Peak2Soon

Amber and Blaine Bourke are incredible siblings and next month they are releasing a book 'To the Limit'.The book is a conversation between the pair about pushing limits and letting go. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of the book, and after reading it have both Amber and Blaine on the podcast.Amber is a world class free diver, and a former elite sychronised swimmer, she has been at the top of her chosen sports for the past two decades.For Blaine he has been a national 24-hour champion, captured the hearts of the ultra running community recently at Hardcore Harry's King of the Hill, and just last week won the Noosa 100.This is a conversation I deeply enjoyed with two amazing athletes, I hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to look out for the book!

Claudine Chi is a winning mindset coach and 16-time national and international karate champion. In this open conversation Claudine shares her insights on the importance of mindset in achieving personal and athletic goals. She discusses the intrinsic nature of mindset coaching, the common challenges we as humans face, and the significance of self-belief. Claudine emphasises the need for mental training alongside physical preparation, the impact of self-talk, and the invisible barriers that hinder self-belief. Through personal anecdotes and examples from her coaching experiences, this is a conversation I believe will inspire listeners to unlock their potential and embrace the journey of personal growth.If you want to work with Claudine you can at: www.claudinechi.com/journal.

Jonathan Ash shares his journey from a novice runner to a two time winner of backyard ultras, which has also seen him become the second Australian to run 100 loops in a backyard ultra. He discusses the mental and physical challenges of that format, the importance of learning from past experiences, and the dynamics of crew support in races. Jashy highlights the significance of enjoying the process of running and the unique aspects of backyard ultras, including the mental game and recovery. He reflects on his experiences in various races, including his first 100K in the Blue Mountains and Big's Backyard Ultra World Championships, highlighting the camaraderie and community within the ultra running scene.I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did!

Mario Buchs has had an incredible year, completing UTA 100, before going and running Australia's toughest miler the Elephant Race.Then the adventure of a lifetime going over to Iraq and running 100 miles, in conditions many runners wouldn't be able to comprehend.He then tops it off by adding a second pin to his Akubra by finishing Coast to Kosci.In this podcast Mario shares some amazing perspective, and how he made it to where he is on his journey as an ultra runner, Founder of Healthetica Coaching and also the host of a couple of podcasts, Strides and Vibes, as well as the one Percenters Performance Podcast.One of the most interesting ultra runners you could ever come across, I loved having this chat.

Anthony Cribbes' story is one that will inspire many, but his young daughter Tallulah, who earlier this year fought for her life, has her incredible dad covered.Despite Anthony's incredible feats in the Grampians, and at a number of Victoria's toughest ultras, Tallulah was forced to fight for her life at just two weeks old.She was diagnosed with Supraventricular Tachycardia, a condition where the heart beats too fast because of abnormal electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart, and for little Tallulah it was life threatening.It saw Anthony go on to run at the Grampians 100 Mile Trail event again. But, as you'll find out, he went there with a new perspective on life, a chance to give back.In the process Anthony has already raised more than $11,000, but if you feel inspired after this episode you can donate here.An inspiring story, of an inspiring family, get the tissues ready because this one is an emotional rollercoaster.

The 20th edition of the great race promises to be an absolute classic. It will be hard to top last year's heart stopping finish between Ben Coubrough and Allie Corripio, but 2025 has that feel about it.A huge field will start on Friday, with a great mix of newcomers and experienced campaigners. Two time women's champion Maree Connor joins me for a bit of fun to talk about this year's race, we both love it, and I hope you enjoy it.If you're travelling to this year's race be safe, and most of all I hope you love the magic that this race brings.

The final episode in this series in the lead up to 2025's edition of the Great Race.Zed Zlotnick finished the race in 2022, joining the Coast to Kosci family with a determined finished, spending more than 45 hours out on course.Growing up in South Africa, Zed has completed the Two Oceans Marathon five times, and the Comrades Marathon (Down) twice.But, after moving to Australia and connected with an incredible group of endurance runners, Zed himself has completed some amazing feats, including 14 Six Foot Track finishes, multiple 48 hour track races, backyard ultras and he is also part of the 100 Marathon Club.It's not just his finish at Coast to Kosci though that links him to Australia's great race. He was part of the legendary Jane Trumper's crew for her 10th finish, helped Adrian Whatmore put a crew together in 2023 and this year will be back crewing his mate Ben Munro in his first attempt at the race.Throughout this chat Zed speaks with humour and shares some insights into a life time of running. I loved this one and I hope you do too!

Sophie Geraghty was this year unveiled as a 'Feel Good Ambassador' for the Surf Coast Century, and it's not hard to see why.But when you scratch under the surface of this bubbly, incredibly strong, self described mediocre ultra runner, you get a deeper story.As Sophie tells in her bio to Rapid Ascent:"𝐴𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟, 𝐼 𝑤𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐼 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑟.𝑅𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑗𝑜𝑦, 𝑖𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑚𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦. 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑠ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑚𝑒, 𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝐼 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑢𝑑𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑢𝑝. 𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑢𝑛𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 five 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛. 𝐼 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑜𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛’𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑛."Sophie is now such a powerful voice in ultra running, and is incredibly passionate about women's representation in the sportShe became part of the Coast to Kosci family last year, completed her first edition, and proudly earning her Akubra. But, her events list is like a greatest hits of Australian ultra running.I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did!

Liv Compton is coming back for her third attempt at Coast to Kosci, with two really good finishes to her name already.The Norwegian Born Queenslander is no stranger to the warm weather and looked at home in last year's sweltering conditions. Her running career has seen her run in some of the country's most interesting Backyard Ultras, including Phil Gore's win at Dead Cow Gully in 2022.Earlier this year she ran a Norwegian Women's Backyard Ultra Record, with 40 loops at Sydney's Backyard Ultra, which will see Liv invited onto the Norwegian team for next year's Satellite World Championships.She's also such a versatile runner, winning a number of recent marathons in the sunshine state, and pushing runners have her age each weekend at the Airlie Beach parkrun, Liv brings her humour to this chat, and I can't wait to see how she goes at this year's edition of the great race.

Matt Pilley is coming back to Coast to Kosci for the third year in a row, and he's already had incredible success in his two starts at the race being on the male podium in year one, and then finishing as the second male behind Benn Coubrough.Now, a father to Hugo, this year's lead up is a completely different ball game for Matt, who as you'll find out in this podcast will be bringing another experienced team to Coast to Kosci.With nothing to hide Matt shares a number of his tips and tricks for the race, so if you're a first timer to the race this is a must listen.

Lisa Richards earlier this year completed a multi-year dream of running in the Atacama Stage Race. An incredible 250 kilometre journey that takes place in the Atacama Desert in Chile.But, not only did Lisa run in the stage race, she finished as the fifth female, completing an incredible transformation, from someone who grew up avoiding school athletic's carnival, and only took up running in 2018 through parkrun, to becoming a finisher of one of the world's toughest stage races.In this podcast Lisa talks about her incredible journey, and in my opinion it will leave you putting a world class stage race on their running bucket list.

Ben Bailey is heading back to Coast to Kosci in the hopes of claiming his third pin on the Akubra from his fourth attempt.The last few years have seen Ben complete some mind bending races including the Unreasonable East 200 Miler, Bigfoot 200 Endurance Run, Tahoe 200 Mile Endurance Run and earlier this year the Arizona Monster 300. It's an incredible resume that also includes a handful of finishes at UTA 100 as well. Ben shares his wisdom, including the great pride that he has at recently becoming a grandfather.This episode kicks off this year's Road to Coast to Kosci series, where I'll chat to some experienced campaigners, and first timers, and as always your support is very much appreciated.

Seven years ago, I wrote about my friend Courtney Chapman as she prepared to take on one of the most grueling endurance challenges in riding: the Shahzada 400, held in St Albans in the Hawkesbury region.At the time, doctors had told Courtney she shouldn’t compete due to her autoimmune condition, Crohn’s disease. But she did it anyway.Now, seven years later, Courtney joins me to reflect on that experience, and to explore how trauma can lead us to take on extraordinary feats of endurance.Courtney is now a mental health advocate and educator who understands the importance of feeling safe, seen, and supported. Through her work with Mental Illness Education ACT, she shares her lived experience to break stigma and spark honest conversations. In her role within the Australian Public Service, she helps build trauma-aware environments where people can thrive, blending personal resilience with a deep commitment to community connection and hope-led change.If you enjoyed this episode (or any others), please consider leaving a review, and if you’re able to support the show, you can do so for just $2 a month via the Peak2Soon Patreon:👉 https://www.patreon.com/c/ThePeak2SoonPodcastIf you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au

Jordan Nukunuku suffered a heart break which kicked off his running journey, and it's been a journey of incredible ups and downs.The young Kiwi from Rotorua recently won The Guzzler Ultra, after the first placed finisher was handed a time penalty, but it's a win at Brisbane Trail Ultra 110 kilometre race in 2023, after suffering an ACL injury in the months prior that shows how tough Jordan truly is.A self described 'amateur dirt vert surfer' Jordan flashed onto the major scene with an impressive run at Tarawera 100 miler this year, only fuelling the fire in wanting to win his home major.Jordan also took part in for what is now considered the last Down Under 135, an incredible endurance event that attracts the toughest long distance runners in Australia.It's already a serious resume for the Spring Energy and Trainade Athlete, and I guarantee this won't be the last you hear of him.

[This podcast was originally published on The R4R Podcast | Road To Zero, a big thank you to Lonsdale Street Studio for having us, as such the intro will be a little different to what you're used to.]Earlier this year Kim Elms and I connected again to talk about a solidarity run after a woman was assaulted on the trails at Tuggeranong Hill. It sparked a friendship that saw us front the media, highlighting a number of issues relating to running in Canberra.Since recording this episode, lighting around Lake Burley Griffin is now being reviewed, and Kim has hit over 50 suburbs in Canberra so far.In this episode we cover a range of topics some of which can be quite confronting, I want to thank Kim for being so open during the conversation, and for trusting me to help share her story.I would also like to thank everyone for supporting the podcast, it wouldn't be where it is without you.If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone — support is always available:📞 Medicare Mental Health Centre Canberra - 1800 595 212📞 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)📞 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 or https:www.beyondblue.org.au🔗 Connect with R4R🌐 Website: https://www.runningforresilience.com📸 Instagram: / runningforresilience 📘 Facebook: / runningforresilience 🏃‍♀️ Strava: https://strava.app.link/eGHjt285jTb

Katie Dall is ultra endurance athlete, personal trainer, and founder of Club KT, Brisbane's biggest run community empowering runners of all levels.With an impressive racing resume that includes 100 kilometre and 160 kilometre trail finishes, backyard ultras, and podium spots across Australia, Katie opens up about how she got to where she is today.We also talk about the power of community through her run club, the give and take of being a single parent and the steps she’s taking to support the mental wellbeing of her community.Katie also recently came back from crewing her partner Toby at Cocodona250, and like me is running in the Race of the Decade at Dead Cow Gully next week.I greatly admire what she's been able to do in Brisbane, so it was great to have a chat.

Chris Wilder won what could be the last edition of Australia's toughest ultra, it was redemption after a DNF in the race back in 2022. It is the cream on what is already a pretty impressive resume which includes a win in the BRUTUS, GUMBY, and AIS 24-Hour Track Invitational.Throughout those victories has been a number of different adventures, including an incredible run along the GNW 250, and being part of Joe Ward's team when Joe won Coast to Kosci.Combine that with an impressive run streak, his job as a doctor and being part of Ultra Mediocre Run Club and it's quite an impressive story. It was great to chat with a runner I admire greatly!

On the 19th of July 2025, Simon Dent and Todd Liubinskas will run from Brisbane to Sydney as part of the Lions’ Tour Down Under to raise money for Dallaglio RugbyWorks and The British & Irish Lions Trust. Joe Ward who previously held the fastest known time for the route is currently coaching the lads, and showing them what it takes to run one thousand kilometres in 14 days.You can help the lads of reaching their fundrasing goal by hitting this link.You can support the Podcast for as little as $2 via the Peak2Soon Patreon.

Gaby Villa is a sports nutritionist, dietitian and founder of IntensEATfit. She specialises in optimising performance for triathletes and ultra-runners by making food their best ally in sport and life. Over the past decade, Gaby has supported hundreds of athletes, including former backyard ultra world record holder Phil Gore, to overcome lack of energy and gut upset so they can fuel their bodies with confidence and race to their full potential. After overcoming her struggles with body image and weight concerns for several years, Gaby has witnessed and lived the benefits of seeing food beyond its nutrients. Gaby is on a mission to empower people to fuel with purpose while building a happy and strong body. She strives to contribute to a world that enables and promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for everybody.This has been a podcast episode I've been looking forward to, I hope you enjoy!

Chantelle Smith has had an incredible 18-months in running. A win at Brisbane Trail Ultra 2023, saw her follow with a second placing at the Tarawera Miler, and then a sixth female finish at Coast to Kosci at the end of last year.A brief running journey, which has seen highs paired with lows, and lessons in patience. Chantelle is another example of the running mums that are taking ultra running by storm.In this chat she highlights how trying to fill the void saw her gain so much more, the challenges she's faced throughout her journey, how important open communication is with a husband/partner and the cramp that threatened her Coast to Kosci race.

Ella Clark's running journey started like all good ones do, with heartbreak. That first heartbreak lead her down the path of signing up to her first marathon at the start of 2018 and running it months later, a daunting task when you are only new to running.From there Ella has only gone from strength-to-strength and in 2024 she completed not only a miler, but Australia's premier ultra marathon in Coast to Kosci.But, throughout this interview it will come as no surprise at how she's been able to move through the distances, with an incredible determination and one of the most positive attitudes you will ever come across.What a way to kick off season four. Thank you everyone for taking the time to support this home grown poddy.

Thomas White is an ultra runner, photographer, and filmmaker who has turned his passion for endurance sports into a journey of personal growth and adventure. Starting his running journey in 2016, remembering the pride of finishing a 3 kilometre run, Thomas quickly became hooked on the challenge and steadily built his distance, from 7 kilometre runs to completing his first half-marathon in 2018. His love for pushing limits grew, leading him to his first ultra.After a setback with a serious stress fracture, Thomas took six months off to recover, using the time to explore cycling and walking. He made a triumphant return to ultra running in 2020 with the Summit Shoalhaven 55km, followed by a personal best at the Alpine Challenge 100km in 2021, where he placed 3rd with a time of 14:58.This year he finished Coast to Kosci for a second time, finishing as the third male in the race and fifth overall.Through his website and instagram, Thomas shares his experiences in ultrarunning, photography, and filmmaking, hoping to inspire others to embrace the outdoors and pursue their own adventures - no matter how big or small.You can find more about him here.

Allie Corripio achieved something at Coast to Kosci 2024 that many thought wouldn't be done for years, if at all, she broke the Women's Race Record.But, she didn't just beat it she smashed it.The 2020 effort completely shattered by Allie, who in doing so has now raised the bar, following her incredible duel with overall winner Benn Coubrough and third placed Cassie Cohen at the back end of the race.In this podcast Allie talks me through her rapid rise in ultra running, which she has done while balancing her job as an equine vet and as a young mum. As you'll find out it hasn't always been smooth sailing, which makes the achievement even more impressive.I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to chat with Allie so soon after the race, and have her break the race down bit, by bit, giving you all an intricate look into what went into the record breaking feat.

Matt Pilley's story is one of both heartbreak and inspiration. His father being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease changed the course of his life, while working in the police led him to see things the average person couldn't imagine.Throw in a decade long journey with wife Amanda Pilley to become parents, it's enough to test even the toughest of individuals.But, Matt has shown what strength and resilience can do, in the last two years he's thrilled ultra enthusiasts like myself who love Coast to Kosci, leading last year's race for a long stretch, before being part of this year's lead pack.He shares his journey in a podcast that's equal parts heartbreaking as it is inspiring, he's one of my running idols that I look up, so it was great to share this chat.Photo Credit: Nathan Damcevski

Coast to Kosci is Australia's premier ultra marathon, 240km from a beach near Eden all the way to the top of Australia then back down to Charlotte Pass.Like last year this race is super stacked, and no doubt this year will throw up another surprise or two.2022 Winner Rob Mason along with 2021-22 winner Maree Connor join me to talk about this year's race.If you're following the race on social media don't forget to join the conversation using #coasttokosci2024. You can also follow all the action from this weekend's race here which will include live commentary and all the race updates.Also really worth checking out Rob's podcast 'Mindset for Runners'

Lauren Theodore's running journey changed when she was given a wildcard entry into the 2022 edition of Coast to Kosci.Having a couple of marathons already under her belt, as well an 80km race at Noosa, and the Larapinta 127km stage race, receiving an entry into the race was a huge leap of faith, but she repaid that faith by showing her trademark grit, finishing inside the top 20 women at Surf Coast Century, before spending 42 and a half hours on her feet for her first finish at Coast to Kosci.Not bad for someone who just a few years earlier was balancing the start of her running journey while playing Aussie Rules and Netball. Since then she's completed another Coast to Kosci, the 2023 Southern Lakes Ultra, and an eye watering 250 miles at Cocodona (making her the first Aussie to finish that race I'm told!)Having just completed her 'home town' ultra at the Great Ocean Road a few weeks ago, Lauren is now on track to claim her third finish at Australia's Premier Ultra. That would see her join some rare air, so far only 44 runners have three of more finishes at Coast to Kosci.You can follow her adventures on instagram at theodorelauren.This episode marks 60 episodes of the Peak2Soon Podcast, without your support none of this is possible, so thank you, if you love what I do, leave a review, so others like you can find and listen to the amazing humans on this podcast.

Benn Coubrough is an Ultra Runner, Triathlete, Coach at Stroke No Limits, and also the Store Manager orfPure Performance Sports and FootMotion, also recent winner of the 50 kilometre event at the Lonely Mountain Ultra.He'll be undertaking his first crack at Coast to Kosci in a few weeks as part of the 2024 field. His resume is seriously impressive, and his recent training highlights his preparation for my favourite race, and one of Australia's toughest ultra races.He gives out a few tips about his preparation for the race, as well as shares his interesting career in sports, which has actually seen him get hit by a car three times. You can follow Benn at bennycoubs_ultrarunner on Instagram.

Sam Stow has pretty much done it all in a long career winning a number of races along the way, and finding himself at the front in some of Australia and the World's big races.He's also the founder of Pop! Running and is on a mission to help runners and multi-sport athletes discover the joys of efficient and injury-free running.As one of Australia's most respected distance athletes, he is also not immune to taking on a challenge, whether that's running and winning the Beerwah Marathon in sandals, or completing the 4x4x48 challenge while carrying a log.This October he's raising funds for the Top Blokes Foundation with an incredible backyard ultra challenging forming a key part of the fundraising.

When Covid hit Maddy Reynolds needed an escape. She began going on short runs with her housemates, which saw them run a marathon around Sydney.But unlike her housemates Maddy pushed on in her running journey by finding solitude in the trails, the challenge of navigating rough terrain, and taking in the breathtaking beauty of nature, which became the perfect antidote to the uncertainty of those times.It's led her on an incredible journey which saw her quit her job at one of the biggest investment banks in the world, and move to the Pyrenees in France to chase the dream of being one of the world's top trail runners.Recently, she finished as one of the top 30 females globally at OCC, this episode takes a deep dive into Maddy's rapid rise, and how sometimes in life you just have to take that risk and back yourself in.

Stephen Parker has been a runner for most of his life. It's led him on some incredible adventures, particularly in the Backyard Ultra space where he has been involved in some iconic races, two of which involved some Australian women's running history.His passion though has led him to write a book There is No Finish which is aimed at runners, and anyone interested in a great sporting story. It introduces the exploding world of the Backyard Ultra, a new ultramarathon format. Birthed from the high school musings of Lazarus Lake, renowned for the Barkley Marathons, the running event has spread globally—to over eighty countries— with sky-rocketing numbers.I thoroughly enjoyed this chat with Stephen, in what will no doubt be the first of many he undertakes before his book launches October 12.You can find more information here

Michael O'Brien's world changed when he took on the challenge of 75 Hard. The gruelling fitness challenge that requires a real mental and physical commitment from people.From there, after never being a particular sporty individual he got the running bug, which saw him run nine marathons, before joining the Bravehearts 777 Challenge, where people run seven marathons in seven states/territories in seven days.Now he's recently completed a 100 kilometre race here in Canberra which has him once again in pursuit of his limits.

Mark Trbojevich is the Principal Chiropractor at Peak Health Canberra.After a number of injuries, he sought a career in combining his passion for health and fitness, with his other passion of helping people.He's the man that keeps me, along with a host of other runners in the game. He's also looked after World Champions, and some of the best athletes from a wide range of sports.You can see more on Mark here.

Kaiti Primrose is a hybrid athlete who has played a number of sports, but found long distance running through the influence of her dad and in 2021 did her first 777 Bravehearts Marathon event.That year's event provided some of the toughest lessons she will ever face in the sport of running, but it didn't deter Kaiti from coming back, seeing her now raise a total of $50,000 for the Bravhearts Charity.I caught up with Kaiti ahead of this week's event, and how she's been preparing to once again run seven marathons in seven days in seven different states and territories in Australia.You can donate to Kaiti's cause here.

Isobel Tait has had an incredible running career, from humble beginnings, Isobel has gone on to win some of Australia's great ultra races including Six Foot Track and Great Southern Endurance Run Miler.She has represented Australia 3 times at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships, and has raced twice in the Barkley Marathons. If that wasn't enough she also holds the fastest known time for climbing Victoria's 7 highest peaks in one run.Taking all her experience, Isobel brings that now to her coaching, bringing a philosphy backed by the latest science.You can follow her at PeakEnduranceCoaching on Instagram.

Mika Koelma is the co-founder of Hey Zomi, a company leading the way in menstrual health, period care solutions and education, which she founded with her sister Zoe. As a runner, she uses her experience in education to empower women to change the conversation around their own health. Mika is not your regular entrepreneur, and her positivity radiates throughout this conversation, I hope you enjoy it. If you want to know more you can find out more at heyzomi.

Ryan MacPherson is not your standard hybrid athlete, and his adventures in climbing and mountaineering which started in Canada have led him to some of the most incredible experiences you can have in life.He breaks down the lingo behind climbing, and how this electrician from Australia fell in love with the mountains.He's also an accomplished trail runner completing some of Australia's toughest trail races including a win at the Alpine Challenge 100 kilometre race, and an incredible fourth in the Great Southern Endurance Run 100 mile race of 2022.You can see more of Ryan at ryanjmacpherson89 on instagram.This is episode 50 of the Peak2Soon Podcast and I want to thank everyone for their support. Whether you've listened to a couple of minutes or the whole library, thank you so much.

Beth McKenzie is well known in the world of triathlon, and has now announced herself on the trails, following a stunning with at Ultra Trail Australia's 100 kilometre race, in just her second attempt at the distance.But, what you'll learn is that Beth doesn't do things by halves, if she's going for something it's all in.In this podcast she gives a blow by blow insight into her day out in the Blue Mountains, what it took to get there, and why pilates might be a secret weapon for success!

Tomorrow 12 groups of 6 runners will be going from the Gold Coast to Tenterfield more than 300 kilometres away. The concept has grown rapidly in this the second year it is being run.But why? The Madness of Red Bull 24 Hour Race The Sun, the brainchild of Courtney Atkinson, this race is going to test the limits of even the best runners in this race.The concept intrigues me because it feels like a relay version of Coast to Kosci. I've done a small preview with the information I have, to follow the race you can follow updates on @racethesun24hr, with it all kicking off at 6:29am AEST Friday May 31.Would you do it?

Joe Ward has recently come off a second placing at Australia's 24 Hour Championship, and last week had his long standing Fastest Known Time from Brisbane to Sydney broken.We also talk about his work with Sean Bell who is currently ripping it up running across the country, and why he has put his hand up to be president of AURA.

Holly Ranson took the recent Australian 24-Hours National Championships by storm, running a new Australian Women's record in the process, along with a whole stack of new records along the way at the AIS in Canberra, which involved some incredible crewing from her partner Nic French.That performance is just a small slice of what Holly has done in the ultra running and trail running space, with impressive performances in a range of different formats, including being one of the last one's left when Hysterical Carnage was called off in 2022.She also has lived a very interesting life doing a variety of different jobs that have helped others, including her own business Mind, Body & Bowl Health Coaching.

Phil Gore is a household name in Ultra Running, making a name for himself as a Former World Record Holder in the Backyard Ultra format with 102 loops at the Australian Backyard Masters in 2023, which still stands as an Australian record.More recently he set a new Oceania 24-hour record at the Asia-Oceania Championships in Canberra. In this podcast he gives some great insights into how to tackle your next Backyard Ultra, his meticulous planning, as well as how he became the runner he is today, which includes an impressive run streak of running five or more kilometres a day.Phil also shares the tough decision he could be faced with next year after his great performance in Canberra. You can find him on instagram: @phil.gore.ultrarunnerPhoto: By Three and You Photography

It's finally here the 24 Hour Championship for Asia and Oceania and Australia. Two epic races happening this weekend in Canberra, I give my predictions for the two races, and chat with race Director Matthew Eckford about the race weekend, and some things to look out for in Canberra.What a stacked field, predicting this race isn't easy but keen to hear who you think will win it all when it's all said and done come Sunday morning!

Nicholas Bamford has amassed such an impressive resume in such a short time, winning three of Brisbane's biggest ultras, and was a prominent figure in a heartbreaking second at Coast to Kosci, in one of the all-time classics. But he shows why in this conversation, where he gives an insight into his preparation, and shares a valuable perspective as he prepares for his third UTMB Assault, following last year’s top 100 finish. A great conversation with plenty of lessons for running and life.

Sascha Meyer's journey is one of great interest. Working as a mechanic for some of Germany's most iconic car brands he decided he wanted more out of life.That led him to a trip down under and a move that's changed his life, with that discovering a love of running just a couple of years ago, he's about to attempt to shatter Joe Ward's Brisbane to Sydney FKT in July this year.This is the story of why he's doing it, and how this former car mechanic's life flipped upside down from the moment he ran his first half marathon.

Zac O'Neil already has such an impressive ultra running resume, but the way he goes about it may surprise you.With wisdom well beyond his years Zac talks about longevity in the sport and how he wants to be running well into his octogenarian years and beyond. He shares how he's completed Australia's toughest ultra twice, as well as some news that he's now linked up with one of the world's leading dietitians and his company.This was a lot of fun and you can follow Zac's incredible journey here.

Lisa Sherman wears many hats including incredible ultra runner and nutritionist. She's also about to add Race Director, where as you'll find out in the pod the pandemic forced other plans onto Lisa, which has since seen the creation of I'm Still Standing in Sydney, bringing another offering to those who would like to try the format and live on the East Coast of Australia.She also added an Akubra to her collection of hats, yes, she's a finisher of Australia's most elite ultra Coast to Kosci. Throw in a Six Foot Track completion, being a senior run leader of Boobs on the Run among other achievements and it's a pretty stacked resume.I hope you enjoy this one, the 40th episode of the Peak2Soon Podcast, on what is the Pod's 1st Birthday, none of this is possible without your support, so wherever you're taking this in, I hope you enjoy it.

Dillon Rinn did something last year that no one had done in the history of the Elephant Trail Race, he became the race's first ever Ultra Elite Finisher, completing the 217km gruelling race.It gave him multiple finishes at the event, having completed a 100 miler in the first year the race existed, not knowing what he was in for, then coming back a few years later to create a World Record in becoming the first person to carry a 30 pound vest for 100 kilometres.But, there was something missing, and last year Dillon ran 50 ultras in a row to kick off the year, which set him down a path to the country's toughest ultra 'Coast to Kosci', and a top four finish. An impressive story, and one we'll all take a lot from.You can support the Podcast for as little as $2 a month here.

Harry Woolley has inspired many people throughout his journey of running 100 half marathons in 100 days.I had many questions for Harry - detailing sleep, eating and weight loss or gain. He answers it all during this podcast, and also gives an insight into his mindsight that allowed him to run 7 ultras in 12 days during the streak.Harry is also raising money for the Peter Mac Cancer Foundation where he has so far raised more than $40,000.

In late 2015, Mark’s close family friend and neighbour Frank was diagnosed with Cancer. Frank unfortunately passed away a few short months later. Mark was really struggling but like most blokes kept it in and started drinking heavily. To try and combat his depression and gain some control back over his life he signed up for his first marathon in Sydney in 2016. He's many things a husband, father, ultra runner, mental health ambassador, motivational speaker, but most of all he's a good bloke.His story is one that proves what's possible when you set your mind to something, dream big, and then go out and try and achieve it, even if in the moment it seems impossible.This year he finished second at Coast to Kosci, in what was a thrilling race, he shares an insight into his second effort at that race, as well as a new secret weapon he's using for his mindset.

Starting his running journey a decade ago Mark Scarborough completed his first marathon in 2019 in Melbourne, it was on that day that Mark vowed he'd never run another marathon again.But, he had a big why, a ticket to the Berlin Marathon, running in memory of his step father who was one of the many Aussies who died after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.The pandemic had other ideas, and this year Mark finally got to run the Berlin Marathon, this is his story, and how 'the dad bod runner' finished his first Abbot World Marathon Major.