Back on Track
It's race week, so I thought I'd drop a special episode of the Peak2Soon Podcast for you all to enjoy!
Time for Yourself
While I'm still finding balance with my new role at work there won't be a full blog each week, but as I said after Kosci this journey is about more than me.
I've been drawing inspiration in my running journey from various sources, it can be so hard to be selective when you're new to running like I am because you want to do everything!
No more evident than my February to April, where I set the goal of completing three ultras in three different formats.
Archie was a hilly ultra in the mountains, I'm about to undertake 12 hours on the track this coming Saturday, and next month I take on a short form version of the backyard format with the Gumbaby.
This week had been a bit of a stress as I was adjusting to competing priorities within my workplace, and I was given an important message from the legend Rob Mason. He's one of the most genuine people in ultra running I've had the pleasure to come across.
After reading last week's blog he reached out and checked in and did so again yesterday. I'm so thankful to have someone like him in my corner.
Rob's message was that you have to take time for yourself to recharge. In a world where we might be pushing from event to event, balancing work, family life and training I needed to hear it.
So, in sharing Rob's message if you feel you need it, take time for yourself. I took 48-hours where I didn't run, I just zoned out, ate food that I really love and just enjoyed being in the moment, come Sunday I felt ready to go and took the Lazy Glutes around Mulligans Flat on yesterday.
I think they got a sense for why I love it so much, the nature reserve completely charges me up each and every time I run there. A beautiful place and a nice way to get back on the feet, it's race week and I'm absolutely pumped for what's to come.
Heart of a Champion
If you want a reminder of how quickly things can change, five years ago Allicia Heron was running 50km ultras. Last month she broke the Australian Women's 48-hour record.
I said this to someone yesterday that as a footballer you're told that once you reach 30 it's all downhill, but running has showed me that couldn't be further from the truth.
I'm lucky to be forming friendships with incredible people and following their journey, but it's also been a reminder I've got a long time to go before I call it a day.
I got the honour of speaking to Allicia yesterday, and I was so excited I turned the podcast around on the same day. If you're interested in listening you can find it here
Peak2Soon Pod Allicia Heron
Our Jas
One final shoutout to Elevate's Jasmina Svoboda. Jas is one of the most measured and calm people I've ever met, she finished the Miler at Ultra Trail Kosciuszko with the attitude “if not now then when”.
She's often the voice of reason within the group and a run with Jas can save you hundreds because she always has incredible advice.
I hope she doesn't get too embarrassed by this because she is also super humble, but she's training for UTMB, and this week ran 150 kilometres as part of her training.
I'm the stats guy in the group, I love following friends and seeing what they do, for me it's not competition it's about cheering on those close to me.
While I might point out Jas has plenty of time to do this training, you still have to get out and train! All I can say is that she's inspired me to be a better version of myself and I'm glad that I've met her so early in my running journey.
Anyway big love legends, thank you again for all your support. I’ll see you out on the trails soon! But it’s race week and I’m so looking forward to cutting shapes 400 metres at a time.
Awesome stuff, Fordy!
The reason I read this blog is because it’s about your journey.
Keep it up.
Wise words from big Rob.