Glavinovic (26), who is originally from Canada but moved to Wanaka three years ago after a stint in Melbourne, is being coached by elite triathlete Nicky Samuels.
Although Glavinovic started triathlon when she was still in her homeland more than seven years ago, she did not complete her first full-distance race until Challenge Wanaka in 2011.
Since then, she has completed four other full races, including Challenge Wanaka again.
She has also completed 13 half-distance races and has fallen ''head over heels in love with the sport''.
She approached Samuels about 18 months ago for some coaching.
''I was very intimidated at the beginning to even ask her, but one of my friends is coached by her and she said, `Get over it and ask her.'
''It has been great. I have improved so much, and she has a wealth of knowledge herself, of course.''
Glavinovic plans to use next weekend's standard-distance race (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) as training for next month's Challenge Wanaka.
''Timing-wise, it is perfect for my build-up. I will use this as a really hard training day. When you are tired, you can surprise yourself with great competition around you and see what you can do.''
Glavinovic does not yet see herself as a good enough triathlete to be professional, but under the coaching of Samuels, she is willing to give it a go.
''I am at an age where I can choose to have a full-time sedentary career right now or choose to do that later and dedicate my time to see how good I can be. I have made my intentions known to [Samuels] to see what I can do for the next couple of years,'' she said.
Glavinovic is working part-time at the Wanaka swimming pool, where she finds plenty of motivation.
''Of all the people I interact with, everyone is on some sort of adventure: triathlon, multisport, even rehab. Everyone is involved in something.''
Glavinovic has fallen for Central Otago and now calls Wanaka ''home''. She has returned to Canada to visit family a few times but has told them to come visit her to see ''why I have abandoned you all''.
