After a couple of years of experimenting with different nutritional sources to limited degrees of success, I decided it was time to get serious about this often overlooked, but extremely crucial element of ultra-running. I read Steve Born’s The Endurance Athlete’s Guide to Success, and realised that fuelling your body with the right food and fluids is the key to sustained energy levels and top performance.
I was very impressed with the robust scientific approach that Hammer applies and the fact that all products are made with natural ingredients and convenient to consume ‘on the run’. Immediately I noticed the difference the products made in my training and recovery. They were easy to stomach and I’ve never felt flat, bloated or had stomach cramps while using Hammer products like Perpetuem or Hammer Gels as my main sources of fuel during long events.
When following a sensible hydration and nutritional plan, such as those suggested by Hammer, I feel I have complete confidence that energy levels will be stable and sustained and electrolyte levels replenished throughout the entirety of the race. This of course leads to longer optimal performance levels all the way from start to finish!
State: NSW
Sport: Trail Running
Sporting Accomplishment:
– 5 time Australian Representative in ultra distance running; road, mountain and trail running.
– Top 5 at the prestigious 100 mile Ultra Trail Mt Fuji
– Winner and Current Record Holder of The North Face 100km, Great North Walk 100 mile, Great Ocean Walk 100km plus many more
– Member of the Inov-8 International Trail Running Team
How did you get into your sport:
– I started running regularly about 7 years ago, mainly just for fitness and fun and to lose some weight. I started to get serious about it when I joined a local running club. I started running on the road, mainly shorter distances, and gradually built up to running marathons. I only started to really focus on trail running and ultra running when I moved to the Blue Mountains about 2 years ago.
Hardest thing about your sport:
– Juggling the long hours training and racing with full time work.
What does your regular training week consists of:
Sunday – Long run of 30 – 60km depending on where I am at in my build up.
Monday AM – Treadmill in altitude chamber – approx 6km
Monday PM – 14k hilly tempo run
Tuesday PM – Track session, interval training 12K all up, various sessions
Wednesday PM – Mid week long run 20-25K
Thursday AM – Treadmill in altitude chamber – approx 6k
Thursday PM – Fartlek or Hill work, 10-16k
Friday AM – Treadmill in altitude chamber – approx 6km
Friday PM – Threshold run, 10 -16k
Saturday – Easy run 10k
Usual mileage is around 120 – 160km a week.
How do you keep motivated: By seeking new challenges and setting higher goals that I know will bring out the best in me and expose me to a whole new set of opportunities.
Goals (Future Plans and Career expectations): For the rest of 2013 I have the Surf Coast Century 100km in Victoria and the World 100km Championship as my last two big races and am keen to put in a great showing at both. Next year I really want to get to the US and run the grandest of the 100 milers, the Western States Ultra. I would also like to get back over to Europe and do some more Skyrunning races at some point. In the longer term future, I want to build by up my coaching business, UP Coaching, by helping individuals achieve their personal goals and running trail running camps for larger groups.
Best piece of advice you have been given: Train hard to race easy.
