Peak2Soon

Brooke Thomas is a star on the rise, and while she won't admit it she's one of the top trail runners in the world.Recently, Brooke was the last woman standing at Arrowtown Backyard event, nearly placing her directly on the New Zealand team for the Satellite World Championships. That ends what has been a big year, which includes a fourth at UTA in her first showing, and being in the Top 40 women who finished this year's CCC at UTMB.What's perhaps most incredible about all of this is that just over a decade ago, she was diagnosed with a heart condition and became the recipient of an inserted cardiac pacemaker, oh and I haven't even mentioned that she holds the women's record for the 3,000km Te Araroa Trail.There's more to her, but you'll have to listen to this episode to find out!

Coast to Kosci is one of Australia's best races, 240km from a beach in Eden all the way to the top of Australia then back down to Charlotte'Pass. Without last year's winners this race is still so super stacked, and like any year is bound to throw up some twists and surprise.Last year's winner Rob Mason lets me know about some exciting developments about the race, and also helps me try and pick a winner for this weekend's event! To those running I hope you enjoy.If you're following the race on social media don't forget to join the conversation using #coastotkosci2023 Also really worth checking out Rob's podcast 'Mindset for Runners'

Stromlo Running Festival was born out of the ashes of the 2003 Canberra Bushfires, and is the brain child of Marathon Legend Robert De Castella, who did much of his training in the region throughout the 1980s and 1990s.The first run in 2009 was unlike any other running event held in Australia and was centred within the developed world-class facilities of Canberra’s Stromlo Forest Park.The festival has gone from strength-to-strength under Director Mel Bingley, who I enjoyed chatting with about her journey as a self confessed 'plodder', and how she takes her own experience on the trails, and brings that to life as a Race Director.

**Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.Running for Resilience is a project in Canberra that recently set out the goal to have the Nation's Capital suicide free by 2033.It's Founder Matt Breen is one of the most optimistic people you'll ever meet, but the death of his father to suicide and then his mother's cancer diagnosis in 2019 rocked him.The group saved me in a tough time and I'll forever be grateful to Breeny and the crew for that, this wasn't an easy conversation, but one I think is as important as any I've had so far.

One of Australia's most respected politicians Dr Andrew Leigh was recently crowned Australia's fittest politician.For those that live in Canberra it would come as no surprise, as if you're up early enough you'll catch Dr Leigh running on the trails somewhere between Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura.Dr Leigh shares his wisdom in this podcast, and a journey that's seem him run sub three hours in all six marathon majors, and most his running took him to South Africa's Comrades Marathon. But, it hasn't always been easy, injuries and an aging body have led to different challenges, but as Dr Leigh explains, sometimes it's not about racing our younger selves, the journey is much more satisfying than that.

Each year a run takes place for the Bravery Trust charity called 'The Bravery Trek'.This year Ambassador and Veteran Murray Bruce and Canberra running Icon Singh Talwar took part in this year's edition, which was 4 marathons in 4 states in 44 days.This podcast takes on a lot of their wisdom and gives you an insight into The Bravery Trek and why they both take part. If you'd like to support them you can do so here.

It's not often you get to sit down and chat with the founder of a shoe company, but Sam Burke is not only a passionate Co-Founder of Tarkine, he's also a passionate runner.I really enjoyed getting an insight into what it takes to get a shoe company off the ground, and what Tarkine has in the pipeline, with some incredibly exciting projects not that far away.I hope you enjoy this chat, about an Aussie Shoe Company punching well above it's weight.Peak2Soon Patreon

Just a shortie this week, first time by myself on the podcast. I think everyone was absolutely mindblown by Big's Backyard Ultra this past week, so I do a little recap with some stats from the race.I also provide an update on what's coming up, but mainly it's just to say hello and g'day and give a shoutout to some friends running Bondi to Manly tomorrow!

The Ultra Mediocre Runners of Canberra, is one of those run clubs you feel has been around for ever, but it might surprise you to learn that the club is just a few years old. Born out of a couple of mates running together during the pandemic, the club now boasts over 50 members, which includes a couple of national champions, and the club also hosts the country’s toughest backyarder, The Gumby. I enjoyed this chat with a handful of the club's members after they recently introduced two new races to the Canberra Trail Running Scene, in BRuTUS and The Knife.You can check them out at www.ultramediocre.run.If you want to support the course you can at here and don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon.

Donna Urquhart is about to undertake the run of a lifetime, hoping to run 1,300 kilometres in Antarctica.She's also on a mission to educate and empower young girls and women to develop a love of sport and discover what is possible for them through the integration of mental and physical skills.In this chat she details how she hopes to over come a number of challenges she'll face during the run. You can follow her incredible journey at runantarctica on instagram or at her website at www.runantarctica.com.If you want to support the course you can at here and don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon.

Happy, limitless and free is Tanya Bottomley's motto and it's early in this conversation I learn why that is.From depressed, down and almost out, to conquering mountains and so much more. Tanya's story is one of pure inspiration, from finding the trails to becoming the first woman to attempt the Southern Seasons Miler Challenge, Tanya's story is one of perseverance and courage.This was a lot of fun, and shows that sometimes just going out and taking on a challenge can be enough to fill one's heart. As a mindset coach Tanya also gives some interesting insights into the mental game behind her achievements, a must listen for anyone who is into adventures.Don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon

The world of ultra running changed when Big's Backyard was introduced into the mix, and since then it's seen hundreds of different iterations of the race format take place across the world.One of Australia's best at the format is Jessica Smith, who was the first woman in Australia to break the 275km mark in the backyard format, which involves running 6.71km on the hour every hour until you can't go anymore.But she's so much more than her achievements in backyard ultras, Jess is a fantastic ambassador for the sport of ultra running, and like me enjoys talking about what fantastic things are happening in the sport.You can follow all of her adventures at jess.on.the.run

It's not often you can sitdown with a dietitian the calibre of Lauren Nash shoot from the hip with questions.An incredible knowledge base that is only growing, Lauren also known as the thexfitdietitian is a performance dietitian that has worked with some of the world's leading athletes across a wide variety of disciplines.This was an insightful conversation, that delves into a range of different topics that is bound to benefit runners of all abilities, on their journey in the ultra world.Don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon

Running became a love for so many of us during the pandemic, and for Jake Pearce it's seen him go on an incredible journey. From hitting the wall in his first attempt at a marathon, just a year later he was running the Atacama Trail during a trip to the Americas with his girlfriend, and a love for the trails saw him race with the highest mountain in the Americas as his backdrop, in an incredible initiation to the sport of trail running.Now he's hoping to take down Australia's highest peak in December at Ultra Trail Kosciuszko.You can follow his journey at getawaysticks.ultraDon't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon

**Trigger Warning** part of this podcast discusses suicide. For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.Simone Brick is a dominant force in Australia's Mountain Running scene, but it hasn't always been that straight forward.'The Flying Brick' has been incredibly open about her battles with depression, anxiety, eating disorders and psychosis, but after coming out the other side, Simone is now here to spread the messages that are too often drowned out by doubt and lack of awareness.A three-time Australian Mountain Running Champion, her debut season overseas took place when most of the world was still grappling with complex laws set out by the pandemic.Throw in a couple of marathons with Erchana Murray-Bartlett, coaching some of the country's best up-and-coming ultra runners and raising awareness for our country's unsung heroes, you have a unique individual who has achieved so much already for someone in their 20s.PHOTO: martiskkaYou can now also support the Peak2Soon Podcast for as little as $2 a month: patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Patricia McKibbin is a trail athlete that I look up to a lot, being from Canberra it's so cool to see someone who's training on the trails I run, competing on the world stage.She's as humble as they come, and has had some amazing performances in some of Australia's biggest trail events including a win at UTA50 and Sri Chimnoy Canberra 100, and podiums in Bright, Brisbane Trail Ultra, UTK100 and UTA22.This is a cool insight into how the young mum balances her time with family commitments, working as a director of a children's physiotherapy business and chasing a dream on the world stage.I really enjoyed this one, you can follow her journey at trishmckibbin on instagram.With this the Peak2Soon Podcast turns 20 episodes old! Thank you everyone for your support it means the world to me.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Some on the east coast ultra running scene may never have heard of Michael Hooker until he blew some of the best runners out of the water with an incredible run at the recent AIS Track Invitational.The run put him as the A Qualifier for the Australian team that's heading to Taiwan for the World Championships in December. It's worlds away from where Michael was in 2017, faced with the prospect of potentially never running again.It's an incredible story of never giving up on yourself, and shows that sometimes life has a way of taking us down a path we never expected.You can follow his journey on Instagram at hooks09.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Sometimes all you need is a little help in starting your running journey. I started this podcast to learn from people, and Ash Daniels is one of them.In this podcast we share some of Ash's tips and tricks behind his coaching, the balance between coaching and running, as well as some of the common mistakes we both made when we first stepped out into the world of ultra running.As a former Royal Marines Commando Ash brings a unique perspective to his coaching, you can connect with him at Journey2Ultra.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Episdode 17 coming at you thick and fast! Brooke McIntosh gives us a unique insight into her transformation from fly in fly out worker to mindset coach. She's also going to be completed an incredibly tough run from Karratha to Perth raising money for two charities and awareness about the challenges of mental health.You can support her and follow the journey via her instagram at brookemma.roseYou can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Sam Harvey is an incredible athlete who wants to dominate the world of Ultra Running. Some were surprised by his recent result at Dead Cow Gully, smashing his previous best with 101 loops, before he was medically pulled from the event, but for anyone that has followed the rising New Zealand star, they would've known he was right in the mix to win the event.With big goals on the horizon, Sam speaks so openly about the challenges associated with backyard ultra running, his battles with his mental health, his training, and his nutrition. He also gives a unique insight into his result at Dead Cow Gully, his mindset and his goals going forward. I am so grateful to Sam for speaking so openly, it was a refreshing chat. For those who may be listening with children there is explicit language used at times during this conversation. You can follow him on Instagram at: cloudlander_nz Photo Credit: @charliespagalliYou can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

**Trigger Warning - this podcast discusses themes such as child sexual abuse.Jess Peil is a great friend and one of my biggest inspirations.An incredible runner, next week she'll be attempting to run seven marathons in seven days for the fifth time, all in the name of Bravehearts.It's a matter that's close to Jess' heart. But, outside of her incredible marathon achievements she's also a strong trail runner that has completed some of Australia's most prestigious marathons.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Heather Hawkins is an incredible woman. After beating Ovarian Cancer at 47, she found running, and what started as laps around Sydney's Centennial Park, soon became winning the North Pole Marathon at minus 42 degrees celsius and plane hopping to run seven marathons across the globe in just 168 hours. An inspirational woman and an incredible athlete, who discovered it can often be the low points in our lives that become our most significant turning points.You can connect with Heather on her socials:Instagram: heather_adventurousspiritFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHawkinsAdventurousSpiritYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAS6C6soR8kVLdT3WBMoL9wLinkedIn: Heather Hawkins (Adventurer and Author)You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

**Trigger Warning** This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.Alison To is an ultra runner inspiring many through her sheer determination which she shares on her instagram ali_runs_an_ultra. But her story is one that's been a rollercoaster, Many will relate to Alison using running as a form of release, and she's not shy to share the mental challenges and depression that she's faced, but she does so with a sprinkling of humour throughout. Truth is she's an absolute joy who has a big heart. A proud woman of asian heritage, she's breaking down cultural stereotypes as she prepares for her next big challenge in the Race Across Scotland.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

There aren't many people in the ultra running scene that I can compare myself to, but I really drew a lot of comparisons with Andrea during this conversation.Her story is one that will inspire a lot of people, and her philosophy on running is one I think many will find themselves nodding and agreeing with.This isn't your ordinary runners tale, but Andrea also isn't your ordinary runner.You can find her on instagram at _the_slow_coach.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

James Sieber is the 2023 Archie winner down at Mt Buller, but his journey to this point is one of great interest.Born into a family of skiiers, James gave up the sport and moved down under with his now wife Shivonne. This chat was a lot of fun, talking about technical downhill running, the Victorian Alpine region and winning blocks of wood!James is a down to earth guy who is now giving back to the sport as a coach and it was a lot of fun to talk about his journey so far on the Peak2Soon Podcast, I know you'll all get a lot out of this one.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Maree Connor's story is simply incredible, after being faced with the difficult situation of requiring major back surgery, since then she's made just about every post a winner.An incredibly strong willed individual, Maree has completed and won some of Australia's toughest ultras including back-to-back victories in the Coast to Kosci.She loves talking about running as much as me, so this was a true joy to chat about Maree's journey, the iconic beer selfies and her dream of one day representing Australia.All this just weeks out from the biggest race of her life at Badwater 135. If you want to support Maree as she becomes the 20th Aussie to race at Badwater, you can donate below which is the fundraiser her friends started to help her realise her dream of racing in the world's toughest ultra:https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-toughest-foot-race-on-the-planetYou can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

What more can you say about Cassie Cohen? Already building such an impressive ultra running resume that others could only dream about, and she's still in her 20s.But it's her humble nature and ability to overcome adversity that will continue to win her admirers. I learnt a lot in this chat with Cassie, and thoroughly enjoyed her deep insight into her ultra running journey in the last couple of years, and the challenges that have come from training for big races while working on tiny pacific island nations.She's a gem and such a positive force in the sport, I can wait to see what she does in the near future.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Joe Ward is one of the leading ultra runners in Australia. Just last week he took first place down in Coburg at the Victorian 24 Hour Track Championship, which doubled as the AURA 24 Hour National Championship.On top of his incredible achievements on the track, he's also a Coast to Kosci champion and holds the Fastest Known Time running from Brisbane to Sydney.It's an incredible listen from a man who has been on a long journey of self discovery. He shares a lot of tips and tricks and some quotes, as well as a lot of love for his coach Martin Fryer and mindset coach Claudine Chicheportiche, this is a must listen for anyone who is looking to push their limits!You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

This is an unedited insight into the mindset of the World's Best Ultra Runner, that wants to break the 48-hour world record this weekend in Canberra.Camille Herron is an absolute joy, and while being a champion runner, she's also a champion person. I was able to go out and have a chat to Camille, hit record on the laptop and get an incredible insight into how the world's best prepares for a 48-hour race.Not even the thunder and lightning outside could deter Camille's spirit, this was a lot of fun and I'm thankful for Conor organising the opportunity to speak to Camille. We're all pushing for Camille to break the world record this weekend!You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Allicia Heron is an incredible ultra athlete who most recently broke the Australian Women's 48-hour record in Taipei posting an incredible 361.160 kilometres.It follows a whirlwind couple of months where she placed third at the Asia and Oceania Pacific 24-hour event in India, being part of an incredible Australian team that took gold for the women, before turning it around for a second placing behind Maree Connor at Coast to Kosci.Allicia shares her insights following the race in Taipei as well as how she balances life as a working mum, with being one of Australia's premier ultra runners. It's an insightful chat that was a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy!You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Every good story starts with a night out on the sauce, and it might've just been the thing that Toby Steele needed to kick start a journey that saw him complete one of Australia's toughest ultras.I'm proud to call Toby a mate, his passion for this sport is second to none, he absolutely loves ultra and trail running and has worked himself. Still so young, he's one of the true up and coming runners in this sport, shaping the way for others to push themselves and find their own way.But this isn't just about Coast to Kosci, it's about the future, nutrition, finding a person that supports your goals and of course shoes! I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Melina might be one of the most passionate people about trail running you will ever meet, as the Director of the Perth Trail Series, she’s committed to bringing more and more runners to the trails while advocating for preserving the environment and building the community. This conversation was honestly a complete joy, and I got a completely different perspective of how to approach running on trails, and how we should just completely enjoy it.You’ll find Melina doing some of her best work on the mic at Perth Trail Series events, getting everyone pumped up and raring to go. Make sure you say hey to Melina if you're over in the west, she’d love to meet you! Woohoo!You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

I've met some incredible people through my running journey, some that have run hundreds of kilometres, some that can run kilometres incredibly quickly, but the bravery of Timothy Fulton is right up there.Diagnosed with Still's Disease in his early 20s Tim was struck down, leaving him bed ridden in hospital at a time when he was excelling at university and enjoying his love for hockey. In Tim's words his eyes were opened to the difficulties faced by an estimated two million Australians living with a rare disease, and it became apparent that although our diseases are rare, we’re facing similar challenges.This episode explores how running has helped Tim's personal battle with Still's Disease, and how he's using his own personal challenges to change the lives of others through his initiative Running Rare.You can follow Tim's journey on Instagram as well running.rare.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Pam Muston is one of Australia's most respected ultra runners, who has carved out an incredible resume over decades in the sport. Her journey so far has seen her complete eight Coast to Kosci races, including a win in 2009. Back-to-back-to-back victories at the Glasshouse 100 Mile Race, a Badwater 135 finish and a recent Australian Record for the Women's 60 Age Category for 100 kilometres, is just a taste of what Pam has achieved.She's also the Race Director for the Kowen Trail Series, which currently runs twice a year, with the marathon in Winter serving as a qualifying race for the Six Foot Track Marathon.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

It's not often you get to sit down and chat to one of Australia's best ultra runners and throw whatever questions you like at them, but that's exactly what I got to do with 2022 Coast to Kosci Winner Rob Mason.The win in the grueling 240km endurance race was Rob's sixth attempt, seeing a 12-year dream realised in the process. What many didn't know is that despite being such a respected ultra runner, Rob until recently didn't identify himself as a runner, so this podcast explores how he overcame those obstacles to be the runner he is today, as well as juggling his time as fireman, husband and loving father.Rob also talks about what's next for him, and it's worth noting the day after our chat Rob set the new Fastest Known Time for the 16 Highest Peaks in Australia, absolutely epic!You can find Rob at RobMasonRuns on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, he's also sharing his tips and tricks on his own podcast 'Mindset for Runners' https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/mindset-for-runners/id1593071800Photo of Rob taken by Nathan Damcevski post C2K.You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast