Proudly sponsored by
photo (c) 2019 Canal Aventure, G. Pielke/D. Lemanski
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
T.S. Eliot
Ultra Marathon Running
I love the physical act of running. My heart pounding in my chest. The icy mountain air burning as I take a breath or the hot desert sun beating on my head. Spending my time with wonderful adventurous people as we explore new trails or share the pains of a another day of long racing.
I specialise in self-supported multi-stage races. These cover many kilometers of often remote and very challenging terrain whilst carrying all of my kit and food. The challenge of planning for and preparing myself goes way beyond just physical training. What nutrition do I carry? What kit do I take? Am I good enough? Have I done enough?
Through this sport, like most others, there are many lessons to learn about motivation, discipline, consistency and resilience. Hours of time spent alone, exhausted and ready to quit bring self awareness and a powerful, positive mindset.
charity work
I proudly support the Australian Childhood Foundation, one of Australia’s leading not-for- profits, supporting children to recover from the trauma of abuse, neglect and family violence. The Australian Childhood Foundation believes all children have the right to a safe and loving childhood and it works to protect and support children and aid their recovery from the impacts of their experiences.
Shoes for Planet Earth is an Australian based charity working with local and international communities to provide recycled sports shoes to those in need around the world. Since they began in 2009, they have donated more than 80,000 pairs of shoes across 18 countries. Once shoes are collected, they are packaged and delivered to homeless shelters, youth and female crisis centres, indigenous communities, sporting groups, orphanages, churches, flood and other disaster victims. 👟👟👟
media and podcasts
To Be Human Podcast
This great conversation with Jennah-Louise made me reflect and consider why I do what I do and what it means to me. We delve into some of my big life changes and what happened as a consequence.
We explore taking a big step right in life and the learning and growth of life outside the comfort zone.
I also share some stories of less favorable ultra running experiences and outcomes.
So good to have the opportunity. Thank you JL.
Running Matters Podcast
Loads of fun being interviewed by Paul from Running Matters Podcast. Lots of chat about ultra running adventures, planning, preparation and getting it wrong.
Mindset, goalsetting and frameworks for success.
Running The Track, being part of the Continental Challenge and running across New South Wales in The Hard Way Home.
Thanks so much for having me on.
The Blister - Mindset Article
In 2019 I was invited to speak at the Sydney Striders end of year awards dinner. As part of the preparation, I submitted this article to their monthly magazine, "The Blister". The article is about the inner voice that torments us all to varying degrees and how it plays a part in my ultra running adventures.
I hope you enjoy this short read.
Click on the image to download the full magazine pdf.
The Continental Challenge
The Continental Challenge is a race series of 5 ultra-marathons run on 5 continents. They are all self-supported races and in some of the most physically demanding places on earth.
-
May 2019 The Track 2nd finish 2017, 3rd. 2019, 12th
-
Nov 2019 Ultra Africa. 3rd place
-
March 20xx, Ultra Asia, Vietnam
-
July 20xx, Ultra Norway
-
Sept 20xx, Ultra Bolivia
Sadly these planned events have been postponed due the current world situation. Hopefully we will see the world open up in time to run these wonderful races.
Northern Territory, Australia
The Track 2017
At 522km, The Track is currently the longest self-supported stage race in the world. It is run through the unforgiving terrain of Australia's Northern Territory covering the mountains and deserts from Alice Springs to Uluru.
With little shade from the soaring temperatures and the unrelenting sun, participants carry their own kit through this rugged land.
This was my first attempt at a self-supported stage race and it's a big step-up from being supported. Self-supported means carrying all of your required kit on you for the entire race. That's to say, sleeping bag and mat, cooking kit and food, medical kit, emergency kit, and spare clothes (if being clean is your thing).
Our bags would weigh up to ten kilograms with water and we'd travel for hours in the blistering heat.
It's an incredible journey of physical endurance, mental determination, friendships and comradery and often comes down to outright stubbornness not to stop.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Northern Territory, Australia
The Track 2019
As brutally difficult and fantastically enjoyable the second time round. This is simply a magnificent way to explore a tiny bit of the vast Outback of Australia.
I had a very challenging run that almost saw my first DNF but I pushed through and learnt a lot about myself, the importance of preparation and the significance of just a couple of words in the ear.
You can read about it in my blog post here.
Mozambique, 2019
Ultra Africa
220km, 5 days Self-supported. It was 5 months after my rough experience on The Track where I nearly DNF'd. I returned home from Uluru and started to re-assess my approach. I couldn't go to another race like that and just hang on to finish. I hired Ultra running coach Andy Dubois from Mile27 Coaching and got to work. Andy paved the way for a much better run in Mozambique. It's a stunning place to race, another great bunch of people and directed by Jerome Lollier of Canal Aventure.