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
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
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
Some of you may remember that at the start of this year, the year of my fortieth birthday, I made a goal for myself, 40 events for my fortieth. This seemed to be a very feasible goal that I could achieve through my regularly scheduled races I wouldn’t miss for the world, plus a few extra … Read more
To start with, I will go back, waaaayyy back. 15 years ago, I found myself a single mumma to 2 beautiful children. My daughter was 7 and my son 4. My son is on the autism spectrum and intellectually impaired, so I moved across the country to move closer to my family for support. I worked … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
Hi ladies, my name is Jodie CUMNER. I’m a single mother, Run Coach and proud Gold Coast RMA Community Ambassador. I have been road running for 9 years and trail running for 5. Last Saturday I ran the Blackall 100 (50km) event. This was my first long distance running event since November I completed the Surf … Read more
Like so many mums-be-be, my pregnancy enforced hiatus from running made me dream of bigger things, for me this was my first 100km event. After my 3rdbeautiful daughter was born in September 2018, the real work began to regain my fitness, training 2-3 times a day and working it in around sleeps and feeds. Race weekend … Read more