Trail Run #42 by Adventure Entertainment

EDITION 42 // 2022 // AU/NZ VOLUME 11 ED38 // 2021 // AU/NZ

NOW INCORPORATING NOW INCORPORATING

CAINE WARBURTON BEHIND THE SCENES: CREWING FOR A 200 MILER DESERT CONQUERER: RACING WITH CANCER FROM THE HEART: A RUN JOURNEY CAPTURED ON FILM Q&A WITH SUSIE CAMPBELL: HER FIRST ULTRA MAD MISSION: SOARING THROUGH THE VALLEY ULTRA A COMEBACK LIKE NO OTHER WITH MALCOLM WINNIE

s l i a Tr FROM SERVICE TO THE

How//Wayne McMurtrie SHOE REVIEWS EVENT PREVIEWS // GEAR got // TRAIL CREW

through PTSD with trail running

9 771839 749200

(INC (INC GST)GST) RRP AU$15/NZ$15 RRP AU$15/NZ$15

MAD MISSION: RUGGED & REMOTE RAKIURA

Vistas are meant to be earned.

DETAILS

ED42 // 2022 // AU/NZ

COVER: Katharine Clark bounds through the Aussie terrain at the 2021 Feral Pig 50km Ultra IMAGE: Astrid Volzke THIS SHOT: Veronica Palockova takes the incline at Remarkables Mountain Range in New Zealand IMAGE: Sean Beale VISIT US ONLINE www.trailrunmag.com www.facebook.com/trailrunmag www.twitter.com/trailrunmag www.instagram.com/trailrunmag EDITOR: Kate Dzienis DESIGN: Jo Jamieson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Vera Alves, Brad Dixon, Kieron Douglass, Sarah Dyer, Kate Dzienis and Taye Pugh PHOTOGRAPHERS: Tim Bardsley-Smith, Sean Beale, Amanda Bruce, Felipe Bruxel, Amber Callaghan, Johnny Campbell, Guillem Casanova, Alexander Davydoff, Kate Dzienis, Sarah Farrell, FinisherPix, Louie J Hadfield, John Harding, Kim Hutt, Jarrod Lucas, Marathon des Sables, Marcos Martini, Graeme Murray, Marco Noe, Claire O’Brien-Smith, Outer Image Collective, Photos4Sale, Adam Rowe, Tarawera Ultramarathon, Miriam Thomas, Lluis Toll, Nick Trebilcock, Astrid Volzke, Rhea Wholey, YK Wong and Andrew Yeatman TRAIL RUN IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY ADVERTISING Paul Robinson Phone: +61 (0) 408 162 246 Email: paul@adventureentertainment.com SUBSCRIPTIONS & ENQUIRIES trailrunmag.com/subs magazines@adventureentertainment.com Phone: (02) 8227 6486 PO Box 161, Hornsby, NSW, 1630 EDITORIAL Trail Run Mag Email: kate@trailrunmag.com Phone: +61 (0) 413 432 800 PUBLISHER Adventure Entertainment ABN 79 612 294 569

Disclaimer Trail running and other activities described in this magazine can carry significant risk of injury or death. Especially if you are unfit. Undertake any trail running or other outdoors activity only with proper instruction, supervision, equipment and training. The publisher and its servants and agents have taken all reasonable care to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication and the expertise of its writers. Any reader attempting any of the activities described in this publication does so at their own risk. Neither the publisher nor any of its servants or agents will be held liable for any loss or injury or damage resulting from any attempt to perform any of the activities described in this publication, nor be responsible for any person/s becoming lost when following any of the guides or maps contained herewith. All descriptive and visual directions are a general guide only and not to be used as a sole source of information for navigation. Happy trails.

CONTENTS

VOLUME 11 ED41 // 2021 // AU/NZ

72. SHOE REVIEWs

14. EVENT PREVIEWS

TRAIL MIX 08. 14. 22. 24. 26. 78. 82.

EDITOR’S COLUMN EVENT PREVIEWS: FROM DOWN UNDER AND NZ DREAM RUN: TRANSCEND ULTRA PEAK PERFORMANCE: DON’T FLOW OVER THE TRAIL WITH BRAD DIXON TRAIL CREW: PINEAPPLE RUNNING CLUB TRAIL PORN: BREATHTAKING RACES WISE WORDS: MELINA MELLINO

30. THE RESILIENCE TO COPE WITH PTSD

FEATURES 30. DEALING WITH WAR WOUNDS ON THE TRAILS

36. INNERVIEW: THE KIWI WHO CONQUERED THE DESERT

42. A PIECE OF SALVATION THROUGH ULTRAS

50. TO CREW OR NOT TO CREW 56. MAD MISSION: SOARING THROUGH THE VALLEY

61. THE RACE IS ON: THE GOLDFIELDS PIPELINE MARATHON

66. Q&A: SUSIE CAMPBELL TAKES THE LEAD

71. A COMEBACK LIKE NO OTHER

REVIEWS 10. NOW’S A GOOD TIME TO BUY: ALL THE GOOD GEAR 28. BOOK CLUB: MENTAL TRAINING FOR ULTRA RUNNING 76. SHOE REVIEW: THE NORTH FACE VECTIV ENDURIS

SCORCHING. COLD. No matter the temperature outside, Genuine Thermos® Brand hydration bottles keep contents cold for hours, helping you to keep hydrated all day long. The secret is Thermos™ vacuum insulation technology which virtually eliminates temperature change within the container. Genuine Thermos Brand has been trusted since 1904. THERMOS is a registered trademark in over 115 countries. © 2016, 2021 Thermos PTY Ltd. THERMOS.COM.AU

14 HOURS COLD

ED’S WORD KATE DZIENIS, EDITOR IMAGE: SEAN BEALE

s s e n i s u B D E H S I N I F N U

eing vulnerable isn’t easy, but that’s what I’m going to do. Heading out for a single run over the past two years has had its fair share of challenges, I’ll be the first to admit. From the global pandemic to having my second much-anticipated child, lacing up my runners and walking out the door hasn’t exactly been a priority. It’s been a tiresome 24 months, but finally in 2022 things are starting to fall into place and a sense of balance is slowly returning to what my new normal is. When I think about returning back to my peak fitness level and finding inspiration within myself, I can’t help but recount my most favourite event that I’d ever raced in, back in 2017 – the 6 Inch Trail Ultra, which provided 47km of blissful terrain along the historic Munda Biddi Trail from North Dandalup in Western Australia’s south west to the town of Dwellingup. I’d been training for almost half a year to get ready for it. In my head, all I wanted to do was complete an ultra – forget marathon distance on the road, that was never an attractive option for me. It was all about 6 Inch for six solid months. The furthest I’d ever done up until that point was 25km. It’s probably here I should let you know I’ve never been a good runner. Parkruns were always about 36 to 38 minutes for me, and I could never break a 7.30 pace comfortably. With that in mind, my focus in 2017 was to just aim for ‘time on feet’, and incorporate hill training (my relationship with inclines is on a hate-hate basis, and going uphill is a total weakness). And I did it – I did everything my coach at the time told me to do, and I drove the two hour drive to North Dandalup just after midnight to see a very early start to the race.

us stood under space blankets and trees in the freezing cold and rain to see a 430am start, I moronically had a frozen bag of water pushed up against my back giving me what seemed like frostbite along my spine, if that’s even possible.

Checking in, the nerves had begun to stir in my gut; and to make things worse, the day was predicted to be full of rain, cold chill and storms. Most of the time, 6 Inch had always been held on what appeared to be Perth’s hottest day of the year but by some miraculous change of heart by the weather gods, it was the complete opposite – and I’d stupidly put my bladder in the freezer the day before. So whilst all 299 of

Despite that, I was prepared. The whistle blew and off we ran, up Goldmine Hill for 1.5kms at 10% AVG and 1.5km gradual. There was a lot of cursing under my breath for the most part, and by the time I got up to the top for a relatively

flat bit, I was pretty much trying my hardest not to be last – so pushed myself to ensure there were at least two or three people behind me. The first aid station was at 23kms, with a cut-off of 4 hours, and I’d made it just in time. The volunteers had turned the station into a retirement village, with an abundance of running friends dressing up as old grannies and grumpy grandads, playing golf whilst targeting runners and racing us to our drop bags with their steel A frames.

ISSUE 41 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

vehicles. The course indicated for me to go right, and I was heading for the infamous Escalator – a 200m to 300m very steep and sharply rutted climb that essentially could break me. The aid station was at the top, and then runners were to run back down, go back towards that fork in the road, and head to the ‘left’ marker. The only problem was that when I saw the volunteers, and was told I didn’t make cut-off for the Escalator’s aid station, I burst into tears. A super kind female volunteer ran with me to the bottom of the Escalator to see if I wanted to do it anyway, but by the time we got there another group of runners were coming past saying the aid station had all but packed away. I was gutted. My first DNF. And I never even made ultra. For a good three days after 6 Inch, I grieved my lack of success. I was overcome with the very fact that despite training as hard as I did, I was still not fast or fit enough. And what made it harder for me was the fact that at my peak, there was a lot of ‘how in the world can I get better’ if I was already ‘better’ than I had been in a long time?

At this point, I got a great laugh while refuelling, but not wanting to drag my feet any longer, headed off.

following markers. It was exhilarating, it was empowering, and it was audacious – I felt superhuman.

The 6 Inch Ultra was the first race I’d ever done solo. Everything I’d ever participated in was with a friend who would pace me the whole way and encourage me, keep me company and push me through. This was a different story. This was me, all on my own, in the bush, getting saturated with what seemed like shards of rain, and really having to concentrate to make sure I was

And despite those feelings of triumph that I was out there on my own, I remember continuously looking at my watch, counting in my head if I would make it to the next aid station in time or not. At 31km my legs began to really feel the burn, and I whipped out my poles for a bit of help. I got to a fork in the road where volunteers were waiting with two off-road

Putting together my stories list for this edition of Trail Run Magazine, conducting reviews on products and events, interviewing extraordinary humans for articles and finding the best possible adventure photography ever, I’m so incredibly invigorated to be the runner I once was. I’m reminded of those times I thoroughly enjoyed training and putting together a plan for a trail race, and when I look back at my biggest achievements in racing, my ‘failure’ at 6 Inch takes the cake. I may have DNF’d, I may have gone through a barrage of emotions, I may never have experienced the Escalator, and I may not have received a medal...but those 38km that I did get through were the most wellearned kilometres I’d ever done. 6 Inch and I have unfinished business. Perhaps this is the year I conquer it.

DETAILSA GOOD TIME TO BUY NOW’S

ALL THE GREAT GEAR

PILLAR PERFORMANCE SPORTS MICRONUTRITION REVIEWER: KATE DZIENIS

Sports nutrition is a bit of a personal thing. Whether you consider yourself a professional athlete or not, most humans need a little bit of help when it comes to vitamins and minerals – aka micronutrients. Crucial for a variety of activities in the body, including turning food into energy and keeping your joints stable, you may find it interesting to note that there are some which can affect how well you perform on the trails.

omega 3, zinc and a unique high strength vitamin D3 formulation. Their presentation and pride in the product is insanely impressive. Delivered straight to my door in a sleek black box with black shredded paper, and each black jar wrapped to the nines in black tissue paper, right off the bat I could tell this was a brand that takes pride in its merchandise. I also received a smooth as silk black travel tin in my package, ideal to pop a few capsules in if I ever have to leave town for a bit.

Let’s face it – as we get older, we tend to start lacking particular micronutrients, so it’s key to point out that deficiencies are likely to happen. Case in point, I’m vegetarian and to avoid anemia and nervous system damage I need to get my hands on a high quality vitamin B supplement; none of that other stuff found at local pharmacies that has goodness knows what else in them.

too that the ingredient formulation in the Motion Armour actually allows Pillar Performance to claim the product as one that can prevent cartilage breakdown, which is massive news for trail runners. Damien Fitzpatrick is the founder of Pillar Performance. Name sound familiar? If you’re a rugby fan it should. He’s a recently retired NSW Waratah who has now turned his attention to sports micronutrition in a bid to provide athletes with the best supplement nutrition possible.

And here’s where Pillar Performance comes in. I’ve always been hard pressed to find a supplement that caters to the combination of diet and high impact exercise, but in waltzed Pillar Performance at the right time with their Ultra B Active Peak Performance tablet and BOOM. I’ve found an incredible formulation for my needs with vitamin B2, B6 and B12 all in the one hit.

Working together with former World No. 1 triathlete and chair of the AFL Sports Dietitians Association Pip Taylor, they’ve developed a high end range of micronutrition products to ensure optimal performance across everyone’s athletic calendar. They noticed micronutrition was missing within the sports nutrition market, which tends to have a primary focus on macronutrients – carbs, fats and protein.

Not only have I been indulging in the potent-strength vitamin B formulation (which is vegan, by the way and perfectly capped at 60 capsules) I’ve also started testing out Pillar Performance’s Motion Armour Joint Longevity tablets (60 of those too) as well as their Triple Magnesium Professional Recovery powder (200g).

And now, having launched in mid2021, evidence-based company Pillar Performance provides everything from the three products I’ve been trialling (Ultra B Active, Motion Armour and deliciously berry tasting Triple Magnesium powder) to supplements in calcium, vitamin C,

I will admit, my knee joints are starting to get hit a bit hard, but within one week of taking the Motion Armour I already began to feel a significant difference in joint relief. It’s important to note here

So after two months of taking my micronutrition, I have to say that I’m immensely pleased with the results I’ve been getting. The tasty recovery drink I make with the magnesium power (not too sweet, not too bland) is something I look forward to at the end of my long runs and strength training days, and the tablets are a great size too – no gagging or choking here. Overall, Pillar Performance is a young start-up but they’re already lining up to be a frontrunner sports micronutrition name bound to make headway in the trail and ultra running world. If you’re keen to address your joint health, immunity, recovery and energy-support, give Pillar Performance a try.

VITALS AUSTRALIA RRP Triple Magnesium Powder $34.99 AUD RRP Motion Armour Joint Longevity $49.99 AUD RRP Ultra B Active Peak Performance $34.99 AUD All other products range between $20.99 $52.99 AUD NEW ZEALAND Pillar Performance is available in sports nutrition stores across NZ. Items can be purchased online via the Australian website with a flat shipping rate to NZ of $14.90 AUD. www.pillarperformance.com.au

ISSUE 41 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

HUAWEI GT 2 PRO REVIEWER: SARAH DYER

Two-week battery life! Not knowing too much about electronics or the inner workings of such, I tend to just go with the flow and adopt the Garmin brand as most trail runners gravitate to. The new Huawei GT 2 Pro is a great starting point for a sports watch with some amazing new features built upon its predecessors – and not Huawei’s primary market or area of electronic expertise. GPS connectivity and support is one of the biggest must-haves for trail runners. Not only for safety but accuracy and tracking purposes. The least you expect is to track a semi-accurate course, distance and pace – and all of the other metrics are irrelevant. Trail runners don’t mind the zig-zag as much as roadrunners, but also expect that the course tracked by GPS not be gravitational. The GT 2 Pro is comparable with GPS support when compared to other watches I’ve used but similarly runs into trouble in valleys, under tree cover, and in more remote locations. If the watch can’t see the satellites, it’s always going to have trouble. There is a start-run delay for approximation and GPS connectivity for the GT 2 Pro, and despite having connectivity, track and pace are a little off for the first kilometre or so. The RouteBack feature is a great addition and one of safety – when the GPS signal becomes too weak the GT 2 Pro sends an alert and you can select your recorded travel route to guide you home. The Huawei GT 2 Pro includes a variety of sensors to get you started including an accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, optimal heart rate and air pressure sensors. These sensors appear on all accounts to be accurate and are super useful for those who are just getting back into running. Similarly to the excess use of GPS, the sensors are an added drain on the battery life of any device. Huawei even discloses the typical usage scenarios of a

others on the market (52g without the strap attached), despite the titanium build trying to keep the weight of the watch down.

‘two-week battery life’ is based on the user’s habits and usage frequency. Music is another big addition – with both speaker and microphone supported. For those who love their tunes while running, this is an added feature, however I always prefer the sounds of nature. There is 4GB of storage in the smartwatch, so plenty of room for MP3 and some necessary files on the go. There are no Spotify or online options though, so you would have to upload your MP3s.

Another gripe is that the touch screen itself can be touchy and no runner ever wants to stop tracking or pause their activity accidentally by brushing the screen against something. And I didn’t have time to figure out how to turn the voice guidance off during my runs – the voiceover provides feedback on your average pace and threshold zone every 500m. Which on long runs or out on the trails threw me off, as I often go and find my zone.

The display on the watch itself is a 1.39in AMOLED 454 x 454 HD touch screen. Yes, a touch screen!

The interoperability with the Huawei Health app downloaded to your linked smartphone is seamless. And the app provides quality feedback on your Sleep Quality, SPO2 (Oxygen Saturation), Heart Rate and VO2 max to list a few.

There are new features, built upon the previous version of the GT Pro – one can enjoy the ‘Secrets of Nature’ by just raising your wrist and your watch will tell you the times for sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset to best prepare you for all your adventures.

One of the nicest features of the Huawei GT 2 Pro is that it comes with a wireless charging station, and offers the option of 5 minutes of wireless quick charge and reverse charging from your smartphone when the charger port isn’t around. Overall, the Huawei GT 2 Pro watch is not just a beginner runner’s watch – it’s useful for mountain climbers, cyclists, hikers, and anyone with a sense of adventure, and just for everyday use as a wellness device.

The display for the watch face also has 200+ choices, so the GT 2 Pro can always match your style – on the trails or the track. The GT 2 Pro also has a vast variety of sports and exercise programs built-in – notably for runners there are exercisecoached interval sets, pace guided runs, and zone threshold programs. There are 10 running courses in total that coach you throughout voice guidance – making suggestions for better training – great for beginners and those seeking to improve specific goals with their runs.

Is this watch for you, though? If you hate battery charging, like the idea of run coaching inbuilt on your wrist, or just have a love for nature – then the Huawei GT 2 Pro is a perfect smart-watch to start with.

I do have a couple of dislikes regarding the GT 2 Pro. The watch has a delightfulto-the-eye Grey Brown (deemed ‘Nebula Grey’) leather strap which gets hot and sticky once you are running. And the overall size and weight of the watch is quite cumbersome in comparison to

VITALS RRP $499 AUD / $520.40 NZD https://consumer.huawei.com/au/wearables/watch-gt2-pro/

NOW’S A GOOD TIME TO BUY ALL THE GREAT GEAR

TAILWIND NUTRITION, MATCHA FLAVOUR REVIEWER: KATE DZIENIS

I’ve always been a stickler for Tailwind. In fact, from the moment I began running longer distances and needed to give my body the right nutrition, I’ve pretty much stuck with Tailwind Endurance Fuel in the Naked flavouring. Gels were never my thing. The first taste would be satisfyingly sweet, but then by the second, all of my gag reflexes would kick in and my stomach would churn in all sorts of directions. Whatever race I was running became a race to get to the nearest toilet – and on the trails, it’s hard to find a good bush without all the other runners peering over at you oddly. Or better yet, yelling over at you asking if you want some toilet paper so everyone can hear but running off with a bit of a laugh (ah, good times).

Using it on one of my long runs, I was pleasantly surprised after finding the flavouring quite subtle and not having a lot of residual after-taste. One of the best things about Tailwind as a whole is that it’s complete energy, and its light, clean taste means you can get on with the physical aspects of running and not worry about what’s happening to your gut mid-way through a 50km event. Already filled with electrolytes to mimic the composition and proportions of sweat, Tailwind Matcha is perfect for endurance nutrition.

So when a mate of mine suggested I try a couple scoops of her Naked flavoured Tailwind many moons ago, I took it with gusto. It didn’t bother me that gels took up less room in my hydration pack; when something begins working for you, you make it work, am I right? So whilst training in the lead up the 6 Inch Ultra Marathon in Dwellingup, Western Australia back in 2017, I made sure I always had my two 500ml body bottles strapped to the front of my vest filled to the brim with my Tailwind. Really, the Naked flavour Endurance Fuel was the only Tailwind I’d ever bought and tried, but when I was told the company was this year releasing a Matcha flavour in the caffeinated range, I thought why not give it a go and see how my body would react. Made by people who simply ‘get it’, Tailwind Matcha Caffeinated (810g) is effective and flavoursome without overloading delicate tastebuds.

providing 1 hour of fuel, a 810g bag for 15 hours of fuel, and a 1350g bag with 25 hours of fuel – all equalling 200 calories per hour. Please note that this new delicious flavour will be available to the general public in the first quarter of 2022, yet with international shipping delays there is no concrete date so keep your eyes peeled for the Matcha release – you simply have to try it! Tailwind also provides bundles for serious athletes, including a Complete Starter Pack, Ultra Pack, Tailwind Challenge Pack and a Recovery Pack so you’re bound to find something to cater to your training.

Not one to skimp out on quality, Tailwind is considered by many to be part of their discipline when it comes to training because nutrition can, in the end, make you or break you on race day. Personally, I’ve never found myself facing a GI issue when on Tailwind, and I feel great knowing that their new Matcha flavour is easy on my gut and has a light, clean taste.

Matcha Stick Pack RRP $6 AUD / $5.75 NZD Matcha 810g Bag RRP $65 AUD / $65 NZD Matcha 1350g Bag RRP $87 AUD / $88 NZD

Matcha Endurance Fuel by Tailwind comes in 3 sizes with a 54g stick sachet

www.tailwindnutrition.co.nz www.tailwindnutrition.com.au

VITALS

EVENT PREVIEW WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: TIM BARDSLEY-SMITH, GRAEME MURRAY

ULTRA-TRAIL AUSTRALIA THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW AUSTRALIA ALMOST everyone and anyone who’s hit the trails across the Tasman has heard of Ultra-Trail Australia, and to be fair it’s on a lot of bucket lists.

four separate distances – 11km, 22km, 50km or 100km, and no fewer than 29 countries will be represented this year. One of the most amazing announcements of late by UTA is that 2022 will be the first time ever more women than men will be heading to the trails of the Blue Mountains for the race, while at the same time an estimated 44 per cent of entrants will be first-time participants. Every single entrant will get a chance to race along a variety of trails and terrain across some of the most beautiful and breathtaking natural landscape anywhere in Australia – or around the world.

Known to be the biggest trail running event in the southern hemisphere, well known athletes like Matt Crehan, Lucy Bartholomew, Ruth Croft and Vajin Armstrong have all raced and left lasting impressions on those with future prospects of entering. As part of the UTMB World Series, the 2022 UTA event will be held in mid-May with nearly 7500 runners provided an opportunity to test themselves across

EVENT

Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB

WHEN

12-15 May, 2022

DISTANCE

UTA11 | UTA22 | UTA50 | UTA100

WHERE MORE

The Blue Mountains, New South Wales ultratrailaustralia.com.au

Known to be an intense challenge, many use the mantra ‘I love hills, I love stairs’ when training for UTA, but once you get cracking from the start line the adrenaline kicks in and everything you’ve worked hard for is put to the test. Granted, a lot of preparation does need to go in to racing UTA, but whether you’re chasing a podium finish or simply aiming to get through the distance, the terrain and the atmosphere are both something you’ll be talking about for days, months, even years after you’ve run it. Hands down, UTA is one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding events you’ll ever check off your bucket list.

EVENT PREVIEW WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: MARCOS MARTINI

HERDY’S FRONTYARD ULTRA HERDSMAN LAKE, WA, AUSTRALIA

ARE you keen to go beyond the marathon distance and potentially make your mark by tackling an ultra?

until all but one runner is left. Hosted by Ultra Series WA, Herdy’s Frontyard is a backyard ultra that’s accessible to every type of runner – not only because it’s less than 10km away from the Perth CBD, but because most have the ability to complete 6.7km within 60 minutes.

Then one of the best ways to do that is by introducing yourself to the backyard ultra, where running from Point A to Point B simply doesn’t exist and you can have your own crew there with you, at the start and at the finish, to support you every step of the way (almost!).

Being so close to the metropolis, it’s hard to believe that this race is right next to the freeway with its stunning wildlife, wetland environment and varying trail surfaces but with the inaugural race held in 2021, Herdy’s Frontyard has taken off in popularity with entrants for the 2022 event ranging from beginner runners and

A relatively new format of racing in the state of Western Australia, Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra features a Last One Standing setup where runners tackle a 6.7km loop on the hour, every hour

elite athletes to hikers and triathlete competitors. Signing up for Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra gives you a 99.6% chance of a DNF, but it’s a race against yourself to see how far you can push your body and your mind, to question how many times you can go back out there, and do it over and over and over again. EVENT Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra

WHEN

18 March, 2022

DISTANCE

Last One Standing Format

WHERE MORE

Herdsman Lake, Western Australia herdysfrontyard.com.au

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

8TH, 9TH, 10TH JULY

EVENT PREVIEW WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: JOHN HARDING

THE GUMBY

BRINDABELLA RANGES, ACT, AUSTRALIA

IF you’re after a race with an eternal loop, and you’re super keen to get a DNF, then the GUMBY will give you what you’re looking for.

As a last one standing event, there are two options for entrants. The first, the Great Ultra Mediocre Back Yarder (GUMBY) is a traditional LOS whilst the GUMBaby is an 8-lap shorter ‘baby’ version of the GUMBY for those who want to get a taste of backyarding without having to go until they drop. The winner of the GUMBaby is dectermined by the first to pass the post on Lap 8.

For a sadistic taste of the backyard ultra, and with a small crowd of eager runners chasing personal bests, this event attracts everyone and anyone looking for no discernible end. Held in the foothills of the Brindabella Ranges to the west of Canberra, the GUMBY is centred around Blue Range Hut, a WWII internment camp set amongst eucalyptus trees and a pine plantation. The race itself is on forest trails and almost always either up or down, and the highpoint of the course – Mt Gumby – sits about 150m above camp with spectacular views to Canberra in one direction, and glorious mountains in the other.

Extremely popular amongst those living in and around Canberra, both the GUMBY and the GUMBaby have a maximum field of 50 runners each so it’s kept small, intimate and with the perfect atmosphere of comradery and mateship. With every runner in the GUMBY (apart from the winner, of course) a definite DNF, each individual is given a personal Quitter’s

Ceremony when they choose to stop and provided an opportunity to sit by the fire on the ‘Quitter’s Throne’ until another runner falls from grace. Held over ANZAC Day long weekend, the GUMBY is hosted by the ULTRA Mediocre Runners of Canberra, a small club of dedicated ultra runners committed to furthering the sport in the region. Why mediocre? They believe everyone can be mediocre, and if you’re not, then you probably haven’t run far enough!

EVENT The Gumby WHEN 23 April, 2022 DISTANCE

Last One Standing Format

WHERE

Brindabella Ranges, Australian Capital Territory ultramediocre.run

ADVERTORIAL

A MOMENT WITH DEAN KARNAZES BRISBANE TRAIL ULTRA CHATS WITH THE MAN HIMSELF

Dean Karnazes is an ultrarunning enigma. His books are right-of-passage for runners. His boundless passion for the sport has inspired many to push their boundaries well beyond their own perceived limits. Dean’s publications span two decades and include Ultramarathon Man, 50/50, Run: 26.2 Stories of Blisters & Bliss, The Road to Sparta and his latest bestseller, A Runner’s High. In the early days of his ultra-journey, Dean was consistently on the podium. Notable achievements include winning the Badwater Ultramarathon, the world’s toughest footrace. His running resume is vast and diverse: 12-time Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run Silver-buckler, Overall Winner of the 4-Deserts Challenge, 10-time Badwater Ultramarathon finisher, winner of the Vermont Trail 100 – and this was just the beginning. Dean has competed on all seven continents, twice over, and once ran 50 marathons in all of the 50 US states in 50 consecutive days.

BTU: What was the inspiration behind your latest book, A Runner’s High? Dean: A Runner’s High is something of a sequel to my first book, Ultramarathon Man, which was a NY Times bestseller and translated in over 20 languages. A Runner’s High examines how someone stays true to their calling decade after decade. But mostly, it is a fun and uplifting story. I write my books in service to the reader. The stories have to be engaging, quirky, insightful and compelling. My books are about my story, but they’re more so about the human story. BTU: You’ve been at the top of the game for so long and paved the way for the up and coming ultramarathoners. It must be rewarding to see the sport building. How does it feel to still be competitive, but not to the level you used to be? How was the mental transition from racing to really just enjoying the races? Dean: Honestly, I’ve never been terribly competitive. I’ve always viewed running more as an outward and inward adventure. We typically define the best runner as the fastest runner. But if you look up the definition of best it makes no mention of fast. To me, the best runner is the one that derives the most pleasure from what they do. Phil Edwards, a champion surfer, once said: “The best surfer is the one having the most fun.” I subscribe to that ethos wholeheartedly.

Dean: I’ve been a longtime friend of Joe DeSena, founder of Spartan. Being Greek, some of my ancestry is from Sparta (yes, the actual place in Greece). I’ve done a number of Spartan Races and really like obstacle course racing, but pure running is the greatest passion. So getting involved with Spartan Trail was a logical step. BTU: How was the inaugural Golden Gate Trail Classic? Dean: I’ve learned what it takes to put on a race these days and I have a newfound respect for Race Directors! The Covid rules and restrictions seem to change daily, but the event itself was magnificent. The course is one of the most scenic in the world and the weather was spectacular. Seeing all the smiling faces coming through the finish line made up for the challenges of organising the race. The second Golden Gate Trail Classic will be even better! BTU: We heard you are racing Patagonia Run – STWC, Argentina in April. What draws you to Patagonia? Dean: I was part of the inaugural Patagonia Run and this is the 10-year anniversary! So I must go back. I’ve developed a close relationship with the Race Director, Mariano Alvarez, and I want to support his event. Patagonia is a beautiful setting and it complements our race in San Francisco.

What a humble response and shows wholeheartedly he enjoys what he is doing. For Dean, this is definitely running; and running a lot.

BTU: Is the Brisbane Trail Ultra potentially on your radar for 2022? Dean: Having lived in Australia, Brisbane is one of my favorite destinations. The BTU looks challenging, and I love challenges!

BTU: What was the catalyst for your involvement in the Spartan Trail World Championship?

It’s looking favourable! Will we see Dean Karnazes at the Brisbane Trail Ultra 2022?

EVENT PREVIEW WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: PHOTOS4SALE

RIVERHEAD BACKYARD RELAPS ULTRA AND RELAY

RIVERHEAD FOREST, NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND NORTH Island’s Riverhead Forest has got it all, and race directors of the Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra and Relay are challenging everyone to see who can outlast their tough last one standing race this April.

year, she beat 49 other participants to take the glory in 30 laps, which qualified her for the ultimate Big’s Backyard Ultra in Tennessee, USA. With 2020 cancelled due to COVID, 2021 saw an increase to 80 backyard ultra runners and 34 relay teams (another 150 people), with winner Chris Bisley from Dunedin securing 38 loops, or 255km.

Well, ‘tough’ is an understatement. There’s 160m of vert on each loop with a mix of sweet single track, 4WD tracks and a bit of gravel forest road to change things up a bit. And then if it rains, be prepared for mud, mud and more mud with conditions cutting up the trails and demanding all your energy to get through ‘just one more lap’.

Event Director Shaun Collins said organising an event like the Riverhead Backyard was on a whole different level to anything else he’d ever done.

The 2019-founded Riverhead Backyard Relaps Ultra made a name for itself worldwide when in its inaugural year Katie Wright became the first woman in the world to win a backyard ultra. That

their goals, some having failed for their own personal reasons, and others just smashing their goals out of the park! “It was all summed up nicely by one of our participants Luke Godsall who said, ‘It was horrible, but I loved it!’ as he hobbled to a halt after 120km.” So the challenge is on. Is there a runner who can go further than 38 laps? Don’t miss out on the 2022 edition of the Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra and Relay; go on, give it a crack!

“You get to watch people turn up not knowing what they can do, but having something in the back of their minds,” he said.

EVENT

Riverhead Backyard ReLaps Ultra and Relay

WHEN

2 April, 2022

“They keep lapsin’ until it turns pear-shaped and they have to call it quits – some having accomplished

DISTANCE

Last One Standing Format

WHERE MORE

Riverhead Forest, New Zealand riverheadbackyardrelaps.co.nz/

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: SEAN BEALE

MT OXFORD ODYSSEY CANTERBURY, SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

IF you’re looking to add a trail race to your ‘must do’ list, then the Mt Oxford Odyssey in Canterbury on the South Island of New Zealand is destined for a placing in your Top 10 – and not in pencil, so you can’t rub it out.

degree views from the Southern Alps all the way to the South Pacific Ocean, but what goes up must come down according to science, right? The descent is another experience altogether, with the breath-taking ‘Goblin Forest’ and all the smells and sounds of New Zealand’s native forests to enjoy.

With four distances to choose from (15km, 21km, 33km and 42km) there’s something for the trail runner on every level; love running every day but not quite committed to a super uber-long run just yet? Check out the 15km where you’ll hit a fast pace along the scenic route in a most stunning location, starting at the base of the mountain – perfect for those not wanting to head up and over Mt Oxford but still desiring to explore what this part of the world has to offer.

The mountain challenge 33km is heading into only its second year as part of the Mt Oxford Odyssey, but with the perfect mix of single tracks and scenery, it’s bound to be a popular distance and one race directors are positive will stay for future events. And now onto what is being claimed as New Zealand’s hardest marathon. Taking in three major ascents, the course has 3500m of elevation gain over the entire 42km. Look at it this way – that’s the equivalent of Mt Cook chopped into three. There’s plenty of gut-busting hiking during the marathon as well as some gnarly sections where your arms are just as important as your legs, and one of the best things here is that it attracts everyone from elite athletes through to weekend warriors.

For a taste of doing it hard, well then… the half marathon will give you just that. ‘Hard, but achievable’ is how race directors explain the 21km, which by the way is the original race distance of the Mt Oxford Odyssey. But I’ll be honest here – the climb is pretty relentless, though it makes the views at the top all the more amazing. Running along the summit, you’ll be witness to 360

Will you be at the start line?

EVENT

Mt Oxford Odyssey

WHEN

9 April, 2022

DISTANCE

15km | 21km | 33km | 42km

WHERE MORE

Canterbury, New Zealand mtoxfordodyssey.co.nz

DREAM RUN TRANSCEND ULTRA, AUSTRALIA WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: MARCO NOE

hile most people outside of Australia think the country’s nothing but red desert and dirt with hardly a watering hole in sight, the west coast is fifty shades of emerald green and a host to overflowing rivers when winter kicks in.

The route allows Transcend Ultra athletes to run from Walyunga National Park to Cobbler Pool near Toodyay, which is a 65km distance with 2700m of elevation, and includes running through a number of privately managed properties, two national parks, a regional park, a wildlife sanctuary and two LGAs.

Showcasing the very best of the Avon Valley National Park, which is set 80km north-east of Perth in Western Australia, the Transcend Ultra was created in 2021 by mates Shane Johnstone and Mitchell Craig. Having travelled together for a number of years to search for the best hikes and endurance events, they got a taste for high quality trail races but were left wondering and asking themselves why the same wasn’t conducted ‘at home’.

Transcend Ultra comes alive in winter with rivers, rapids, water falls, lush green flora and so much abundant wildlife you’ll be whipping out your phone camera every few minutes. The region also has a strong cultural association with the Whadjuk and Ballardong natives as well as a historic background with early settlers in Toodyay including iconic figures such as Yagan and Moondyne Joe. With a massive shift in event demands towards outdoor experience rather than inner city based events, the Transcend Ultra is for both solo runners and relay teams with this year’s edition being held on 26 June, 2022.

Their original mission was clear – to bring the quality and experience of international trail events right to their doorstep in Perth, and there was no better place for runners to traverse than the Avon Valley, which had never been run in its entirety via a foot race before.

For more information, visit transcendtrails.com

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM.AU

PEAK PERFORMANCE WORDS: BRAD DIXON IMAGE: TARAWERA ULTRAMARATHON/TIM BARDSLEY-SMITH

NO STRENGTH?

YOU WON’T FLOW OVER THE TRAIL R

unning on trails tests our entire system. Awareness, agility, joint and muscle range, control through that range, and a stable platform is imperative to tap into a flowing, efficient rhythm over uneven, undulating terrain.

The first is more of a full body technique circuit, and the second is more ballistic in nature. All the exercises need to be started within capacity and they can be progressed with an increase in the number of reps/sets or decreasing the rest time between the sets. Both of these sessions require a warmup and warm down phase which can be achieved with a gentle jog, or cycle including hip, shoulder swings, and thoracic spine twists. At least 5 to 10 minutes of warming up, and then 5 minutes of warming down with some yoga poses thrown in.

Achieving this efficient running ‘flow state’ is much easier over a flat road surface with less variables. Running on a tricky trail versus the road is like surfing a tricky, shifty break compared to surfing a uniform consistent wave at Kelly Slater’s home wave making machine. If athletes are time crunched the first sessions that are dropped are the nonrunning training sessions (core, strength, and full body stretch/balance). The odd stretch for a few minutes as part of a warm down will not cut it especially as you glide past 35 years of age. Runners need to understand that investing time into functional strength and restorative sessions around running will allow you to run more consistently, for longer (duration in session, and years in life) yielding better performance, reducing injuries, and less running is required.

Warmup and warm down periods with any exercise session are extremely important in allowing the body to prepare for the work ahead. I like to call this enhancing the ‘buffer zone’. Then flush out any by products produced from the session. Not completing this basic habit will gradually lead to niggles, pain and injury. So please – before you invest in compression gear, expensive post workout powders and massage guns, dial in the simple cost-free basics with a meaningful warm up and warm down with every session.

The functional strength work, core, and restorative measures will help improve running economy – that’s the energy required to hold form and move you is less – therefore your aerobic efficiency is enhanced.

FTSE 1 (Functional Trail Running Specific Exercises)

• Burpees (without jump)

In this article I wanted to address FUNCTIONAL TRAIL RUNNING STRENGTH and outline two specific circuits that deliver trail improving results in minimal time.

• Runners push ups (elbow opening to front and keep to side of body)

• Pistol squat (use seat to start with) • Single leg deadlift* Start within capacity e.g. 5-10 reps of each and a 60 second break between sets (2-5 sets). Then increase the reps or make it time dependent 10-20 reps or 45 seconds with only a 15 second or no rest between sets. * Can start with bodyweight then add

• Bulgarian split squat*

small weight (I use a kettlebell) if form is

• Walking lunge* (picking heel up to butt)

maintained.

Functional Trail Running Specific Exercise circuits (FTSE) – Strength, Power & Balance These exercises have a different focus and are more explosive with control. To start, try 10 seconds of work for each one and have a 30 second rest in-between each exercise (work to rest ratio of 1:3) and a 60 second rest in-between the sets. Again, start with 2 sets and build up to 5. To progress, work towards 30 seconds of work but don’t reduce the rest below 30 seconds (work to rest ratio of 1:1) and still have the 60 seconds to recover between sets otherwise you will dig yourself a poor form hole. Depending on the phase you are in, and what you need to work on, I would start with 2 of the FTSE 1 per week for 2-3 weeks, then 1 of each FTSE 1 & 2 for 2-3 weeks, then 2 of the FTSE 2 per week for 2-3 weeks in the 4 weeks before a trail event. I would then complete a shortened FTSE 2 1x week 2 weeks before, and no strength session in race week.

FTSE 2 (Ballistic)

• Burpee (with jump and arms raised) • Dynamic split jump • Box jump • Bear crawl/crab crawl (10 metres there and then back) • Single ski jump • Walking lunge (one arm raised and twist)

Feel free to have a play round with the parameters to suit your ability and training week. Also add other exercises that fit into the purpose of the circuit. It’s good to shift exercises around as this introduces variety and won’t allow system complacency to creep in.

Start within capacity e.g. 5-10 reps of each and a 60 second break between sets (2-5 sets). Then increase the reps or make it time dependent 10-20 reps or 45 seconds with only a 15 second or no rest between sets.

Another key tip is to make sure you are fully present during the session. If the mind isn’t on the job, then your body won’t fully absorb the session. The body and mind exist meshed – when they are both on the same page magic happens, and injuries are greatly reduced.

* Can start with bodyweight then add small weight (I use a kettlebell) if form is maintained.

Brad Dixon is a holistic physiotherapist, endurance coach and wellness evangelist based at EVERFIT Physio & Coaching. Connect with Brad at www.everfit.co.nz and on FACEBOOK, Strava and Instagram (everfitcoach).

Check out the You Tube Video on the EverFIT channel with a quick demonstration on both of these circuits

TRAIL CREW THE PINEAPPLE RUNNING CLUB

Q&A

the Pineapple Running Club

ANSWERED BY: PETER STAPLETON IMAGES: FELIPE BRUXEL

How did your group begin?

What local event do you rally around?

We all work together and for several years, runners at our city office would head out for the occasional lunch run along the Brisbane River. At the onset of the pandemic, we had to adapt this running gig given the sudden change to working from home, so one week someone organised an early Saturday run. It was on this infamous day that big bag of Allen’s Pineapples suddenly exploded in someone’s shorts pockets. Lollies were seen falling on the ground and somehow, it was through the leg of the shorts. From there it only seemed fitting to name this motley crew the ‘Pineapples’. From a core of 5, we are now 16, known for our vibrant and wellcoordinated bespoke running attire.

As a relatively young club, we haven’t rallied too much around events. Many of us ran in the 21km (named The Big Sipper) during the Guzzler Trail Running Festival in Qld. Three of our members just completed the Wild Earth Coastal High 50. What single piece of advice would you give

of your runs. Who are they and why them?

would it be and why?

How have you seen participation in your

If you were heading out for a solo ultra run and some bastard stole your pack so you can only take two things, what would you have in each hand?

The spiritual home of the Pineapples is Mt Coo-tha, every Saturday morning.

Ultras? Who does ultras? It would probably be a drink bottle (or beer) and a GoPro Max. I would take my phone so I can call for an Uber.

What is your favourite local trail?

The world is ending. Nominate a trail

Our favourite loop is around Mt Coottha, which is our Saturday regular. At times we do the aptly named Kokoda Track, but this is perhaps not a ‘favourite’ per se.

anywhere on the planet that your group must run. It’s the last trail you’ll ever see. Where is it? We aren’t that serious. We can’t think

on Earth, living or dead, to come join one

If your trail group was an animal, what A troop of monkeys – they eat pineapples. And there’s normally a lot of loud chatter and laughter – just like our club!

Where does your group run mostly?

Your group can choose ANY three people

Lucy Bartholomew to teach us how to run ultras and pack our Solomon bags (hypothetically, if someone was to do a 100km), Elvis Presley and Mayar Ajdari, our only international alumni club member currently living in Italy.

a newbie joining your group? Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously. Just look at our team outfits! Oh, and you have to wear the outfit.

We take enjoyment in entertaining, or shocking, others on the trails in the early morning light. Some stare, others laugh and some compliment. It’s all about having some fun and running with mates irrespective of fitness level. We never leave anyone behind.

of any. Where ever it is, it either needs a good coffee stand, lollies, or a bar. A few of the guys are planning to tackle the UTA in 2022.

group change people and lives? We all agree the formation of the club and the regular Saturday outings have raised our general fitness, while providing a great outlet to have a chin wag and catch up outside of work. It’s also seen several members start training for events or planning for future events. There’s something good about running in a group of the likeminded as all running groups would attest. Good for mental health and just getting out there as a way to setup well for the day. There’s a lot of banter via our WhatsApp channel that adds to the fun, support and cheering each and for those recovering from injury, or training for an event. It’s a good vibe.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

trail CREW NAME: The Pineapple Running Club BIRTHDAY: June 2019 REGION: Brisbane, Qld with occasional forays into other regions MEMBERS: 16 AVERAGE RUNNERS AT EACH HOOK UP: Between 2-12 AVERAGE HOOK UPS A YEAR: Approx. 42 SHOES OWNED IN TOTAL: 45 UNOFFICIAL CLUBHOUSE: Mt Coo-tha Lookout

BOOK CLUB

REVIEW

REVIEWER: KATE DZIENIS

MENTAL TRAINING FOR ULTRARUNNING YOUR PSYCHOLOGICAL SKILLS GUIDEBOOK FOR ULTRA SUCCESS BY ADDIE BRACY

unning in general is a hard task as it is. Hit the trails or go beyond marathon distance, and we’ve known runners to physically break barriers beyond our comprehension.

our sport can be, and once you start talking to others openly about your experiences, you’ll realise that even some of the most experienced and talented athletes have thought of quitting in the middle of a race. Bracy explains that while you can’t necessarily prevent those thoughts from happening, you can 100 per cent plan for how to deal with them when they arise, and Mental Training for Ultrarunning can help you get there.

There are books galore and articles throughout the entire world wide web on how to train for your first race, but there’s not much out there to help you get through the psychological challenges of ultra running.

Like many other books and articles that get you to find your ‘why’, Bracy’s does the same – however I don’t think I’ve ever come across a publication that goes as in-depth as hers, and her explanation of its importance is spot on.

Until you pick up Mental Training for Ultrarunning: Your Psychological Skills Guidebook for Ultra Success by Addie Bracy, a distance runner with a background in performance psychology. Throughout her publication, she outlines tools and techniques you can use to protect yourself from unfortunate scenarios, and provides suggestions on how to overcome the mental and emotional challenges you may be confronted with on the trails. In her words, “Knowing ahead of time the biggest mental threats you’ll face gives you the opportunity to prepare for them,” and I couldn’t agree more.

“Most of us don’t line up only for the PRs; if that were the case, we probably would have walked away from the sport a long time ago,” she writes. “Every athlete has a reason for why they keep showing up, and it’s something that should be owned and fostered.” Each chapter can very likely be given its own book, but there is only so much Bracy can fit into the one publication. From managing your stress response to learning how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s a lot of information to absorb. My advice is to read each chapter on its own, take it all in, and come back for another chapter some days later.

Bracy begins with an entire chapter dedicated to explaining why psychological breakdowns happen in ultrarunning, focusing first on how to mentally and emotionally get through the disappointing performances and DNFs that are caused by the presence of mental deficits, not physical inability (that comes at a later chapter).

But the question still remains, how does Mental Training for Ultrarunning prepare

As runners, we know firsthand how hard

you? Bracy includes a number of mental skills training exercises which look at competence, autonomy and relatedness, and she delves quite deeply into topics like willpower, strategy and self-control. One of my favourite chapters is all about adaptability, where she explains the difference between reaction and response as well as making sure you don’t mistake stubbornness for toughness. Knowing when to stop, rest and reboot is also heavily featured in this chapter – we’ve all had those times where we’ve dug into our heels and pushed even harder to get to the end of the race. But sometimes it’s important to acknowledge when you might need to take a breather. “Things like stress and fatigue narrow your focus,” she writes. “You start to miss cues and are more likely to make mistakes. Sometimes one of the best things you can do to help your mind reassess and adapt to a situation is to take a step back.” As mentioned, there is a lot to take in when reading Mental Training for Ultrarunning, and one of the advantages is that Brady’s style of writing has allowed for ease of understanding – no scientific language. Just pure, wholesome easy-toread paragraphs. So whether you’re training for your first ultra or looking to compete at a higher level, Mental Training for Ultrarunning will prepare you for the good, the bad and the worst experiences you might encounter on the trails.

WE’RE ALL ABOUT

Australian Ultra Running Annual membership now only $49 Discounted entry fees to AURA-listed races Member savings on AURA partners/products Cash prizes for member points competition Webinars to improve your running Monthly digital magazine with exclusive tips, stories and training advice

Steph Auston, 2020 AURA Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year

JOIN AURA TODAY WWW.AURA.ASN.AU/MEMBERSHIP/

HOBART TASMANIA

8 - 10 APRIL 2022

Every step a story Run Presenting Partners:

In support of:

Supported by:

FEATURE WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: ASTRID VOLZKE, MARCOS DE MARTINI, SARAH FARRELL

Resilience

TO COPE with PTSD

Running is often used as an outlet for self-awareness and utilised as a coping mechanism for challenges in life. Queensland native Wayne McMurtrie spent his fair share in the armed forces before being discharged in 2011, but not without carrying a load of burdens that easily turned into Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Kate Dzienis delves into his past and finds out how trail running saved him from the heartache of military service.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

FEATURE THE RESILIENCE TO COPE WITH PTSD

veryone has their own unique and individual reasons for getting involved in ultra running, and we could certainly go on for days on end about everyone’s motivations and stories behind how they started, but sometimes there’s a bigger meaning behind it all, and when you tear away the exterior of a sport that appears gruelling, arduous and resolute, it can leave itself wide open to be an avocation that leads a person to a better life. Queenslander Wayne McMurtrie served in the Australian Defence Force for almost 20 years, giving 17 years to the service as an advanced medical assistant and achieving the rank of Sergeant. In that time he served two tours in East Timor and two in Afghanistan, and was later discharged in 2011, but not without taking home with him the formidable conditions and exposure to military service that left him with psychological scarring. So it’s no surprise that Wayne was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the lead up to being discharged, in 2009 just after his second tour to Afghanistan, but the distention and anxiety didn’t end there. Wayne’s role during his time in the Middle East was as the sergeant in charge of a medic team responsible for the healthcare of the Observer Mentor Liaison Team. Aside from himself, there were five medics he was a part of amongst four different bases, and Wayne was also responsible for medical support to patrols. Throw on top of that coordinating and managing sick and injured coalition force members and the general public, and one can only imagine the adversity and liability that may have fallen on his shoulders. “Most of the time we were always prepared and just followed a schedule, we had plans in place, did some training, and went out on patrol,” he explains.

medic’s perspective, but occasionally when something big and bad happened, our routine would go out the window and ‘job’s on’, so to speak.”

“The only time when things happened unawares was when there were casualties coming in after bombings; for the most part, that was relatively easy from a

For Wayne, dealing with the sick, injured and disembodied was the norm – it was the coming home that proved

hardest, feeling like the comradery and mateship amongst those he worked with had been lost. After coming home in 2011, he found employment as a paramedic in remote locations like the isolated Western Province of Papua New Guinea and the

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

“When you leave the Defence Force, you leave a family, and I relate it to the general public like the TV series Band of Brothers. One day, you have a mission – a sense of purpose and belonging. You have a band of brothers and sisters who are one of the only consistent things in your life. You’re all exposed to the same conditions and that forms bonds between people that are hard for outsiders to understand.

10kms, and never with any real purpose,” he says. “In 2013 I made a friend through work, we’d connected through both of us being army veterans, and he introduced me to the ultra running community, which provided me with a new bond.

Pilbara region of Western Australia. It was very much like the current fly-in, flyout lifestyle of Australian mine workers, where Wayne endured long periods of boredom broken up with short periods of intense stress, and he found it exceedingly challenging to cope with after leaving the ADF.

He felt he had to find a way to occupy his time during those moments of quiet while being a paramedic.

“When I left the ADF, I still had close ties to friends who discharged around the time I did, but eventually due to circumstances of life, I became isolated and lost and my protective walls that required a ‘Band of Brothers’ to support

Without conscious thought or action, he became a trail runner in late 2013. “I’d always run in a general training sense, but not any distance longer than

Continued page 34

FEATURE THE RESILIENCE TO COPE WITH PTSD

them crumbled and finally fell.

first pair of runners back in 2013.

“I found that the ultra running community provided a bond, a new ‘Band of Brothers’, and people who don’t run simply can’t understand it.”

“Where it used to be an escape from others, from my demons, survivor’s guilt and self-doubt, it has now become a place of community, belonging and connection,” he recollects.

Despite starting to turn his life around with a positive frame of mind and feeling once again like he belonged somewhere, in 2015 Wayne experienced a relapse in his PTSD after he was made redundant from work. Although still running, he escaped to Bali and while there explored different management strategies and coping mechanisms to manage his symptoms and the disease – most of it through running long distances.

the 2020 Delirious W.E.S.T 200 miler where he finished in 79 hours, and the 2021 Feral Pig 23km where he came in at 2 hours 35 minutes. “Your experiences can be life changing, and the bonds formed with other runners truly are lasting,” he reveals.

Social support, networks and social cohesion provided by activities such as ultra races, and groups like the Australian Ultra Runners Association (AURA) of which Wayne is a long-time member, enhance the mental health and wellbeing of individuals. And it’s no surprise that participation in fitness activities overall correlates positively with feelings of selfesteem and confidence.

“Trail running allows those with PTSD to regain focus, decrease stress, anxiety and tension all while allowing a mix of companionship and alone time. “I believe that a meditative state I achieve when I run is therapeutic; it allows me a level of clear thought I would not have achieved otherwise.

To belong in society is the most important, yet least recognised need of most humans.

“Finding the understanding that this stems from changing my breathing from an unconscious action to a conscious one was the most powerful change of perspective I have gained from my trail running career.”

Wayne believes his journey as a trail runner supports his opinion that a positive community environment provides a common purpose and sense of belonging. His most recent races included

Wayne says trail running has changed for him over the years since lacing up his

“I’ve crewed many friends now who have done long distance, and stepping into that role has not only given me the opportunity to give back to everyone, but also give me a chance to stand on the other side of the fence and see how other trail runners face their own challenges. “It’s allowed me to use my experience to guide them through.” His life experiences have brought Wayne to where is today, and for the past few years he has been strongly encouraging others like him who have gone through PTSD, as well as depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses to hop on the bandwagon and give ultra running a go. “The trail community is like nothing you’ll ever experience – completely different to what you might know,” he says. “Through all those friends I’ve gained, I feel I’ve made a new set of brothers and sisters who I know have got my back, have genuine support they are more than willing to give…and there’s no better feeling than knowing you have that, and you can give back to every single one of those people on and off the trails.”

INNERVIEW

WORDS: VERA ALVES IMAGES: MARATHON DES SABLES, ALEXANDER DAVYDOF, KIM HUTT

d e r e u Conq THE KIWI WHO

THE DESERT

Hazel Harrison makes her way across the dunes at the 2021 Marathon des Sables. Image: Marathon des Sables.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

It’s safe to say we’ve all been through a lot in the last couple of years. Not many of us have gone through as much as Hazel Harrison though, the New Zealander who’s recently returned home from Morocco, where she conquered her lifelong goal of finishing the iconic Marathon des Sables. In a candid chat with Vera Alves, Hazel spoke about her life, from her years as an army nurse through to her journey recovering from exercise addiction, signing up for her dream race in the desert then discovering she had aggressive skin cancer but going out and doing it anyway. It’s a true tale of perseverance, grit and the importance of never, ever, giving up.

ight has fallen in the Sahara and, tucked inside her tent, an exhausted runner wonders whether she can keep going. She’s halfway through the multi-day Marathon des Sables, running across the desert in Morocco. It’s her dream and she’s finally living it – except it doesn’t look much like a dream right now. Hazel is vomiting profusely and struggling with severe cramps. The organisers come by the tents with print outs of the messages each runner has received online over the course of the day while they were out running. The messages from friends in Aotearoa elevate and overwhelm her. They remind her of home and the tough path she had to carve for herself to find herself here and now, under the infinite sky of the Sahara. Eventually, she drifts off to sleep, on the lightest sleeping mat she can find, which she’ll carry with herself all day again tomorrow through another stage of the gruelling race. Continued page 38

INNERVIEW HAZEL HARRISON

Hazel is a former army nurse and these days she’s more of a Swiss army knife when it comes to her careers. A doggy daycare owner, a business coach, a running coach, a soon-to-be-published writer – but most of all, a woman passionate about sucking the marrow out of life.

The next day, Hazel readjusts her plan, packs her bag and carries on. Many would quit, but not her. Not now, not ever. Talking to her now, straight out of Managed Isolation Quarantine (MIQ) after flying home to New Zealand, you wonder why on Earth she’d ever even doubt herself.

She’s been taking time to reflect on her journey in Morocco. Marathon des Sables last year was even harder than in previous years, for many reasons. Covid cancellations and postponements meant the race happened 18 months after it was originally planned to take place so instead of the usual April date, it went ahead in October in the middle of a Moroccan heatwave, which meant running in 55-degree heat. One of her fellow competitors died during the race and nearly half of the starters field ended up dropping out before the finish.

Hazel speaks with the passion and determination of someone who can overcome anything – and she’s got her own personal history to back it up. In the lead up to Marathon des Sables, and in a cruel twist of fate, Hazel was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma skin cancer. The diagnosis hit her like a tonne of bricks but she wasted no time fighting back. She was bang in the middle of her training for the big race and a few days after surgery to remove the cancer, she was back out there running (with her doctor’s approval).

Hazel described the race as ‘harrowing at times’ but also ‘brutally beautiful’. “I absolutely did what I set out to do,” she says, proudly. “It was a race that had been on my bucket list since I was 19-years-old. I always knew it’d be the mental strength that would pull me through something like this. It was all about my mindset.” A CHALLENGE WITHIN A CHALLENGE In October 2019 came the diagnosis no one wanted to hear. Cancer. Stage 3 melanoma on her shoulder, to be precise. It was like a cruel joke from destiny, just as she was training for a multi-day race under the blistering desert sun.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

“The diagnosis came in October 2019,” she reveals. “I had just done 100km in Australia in September as part of my training for Marathon des Sables (which was meant to be April 2020). It was pretty aggressive and pretty deep,” she says, adding that she is still on three-monthly appointments to check everything is under control.

got the all clear to return to training and, with long sleeves and high SPF sunscreen, she managed to finish the race without a hint of sunburn. It was just one of those bumps on the road that Hazel learnt to navigate around. From plan A to plan B, she had to race through most of the alphabet finding ways to adapt her plans and her goals and still make things happen.

The melanoma was on her shoulder, not ideal for a race that requires you to carry all your gear in a backpack. But despite the challenges, quitting was never an option. Hazel spoke to her doctor,

“That’s perhaps the biggest breakthrough for me,” Hazel says. “Never be afraid to change your plan and to trust your options. Continued page 40

The 2021 Marathon des Sables in Morocco was a strong part of Hazel’s life journey. Image: Marathon des Sables.

INNERVIEW HAZEL HARRISON

Hazel passes by some children as she races in the 2021 Marathon des Sables. Image: Alex ander Dav ydof.

That was the biggest thing for me; have backup plans and don’t be afraid to use them.” The delays and the health challenges thrown into her training came with the upside of teaching her to adjust. “I had time to learn how my body responds to different situations, different nutrition, etcetera,” she says, clearly seeing the bright side of everything.

TAKING a rest during her race. Image: Kim Hut t.

Adaptation is, she says, her key to success. Her plans had to change many times throughout the last few years and she learnt to change with them. First with the Covid pandemic and then with cancer, Hazel had to re-evaluate and re-adjust it all. This skill came in handy during the race, when she found her brain was quite good at adapting to new plans whenever something wasn’t working. “Some people get really hung up on their race plan and can’t adjust when something goes wrong,” she says. Her strength is in her ability to quickly swap plans and keep on running.

THE New Zeal ander had been through a tough journey to get herself to the Marathon in Morocco l ast year. Image: Marathon des Sables.

“My mindset was ‘anything can happen out there; I need to have the confidence and the knowledge to change my plan’. Some pretty good marathon runners out there would have been fine on a normal Marathon des Sables year but DNF’d this year because they couldn’t adapt. I’m a belt and braces type of person.” RUNNING AS AN UNHEALTHY OBSESSION Hazel’s mental strength is something she has worked hard to develop, but it hasn’t always been easy. A few years ago, the Wellington runner realised she was addicted to exercise. “I’d cancel appointments to go to the gym three or four times a day,” she says.

and says that, as an older woman, the pressure to stay fit grew stronger. “I was playing high level field hockey, there was pressure to stay fit and I wanted to prove I could still get fitter as I got older.”

She’s grown to love running, but does so from a respectful distance. Hazel makes appointments with herself to go on her runs and doesn’t cancel those. They’re just as important as any other meeting.

After a whole year and a half without exercising, Hazel felt confident enough to slowly reintroduce it into her life but she learnt to do it in a safe, mindful way.

“I’m more of a lone wolf when it comes to running,” she says. “I don’t run with music. It’s my therapy, if you like. Getting in touch with nature, clearing my head, thinking through problems.”

“When I started to compete again I was really worried because to compete and get fitter, I needed to stick to a plan and there’s a risk things could escalate again,” Hazel recalls. “I learnt to train smarter, not do junk miles, respect my body and understand that I didn’t need to run six days a week.” She admits she ‘almost slipped again during the first lockdown’ in 2020.

The addiction grew to the point that it affected her social life and, most importantly and worryingly, her health. She stopped having periods and ended up in hospital with a bad gall bladder infection. It was then she knew she needed to change.

“I was frustrated that Marathon des Sables had been cancelled so I started exercising every day again but I noticed what was happening and, instead, brought in mindfulness and yoga. I’m always having to keep myself in check. It’s not easy.”

“I had to stop it completely. I had to go cold turkey,” she explains. “For probably nearly 18 months I didn’t do any exercise at all. I was scared it would take a hold on me again.” Hazel was in her mid-40s at the time

Now back in New Zealand and her beloved Titahi Bay, Hazel says she is giving herself permission to enjoy running again. She’s also writing a book about her journey, including what she learnt from her struggle with exercise addiction, melanoma and her Marathon des Sables race. The next big goal is already looming in the horizon – the inaugural Wild 100 miles (a race profiled in the previous issue of the magazine). It’s big and bold and scary – exactly the type of challenge Hazel has proven time and time again that she’s up for.

Get a copy of amazing adventure magazines that will leave you inspired and more.

subscribe now

SHOP NOW WWW.ADVENTURE-SHOP.COM.AU TO SEE THE FULL CATALOG

FEATURE WORDS: KIERON DOUGLASS IMAGES: LOUIE J HADFIELD, AMBER CALLAGHAN

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

Salvation FINDING A PIECE OF

THROUGH ULTRAS

Queensland runner Kieron Douglass hasn’t run away from his traumatic upbringing. In fact, despite facing countless challenges and defiances as a youth, today he has braved his troubled past and wants to share his story in the hope of inspiring others. In 2021, he worked together with filmmaker Louie J Hadfield in making a beautifully created documentary that shares his journey into ultra running, and Kieron tells of how his past helped shaped it.

HERE was once a time in my life at age 10 where I wasn’t too sure if I would make it to live to a ripe old age. At 13 I nearly proved myself right. I had been to hell and back more times than Doc Brown went Back To The Future. But for me, there was no going back to change the outcome of what I would go on to endure. I may not have been able to control what I had been through, but I knew that what I could control was what I was going to do next. Back in July, I received a message from Brisbane film maker Louie J Hadfield asking if I would like to be part of his next documentary film. Although excited at the thought, I was a bit reluctant at first as my soul focus this year had been on studying and other projects within conservation along with getting a few injuries sorted out before tackling a big year of running in 2022. But having had a chat with my wife, I thought it would be a nice opportunity for me to share a part of myself that not a lot of people really get to see. A part of myself that took me a long time to get back. And I was able to do so – by none other than running stupid distances.

Before I did 100km and 200 mile races, I was flat out trying to comprehend that people ran further than a marathon. That was until I met Sam Weir. But let’s take it back – way back!

A STORY OF HEARTACHE I grew up loving athletics. I loved the thought of sprinting a hundred miles an hour down a grass track, but when other kids had their fancy spikes, all I had was my feet and my feet only. My family grew up poor, we sometimes didn’t have enough money for milk and bread let alone running shoes. Yet one Saturday morning, my father told me to jump in the car and he drove us to a nearby garage sale just around the corner from where he was living. As we walked up this stranger’s driveway we came across a pair of old dusty blue running spikes hanging from a table. They were a few sizes too big with the sole hanging off one of them, flapping around in the breeze, and the price tag was $8. Upon closer inspection I must admit, I didn’t think much of them, but Dad was so confident telling me he could fix them with some trusty old shoe glue he had on a shelf in his shed. So I began to feel pretty excited at the thought Continued page 44

FEATURE FINDING A PIECE OF SALVATION THROUGH ULTRAS

of owning a pair of spikes, and these were literally my first pair of running shoes – ever! When we arrived back home to my dad’s place he glued the sole back on with this thick brown caramel sauce looking glue and I was able to try them out the next day down at the park. I wore those shoes for quite a few years after that, until one day the shoe glue that once brought them back to life gave in minutes before running my first 200m Heat at the school districts running carnival.

hear the symphony of my heart beating accompanied by the peaceful sound of my breath. It was an orchestra of familiar sounds, feelings and emotions orchestrated by my heart bringing strength within myself. A strength ready to take on the world for when I woke.

STRAIGHT FROM FINDING SALVATION DIRECTOR LOUIE J HADFIELD

I quickly grabbed my frozen drink bottle, pulled the rubber band off that was holding a raggedy old t-towel around my drink bottle and used it to wrap around my left shoe. I wrapped that shoe as tight as it could go. It wasn’t ideal but hey, it stopped my left shoe from flapping around in the breeze. Well, sort of. I ran my last race barefoot. They may have been old, dusty and falling apart, but they were mine. And for the most part they did the job.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the sport and the people who choose to participate in ultra marathons. As a filmmaker, and someone who’s in the process of building their own ultra running career, sharing these stories is something I am truly passionate about. Kieron has always been so much more than an ultra runner; when I learnt about his story, I knew there was more to tell so when the opportunity presented itself in 2021, I jumped at it. For the past few months I have put everything into this piece. I am very excited to share this incredibly personal story exploring Kieron’s life, from his running career, his childhood, family and the legacy he is building. I believe this story is one that many will resonate with. It’s a story about survival, accepting your place in the world and most importantly, the strength it takes to overcome adversity.”

I found running to be the ultimate escape from what I was dealing with at home; things no child should ever have to deal with. My parents divorced in 1994, with my sister and I awarded to my mother in a custody battle. It wasn’t an ideal situation, and it was a situation that went from bad to worse when we moved in with my mum’s new boyfriend. One I’d feel full force from both physically and emotionally. But you’re given an option in hard situations and I just chose to not succumb to my surroundings. Instead I chose to run. Running made me own the hard times. It brought such comfort, but like the saying goes ‘If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm’. By the time I reached age 13, that storm had turned into a cyclone category 5 and had almost decimated everything inside of me. I walked into my bedroom, and I tried to take my life.

A few weeks later, after going through that traumatic experience, I set my sight on school cross country. With no money for running shoes yet again, I had been wearing these big heavy, steel capped Doc Martin boots to school along with ‘hand me down’ clothes from our neighbours. I arrived at school in tears and embarrassed at the thought of running cross country in my boots so I made the decision not to run.

I could feel the cool breeze slipping through the half open window as my physical body lay dormant soaked into the landscape of my bed frame, my consciousness running deep into an unconscious state. So deep that I could

It wasn’t until I heard the starter gun go off and watched the last kid run out of the school gates that I decided ‘stuff it’ and I got up and ran, boots and all. I had run so hard that I could feel the blisters forming on the inside of my big toes and heels. I didn’t care though. I didn’t place that day (I came in 4th) but I was gifted something even greater – my life. I discovered that I didn’t have to become a product of my environment. My life path was in my hands and my hands only.

A 12-HOUR FIRST TIME RUN Seven to eight years ago I caught up with one of my best mates, ultra runner Sam Weir, who invited me down for a trail run one Friday morning. It was a great excuse to call in sick for work, so I grabbed my shoes and off I went. I asked Sam the question of how would I even begin to train for an ultra, and all he said was, “Put your shoes on and run as far as you can, then run some more until you’re really hurting, and then run a little bit further and turn around and run home.” So that’s what I did. Having never run more than 12kms before, I woke up early one Saturday morning and told my daughter to “Tell mum I’ll be back in an hour.” No food, no water, no shirt, no hat and no phone for distractions – and off I went. I had reached 15km and thought I would run just a little bit further. Before I knew it, I’d run from my home in Victoria Point on the Redlands Coast all the way to Brisbane City stopping every so often to find a water tap on someone’s property. Twelve hours later I returned home sunburnt with blisters everywhere, hungry, dehydrated and one furious wife who was just about to file a missing person’s report – literally. I couldn’t walk for days after that and I vowed to never run again. But as runners do, a couple days later I entered my first ever trail race, a 100 miler – I’d fallen completely head over heels in love with ultra running. Continued page 46

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

“Put your shoes on and run as far as you can, then run some more until you’re really hurting, and then run a little bit further and turn around and run home.” So that’s what I did. Having never run more than 12kms before, I woke up early one Saturday morning and told my daughter to “Tell mum I’ll be back in an hour.”

FEATURE FINDING A PIECE OF SALVATION THROUGH ULTRAS

REVIEW

The uncertainty is what led me to the world of ultras. The uncertainty of what my body and mind could endure, what it could achieve. To connect with myself on a deeper level and to understand my abilities. I wanted to learn who I was as a person. I wanted to better myself and hold myself accountable. After all, I owed it to myself to do so. But you have to be willing. Your mind has to be willing; be willing to step outside the norm, to hurt, test and push personal boundaries. Be willing to feel every bit of pain, emotion, every up and every down. And be willing to feel every

ounce of strength ripped right away from you. That’s ultra running at its purest. It’s a beautiful brutal sport. Finding Salvation is a story of pure resilience. My life has been like one big ultra. You’re smack bang in the middle of hell, but you have no choice but to just keep going. And having run ultras ranging from 100km, 200 miles and 350km, it’s not my past struggles that get me through these races – it’s the strength I take away from those struggles. Those struggles are a part of me, but they are not me. I run to feel, and what I feel is unbreakable.

Finding Salvation is pure, genuine filmmaking by director Louie J. Hadfield. Ultra runner Kieron Douglass tells his story in a way that will pull at the heartstrings, finding its way to those who can relate in the closest, possible way. Raw and emotional, Finding Salvation will bring you to tears with Kieron’s mental health struggles, but it will also make you cheer at the top of your lungs for his courage, determination and human spirit. A must see for everyone and anyone who needs a little inspiration to know they are capable of more than just existing, Finding Salvation is a documentary that delves into connecting with something greater than ourselves. Kate Dzienis

Editor, Trail Run Magazine

THE ADVENTURE RETURNS TOURING FROM FEBRUARY 2022

WWW.EOFTAUSNZ.COM

FREE GIFT

WITH EVERY NEW SUBSCRIPTION OR RENEWAL THIS EDITION

FEATURE

WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: CLAIRE O’BRIEN-SMITH, ADAM ROWE, AMANDA BRUCE, NICK TREBILCOCK, ANDREW YEATMAN

Shane deliriously thrilled with his progress at the 2021 Delirious W.E.S.T. Image: Cl aire O’Brien-Smith.

ISSUE 41 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

y l e t a n i f e D w e r C REW

TO C T O N R O O CREW

Having the right crew for an ultra can make the biggest difference to a runner’s performance, and sure, there are individuals who can successfully run a 100, even a 200 miler or more, without the aid of pacers or supporters at official aid stations or checkpoints. But there are also runners who bring to the table their biggest support people to help them get through the mileage. Kate Dzienis sat down with Shane Johnstone, who won the 2021 Delirious W.E.S.T 200 miler, and one of his support crew, Claire O’Brien-Smith, to talk about the vitals of getting through the distance and what it takes.

FEATURE TO CREW OR NOT TO CREW…DEFINITELY CREW

WO-HUNDRED MILES.

Delirious W.E.S.T (October 6-10) and put everything he’d learnt about running and long distance to good use.

That converts to a lengthy and formidable 321.869km that takes more than a year to prepare for. That is usually reserved for seasoned trail runners who can not only operate on no or minimal sleep, but can accept the fact that their toenails will never look pretty in a pair of thongs – if they still have toenails attached, that is.

Shane, who is also a member of the Australian Ultra Runners Association and race director for Transcend Ultra, suffers from a random illness (undiagnosed as yet) whereby in 2020 he presented to

“But if there’s anything I’ve learnt from The Delirious W.E.S.T ultra running, it’s to respect the distance, (Western Endurance Scenic Trail) is the southern hemisphere’s and even if you look the goods on paper, first point-to-point 200 miler, it doesn’t necessarily translate to an with the course stretching along automatic comfortable win. the historic Bibbulmun Track from Northcliffe to Albany in Western Australia. Accomplished hospital with elevated traponin levels – ultra runner Shane Johnstone from Caversham, WA has a strong background this refers to a group of proteins that help in long distance, including 1st Place Male regulate the contractions of the heart and at the 2019 West Macs Monster in the NT skeletal muscles; high levels can indicate and an FKT that year too with the 130km a problem with the heart and in turn, Cape to Cape Track. So it was no surprise the potential for heart attack. He also to his friends, family and colleagues when suffers from iliac artery endo-fibrosis, a he decided to start training for the 2021

There were sandy parts along the beach Shane had to traverse through. Image: Nick Trebilcock.

condition that results in the reduction of blood flow to a lower extremity; in Shane’s case, his right leg. If he runs at a fast pace, the blood flow to his leg cuts off, so it’s actually easier for him to run endurance races rather than faster and shorter ones. “It appears my body is happy with that though, and I quite enjoy the longer events too,” he explains. “But if there’s anything I’ve learnt from ultra running, it’s to respect the distance, and even if you look the goods on paper, it doesn’t necessarily translate to an automatic comfortable win. “I had done some quality prep for Delirious so I was in good shape, and during the actual race I was really lucky with how my body responded. I continue to be amazed with how much the body can be challenged – anything can happen in that distance over trail with no to minimal sleep in challenging conditions. It’s a long way!

“I was certain I’d find my breaking point though. I think I was very close, but I feel I still crossed that finish line functioning way better than I could have ever imagined. We seriously underestimate ourselves as humans. “Two-hundred milers can be super enjoyable if you’re out there taking your time, taking full advantage of the aid stations and getting sleep, but I think at the time, I was in the motion of pushing my body as hard as I could, and to do that for 55 hours took me to a whole new level mentally and physically – I was ready for it though, it was time for me to do that. “Yes, my knees got sore, I was aching, and I got to that point where I couldn’t push myself, I had to rely on my crew to be that motivation; your brain starts taking shortcuts and there can be small hallucinations, so having support people to get you through that is essential, it’s critical.”

Delirious W.E.S.T, each partnering out to two groups of two for the best results to help get him to the finish.

Pacers and crew members Cl aire O’Brien-Smith and Adam Rowe. Image: Adam Rowe.

A seasoned runner herself, Claire has a fair few successful events under her belt as well, including the 2021 Feral Pig 100km ultra where she secured 1st Female in 12:43:01, and the 2020 Margaret River 80km Ultra, winning that one in 9:14:38. Her understanding of what it takes to successfully crew a runner definitely played a key role in Shane’s win.

Shane with his end time. Image: Supplied.

Continued page 54

Claire O’Brien-Smith was one of four support members in Shane’s crew for the

Running straight out of the chute at the start of his first 200 miler. Image: Amanda Bruce.

Continued page 46

FEATURE TO CREW OR NOT TO CREW…DEFINITELY CREW

Before they head off, it’s one l ast picture for participants Shane Johnstone, Kevin Mat thews, Mart y K all ane and Michael Barton. Image: Andrew Yeatman.

Finally at the finish line and talking to race director Shane K aesler. Image: Adam Rowe.

“To have a crew that understands their runner’s most basic needs at the drop of a hat makes everything easier for everyone,” she says.

driver and we always had a runner. “The four of us, we’re all runners, could do any kilometres Shane needed us to do. Two teams of two worked a treat, we couldn’t have done it any better.”

“It takes all the decision-making out of it. I mean, 200 miles is incredibly long and it’s exhausting, both mentally and physically, so you need a crew that knows your every need before you even ask for it.

When Shane would reach a checkpoint, there was always one pacer and one supporter ready to greet him, and everything was prepared before he even got there.

“Our crew plan for Shane worked so well, I don’t think we could have perfected it any more than we had. Between the four of us, myself and my partner Lochy Jones were in one vehicle, and Nick Trebilcock and Adam Rowe were in another. Because Shane raced across three days, Nick and Adam took the first day as soon as they were allowed to pace him. Lochy and I took the second day, and then the boys took the third day. It worked so well, because we always had a

“We’d take out this massive bag full of his belongings, where everything was split into zip-lock bags, from clothes to all of his nutrition,” Claire reveals. “We’d also take out of the car a medical bag just in case, but once Shane would get to the station, he’d get a fresh change of clothes, food, any medicines he needed – but he made no decisions. We wouldn’t give him any options, there were no

All smiles for Shane as pacer Nick takes a snapshot. Image: Nick Trebilcock.

decisions for him to make; he said at one stage he felt like a toddler, with all of us changing him or feeding him. “But if that’s what it takes to get your runner to the finish line, then that’s what it takes.” With no sleep and a full team of supporters who encouraged him every step of the way, Shane managed to secure a new course record time with 54:50:34 and claim 1st Male. He said without his crew, it wouldn’t have been possible. “Very rarely will you see a solid performance without a solid team behind it,” he says. “At times, the concept of running more was undesirable, but my crew kept me honest and stopped the train from derailing – it’s so true, that team work makes the dream work.”

Developed with your ultimate performance in mind. Biowin Neurosocks are equipped with our proprietary tactile pattern designed to stimulate neuroreceptors on your body. The result is instantly improved:

ENERGY LEVELS RECOVERY PERFORMANCE

Learn more at mybiowin.com

FEATURE

WORDS: TAYE PUGH IMAGES: PHOTOS4SALE

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

Souring THROUGH THE VALLEY

Ultra NZ’s Valley Ultra offers three distances for trail runners, all with their own spectacular course filled with the best New Zealand has to offer when it comes to the great outdoors. Participants have a chance to immerse themselves in beautiful dense forest, test their elevation skills with steep descents and climbs, and catch their breath at glorious summits. Taye Pugh challenged himself in the event’s ultra distance, and shares with readers what an incredible experience it is to run in the Valley Ultra.

FEATURE SOARING THROUGH THE VALLEY

021 was going to be my third Ultra NZ Valley Ultra (27 November 2021), and I had built it up in my head all year as the one that we climbed to Petries Ridge and got to experience those breath taking views. This hope was dashed early in the week of the ultra, as the long range forecast looked absolutely horrendous – everyone that knows the Craigieburn Ranges will know that you don’t take unnecessary risks if it’s anything but perfect conditions.

of me though, and that climb up to the Craigeburn Ski Lodge was going to be no joke.

It was my birthday weekend, turning 45, and I was doing what makes me happy with a bunch of like-minded people.

We had made a plan that it would take me between 7 and 8 hours to complete the distance and 2500+ metres of climbing so they could go back to Springfield, have a shower and a feed ,and still have time after their race to see me finish.

After a good meal and a great night’s sleep at the Springfield Hotel, myself and a group of mates including seasoned runners Adam Bayliss, Mark Drew and Callum Harrison drove to the start line. Everyone else was doing the 24km Piglet and got an opportunity to give me words of encouragement at the start line for the slightly longer 58km Whole Hog.

With the last year that we have had and watching a lot of other events get cancelled or postponed, I still felt excited about just having an event to run in. There was still a challenging run in front

As I watched the first wave of runners from the Whole Hog take off, it started

to get real; the rain had started to fall and it felt like the temperature had dropped several degrees. Soon it was the time for the second wave – we all huddled into the start chute, everyone chatting with the person to the left and right of them, all knowing we were in this together, a shared experience on a magic trail. As we were almost ready to go, race director Richard Negus gave us the news that I wasn’t expecting – a slightly shortened course (49km) due to the impact of the early afternoon weather. But there wasn’t any time to dwell on the news because after a quick high five with my mate Toby Nicholls (who I had recently ran the Resilience Ultra with), we were off. Because of the smaller field due to having two waves at the start line, the first 5kms were a nice steady run, a

Continued page 59

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

perfect opportunity to get on top of the nervous energy to get breathing under control and settle into a day on the feet. Unlike other years where there was a long train of runners through this tough wee section, everyone seemed to find their own groove and pace.

conversational pace and just get to the end in one piece.

I found myself running by myself though, being passed and passing other runners. The first hour went by quite fast. With hardly a word being spoken, I was soaked to the skin with absolutely zero chance of ever warming up. For the next hour or so, I met up with a nice young man who had just finished his physio training, and was taking on his first Valley Ultra. I almost felt like a bit of veteran/tour guide as I told him what to expect. This to me was a great wee section and set the theme of the day for me; I was happy to run at a

I was feeling pretty good at this point, still with around two litres of Tailwind, which would see me to at least the next aid station. A quick high five to my other Resilience Ultra buddy Chris Moresley who had braved the conditions and volunteered to be at the aid station for the day and support his wife who was running in her first event – what a legend!

As I neared the Texas Flat aid station I heard Rocky and Badger from Further Faster giving out much needed words of encouragement (I think I heard them before I saw them).

The next, what seemed like, hour was spent climbing the Craigeburn access road. It was a niggly little climb, and was probably runnable, but it actually felt good to hike this section. Continued page 60

FEATURE SOARING THROUGH THE VALLEY

The higher I climbed, the colder it got, and I remember thinking it was a great decision by the organisers to lower the course. I almost changed my clothes at this point – almost, but not. Then came one of my favourite sections, the hard packed downhill through the forest, however this year this wasn’t to be. It was an absolute hydro slide, even with my amazing La Sportiva Jackals on I think I must have fallen over around half a dozen times. Once down, there is a sharp left and off you go onto what is essentially a large lollipop type loop, from memory I think it’s around 15kms of ups and downs. It’s a cool section because you get to see some of the elites as they head home down the stick. The first person I saw was Dan Jones, who looked as if he was running to the shop to get some milk – so very relaxed but flying. A quick go Dan and a well-timed high five and he was gone. A few more whizzed passed me as I settled back into my slow trudge, with thoughts in my head like, ‘If only I had done more training,’ or ‘If I was 20 years younger…’ and other nonsense ideas!

fellow Tailwind runner, and if you haven’t heard his story it’s truly inspiring!

By this point of the race the weather had really closed in, but the course had loads of aid stations and heaps of volunteers who were all so upbeat. I recall passing a volunteer on a crucial corner (I remember this corner well as I had gone several kilometres off course in 2019). He was huddled in a small shelter, and when he saw me coming he got out of the tent with a massive smile on his face and pointed me in the right direction.

As I ran down the road to the final aid station I knew what was coming, but felt like I had run within myself to tackle what lay ahead. This is Valley Ultra, and everyone knows she has a rather sharp sting in her tail. It was cool running this last section with someone; we chatted about the day, about past events, and both of us helping us through the rivers and climbs down the riverbed. As I approached the final climb I could see runners way up the side of the hill, and I made a promise to myself to stop looking up.

I got to the second-to-last aid station feeling pretty good. I’d chewed through four litres of Tailwind, and by my estimate had around two hours, or two 500ml bottles, until the finish. I handed my bottles to the aid station volunteers who happily filled them back up – I’d completely lost feeling in my hands and was not capable of carrying out this simple task.

The track up there was muddy and slippery, it was all you could do to just stop yourself from sliding back down the hill. One foot in front of the other, I kept telling myself, and little by little I eventually made it to the top. I caught my breath, had a quick look from where I had just come, and then it was all downhill to the finish line.

As I ran passed the stick section I felt like I was doing okay, and I almost felt as if I was warming up! It was around this area I met up with Charles Aroamo, a

As I ran through the finish line I gave a wee fist pump knowing that I had done the job. What a day, what a course! No friends were present – they obviously hadn’t received the memo about the shortened course and were on their second flat white coffees at the Springfield Cafe. It would be over an hour before they arrived, so no harm done. I remember once being told that an event is a celebration of training. It’s the cherry on top of all the sacrifices we’ve make to get there. Everyone who was out on the course was helping us runners realise that dream. Not to sound too clichéd but it felt like a real community out there, people helping people, people encouraging and motivating. If the world was a lot more like the trail running community, it would be a much better place. Thank you so much Ultra NZ, race director Richard Negus, and the team for another wonderful day. I can’t wait for next year, which I reliably am told is the year we get to climb to the ridge line.

FEATURE WORDS: SARAH DYER IMAGES: RHEA WHOLEY, MIRIAM THOMAS, JARROD LUCAS

g n i n n u R

on red dirt

The iconic pipeline that runs along the GOLDFIELDS PIPELINE MARATHON. Image: Miriam Thomas.

FEATURE RUNNING ON RED DIRT

Sarah DYER at the front of the pack at the start of the race. Image: Jarrod Lucas.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

The Goldfields Pipeline Marathon, held every year in Kalgoorlie Boulder in Western Australia, has been known to attract runners from the big smoke in Perth after a growth in trail running popularity. Starting as a small, low key event in 2013 and then changed in 2014 to ensure the race was completely off road, race directors introduced a 50km ultra in 2021 and sure enough, the entrant list was packed to the rim. Ultra runner Sarah Dyer has a soft spot for the red dirt race, and recaps her experience in the fast and furious 50km, in which she earned 1st Female.

HE GOLDFIELDS PIPELINE MARATHON in Kalgoorlie, WA has always been an event close to my heart, having lived in the town myself for roughly 3.5 years between 2013 and 2017. I was saddened by the cancellation of the 2020 event due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, so was not going to let the 2021 event out of my sights.

600km east, and when factoring in pitstops and walkabouts to stretch the legs the travel time easily pushes to 6.5 to 7 hours one way.

The running community in Kalgoorlie is used to dusty red dirt trails, and if you ever manage to land yourself in this dusty mining town on a weekend, please ensure to attend the local parkrun at Karkurla Bushland Park. The community is super supportive, even if you aren’t in the running circle – and for the most part, the Goldfields Pipeline Marathon is not included in any run-event calendars. Often falling into the ‘if you know about it’ basket.

a quick bite for dinner (PSA: If you are vegan or vegetarian – pre-pack your nutrition as Kalgoorlie is a miner’s town and doesn’t cater) before settling into my mate’s place for accommodation at 8pm. An unfamiliar bed, pre-race jitters, and late-night catch-ups were not conducive to sleep. However, most trail runners and ultramarathoners are used to some form of sleep-deprived delirium – I totalled maybe a broken 2 hours.

pipeline, which supplies the town of Kalgoorlie with water from Mundaring Dam in the Perth Hills. Another factor that affects Pipeline marathoners every year is a stark contrast in temperatures My preparation for the 2021 Pipeline and conditions faced with desert running. was fairly inadequate to say the least, Being an inland town, during the winter not with regards to kilometres in the months, Kalgoorlie can have freezing legs but more so planning commute and temperatures overnight but with clear accommodation. The Saturday before the skies it can rocket up to a maximum event I didn’t manage to leave Perth until For me, it was fabulous that the 2021 of 28 degrees upon sun-up. The 2019 the early afternoon, and after grabbing Pipeline Marathon event went ahead, event in particular, at 7am with it’s always superbly organised the marathon start, it was a mere by local couple Grant and Rhea degree, so participants need to Wholey, who are legends in their Another noteworthy point of all trail runners’ 1consider layering and how to best own rights. Grant has a mission stories and adventures is to fondly remember transport layers upon removal to complete upwards of 100 full between extensively spaced and the events by the injuries, blisters and stacks marathon distances, and I’ve completed the Goldfields Pipeline that occur. The scars, lost toenails and general minimal aid stations. event four times prior, with the THE wind is also another wear and tear, the aches and pain only aid the 2021 event held on 18 July, and condition needed to be factored in tale of the journey that was had. the first time an ultramarathon – they don’t call it the Windy West distance had been mapped out for nothing. Kalgoorlie is prone to and offered for entrants. willy-willies (small tornados) and

This comes as no surprise as the drive from the big smoke in Perth is a measly

freak storm events, including dust storms before storm fronts as they roll in over the countryside. The marathon and ultramarathon in the 2021 both started at the same time and in the same location on the outskirts of Coolgardie (mother of Kalgoorlie). To add the additional 8km required for the ultra, a loop out into the arid land bush was organised. This was a whole other basket of fun, as the split off from the rest of the trail occurred close to the 32-33km distance mark, and by this point the pack had well and truly spread out.

That certainly added to the fun of the sandy, dusty, washed-out undulous straight for miles trail next to a water

Continued page 65

FEATURE RUNNING ON RED DIRT

Sarah, in bl ack, takes the lead for the women in the 2021 50km Goldfields Pipeline Marathon. Image: Rhea Wholey.

Sarah (centre) racing in the 50km Goldfields Pipeline Marathon. Image: Rhea Wholey.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

Lucky though trail runners are used to running some distances without seeing a single soul, and to make it all more interesting again, a few sections of this loop were like running a steeplechase – with metal fence wiring and trees down across the course. I was in an utter delirium by this point in time, and desperately looking for other runners’ footprints in the anastomosing sandy wash-outs, fearful that I had missed the loopback or sighting some of the flagging and that I was running aimlessly into the outback of WA (not going to lie, I still kind of was).

to the funnelled finish-line into the café front of the golf course of years past. The crowd actively cheered every participant despite the distance run and were so supportive in every sense of the term.

hibernation season. Funny things happen in the outback; however, it’s the joy of these seemingly uncommon and chance encounters with nature that make trail life so wonderful. Even when I run in the city or around the area in which I live within fringe-suburbia in Perth, I never run with headphones on or music – as I live for biophilia and listening to birdsong, feeling the sun and breezes against my skin and taking in the smells of the bush, wetlands and forests in which I’m running.

THIS is one of the reasons why I love trail running when compared with the super competitive road races in Perth. And also, why I love and fondly reminisce my time spent in the town of Kalgoorlie, the community always backing up every major event that is organised within the town and bringing in the ‘city folk’ regardless if they joke about the entitled city slickers from time to time, who are always welcomed with open arms.

It’s an experience of mindfulness, one I managed to make it through the which we tend to miss out on when we’re loop intact, however maybe not with my caught up in the craziness of our busy Another noteworthy point of all sanity, and re-joined other marathoners work lives. trail runners’ stories and adventures is and half-marathoners (who had started to fondly remember the events by the Finally, my absolute favourite thing at Kurrawang community two hours injuries, blisters and stacks that occur. about attending the Goldfields Pipeline after) on the trail back into town. In The scars, lost toenails and general wear event is the trophy, not just because I previous years the course had tracked and tear, the aches and pain only aid the want to have one to make the return trip into the back of the golf course, the final tale of the journey that was had. with me to Perth. But, because hole on the famous Nullabor Links – the longest golf course of the sheer craftsmanship in the world. In the 2021 course, that goes into its creation. The runners cut through active trophy itself is a piece of local It’s an experience of mindfulness, one which we mining leases (namely Mungari Diamond Drill core (Victorious operations for Evolution tend to miss out on when we’re caught up in the Basalt, which hosts some minor Mining), and also crossed craziness of our busy work lives. gold mineralisation), mounted various service tracks and level on some cut and fabricated local train crossings. By the way, Goldfield’s Eucalypt to look another mode of transportation like the Water Pipeline, which to the town of Kalgoorlie is to jump on The 2021 Pipeline for me saw blood provides the event with its name. It’s such the Prospector train from Midland or blisters on both insteps of my feet leaving a creative and fitting piece of work for Perth depots (my recommendation is to me waddling for days not only for my hip the race. It’s an even more fitting trophy do it at least once in your lifetime). soreness for once. And over the weeks for me, being a geologist, so the award Another talking point amongst avid that followed, I gradually had to clip back endears both my love of geology and my trail runners is vert. Regarding Goldfields or remove all bar my big toenail on my love of trail running. Pipeline vert, the short answer is – there right foot. These types of recounts would is none as the course is relatively flat irk non-seasoned trail runners; however, In 2021, I was stoked to come away with but it is domed, so between the towns trail runners live for it and recount a bookend to back up my result in 2019, of Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie there is an the war stories that we put our bodies and for now, I’m still a bit flabbergasted overall gradual incline/decline but the through with joy and fervour. by it, and am excited to admit that I hold trail itself is as straight as a tack – it will the CR for the female ultra distance. We also tend to recount our events make you envision mirages in your ultraon the trails by portions of nature that delusions. However, it’s not about time or pace the general public tends to miss out on, for me, it’s about the journey and the fun There is a little bit of elevation change especially if they live in built-up and had along the way. You often have the as you leave Coolgardie, but vert, well, urban environments. The Goldfields best and most unlikely conversations and it’s not even remotely close to that. The Pipeline, due to the temperature changes connections whilst on the trails, and I mentioned earlier, is one of the few 2021 course finished at Ray Finlayson love the trail running community with events where I have encountered a snake Sporting Complex, and it was amazing seemingly in what should be its peak all my heart. to have a stadium/oval finish as opposed

Q&A

TRAIL HERO ON A MISSION FOR YOUTH

INTERVIEW: KATE DZIENIS IMAGE: OUTER IMAGE COLLECTIVE

The 2020 Bare Creek Trail Run in Garigal National Park, Sydney is one of Susie’s happy pl aces. Image: Outer Image Collective.

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

h t u o Y ERO

TRAIL H

ON F I S S I M ON A

Trail runner Susie Campbell wanted to make her first ultra marathon memorable, but when the COVID pandemic hit in 2020 her dream of doing a 50km race was shattered. Those feelings didn’t last long though because she put her training to good use and tied her first ever ultra run with raising money for a charity close to her heart. Kate Dzienis chats with Susie about her love of the trails and how she put the charity run together.

ITH races across the Tasman postponed or cancelled throughout the past two years, so many runners have spent a majority of those 24 months itching and scratching to get their trail shoes back onto dirt. Thankfully things have started to slowly open back up again in the hopes of eventually putting the recent pandemic behind us. In the meantime, a number of runners got creative when it came to wanting to hit the trails during lockdowns or restrictions, and one Sydney-based woman did exactly that.

Charity runs are generally known to be held on road and offer distances to nonrunners that are attainable as a challenge, however UK-born Susie Campbell turned her dream of running an ultra into a reality despite the difficulties of 2020 and 2021, and put it to good use by raising money for charity. Based out of Sydney, Susie had been training for her first ultra race which was meant to take place in 2020 – but with plans falling apart, she was left feeling deflated. Not wanting to stay feeling that way, she put together a 50km charity run

Then when kids came along and with hubby working away and no family for support, exercise yet again fell to the bottom of my list – and that made me miserable. I began putting on weight, I was tired and sluggish all the time. But then in 2015 a friend asked me to run a road half marathon with her for charity and having run no further than a few kilometres in a long time and with zero training, I said yes!

from her home in Killarney Heights on the Northern Beaches and through the Garigal National Park where she hit the Magazine Trail, Bates Creek, Cook St Trail and Natural Bridge Track.

She’s hoping to do it all again in 2022, but first I had a chat with Susie to find out who she is, why she loves the trails so much, and what motivated her to raise almost $2000 funds for a charity close to her heart.

It hurt, and although it was tough, I think that was the moment I decided I wanted to run again, but on trails.

You’re a Sydney-based trail runner, so for all of our readers outside of Sydney, tell us about who you are, how long you've been trail running for, and what the catalyst was for starting running.

I started by running a few fun runs with my then 6-year-old. We did a 5km and we had fun. I did another couple of road half marathons and slowly my times got faster, but then I found out about some local trails so I went off to explore them. And that was it. I was hooked.

Originally from the UK, I moved to Australia in 2013 with my husband and two boys. Although I had always loved sport, starting out as a PE teacher then joining the Royal Navy and playing basketball at a national level and rugby representing the Navy, sport had always played a big part in my life. I had always been a good distance runner but being away with the military, I was never able to run consistently and as I didn’t enjoy road running it took a back seat.

I gradually ran further, got lost frequently, explored more, broke an ankle, began connecting with other trail runners, read about it, got inspired, bought trail shoes, got into a strength training routine and then discovered races. I also lost weight. With the help of an amazing local coach, I lost 12kg and completely Continued page 68

Q&A TRAIL HERO ON A MISSION FOR YOUTH

transformed my body and mind. It seriously changed my life and anyone who knows me knows I am not the sentimental type and do not say that lightly.

knowing a soul, my gym became my second home and so many of my friends now have been met there so it kills two birds with one stone. They roped me into doing obstacle course racing and although I hadn’t trained for obstacles, I could run so I was on the team!

And ping, my running improved exponentially. My road half marathon time went from 2:25:00 to 1:52:00. Trails became ridiculously enjoyable and I was addicted to the high that I was getting. I entered numerous races starting at the 12km distance and gradually increasing to the 20-something and beyond and began to be competitive securing some top three in age category and top 20 female finishing times. I had found my happy place. My mental health improved, I felt alive.

Obviously with Covid and lockdowns in 2020, races were either cancelled or postponed. What race/s did you have planned for that year and how much time and effort did you put into training? 2020 was the year I was determined to do an ultra distance – 50km first. That was all I was training for. I had entered the Jabalani Challenge which was 45km on pretty technical trails, starting from Bobbin Head in Sydney, and also the Stromlo Running Festival in Canberra which was 50km. With those cancelled, along with Rafferty’s Coastal Race, the Blackmores Half and Sydney Morning Herald Half (purely to beat my times), Bare Creek Trail Race and the Sydney Trail Series, I was feeling pretty deflated.

What’s your favourite trail near you? My favourites are single track with a mixture of flowing fast sections through trees, to the more technical and scrambly ones however being somewhat restricted, I haven’t travelled too far from NSW to run. Thankfully I don’t actually have to as I’m lucky to have so many on my doorstep. One that stands out is the Bay Track and Bluff Point with numerous variations from there. I can reach it from my door and as just as you drop down from Bluff Lookout, the view is sensational and I cannot help but stop and stare. It formed part of my charity run’s route and I recall the sun was just coming up, there was dew on the leaves and I was quite wet from them shaking onto me. I rarely stop on runs but at this particular point, I always do. The route is single track, quite steep in places, muddy, technical but so much fun! A bit of everything really.

I’d also entered the Snowdonia half in North Wales in the UK as we were meant to return for the first time in seven years. I was gutted. Races had become my goals and my focus and with those taken away, I felt lost. And when my gym closed too, I vividly recall walking my dog and crying. I had been training hard, was in top shape and now what? You decided to put that training into good use though and decided to run your own unsupported ultra trail run from your house.

How many kilometres do you run per week and how do you tie it in to family life and social life?

After I had sulked and had a good cry I decided there was no way I was going to let all my hard work go to waste and I needed to stay strong mentally and physically. So I planned my own ultra race to at least accomplish what 2020 was meant to be about.

Generally I run around 30-40km a week, which is about all I can fit in with family and work. As a solo mum for a lot of the time (hubby works away with Defence), I have to run whilst the kids are at school or at weekends when he’s around. Working for myself and being in charge of my own diary is definitely an advantage here as I fit my run in after school drop off before I start work. Or I get my boys on their bikes and I run after them! I make up for any lack of running by doing lots of strength and stability work so that when I do run, at least I am strong and stay injury free.

I planned a 50km route starting from my house. I’m very fortunate to live right on the National Park and can access Garigal and Ku-ring-gai national parks from my doorstep, and I decided to make myself accountable by not only announcing it to family and friends but involving my whole community and raising funds for a local charity. There were no aid stations, no-one with me at any point, I simply ran to be alone with my thoughts, to challenge my body and mind and feel that amazing rush

Social life? What’s that?! I don’t have much time for that! Having moved not

Susie Campbell racing in Sydney’s 2020 Bare Creek Trail Run 12km event. Image: Outer Image Collective.

that I get when I hit the trails. I carried all my own water and fuel and my husband tracked my progress with beacon tracking on my Strava. It was the solitude of running alone for 8 hours, I remember hitting the half way point and having a little cheer to myself. Then when I reached about 40km and I was starting to feel my legs fatigue I just talked to myself…if anyone was around I am sure they would have thought I was some crazy woman! But I can honestly say the time went by quickly and I enjoyed every moment, as when it got tough it merely served to show me that tough was good, tough meant I was fit and healthy and kicking the gloom of COVID and not giving in to it. Tough meant I was helping kids who had experienced far worse than this and I could make a difference simply by running. I even arranged for an ice cream van at the finish and the charity I was raising funds for was there too. My eldest son made me a huge protein shake to greet me with!

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

I have yomped with heavy packs through long nights on no sleep, poor food, been under enormous pressure on military operations and know that it will all be just fine. You were raising money for Be Centre. Why is this charity so close to your heart? Be Centre is the most amazing charity that I will forever be indebted to. They help children from the ages of 3 to 12 who have experienced some sort of trauma, be it the death of a parent, divorce, domestic violence, bushfires, bullying or perhaps witness to something awful. They are one of the only centres of their kind in Australia and despite the amazing work they do, receive no government funding and have to raise all funds themselves through donations and grants. The age group they serve is very under supported. But through play therapy, these children are healed. It is the early intervention that allows these children to go on to be healthy, thriving teens and not become a statistic of self-harm or worse, suicide.

Did anything go wrong during your ultra, and if it did, how would you change it?

What was your goal time, and what were your pace/speed goals?

Two weeks prior to the run I had rolled my ankle, mainly due to lack of training routine, but I decided I wasn’t going to let it stop me and with the help of my awesome physio, I pushed through. I also had to buy a new pair of runners and because of COVID could not replace my old pair with ones that I was familiar with. I know people will cringe, but I bought a pair the day before and ran in them for the first time for the race! It was totally fine though, I got not blisters.

My goal was to do it in around the 8-hour mark and I was pretty much dead on. As for planning a pace, I wasn’t too good at that and would simply run to how I felt…there is never anything technical to my training either. I knew my goal time and I knew the route well enough to know where I would be challenged and where I could make up some time, so tried to pace myself around that.

I think the only thing I had underestimated was the weight of the water I needed to carry. It was like being back with a bergen in the Navy! Would I change anything? No, not really. I would be injury free next time and have had consistent training and access to weights and I know I was cursing my choice of route at the 30km stage as it was pretty challenging, but other than that, I wouldn’t change a thing. The feeling of accomplishment and being able to say I was an ultra runner was enough for me.

Through play children are able to express, without words, what has happened to them and a bit like a counsellor for an adult, they learn to work through the pain and heal themselves through play. Be Centre helped my little boy when he was just 5 years old where in his first year of school, was very badly bullied. I cannot express the journey I went through with him, but all I can say is play therapy ensured he regained his confidence, was able to build friendships and renewed his self-esteem to avoid what could have been a terrible outcome with devasting consequences. You’ll be doing your solo run again in March 2022. How is this going to be bigger and better than last year?

It was a pretty hot day too. And I had to be back in the 8 hours as I had an ice cream van waiting and the street coming out to meet me and the charity there. My hubby called me at about the 45km mark and said he thought I would need a friendly voice, which was just perfect. And then told me everyone was there so to hurry up. I’m not a very refined runner in that I just do it, I don’t think too hard about it, I don’t stress over nutrition, there’s nothing technical to how I run, I just know that I can do it, I know my body will do what my mind tells it to and I am confident in what my body needs.

The next one will be on March 12 and will start in St Ives Showground in Sydney with direct access into the National Park. This time others will be able to run too and there will be the option to run as much or as little of the 50km route as you choose. It’s about raising awareness, funds, being a part of something special, and coming together to meet other like-minded people with a love of trails. This year I have the support of more businesses who are sponsoring and Continued page 70

Q&A TRAIL HERO ON A MISSION FOR YOUTH

supporting, and the charity will have volunteers holding a barbeque. We’ll have fun and play on the day, photography, and of course I have had a pair of Steigen Socks made especially for the run which I am super proud of!

escapism with my mind, listening and talking to my body, being in nature and completely switching off, running truly is my meditation. I cannot do yoga or meditate and have a very busy mind, but when I run, I have no thoughts. I can tick off kilometre after kilometre without realising and have thought of nothing.

Have you got an official name for the event? Yes, I decided to brand the event and make it a regular thing! I will forever remember why I did the first, it was my first ultra distance and because the charity is so important to me, I wanted to make it more official. The race is now called Trail Heroes as everyone who supports is, in my opinion, a hero helping the heroes of the charity who are changing the course of children’s lives.

I also love getting runner’s high. I remember running during lockdown, it was raining and cool and oh my goodness, it felt amazing, I can feel it now. I was alone on the trails, I had escaped masks and the doom and I was free. Trail ultra running is gaining quite a lot of popularity in Australia and NZ. What would you say to others who are thinking about putting on a pair of trail shoes and hitting the tracks to encourage them?

So your charity run was your first ultra, that must be super special. I am so happy that it was as it is forever etched in my memory. No fancy start line, no crowds to greet me, no aid stations or finish medals and no markers or other runners to chat to. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I don’t shut up about trail running and have coaxed several friends into it! All I would say is, you won’t regret trying it because it delivers such a hugely rewarding experience, whether it’s spotting wildlife, soaking up views that force you to stop, breathing in the wet morning dew on the leaves, feeling the heat off a fire trail, scrambling, climbing, skipping or gliding along, every trail is different, every time you run is different, every emotion you can imagine comes flooding out.

The furthest trail race I had run before this I think was a 25km race – the Anzac Day challenge, which was brutal I might add, with ridiculous elevation (it wasn’t nicknamed Hill 60 for nothing!). But that was back when I ignored elevation maps and just went for it. I am somewhat more into the detail these days as I am forever chasing finish times and top three’s. I had run 35km-ish runs on my long runs but other than that, this was it.

You’ll feel muscles you didn’t know you had, you’ll feel your body get stronger, you’ll realise the beauty of your surroundings, you’ll make friends, you’ll find a peace that not many sports can provide.

My hubby said to me a week before my charity run, 50km is a long way you know? I laughed and said nah, it’s nothing. In my head I know that I can do it because I know my head will tell me I can, so I will.

The community of trail runners that I have met are simply lovely people. I joined a local group in Sydney called The Trailblazers and have made some lovely friends and join them for runs sometimes. For a gentle introduction and someone to show you some routes, that can be a great introduction to trail running.

Now I have the bug for the 50km plus distance. What do you think makes you good with the longer trail distances, and what is it about them that makes you happy?

Who are the trail runners/ultra runners that inspire you and why?

I have always enjoyed endurance. Having been in the military for 12 years, yomping across moorland, getting through long training sessions, marching for hours or being shouted at whilst running up and down hills repeatedly, stamina was my strength but even more so my mind.

I follow a couple of well-known people but not necessarily for inspiration – more for learning and picking up tips. The runners that inspire me are those everyday runners I read about in social media running groups or meet on the trails…those who are out there enjoying

To be honest, the solitude and the pure

it, competing in races yet still with a smile and friendly chat to share at the start and finish. If you could sit down with one trail runner/ ultra runner and interview them over a coffee or lunch/dinner, who would it be and why? I think it would have to be the founder of the Barkley Marathons, Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell. When I heard about his race, I wanted to do it. Anything that seems out of reach, is in my sights! Something so big and scary that few succeed, is my kind of event and I would love to chat to him. I love the quirkiness of it all and the secrecy around it and of course, being labelled Number 1 must be such a mental mess-up for the poor person holding it! What does the rest of 2022 have in store for you? I’m looking at doing the Narrabeen All Nighter at the end of this year, which is running for 12 hours through the night as far as you can; I hope to clock up at least 80km that night. I’ve postponed the Stromlo race in March, and then there’s my charity race, of course, which will mean I am running 2 x 50km races on consecutive weekends. I may do Jabulani again or look to run in another state. With all the postponed races it has meant lots of clashes as I would have liked to run Six Foot Track but they are all so close together now. There are so many to choose from and I am keen to pick some new ones next year. On that note, how happy are you to see the success of your charity run? Oh gosh, I’m so happy that I can use my running to help other kids and give them the amazing chance my son had. Making it an annual event and building the brand and increasing donations to them will be amazing! Thank you Trail Run Magazine for supporting me and helping to share the amazing work of Be Centre. In 2020 I raised almost $2000, which was enough to sponsor a child through a 12-week play therapy program, and I’d asked that it be used for a child who had experienced something similar to my child.

FEATURE

WORDS: KATE DZIENIS IMAGES: FINISHERPIX

o n f o Life s t e r g Re iT’S NOW A

Malcolm Winnie (l) with best mate and running partner Richard Barman (R) crossing the finish line. Image: Finisherpix.

Continued page 76

FEATURE IT’S NOW A LIFE OF NO REGRETS

MAIN IMAGE: Malcolm Winnie with best mate and running partner Richard Barman on the right during the 2021 Tarawera Ultramarathon 102km. Image: FinisherPix. INSET: Recovery was a long process for Malcolm Winnie, standing with friend Aly Learmonth. Image: Supplied.

It can take weeks, even months, to come back from an injury that impedes on our running, be it a rolled ankle, a long haul battle with plantar fasciitis, or knee impediments. We know what it’s like. But almost two decades ago, Malcolm Winnie endured a freak accident that left him to combat the biggest fight of his life. Kate Dzienis talks to him about the disaster that almost crippled him permanently, and how he returned with a vengeance to the trails of the Tarawera Ultramarathon

IXTEEN years ago, Malcolm Winnie’s life changed in an instant. Always drawn to nature and and the great outdoors, forging a career as a professional adventure guide, Malcolm’s job enabled him to travel the world, and he had all the opportunities to see and partake in the world’s best adventure spots – from guiding through canyons to kayaking down pristine rivers and rock climbing.

he says, taking in a deep breath to recollect his thoughts. “For me, on that day, it was the nature of how I was going to die that petrified me, a very slow and incredibly painful death of being crushed to death. But I went through a range of emotions at the time, and I can remember the order they came in; first I went through shock, and then it was anger. “I hadn’t expected to die that day, I was only 35 years old, so I then went through overwhelming sadness about not saying the things I wanted to say to certain people in my life; the last emotion I experienced was regret, and that became a real driving force for me when I survived the accident.

In 2005 though, on November 5 at about 1pm, his world turned upside down – literally. Having just returned to New Zealand from an international job, he was working on a DIY renovation project when a concrete wall collapsed. And it collapsed onto him.

“I remember thinking that there were many things I was going to do one day

“It’s hard to explain, but the best way to put it is it was absolutely terrifying,”

or someday, and I’d realised that one day or someday were never going to come. I was deeply regretful for that, so when I came out of the other side of it and lived through, it was a massive motivating force for me to never feel that way ever again.” All this went through his head in what seemed like the longest 3-4 minutes of his life, when suddenly the wall partially rolled off him and he knew he would live, despite not knowing the extent of his injuries. With no one there to help, Malcolm found the strength and fortitude to crawl to a safe spot and text his brother with one word – ‘accident’. It wasn’t until that evening in hospital, following numerous scans and even an MRI, that he was told he had a

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

Malcolm Winnie in 2020, atop Roy’s Peak in Wanak a, NZ. Image: Supplied.

significant spinal injury – breaking his back in four places and one in his neck. The news was overwhelming, and it took him weeks to process what had actually happened to his body. With uncertainty in front of him, the only options at that point in a bid to start walking again were surgery – and not just one, but a multitude of surgeries which included ‘bolting’ him back together, in his words. “It was very much about getting me mobile again, and that includes titanium rods and screws to pin the spine back together and then bone grafting it,” he explains. One can only imagine the physical therapy that endures following such recovery, but Malcolm’s body responded tremendously well to the efforts, and within 12 months he conquered his first ultra marathon. “I needed something to focus on, being in and out of hospital was really hard, so I set myself a goal and outcome to help me deal with everything going on,” he says. “It was my own 55km ultra, just around

and Wellington (NZ) weather; I get progressively more sore as the training week progresses, and I have to look after my back and neck through massage and loads of stretching.”

where I lived, and did it 12 months to the day of my accident.” Now, 16 years on, and despite living in chronic pain that varies on a scale of mild to extreme still to this day, Malcolm is ready to tackle the Tarawera Ultramarathon in early February this year.

This year’s race will be extra special for Malcolm as he’ll be covering the distance with his brother, who was a part of his support crew for the 2021 event. Yes, Malcolm has already done the TUM102, completing it last year in a time of 16:10:43.

“Three years post operation, I had my titanium rod removed by choice, thinking it might help with the pain,” he reveals. “Not the case, but the body is what it is for me, and I’m used to living with it now.”

For Malcolm, trail running has been a salvation and has kept him going through the darkest of times.

Malcolm’s training for the 102km at Tarawera includes a lot of cross-training and cycling due to the constant loading on his spine, but he also manages a decent 60-100km per week in the lead up.

“It helps me in every way, anything in the great outdoors I call my Vitamin C in life, and so it’s just another way of me connecting with nature, and that’s always been a passion of mine,” he reveals.

“I’m doing the distances, plus strength training, yoga and cross-training when needed,” he says.

“When I’m out running those trails, in those moments it’s my clarity, and time simply stands still. The world drops away and there’s that emotional high. There’s that real connection to things outside of yourself, and I love that.

“In terms of preparing, it’s really about getting time on my legs and building it up, but one of the things I struggle with the most are the pain

Stream the best adventure films and festivals all in one place

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS $4.99/Month | $39.99/Year

Saving equivalent of almost 4 months*

Watch exclusively on ADVENTURE+

AVAILABLE ON

Subscribe and Watch Now

WWW.ADVENTUREPLUS.COM

* Campaign for 12 months subscription (annual subscription) with value corresponding to 8 monthly fees of $4.99 each, instead of 12 monthly fees.

REVIEW

TRAIL SHOES // THE NORTH FACE VECTIV ENDURIS

WORDS AND IMAGE: KATE DZIENIS

CUSHIONING TAKES THE CAKE FOR ANYONE WANTING A SUPER CUSHY RIDE ALONG THE TRAILS, the VECTIV Enduris by The North Face will be your go-to shoe in amongst your collection of runners piling up in your closet. Personally, my trail shoes were long overdue for replacement, so when I laced up this plush pair of marshmallows to my feet, I felt like I had a spring in my step before I even got out the door to test them.

motion and foot stabilisation – and its ability to encourage better running is disrupting the market like no one’s business. So let’s talk trail shoe technology and what VECTIV is all about before getting into the feel and comfortability of their very well received supportive trail running shoe. According to The North Face, the VECTIVE Enduris features rockered geometry in its midsole to enhance a forward propulsion, meaning that with thanks to the mechanics of science, the shoes actually help propel you forward. There is also a dual-density 3D TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate underfoot for multi-directional stability and to help with that forward propulsion.

When non-runners think of The North Face, they are more than likely to firstly think of fleece hoodies, thermo jackets and hiking backpacks to get through the a hiking adventure, but us runners know that the brand’s footwear for trail running is incredibly superior – especially for those needing an extra supportive shoe that can carry them across longer distances and all types of terrain.

The VECTIV Enduris is The North Face’s most supportive ultra-distance shoe in its VECTIV range, and it screams versatility up the wazoo with all those techy specs. It’s a responsive shoe, perfectly suited for terrain ranging from

Its reach into outdoor performance products for trail runners has led to its very own VECTIV technology, full of patented 3D carbon fibre plating that works with forward

flat and fast dry pea gravel to rocky fire trails full of mud, boulders and slippery inclines. There are no-sew TPU overlays in the toe and heel for lightweight protection, an internal heel counter for precise fit and support, and an OrthoLite X55 footbed made with 5% recycled rubber content. Onto the test run. Dealing with niggling inflammation on the exterior of my left foot, I set out hesitantly in pain along a single track limestone trail, but within 50-metres my confidence grew and I increased my pace. Why? The pain had already subsided. My foot was given protection and plenty of cushioning to keep it happy, delivering me a soft and steady run without having to worry about turning around and hobbling back. In all honesty, I was flabbergasted but immensely pleased already at this stage. Having a wider foot, I thoroughly loved that the shoes felt as though they were hugging my

ISSUE 41 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

The Low Down GREAT FOR: All terrains and weather conditions. This is a high performance shoe made for endurance and ultra distances. NOT SO GREAT FOR: Fast road running. The tread on this shoe is incredible and isn’t suitable for long runs on a foot or bike path. TEST CONDITIONS: Flat, single track on dry crushed limestone and sand. TESTER: Kate Dzienis TESTER MECHANICS: Severe overpronator with wide feet, usually running in 8mm drop shoes. VITALS

RRP: $250 AUD / $270 NZD WEBSITE: thenorthface.com.au / thenorthface.co.nz

CONDITIONS: Shoes provided for testing by The North Face feet, with the fit conforming to my shape and giving me incredibly good support. They were true to size without any heel slippage, and given the warm weather early in the morning, breathability was excellent thanks to air mesh uppers. I was surprised to learn that the VECTIV Enduris has a 6mm drop, as I’m used to generally wearing runners with an 8mm heel-to-toe offset, and at 278g per shoe they’re much lighter than all my usuals. Pulling them out of the box, though, they don’t look like a lightweight shoe with a lower-than-usual drop, but they are superbly designed, and looks can be deceiving. Onto the outsoles, and the well-spaced 3mm lugs and deep treads gave me incredible grip on the trail, which was a combination of crushed limestone, sand and bike path. It can be a real battle to find a trail shoe with superior traction that can also adapt to all types of

of water and small debris being kicked back in, however the entire feel of the VECTIV Enduris, including its stability, grip, design, patented technology and specs, is well worth the price tag.

terrain, but I found that with the VECTIV Enduris I enjoyed my run because I wasn’t concerned about slipping or stumbling – I ran with confidence thanks to stability and protection, feeling that the whole shoe was working together with each aspect, especially the midsole and plate. Definitely a technical trail shoe with its specific features for varying environments, the VECTIV Enduris provided all-around performance thanks to consistent comfort. The brand’s reputation for stability runners is upheld with this series of shoe; a top performer for those covering serious distances over fairly rough terrain.

The VECTIV Enduris comes in black/white for both men and women, and there is also a grey/ green alternative for men. The North Face name is becoming more popular amongst trail runners, and it’s worth noting that American ultra runner Dylan Bowman set his latest 149.669km Wonderland FKT (Washington, USA) in a pair of VECTIV Enduris, where he said the shoe “knocked it out of the park” when it came to using a carbon-fibre plated trail shoe in relentless mountain conditions.

The only downside was I found the laces were slightly thinner than I was used to, but they still went through to tie up with a strong heel/ ankle lock with just enough lace to spare, so no qualms about that. Also, I’d noticed the tongue wasn’t gusseted, so there’s possibility

Overall, The North Face has impressed me with the VECTIVE Enduris. It’s a top-of-theline shoe that needs to be given more credit on Aussie and NZ trails, and I can’t wait to see where the brand will take its trail shoe technology in the near future.

TRAIL PORN

L I A R T N R O P The Costa Brava Stage Run in the north-east of Spain allows runners to travel the entire Costa Brava from south to north. The event provides t wo ultra running distances along the wild and mountainous coast nex t to Barcelona, with both options completed across 3 days in 3 varying stages – the 125km and the 85km. Images: Guillem Casanova and Lluis Toll

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

TRAIL PORN

ISSUE 42 | WWW.TRAILRUNMAG.COM

The Hong Kong Four Trails Ultra Challenge (HK4TUC) showcases the best trails Hong Kong has to offer, with a race across four long distance trails where participants traverse the stunning trails selfsupported. With no course markings, aid stations, or even an entry fee, the HK4TUC covers a total of 298km and 14,500 metres of elevation gain. A perfect jux taposition of the Hong Kong trails in close proximit y to the urban metropolis and high rise buildings, this event features a champagne shower at the finish at the infamous Green Post Box. Images: YK Wong

WISE WORDS SUBJECT: MELINA MELLINO

M EL IN A M EL LI N O

DIRECTOR AT PERTH TRAIL SERIES I grew up playing soccer. It was all consuming, and I was on multiple teams rushing from one place to the next competing on a national level. I’m originally from the US, and when you live there and you’re told at a young that you’ve got to go to college, you’ve either got to come from money or be good at sport to secure a scholarship. So I trained hard. It was stressful, and I’d always sneak out to the parks and trails to breathe. I’d run. I’d sit. I’d contemplate. It’s where I connected with myself and found a stillness amongst all the noise.

at the time, I googled ‘trail running’ and found there was a small community of trail runners with a few events happening. I got involved and quickly realised that sharing the trails with people was something I wanted to do full time. In 2015 I started race directing and organising other events. The first couple years were the most challenging of my life, but with the support and help of an amazing partner, friends and community – here we are. We’re very lucky in Perth to have a great range of places to run. It’s a huge space filled with awesome variety of different landscapes. From the 1000km Bib Track to multiple circuits of accessible trails within an hour’s drive of the CBD, and the distinctive feature they share is pea gravel. It’s unique to WA! We have an amazing coastline, deep majestical forests with massive karri trees, I mean… you’ve just got to run through them. The Stirling Ranges have a challenging traverse called Ridge Top Walk and there are so many other peaks which provide an alpine experience. We’re so lucky and if you haven’t been, put it on your list!

I joined the military to chase adventure and pay for my college. I was stationed stateside, and overseas in South Korea, Afghanistan and Turkey. I did some other deployments too, but these were all yearlong stints. Afterwards, I returned to Afghanistan, then Turkey and eventually ended up in Perth, Western Australia to study to be a naturopath. Then of course I met a handsome man and fell in love. During that process I found my purpose and community, which brings us to now. In the military, my extra duty involved helping all the guys who couldn’t pass their fitness test to get in shape. I took them off the track and onto grass, dirt and trails. It was there that they actually enjoyed it, which supported them continuing even after they passed their test. It was about this same time that I discovered trail running was a ‘thing’. I never knew about the sport and would never have called myself a trail runner, but once I put a name to what it was I did, I was hooked. That was in 2005.

One of the best things about being the PTS director is being that person who gets to welcome everyone onto the trails. It’s not just about a race – it’s about the lifestyle. From trail etiquette and looking after each other and the environment to having a sense of adventure. The most important thing people learn through PTS is to ‘woo hoo’ or high five and have fun. You’re instantly welcomed into a friendly community of people who want to encourage you to give it a go, and to do your best.

During my naturopath studies I quickly realised that the root cause of most, if not all, of our ailments are due to stress and lifestyle. We hate our jobs, we’re way too stressed out and have unhealthy ways to cope. So, I did some soul searching on what it is that we needed – we need to have fun! We need to move our bodies, belong to a friendly, happy community, and we need nature. Being new to Perth

The inspiration I get from people with how trail running and the PTS community has changed their lives is a large part of my why. After every event or social run, people always comment how amazing it is too see other runners of all abilities sharing a ‘woo hoo’ and high five. Then there are the people that share with

me how trail running and the PTS community have saved their lives. From very dark places or physical health issues, trail running and simply being in nature with like-minded people has saved many lives, and I’m blessed to be a part of that story. The trail community is what has kept me going. Organising events and everything that comes with that is extremely challenging and often time consuming. Getting to connect with my community of enthusiastic runners, many of which are close friends, through weekly social runs or even on social weekends is like a boost of energy. We all have a love for something that is good and healthy. The support and shared enthusiasm for being on the trails, regardless of your ability, is something very special. It’s great to see the quicks out there on the trail blazing away at speed and they get the same greetings, respect, hugs and high fives as the people at the back of the pack doing what they can, and that’s very special and rare. I don’t get to do as many events as I used to, however my favourite WA event that I get to run in is the 3 Inch (the 23km event that is part of the 6 Inch Trail Marathon) in December. It’s a non-technical undulating run and it’s got an awesome community vibe. I’ve completed it a few years in a row now and won it the virtual year where it was cancelled last minute due to extreme heat. I also ran the Kalgoorlie Pipeline half marathon in 2021 and stuck at a 5.05 pace the entire way through. That was a first to run to a pace and I loved it. It’s an off road event however there’s only 60m of vert so it’s flat and fast. And finally I love challenges – I recently completed the Ridge Top Walk in 9 hours 12 minutes; that’s 43.5km with 2300m vert in the supported category.

DURO | DYNA

R unnin g d o e s n ’t s u c k b u t i t i s h ar d . E a c h gl o r i o u s l o n g r un in t h e m o un t ain s i s t h e r e s ul t o f c o un t l e s s h o ur s o f t r ainin g ; e ar l y m o r nin g s , l a t e ni gh t s , t ir e d l e g s an d n o e x c u s e s . T h e D ur o/ D y n a m ak e s e v e r y r a c e o r r un e a s i e r w i t h b o un c e -f r e e s t ab ili t y an d o p t i o n s t h a t a c c o m m o d a t e e v e r y t hin g f r o m a f t e r- w o r k j a un t s t o l o n g d a y s in t h e m o un t ain s . S o k e e p t r ainin g . T h a t ’s h o w t h e G o o d D a y s ar e M a d e .

DISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING COLLECTION

www.mountainrunning.com.au

DISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN RUNNING COLLECTION

Trail Run #42

Articles inside

WISE WORDS: MELINA MELLINO

TRAIL PORN: BREATHTAKING RACES

SHOE REVIEW: THE NORTH FACE VECTIV ENDURIS

MAD MISSION: SOARING THROUGH THE VALLEY

THE RACE IS ON: THE GOLDFIELDS PIPELINE

Q&A: SUSIE CAMPBELL TAKES THE LEAD

A COMEBACK LIKE NO OTHER

A PIECE OF SALVATION THROUGH ULTRAS

TO CREW OR NOT TO CREW

INNERVIEW: THE KIWI WHO CONQUERED THE DESERT

DREAM RUN: TRANSCEND ULTRA

PEAK PERFORMANCE: DON’T FLOW OVER THE TRAIL WITH BRAD DIXON

EVENT PREVIEWS: FROM DOWN UNDER AND NZ

BOOK CLUB: MENTAL TRAINING FOR ULTRA RUNNING

TRAIL CREW: PINEAPPLE RUNNING CLUB

DEALING WITH WAR WOUNDS ON THE TRAILS

NOW’S A GOOD TIME TO BUY: ALL THE GOOD GEAR

EDITOR’S COLUMN