By Daniel Henderson  January 28, 2012

Barry Pascoe can attest to the addictive qualities of exercise.

Having just completed the gruelling Wanaka Ironman, he's ready for more.
"If I don't keep the fitness up I'll feel ill and won't come right until I've got on the bike or gone for a run."
He's annoyed that he's missed out on competing in the upcoming New Zealand Ironman in Rotorua because he missed out on a ticket – they sold out in a week.
"I'll have to wait for next year's but I'll keep myself busy with some duathlons.
"The Gym Company's is coming up."
Until then he can reflect on a successful ironman that also saw him raise $700 for Winter Schenkel, the young daughter of a friend who has the life threatening conditions Noonan Syndrome and hydrocephalus.
It is a remarkable achievement to finish an ironman which includes a 4km swim, 180km bike plus a marathon run and Barry not only has that to be happy
with.
"I finished it in 11.45hrs which put me 73rd overall out of 283 competitors.
"I felt good for most of it as well, but the last 50km on the bike were into the worst head wind I'd ever experienced."
He completed the run in 3.58hrs, the swim in 1.15hrs and the bike in 6.19hrs.
The beautiful setting of Wanaka was nice, Barry said, when he felt good on the bike, not so much when he was battling the last 50km.
The run went well and he said he's really enjoying the swimming which he's relatively new to.
"I just enjoy the challenge of it and the endurance side to it."

Pictured: Once you start you can't stop. Endurance racing has 35-year-old meat worker Barry Pascoe in its thrall.

Photo Johnny Houston