BEC COULTAS 35, DIAMOND CREEK (VIC)

Fairly new to running, Bec only started the sport four years ago after volunteering at a local run and deciding to want be a part of the fun. She joined the Diamond Creek Runners and her friends there all ran roads, so she initially started running where they did.

In 2020, Bec ran a qualifying time for the Two Bays Trail Run and decided to give it a go –without any knowledge of how different a trail race could be.

She started running a few local trails to train for the event and whilst doing so, realised how much more she enjoyed off-road.

“I’m a fairly numbers driven person as I think many runners are; I have a tendency to become obsessed with running further and faster than I have previously and can easily fall into the trap of not knowing when to stop, listen to my body and just enjoy the run,” she explains.

“The trails have made me relax and appreciate my surroundings while I’m out running without the pressure of continuously bettering myself. Trail running also has an amazing community of like-minded people, so inclusive and really out there to help one another.

“I’ve loved becoming a part of it.”