply, and celebrate the simple joy of being outdoors. Today wasn’t just about distance or training, it felt like a reminder of why I started this challenge in the first place.

Blue September is about shining a light on prostate cancer, a disease that impacts thousands of Kiwi men and their families every year. The ride today felt like a celebration of health, and a way to honour those who don’t always get the chance to feel this freedom.

Every kilometre, every pedal stroke, is a small act of support for the bigger fight. Your donations make sure families get the help they need, research keeps moving forward, and more men survive this disease.

I’m feeling grateful, motivated, and recharged for the road ahead. If you can, please get behind this cause, together we can make a real difference.

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15747270868

’ll be honest, I was struggling a bit out there today. The body felt heavy, and to top it off, I’ve developed a head cold.

Instead of trying to force through everything, I’ve decided to switch things up and focus on some longer bike sessions over the next couple of days. Training wasn’t pretty, but I still got it done. No breakthroughs, no fireworks, just grit, effort, and the determination to keep this challenge alive.

But here’s the thing: as tough as it feels for me in moments like this, it’s nothing compared to what men and their families go through when prostate cancer enters their lives. That’s the real battle, and it’s why I’m pushing through the struggles and showing up every day.

Blue September is about more than awareness; it’s about action. It’s about funding the support services, research, and education that help save lives. Every dollar raised helps make sure fewer families have to go through the pain of losing someone they love.

So while today tested me, it also reminded me why I’m doing this. If you’re able, please back this cause. Your support means more than you know.

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15735704602

I’ll be honest, I was struggling a bit out there today. The body felt heavy, and to top it off, I’ve developed a head cold.

No breakthroughs, no fireworks, just grit, effort, and the determination to keep this challenge alive.

But here’s the thing: as tough as it feels for me in moments like this, it’s nothing compared to what men and their families go through when prostate cancer enters their lives. That’s the real battle, and it’s why I’m pushing through the struggles and showing up every day.

Blue September is about more than awareness; it’s about action. It’s about funding the support services, research, and education that help save lives. Every dollar raised helps make sure fewer families have to go through the pain of losing someone they love.

So while today tested me, it also reminded me why I’m doing this. If you’re able, please back this cause. Your support means more than you know.

Swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15734342023

Run: https://www.strava.com/activities/15734418689

Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15734406758

Another solid day in the bag.
There’s a nasty virus doing the rounds at the moment, so I’m in complete isolation mode. The last thing I want is to get sick right now, missing days just isn’t an option.
The weather threw a bit of wet my way, but nothing I couldn’t deal with. Training-wise, it was steady, no-fuss, just keeping the rhythm and banking the miles.
No big dramas, no big wins, just consistency. And that’s exactly what’s going to get me through this challenge.
swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15710171092
ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15711128247
run: https://www.strava.com/activities/15734418689
Six down, 24 to go, YIKES

@meridabikesnz @orcasportswear @orca.nz @coppinscycles @prostatecancernz

swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15699629861

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15700765522

Run: Https://www.strava.com/activities/15701557303

Solid day out there today. The weather threw a bit of wet my way, but nothing too hard to deal with. Training-wise, it was one of those steady, no-fuss, days just keeping the rhythm, getting it done, and banking the miles.

No big dramas, no big wins, just consistency, and that’s exactly what I need right now. These solid days are what will carry me through to the end of this challenge.

Five down, 25 to go.

@orcanewzealand @meridabikesnz @maxxisbike @coppinscycles @sanitarium @orca.nz @prostatecancernz

Swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15689671936

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15688675334

Run: https://www.strava.com/activities/15690305900

I got a real boost today, one of those moments that makes you stop and feel grateful. I was super excited to receive a brand-new wetsuit from Orca NZ. To be honest, I’d been battling with my old one for a while: holes, split seams, and a zipper that had almost given up completely. Morning swims were becoming more like cold water torture sessions than training, and more than once last month, I came away with a head cold as a result. Definitely not ideal heading into this challenge.

That’s why I’m so humbled by Orca’s support, not just for me personally, but also for Blue September and the message behind it. When I got the NZ Post notification saying a parcel was on its way, I decided to head out for my bike ride first, secretly hoping it would be waiting when I got home. And sure enough, it was. Honestly, it felt like Christmas morning.

Inside the package wasn’t just a wetsuit, but also a thermal cap (perfect for the chilly mornings) and thermal foot socks. The socks are brilliant, they keep my feet warm in the water but also have a rugged sole, making the walk over sharp shells and pebbles a lot less painful. It’s the little details like that which make such a big difference.

Training wise, I still ticked off the day’s sessions. The swim will be far more comfortable now that I’ve got proper gear again, the ride gave me time to reset, and I finished the day with a steady run. I’ve been nursing a slight niggle in my left calf, which in any other situation would mean a couple of days off. But with this challenge, that’s just not an option. The solution has been to slow my pace down, and in a way, it’s a blessing in disguise. It’s forced me not to push too hard this first week, which could’ve easily come back to bite me later in the month.

Four down, 26 to go. The excitement is still there, the body’s holding together, and the support I’ve received has been incredible. One step, one stroke, one pedal turn at a time, we keep moving forward.

@orcanewzealand @meridabikesnz @maxxisbike @coppinscycles @sanitarium @orca.nz

WU Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15678537851

Swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15678316346

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15678366051

Run: https://www.strava.com/activities/15678379454

I was expecting the worst for the swim; snow on the Richmond Range was a bit ominous. However, the saltwater pool was closed for cleaning, probably the first proper clean since April, and let’s just say it needed it. There must’ve been six inches of sludge on the bottom! So instead, it was back to the open water. Without a reliable way to track distance (my Garmin doesn’t like water and tends to leak), I kept it simple: 6 x 250 metres, back and forth. Nothing fancy, just steady efforts, and I was happy with that. It’s not about exact numbers right now, it’s about showing up and putting in the work.

The ride was another lap of the Riwaka loop. A bit wet again, but still a solid spin. I did think about stopping in at Mrs Smith’s for a coffee. Trust me, the temptation was real, but I kept rolling. The run rounded out the day nicely. Nothing heroic, just steady pacing, reminding myself that the real finish line isn’t today or tomorrow, it’s September 30th. Every step is an investment in making sure I’m still moving well when that day finally arrives. 

Three down, twenty-seven to go. The routine is building, and the key is simple: steady, patient, one day at a time. 

@meridabikesnz @maxxisbike @coppinscycles @sanitarium_nz 

https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

WU Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15664407748

Swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15664635466

Bike: https://www.strava.com/activities/15665508311

Run: https://www.strava.com/activities/15666254192

Day two is done, and I’m already starting to feel the shift from anticipation to routine. Yesterday was all about the build-up, the excitement, the nerves, the “here we go” moment. Today, it was about showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and starting to settle into the rhythm this challenge demands.

This isn’t a one-off event; it’s a grind, a test of consistency as much as endurance. Each swim, each ride, and each run is a piece of a much bigger puzzle, and I know the only way to complete it is by finding that balance. It’s not about chasing speed or breaking records, it’s about staying steady, managing effort, and giving myself the best chance to line up again tomorrow, and the day after that.

There’s something strangely comforting about this already. The routine is forming: wake up, get moving, eat, recover, repeat! It’s tough, of course, but there’s a rhythm to it that feels sustainable. And that’s the key. If I can keep turning up day after day, keeping things steady and looking after my body, I know I’ll get through this.

@meridabikesnz @maxxisbike @coppinscycles @sanitarium_nz

https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

Blue September has finally arrived, and today marks day one of my 30 triathlons in 30 days challenge. I’ve been counting down to this moment for weeks, training, planning, checking my gear, and trying to get my head around the reality of what lies ahead.

Now that it’s here, I feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and trepidation.

There’s no denying this is the biggest physical and mental test I’ve ever taken on. Thirty days of swimming, cycling, and running will push my body to its limits. The temptation, of course, is to charge out of the gates with all the energy and adrenaline that day one brings. But I know that pacing is everything. Just like a marathon, going too hard early could spell disaster later. One injury, one illness, one mistake in judgment, and this whole challenge could be derailed.

That thought alone is sobering. I don’t want to limp to the finish line or worse, not make it at all. The goal is to complete all thirty triathlons, not just the first few, and to do it in a way that keeps me strong enough to keep showing up day after day. Sensible pacing, rest, and listening to my body are going to be just as important as determination.

But there’s another weight I carry into this: the uncertainty of fundraising. I’ve put my heart into preparing for this challenge, but I’d be lying if I said there isn’t a fear at the back of my mind—what if I put myself through all this, and the funds raised fall short of what I’d hoped? What if the awareness I’m trying to spread doesn’t reach as far as I dream it will?

That’s the reality of taking on something like this. The physical side is brutal, but the emotional side, putting yourself out there, hoping people will see the cause and rally behind it, is just as tough. I remind myself, though, that even if one conversation is started, even if one man books a check-up because of this, then it’s worth it.

So here I am, standing on the start line of day one, filled with anticipation and a little bit of fear, but also with a clear sense of purpose. This isn’t just about endurance. It’s about shining a light on prostate cancer, encouraging men to talk, and making sure more lives are saved through early detection.

Thirty days, thirty triathlons. Today is just the beginning.

WU Ride: https://www.strava.com/activities/15654922359

Swim: https://www.strava.com/activities/15654044224

Bike:

https://www.strava.com/activities/15654522921

Run:

https://www.strava.com/activities/15654871446

CD:

https://www.strava.com/activities/15654871426

https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/?hl=en 

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just around the corner, and I’m preparing for the toughest challenge I’ve ever taken on: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

This isn’t just about testing how far I can push myself. Every swim, ride, and run is about raising awareness for a disease that affects thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many lives are being cut short because it isn’t detected early enough.

I want this challenge to spark conversations, the kind that encourage men to get checked, talk openly, and maybe even save lives.

Your support makes a real difference:

💙 Funding groundbreaking research

💙 Providing care and support for men on their cancer journey

💙 Spreading awareness so early detection becomes the norm

Every donation, every message, every share fuels me through this challenge, and more importantly, it fuels the fight against prostate cancer.

I’m asking you to stand with me this September. Not on the course, but by backing the cause.

Massive thanks to @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike for making this possible.

Blue September is just 5 days away, and I’m gearing up for the biggest challenge of my life: 30 triathlons in 30 days.

I’m not doing this just to test my endurance. I’m doing it because every swim, ride, and run is a chance to shine a light on a disease that impacts thousands of Kiwi men and their families.

👉 Prostate cancer is now the most diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men. Too many dads, brothers, sons, and mates are being lost because it’s caught too late.

This challenge isn’t just about me, it’s about creating a conversation that might save someone’s life.

Your support has real impact:
💙 Funding vital, life-saving research
💙 Providing help and hope to men during diagnosis and treatment
💙 Raising awareness so more blokes get checked early

Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement is fuel that keeps me moving forward, and more importantly, helps tackle prostate cancer head-on.

This September, I’m asking you to join me. Not on the start line, but by donating.

This is made possible by the support of @meridabikesnz @coppinsoutdoors @maxxisnewzealand @maxxisbike

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a quick update and a massive thank you. Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer, and ever since then, I’ve wanted to do something special in his memory.

 At the beginning of this year, I set out on a big challenge: riding from Auckland all the way down to Stirling Point in Bluff on the Tour Aotearoa route. The bike I used wasn’t even built for that kind of riding; it was my daughter’s Merida Crossway 20 with a Bontrager back rack and an Aero Spider front rack, loaded up with about 10 kilos of camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, mattress, and cooker. 

Honestly, I thought for sure I’d snap a spoke or get a flat, especially on the Timber Trail, but unbelievably… nothing went wrong. Not a single mechanical issue. Fast forward to about a month ago, I saw the promotions for Blue September, and I decided I wanted to dedicate the whole month to raising funds and awareness. 

My challenge? 30 Olympic-distance triathlons in 30 days. Training was going well until about a week ago when disaster struck. During a short training ride, my derailleur hanger snapped, causing the derailleur to become entangled in the rear wheel. The derailleur was bent, and basically, that was game over. 

Sam and Jordan from @meridabikesnz saw my post and reached out. Honestly, I thought they might offer to repair the bike. But to my complete surprise, they went above and beyond, they supplied me with a brand new bike. Within just a few days it had arrived. Then Peter from @CoppinsOutdoors in Motueka stepped in, assembling the bike free of charge and even organising upgraded tyres through @MaxxisBike to keep me puncture free. 

That same day, I was back on two wheels. Without the generosity of Sam and Jordan from @meridabikesnz, Peter from @CoppinsOutdoors, and @maxxisbike , this challenge would never have got off the ground. Having this level of support is not only humbling, but it also inspires me every single day to keep pushing forward.

Very exciting news landing in the next couple of days… Full support from Peter at Coppins Outdoors in Motueka and Merida Bikes New Zealand 🙌

Blue September is just around the corner. I’ll be taking on 30 triathlons in 30 days..

This Blue September, I’m pushing my limits not for the sake of the challenge itself, but to start a bigger conversation.

👉 Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. It’s taking too many good people.

Your support makes a real difference:
💙 Funding life-saving research
💙 Providing support for men going through diagnosis and treatment
💙 Raising awareness so more blokes get tested in time

This isn’t just about me crossing the finish line. It’s about us tackling prostate cancer together.

🙏 Donate if you can. Share this with someone you care about. Every action counts.

#BlueSeptember #30in30 #MeridaBikesNZ #CoppinsOutdoors #ProstateCancerAwareness

Well, the broken bike saga continues, but with a twist. I’ve managed to get hold of a replacement. It’s not exactly flash, it’s not built for style, and honestly, it might even be a bit ugly… but you know what? It’ll get the job done.

And that’s the whole point, isn’t it? As Lance Armstrong once said, “It’s not about the bike.” In fact, it’s not even about me. This challenge isn’t about whether I’m riding the perfect machine or whether my setup looks sharp. It’s about something much bigger—fundraising for Blue September and tackling prostate cancer head-on.

The truth is, a clunky bike is just an inconvenience. A snapped derailleur, a borrowed frame, or an ugly ride doesn’t matter in the long run. What matters is that too many Kiwi men, dads, brothers, uncles, mates, are lost to this disease every year.

Your donation isn’t about helping me ride smoother or look better on the road. It’s about funding research, raising awareness, and making sure more men get tested early. That’s the mission. That’s why I keep pedalling, no matter what bike I’m on.

So if you haven’t already, please consider supporting. Share the page, chip in what you can, or simply spread the word, it all helps.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about bikes. It’s about saving lives.

Let’s tackle prostate cancer together.

Training doesn’t always go to plan. Last week, my rear derailleur hanger snapped on my bike, a small but crucial piece that keeps everything running smoothly. For now, I’ve rigged up a simpler setup to keep the wheels turning.

But here’s the thing: this journey was never about having the perfect gear. It’s not about carbon frames, fancy gadgets, or everything working seamlessly. It’s about showing up, day after day, with what you’ve got, and pushing forward anyway.

That’s exactly what this challenge is about. It’s not me, not the setbacks, not even the kilometres, it’s about raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer.

Every training ride, every run, every swim, every broken part I have to fix along the way, it’s all for something bigger.

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. This September, I’ll take on 30 triathlons in 30 days to honour him, and to fight for the thousands of Kiwi men still in the battle.

Your donation helps fund life-saving research, provide support for men in treatment, and raise awareness so more blokes get tested early. That’s what matters. That’s why I keep going, even when the gear doesn’t.

So if you can, please support this mission. Share it, donate, tell a mate, it all makes a difference.

Because a broken bike is just an inconvenience, a life lost too soon is not.

Let’s tackle prostate cancer together!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DNPcvuiRQkT/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Vlog on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/dprX81bN-Ts

Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/15360144027

This morning’s ride reminded me why I signed up for this challenge in the first place. It was a crisp 9°C when I rolled out, but honestly, it felt incredible just being out there, fresh air, wide open space, and the rhythmic peace that comes with turning pedals. The cold bites a bit, sure, but when you're surrounded by the beauty of nature, it’s hard to complain. 

Normally, I stick to my usual loop, a solid circuit just shy of 40 km, but today I decided to push a little further. Curiosity got the better of me, and I took a turn up a road I hadn’t explored before.

I had a feeling it might turn to gravel... and it did. Rough, unpredictable, but kind of perfect. About halfway in, I ran into a reminder that nature always has the final say. The recent flooding had taken the road out, but I spotted a footbridge nearby. Detour accepted. It wasn’t the route I’d planned, but it was exactly the ride I needed.

 All around me? Apple orchards. Row after row of them. I was right in the heart of orchard country, and it made the ride even more peaceful—just me, my bike, and the hum of quiet countryside. But here’s the thing that really hit me today. Yes, training like this is a joy. Yes, I love being outside. But it’s also a privilege. There are so many people, men especially, who would give anything to have the health, the freedom, or the opportunity to be out riding. And that’s what Blue September is really about.  This ride, like all the others I’ll be doing, is for them. It’s a reminder to check in, to support each other, and to raise awareness around men’s health. Even a mid-week ride has meaning when it’s tied to something bigger.

 I’ll be sharing more updates as the weeks roll on, maybe even a full video of the bike course, but for now, it’s back to the basics: ride, reflect, and remember the why behind every kilometre. 

 Thanks for following the journey.

Tomorrow is August 1st, and that means we’re just 4 weeks away from Blue September. Time to get serious about training.

I’m in decent shape but to take on this challenge properly, I need to shed a few kilos and lock in a structured training plan.

Right now, I’m running around 50 km a week and biking about 150 km. But to meet the demands of this challenge, I’ll need to ramp that up to 70 km running and 280 km cycling per week. Oh, and let’s not forget the swim.

This isn’t about high-end gear or expensive tech.No carbon-plated running shoes. No $10K time trial bike with aero wheels. I’ll be doing this with regular gear, the kind of stuff you’d find in most Kiwi garages. A standard road bike. My trusty old training shoes. Just me, showing up.

Because this challenge isn’t about flash.It’s about commitment.It’s about honouring my Dad.It’s about raising awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer.

Why I'm Doing This?

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. He was 73. Not a day goes by without a moment of “He’d love this” or “Wish I could ask him that.”

Grief doesn’t disappear. It just changes shape.

In 2021, I laced up and ran 73 km through Riverhead Forest on what would have been his 80th birthday, no race, no crowds, just a promise kept.

Then, I rode 3,500 km solo from Auckland to Bluff. Two months on the road, alone with my thoughts, my bike, and the open country. And earlier this year, I hiked the Annapurna Circuit, crossing the 5,416m Thorong La Pass, step by step, breath by breath, memory by memory.

Now, I’m back on home soil for Challenge Three. Starting September 23rd, the day my Dad passed, I’ll be completing 30 triathlons in 30 days, finishing on what would have been his 84th birthday.

Will You Support Me This Blue September?

Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Kiwi men. It’s taking too many good people.

This September, I’m using my body to spark a conversation and hopefully, raise funds that can help save lives.

Your donation helps

* Fund life-saving research 

* Provide support for men going through diagnosis and treatment 

* Raise awareness so more blokes get tested in time

This isn’t just about finishing the challenge.It’s about starting something bigger.

Donate now.Share this with someone you care about.Let’s tackle prostate cancer together.

Training and Event updates are posted here:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/198223

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancoxnz

Ten years ago, I lost my dad to cancer; he was 73. Not a day passes that I don’t think, He’d love this, or Wish I could ask him that. Grief doesn’t disappear. It just finds new places to live. At first, I didn’t know where to put it. In 2021, five years after my last big endurance challenge, something inside me stirred. I signed up for the Taupō Ultra Marathon, scheduled for October 16th, which would have been Dad’s 80th birthday. But when lockdowns shut the country down, the Taupo ultra was postponed to Dec 19th. On the day itself, I laced up, packed light, and ran 73 kilometres, one for every year of his life through the tangled trails of Riverhead Forest. No finish line. No crowds. Just a purpose.https://www.strava.com/activities/6119111215 

Doing this is a privilege, I reminded myself, again and again, as my legs turned over in the silence. Many fighting cancer never get the chance. That solo run cracked something open in me. A new dialogue began, between loss and momentum, between memory and movement. This year marks a decade since he passed. And something deeper called. I didn’t want to commemorate him by standing still. So I rode. Challenge One: Bikepacking 3,500 km from Auckland to Bluff, solo, unsupported. Just me, my bike, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a tiny stove. For 2 months, I pedaled through wind and wonder, rain and resolve. At times I felt invincible; other times, like a man unraveled. Every hill climbed was a metaphor. Every descent, a release. https://www.strava.com/activities/13349207073 

And I came to see that cycling, like life, doesn’t demand perfection, only presence. It doesn’t care how fast you go, only that you keep moving. Some days I rode with strength, chasing sunlight through valleys and along open coastlines. Other days were quieter, head down, legs aching, skies grey. But I kept turning the pedals. Not to escape the past, but to embrace what was unfolding. With each kilometre, I felt something shift, a softening, a deepening, a quiet return of belief. By the time I reached Bluff, I hadn’t just completed a journey, I had reconnected with something vital. Not just endurance, but hope. Not just distance, but direction. What began as a ride to honor the past became a ride toward what’s next, with a clearer mind, a steadier heart, and a renewed sense of what’s possible.

Then I flew. Challenge Two: Trekking the Annapurna Circuit, from Besisahar to Muktinath via the Thorong La Pass. Five weeks on foot, tracing ancient trails carved into Himalayan cliffsides, beneath skies that shifted from sapphire to steel. Every step brought altitude, and with it, awe. The mountains were cathedral-like, vast, solemn, indifferent. They didn’t care who I was or what I carried, only that I walked with humility. Along the way, I met the Nepalese people, quietly resilient, warm beyond words. A smile, a shared cup of tea, a nod of understanding that crossed language. In stone villages and sacred valleys, I passed spinning prayer wheels, fluttering flags, and temples folded into the earth like secrets. There’s a stillness in those places, a sense that time moves differently, or maybe not at all. At the Thorong La Pass, 5,416 metres above sea level, the wind cut through everything, except the memory of why I’d come. To honor Dad. https://www.strava.com/activities/14152090992 

Challenge Three begins this September. I’ll be completing 30 triathlons, or the equivalent distance in swimming, cycling, and running, over 30 days. Day after day, turning up. Brutal? Absolutely. But it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. It’s about motion as medicine. It’s about proving that rebirth doesn’t need to be dramatic, it can come through discipline, repetition, and the quiet act of choosing to begin again. In the end, these journeys aren’t about endurance. They’re about renewal. They’re about reclaiming hope, not as a vague, fluffy concept, but as a muscle we can strengthen. A fire we can feed. A path we can walk, even when we’re not sure where it leads.

Training and Event updates are posted here:

Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/198223

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seannnz/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@seancoxnz