How old are you?
49
Where do you live?
Australia
What is your history with sports and athletics?
I took up competitive swimming at age 9 and competed until 17. After having children I took up swimming again as something I could do for myself. In doing this I was asked to compete in a team triathlon doing the swim. I was in total awe of those able to run 7kms and decided I wanted to do a triathlon myself. From there I took up running and cycling, competed in triathlons, and soon after marathons. I had a 12-year break when I worked in the fitness industry and then took up ultramarathons as a new challenge when I changed jobs.
What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The feeling of freedom when outside. The challenge of training, competing and getting out of my comfort zone. The sense of achievement when finishing something you never thought possible. The mental health benefits are amazing too. I love exercising in the morning with the endorphins flowing while the sun rises.
Have you experienced any challenges or obstacles?
I have chronic lung disease which constantly makes me tired. I can exercise over a long distance but not fast. Hills also kill me because of my reduced lung capacity. My husband is also a farmer so when the kids were young I had to fit in exercise whenever I could over the 24 hour period or have creative ways of exercising and caregiving.
Has your participation helped you overcome any major life issues?
I have suffered from anxiety and depression for most of my life. Exercise has and continues to help me every day. Being married to a farmer has meant most things have revolved around the farm including the work I do, hours I work, where and when I holiday. Exercise has been one thing I can control for myself.
What is your “why?”
The mental health benefits, the love of nature, the feeling of achievement, and the endorphin release.
What is your favorite gear or running equipment?
My running shoes. You can usually run anywhere at any time in some amazing locations.
Do you have a favorite race or event?
Comrades Marathon. It is not called the ultimate human race for anything! The support of fellow runners and spectators is nothing short of amazing. There is a sense of camaraderie in not competing against others and only against the clock. Each athlete has the same goal of simply crossing the finish line.
What’s next?
To get back to exercising without the pressure of racing. To enjoy exercise and be able to decide what I want to do each morning whether it be run, mountain bike, swim, or walk
Any fun facts about yourself?
As a teenage swimmer, I used to hide behind the bushes when doing running as part of training. I hated it. Hard to believe years later I took up ultramarathons. I was also told as a teenager I would never be good at sports because I didn’t try to win all of the time. I was an encourager, not a competitor!
Do you have any advice for someone interested in getting started?
Just do it for yourself and do what you enjoy. Don’t care what anyone else tells you. There’s no such thing as a loser but someone with the slowest winning time!
Any other comments or stories you’d like to share?
The ultramarathon community is the most amazing supportive community. Most encourage and want you to succeed as much as you do yourself.