This is a story about gratitude. In hindsight, I should not have booked my first ultramarathon for the November following my first marathon in April 2021. I figured it would be easier to “maintain fitness” than “start over”, but severely misjudged the rest and recovery both my body and mind would need after such a … Read more
Around 10 years ago, single and childless, I idly professed my intent to run a half marathon “one day”… then life got in the way and that day never happened. Fast forward to October 2020 and I took up running once more and gave myself a 12 month goal to run that ever elusive half … Read more
The crisp cold air heralded the return to the 2021 Ultra Trail Australian landscape as runners from near and far gathered nervously on the start line. No longer a race to the start as is sometimes the case, many needed to plan a little ‘extra time’ for the mandatory COVID-19 check in’s and parking, and … Read more
I started training for the Canberra Marathon in December 2020 – logging 683.95km and almost 83 hours of training before the big day. I ran through torrential rain, through heartbreak when my best friend died 3 weeks out, logged many KMs alone in the dark and many grateful KMs with wonderful friends. I had a … Read more
Back in July 2020, in the midst of COVID unpredictability and with zero goals on the horizon, I decided I needed to pick something to work towards. While I’ve always been a runner on and off since I was 11yrs old, I’d recently gotten back into running consistently after a few years in the gym … Read more
My name is Michelle Hooper, I am a mother of two vibrant little girls (3 & 5) and reside in Perth. I feel I represent the everyday mum who juggles between work, kids, training & life. I am no elite, far from it (kinda like it that way). My running journey started after having my … Read more
As I sit here reflecting on the year that has been it is hard to not have an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Yes, 2020 was a difficult year, and its’ affect and its’ uncertainty still remains with us, however it was a year that brought much clarity and reflection to what I do here at … Read more
Thanks to our unwelcome virus friend, COVID-19, 2020 has been like Old Mother Hubbard’s cupboard for running event options. This year has taught me to run for nature, adventure, friendship and peace rather than big finish lines, PBs and medals; but when Summit Shoalhaven entries opened, I registered immediately. The chance to run in an actual, REAL … Read more
Where to even begin? The conscious decision about doing 100 miles at Feral Pig here in WA wasn’t even really made this year to be honest… I’d signed up to do the miler last year but with the extreme heat and fire danger resulting in the cancelation of the 2019 event we were given the … Read more
Sunday 20th September – 7.13am “Runners this is your two minute call”. As I neared the starting gates, I spotted my husband Dylan walking towards me with our ten and-a-half-month-old Billy bobbing up and down on his shoulders. His little legs were wrapped firmly around his Dad’s neck and he wore a cheeky grin. “Billy didn’t … Read more
I have always been athletic. I played basketball as a kid. I was pretty good at it and made it as far as training with the Melbourne Tigers women’s WNBL team and could have gone further, but I lost the hunger. I was 17 and the possibility of hanging out with friends and partying seemed to be a … Read more
In August 2017, I took part in my very first Parkrun. I was nervous, as I was stepping right out of my comfort zone as you will see by the video I have attached. I can hardly believe that in under three years, I am now a marathon runner! There are many parts to this … Read more
Meet Natasha Hammond. Mum, graphic designer and RMA Community Ambassador for Sydney! You can hear her story here.