Ever since I ran my first half marathon at the Australian running festival in Canberra in 2016, I’ve had my eyes on the people running the 50km ultra in absolute awe. Wow! How could they do that? How could their legs go for that long? Could I one day get there? It seemed unimaginable. I [...]
Running for me is my daily meditation and the key to my health, well being and quality of life…this was reinforced for me after 14 days of home isolation for COVID19. I was never a runner, when I was younger I had to walk at the 150m mark of the 200m. In 2008 my husband ran [...]
After my daughter was born in June 2019, I had plans to get back into training as soon as possible to run a marathon in 2020. I got my six week check up, saw a pelvic floor physio and started slowly building up my training. My first goal was to do the 10km at the [...]
Are you working harder than you ever have this past fortnight? Are you running less than you ever have this past fortnight? Are you sleeping less than you ever have this past fortnight? If you answered yes to 3 questions you are not alone. That’s me right now. Fortunate to be working I’m working twice as much, juggling Pete’s [...]
This article is adapted from an article published by myself in RMA in 2016. I think that some of the lessons here we can adapt to our ever changing situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of my thoughts. Recently I found myself unwell which lead to a week in bed. During this time [...]
Our climate across the world has changed at a rapid rate these last few weeks, where we see COVID-19 infiltrating our countries, our people, our health care systems, our economy and our wellbeing. With so much uncertainty and angst, one thing remains clear, we are stronger together. If we band together and do the right [...]
The challenge was one set by David Goggins – Google him if you don’t know him at all. You will understand where the craziness to do this challenge comes from. Its 4 Miles (6.4kms) every 4 hours for 48 hours straight. My trainer from the gym I attend said that he was going to complete the [...]
I did not choose this race; the race chose me. Now that it’s done, I know that it happened this way for so many reasons other than actually running 50km. The last 12 months has been a spectacular journey of ups and downs and round and rounds. Let me take you on the ride…… 2019 was a really [...]
101 hours 58 minutes.350kmApprox 7 hours sleepToo many blisters to countOne sore kneeOne dirty knee brace thrown away at the endSo many amazing viewsOne full meltdown/panic attackMany moderate meltdownsMany small meltdownsToo many tears to countI would hate to know how many swear words and grunts going down hill3kg lost over the few days0 times I [...]
For most trail runners there is a (sometimes fairly significant) component of hiking the uphills. Especially when you’re out there for 5, 10, 20 hours hiking like you mean it can have you up and over mountains like a determined warrior, and taking chunks from your overall race time - so why not focus on [...]
It is every parents dream, the hope of a healthy baby. And in 2006 Sophie Smith thought she had her whole families future ahead of her. A loving husband, and triplets on the way. But then, at 21 weeks her waters broke and shortly after, her new born baby son Henry passed away in her [...]
The idea to enter Tarawera originated on a trail run with friend Leanne. She planted the seed and I was intrigued and excited at the thought of running beautiful NZ trails. Almost immediately I began considering the 100 mile option, could I actually finish the 100 mile race? Eventually entries opened and I decided to [...]
We continue our chat with Jessica Stenson and ask her about the lessons and learnings from her journey so far as a mum, her thoughts on women in sport, and what her plans are for the future. We have seen that you are back running. What does a typical day look like for you now that [...]
