Episodes
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It's finally here the 24 Hour Championship for Asia and Oceania and Australia. Two epic races happening this weekend in Canberra, I give my predictions for the two races, and chat with race Director Matthew Eckford about the race weekend, and some things to look out for in Canberra.
What a stacked field, predicting this race isn't easy but keen to hear who you think will win it all when it's all said and done come Sunday morning! -
Nicholas Bamford has amassed such an impressive resume in such a short time, winning three of Brisbane's biggest ultras, and was a prominent figure in a heartbreaking second at Coast to Kosci, in one of the all-time classics.
But he shows why in this conversation, where he gives an insight into his preparation, and shares a valuable perspective as he prepares for his third UTMB Assault, following last year’s top 100 finish.
A great conversation with plenty of lessons for running and life. -
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Sascha Meyer's journey is one of great interest. Working as a mechanic for some of Germany's most iconic car brands he decided he wanted more out of life.
That led him to a trip down under and a move that's changed his life, with that discovering a love of running just a couple of years ago, he's about to attempt to shatter Joe Ward's Brisbane to Sydney FKT in July this year.
This is the story of why he's doing it, and how this former car mechanic's life flipped upside down from the moment he ran his first half marathon. -
Zac O'Neil already has such an impressive ultra running resume, but the way he goes about it may surprise you.
With wisdom well beyond his years Zac talks about longevity in the sport and how he wants to be running well into his octogenarian years and beyond. He shares how he's completed Australia's toughest ultra twice, as well as some news that he's now linked up with one of the world's leading dietitians and his company.
This was a lot of fun and you can follow Zac's incredible journey here. -
Lisa Sherman wears many hats including incredible ultra runner and nutritionist. She's also about to add Race Director, where as you'll find out in the pod the pandemic forced other plans onto Lisa, which has since seen the creation of I'm Still Standing in Sydney, bringing another offering to those who would like to try the format and live on the East Coast of Australia.
She also added an Akubra to her collection of hats, yes, she's a finisher of Australia's most elite ultra Coast to Kosci. Throw in a Six Foot Track completion, being a senior run leader of Boobs on the Run among other achievements and it's a pretty stacked resume.
I hope you enjoy this one, the 40th episode of the Peak2Soon Podcast, on what is the Pod's 1st Birthday, none of this is possible without your support, so wherever you're taking this in, I hope you enjoy it. -
Dillon Rinn did something last year that no one had done in the history of the Elephant Trail Race, he became the race's first ever Ultra Elite Finisher, completing the 217km gruelling race.
It gave him multiple finishes at the event, having completed a 100 miler in the first year the race existed, not knowing what he was in for, then coming back a few years later to create a World Record in becoming the first person to carry a 30 pound vest for 100 kilometres.
But, there was something missing, and last year Dillon ran 50 ultras in a row to kick off the year, which set him down a path to the country's toughest ultra 'Coast to Kosci', and a top four finish.
An impressive story, and one we'll all take a lot from.
You can support the Podcast for as little as $2 a month here. -
Harry Woolley has inspired many people throughout his journey of running 100 half marathons in 100 days.
I had many questions for Harry - detailing sleep, eating and weight loss or gain. He answers it all during this podcast, and also gives an insight into his mindsight that allowed him to run 7 ultras in 12 days during the streak.
Harry is also raising money for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation where he has so far raised more than $40,000. -
In late 2015, Mark’s close family friend and neighbour Frank was diagnosed with Cancer. Frank unfortunately passed away a few short months later.
Mark was really struggling but like most blokes kept it in and started drinking heavily. To try and combat his depression and gain some control back over his life he signed up for his first marathon in Sydney in 2016.
He's many things a husband, father, ultra runner, mental health ambassador, motivational speaker, but most of all he's a good bloke.
His story is one that proves what's possible when you set your mind to something, dream big, and then go out and try and achieve it, even if in the moment it seems impossible.
This year he finished second at Coast to Kosci, in what was a thrilling race, he shares an insight into his second effort at that race, as well as a new secret weapon he's using for his mindset. -
Starting his running journey a decade ago Mark Scarborough completed his first marathon in 2019 in Melbourne, it was on that day that Mark vowed he'd never run another marathon again.
But, he had a big why, a ticket to the Berlin Marathon, running in memory of his step father who was one of the many Aussies who died after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
The pandemic had other ideas, and this year Mark finally got to run the Berlin Marathon, this is his story, and how 'the dad bod runner' finished his first Abbot World Marathon Major. -
Brooke Thomas is a star on the rise, and while she won't admit it she's one of the top trail runners in the world.
Recently, Brooke was the last woman standing at Arrowtown Backyard event, nearly placing her directly on the New Zealand team for the Satellite World Championships.
That ends what has been a big year, which includes a fourth at UTA in her first showing, and being in the Top 40 women who finished this year's CCC at UTMB.
What's perhaps most incredible about all of this is that just over a decade ago, she was diagnosed with a heart condition and became the recipient of an inserted cardiac pacemaker, oh and I haven't even mentioned that she holds the women's record for the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail.
There's more to her, but you'll have to listen to this episode to find out! -
Coast to Kosci is one of Australia's best races, 240km from a beach in Eden all the way to the top of Australia then back down to Charlotte's Pass.
Without last year's winners this race is still so super stacked, and like any year is bound to throw up some twists and surprise.
Last year's winner Rob Mason lets me know about some exciting developments about the race, and also helps me try and pick a winner for this weekend's event! To those running I hope you enjoy.
If you're following the race on social media don't forget to join the conversation using #coastotkosci2023
Also really worth checking out Rob's podcast 'Mindset for Runners' -
Stromlo Running Festival was born out of the ashes of the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, and is the brain child of Marathon Legend Robert De Castella, who did much of his training in the region throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The first run in 2009 was unlike any other running event held in Australia and was centred within the developed world-class facilities of Canberra’s Stromlo Forest Park.
The festival has gone from strength-to-strength under Director Mel Bingley, who I enjoyed chatting with about her journey as a self confessed 'plodder', and how she takes her own experience on the trails, and brings that to life as a Race Director. -
**Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation.
For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
Running for Resilience is a project in Canberra that recently set out the goal to have the Nation's Capital suicide free by 2033.
It's Founder Matt Breen is one of the most optimistic people you'll ever meet, but the death of his father to suicide and then his mother's cancer diagnosis in 2019 rocked him.
The group saved me in a tough time and I'll forever be grateful to Breeny and the crew for that, this wasn't an easy conversation, but one I think is as important as any I've had so far. -
One of Australia's most respected politicians Dr Andrew Leigh was recently crowned Australia's fittest politician.
For those that live in Canberra it would come as no surprise, as if you're up early enough you'll catch Dr Leigh running on the trails somewhere between Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura.
Dr Leigh shares his wisdom in this podcast, and a journey that's seem him run sub three hours in all six marathon majors, and most his running took him to South Africa's Comrades Marathon.
But, it hasn't always been easy, injuries and an aging body have led to different challenges, but as Dr Leigh explains, sometimes it's not about racing our younger selves, the journey is much more satisfying than that. -
Each year a run takes place for the Bravery Trust charity called 'The Bravery Trek'.
This year Ambassador and Veteran Murray Bruce and Canberra running Icon Singh Talwar took part in this year's edition, which was 4 marathons in 4 states in 44 days.
This podcast takes on a lot of their wisdom and gives you an insight into The Bravery Trek and why they both take part. If you'd like to support them you can do so here. -
It's not often you get to sit down and chat with the founder of a shoe company, but Sam Burke is not only a passionate Co-Founder of Tarkine, he's also a passionate runner.
I really enjoyed getting an insight into what it takes to get a shoe company off the ground, and what Tarkine has in the pipeline, with some incredibly exciting projects not that far away.
I hope you enjoy this chat, about an Aussie Shoe Company punching well above it's weight.
Peak2Soon Patreon -
Just a shortie this week, first time by myself on the podcast. I think everyone was absolutely mindblown by Big's Backyard Ultra this past week, so I do a little recap with some stats from the race.
I also provide an update on what's coming up, but mainly it's just to say hello and g'day and give a shoutout to some friends running Bondi to Manly tomorrow! -
The Ultra Mediocre Runners of Canberra, is one of those run clubs you feel has been around for ever, but it might surprise you to learn that the club is just a few years old.
Born out of a couple of mates running together during the pandemic, the club now boasts over 50 members, which includes a couple of national champions, and the club also hosts the country’s toughest backyarder, The Gumby.
I enjoyed this chat with a handful of the club's members after they recently introduced two new races to the Canberra Trail Running Scene, in BRuTUS and The Knife.
You can check them out at www.ultramediocre.run.
If you want to support the course you can at here and don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon. -
Donna Urquhart is about to undertake the run of a lifetime, hoping to run 1,300 kilometres in Antarctica.
She's also on a mission to educate and empower young girls and women to develop a love of sport and discover what is possible for them through the integration of mental and physical skills.
In this chat she details how she hopes to over come a number of challenges she'll face during the run. You can follow her incredible journey at runantarctica on instagram or at her website at www.runantarctica.com.
If you want to support the course you can at here and don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon. -
Happy, limitless and free is Tanya Bottomley's motto and it's early in this conversation I learn why that is.
From depressed, down and almost out, to conquering mountains and so much more. Tanya's story is one of pure inspiration, from finding the trails to becoming the first woman to attempt the Southern Seasons Miler Challenge, Tanya's story is one of perseverance and courage.
This was a lot of fun, and shows that sometimes just going out and taking on a challenge can be enough to fill one's heart. As a mindset coach Tanya also gives some interesting insights into the mental game behind her achievements, a must listen for anyone who is into adventures.
Don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon - Show more