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.

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.ultrarunner

Photo: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.ultra

Don't forget you can support the pod for just $2 a month at the Patreon

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.

**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: martiskka

You 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.rose

You 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: @charliespagalli

You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:
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**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:
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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_adventurousspirit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHawkinsAdventurousSpirit
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAS6C6soR8kVLdT3WBMoL9w
LinkedIn: 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

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

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-planet

You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:
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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