The RMA Podcast

On Episode 68 of the podcast I speak with friends and adventurers, Chris Ord and Michelle Hooper. Chris is the Founder of Tour De Trails, a trail adventure company based in the Surf Coast of Victoria which hosts numerous trail events in Oz, and running tours here and abroad. We also speak with his partner in life, Mum, Tour De Trails Guide, and RMA Ambassador Michelle Hooper about all things living for the adventure on the run!  I dive into Chris's background in Trails and how he started his adventure Company which now hosts not only great events on our shores but curates the most incredible trail running tours in the most spectacular landscapes across the world from the countryside of England going from pub to pub, to the shores of Crete, the jungles of Bali, the mountains of Geneva running into Chamonix in France and much more.  We chat about what drives them to adventure, and their passion to seek places to explore that will excite, challenge and inspire their clients to live their most adventurous life while having a running holiday of a lifetime. We discuss logistics of tours, what they love, what the most commonly asked questions are, like "will I keep up?" and how their tours are different from the rest which will leave you feeling like family itching to jump on the next one! So much so that so many of their clients come back again and again tour after tour. This conversation will inspire you to dream of the places that you might like to run, and that you can embark on in the safety of an experienced guide and a group, and might just leave you booking the 2024 running tour of your dreams with Tour De Trails!  Tours for 2024 include Bali, England, Geneva to Chamonix, Crete and they can also do bespoke at your request, and if you book before the 10th of December you get a golden ticket to all 5 original Tour De Trails running events for 2024!  For more information and to book visit www.tourdetrails.com  You can visit them also on insta at @tourdetrails @onelifewild and @mish_hooper If you are a member of the RMA member program check your membership for your $300 & $250 off deals for 2024 deals! This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

Kellie Angel (nee Emmerson), is one of Australia's best female trail and ultra runners. In this episode I get to ask all the burning questions that have been on my mind about training, returning to running postpartum and balance from this inspiring mum! Kellie has a long list of accolades to her name, but most recently this year she placed 41st F at the 2023 World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck-Stubai, Austria, was 2nd F at the 80K Lavaredo Ultra Trail in the Dolomites, Italy and culminated her European adventures with 17th F Place at UTMB CCC (100k) in Chamonix, France.  Kellie is an extremely experienced trail runner having gone from Amateur Runner to Elite Athlete over her running career which has spanned the last decade or so. From humble beginnings at a Melbourne charity race to running on the world stage, Kellie shares with us her captivating story, her determination, passion and her pursuit of excellence in the sport that she loves.  In this episode we discuss Kellie's early beginnings in the sport, her lead into successful racing and competing, the role of family in her journey and her most memorable races and achievements, including the thrill of representing her country on the world stage. We discuss how Kellie manages to balance her running career with her personal life, her vocation and family, and how balance is a contributing factor to her success in the sport, and she shares tips for us to strike a similar balance. We also dive into her return to running postpartum, and she shares some advice for mums returning back. Then we hear about her recent adventures in Europe training and racing whilst travelling and adventuring with her young family.  You can find out more about Kellie over on instagram at @Kelemmo or head to her business page www.enduranceedge.com.au to find out more about her coaching or buy T8 Run Gear.  Thanks to this weeks' sponsor, fisiocrem Australia.

While we are on the roll with podcasts about Marathons, we thought it would be great to interview RMA Community Ambassador Jodie Cumner about her recent experience at the Bravehearts 777 Marathon this year.  This podcast will have you asking if a marathon is something that you might like to try your hand at, but maybe it will keep you wondering what it would be like to run 7 in a row, day after day and amongst jumping on planes to travel to a different state each time!  In this episode we unpack Jodies journey with running and how it inspired her to live an authentic life, finding more about herself along the way, and growing as a person. We deep dive into how running helped her to overcome some hard times, and how this journey has evolved and changed and brought a community of people into her life to motivate her, and in turn for her to support and encourage them as both a coach and mentor to many. We discuss what it feels like to run 7 back to back marathons in different states, and the reasons behind why she signed up to the Bravehearts 777 Marathon Challenge, and how this experience helped her to learn things about herself, and to support a wonderful cause.  If you would like to participate in the Bravehearts 777 Marathon Challenge next year, head to https://bravehearts.org.au/support-us/777-marathon/ or to support Bravehearts head to www.bravehearts.org.au to find out more.  To follow Jodie and her many adventures on the trails and roads, or join in her communities you can follow her over on instagram at @informrunningjodie or @gc_trail_chix. This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

It is no surprise that after the Covid-19 Pandemic, marathons are popular. It seems that everyone took up running or walking during this time to get outside, breath in some fresh air and stay active. Many people kept this habit going, and the running community boomed. Speak with any race director or running store and they would agree. Running is KING. As we all know we start small, but then as our journey takes shape we desire to push our comfort zones. Enter the marathon. Every runners dream. Two years on after the pandemic, marathon participation in Australia is exceeding expectations. Recently, the 2023 Melbourne Marathon to be held this coming October sold out months before its start gun is due to go off, and similarly, the Sydney Marathon half marathon event sold out too, and on their way to World Major Marathon Candidacy, they have secured over 14,000 MARATHON registrations to date at the time of this podcast recording - that is INCREDIBLE!  Because of this surge in popularity with marathon running, we wanted to do a podcast all about it, so we put some questions to our RMA community about what they wanted to know, and I gathered some experts to help me answer them- 4 time Olympic Marathon runner, Lisa Weightman, and Six Star World Major Marathon Finisher, Ana Croger. Both these ladies are busy working mums, and RMA Ambassadors and have run collectively over 40 marathons!- with Lisa in her 20's and Ana due to run her 20th marathon in Sydney this year! They know a thing or two about what it means to run and train for a marathon, and how to prepare yourself to have the best marathon experience.  In this episode we discuss what they love about marathons, and what it would mean for Australia to have Sydney Marathon as a World Major Marathon if it succeeds in its' candidature, how to train for a marathon, what to do on marathon day, and how to recover from a marathon.  We discuss things like training, nutrition, time management, cross training, mindset and recovery and a thousand other things in this witty and long run length episode that is designed to keep you company on some of your biggest training runs!  We hope that you love this episode, and we are here to answer any questions that you might have about marathons. If you need anything answered, please reach out to us!  This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia, which by the way everyone should own if they are marathon training!

This week on the RMA Podcast we chat with mum, Kristina Jankulovska. Kristina is a First Generation Australian born from Macedonian Migrant Parents, and hails from Port Kembla in the Southern suburbs of Wollongong which is South of Sydney. In this episode we chat to Kristina about how she came to running after having kids so that she could get fit and connect with other people, and gain some time for herself and her own goals.  We discuss how her running journey evolved into long distance running, and eventually ultra marathons, and how she has now formed a love for the trails! As a self-professed back of the packer, Kristina shares with us how running gave her purpose and a passion for the sport and how she has used that passion to give back to her community.  Kristina used this passion for the running community, and found a need for more resources in her local area, and so opened her own Running store, Coast to Mountain Running in 2021. Since its' inception, this humble little running store in the industrial coastal town of Port Kembla has formed a special little community and reached many who enter its' doors.  As we know, a running store is just bricks and mortar, but it's not just about selling product; it's about connecting people and fulfilling Kristina's purpose for serving her local community.  In this episode we discuss themes like being at the back of the pack, starting something new like trail running, and the imposter complex. This episode shows us that you don't have to be winning podiums to have a big influence in the running community, and you can just be a mum from the suburbs with a dream, and work hard to see it happen.  This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.  Coast to Mountain Running is a Brand Partner of the 2023 RMA Member Benefit Program and members can get 20% off with their code in their member area at www.coasttomountainrunning.com.au or in-store.

In Episode 63 of the RMA Podcast I speak with 35 year old Sunshine Coast mum, Penny Seldon. Penny started out running after she had her kids as a way to challenge herself and connect with other people through the isolation that motherhood can sometimes bring. First she attended parkrun, then she tried her hand at some races, joined RMA and made some meaningful connections and ran her way up to the marathon.  It wasn't until covid hit when her husband and her decided that their life in Sydney was no longer for them. They wanted more space and more freedom, and so they packed up their lives and moved to the Sunshine Coast.  Initially they didn't know anyone, but they joined their local Little Athletics Club for their boys, and made some friends that they instantly connected with, and they encouraged them to enter the world of Triathlon.  Penny's husband was a cyclist already, but Penny hadn't ridden bikes, however she was an avid horse-rider, so it couldn't be that different could it?! Turns out, Penny was actually quite good, and week after week learning from her friends Penny pushed herself out of her comfort zone of running mum, and learned to swim in open water and ride a road bike for kms at a time.  Initially Penny entered a beginner Triathlon at Triathlon Pink, and she ended up on the podium - something she didn't expect, but it motivated her even more to set herself some more Triathlon goals.  Fast forward to now, Penny recently competed in the World Sprint Duathlon Championships in Ibiza, Spain, where she placed 16th in her Age Category. Penny is now working towards the Sprint Triathlon Championships in Málaga, Spain in 2024 and some other Triathlon dreams, and proves to us that it is never too late to try a new sport and have a go at something different, and that if you work hard, you might just surprise yourself!  You can follow Penny and her journey over on Instagram where she shares at @thehungryrumma For more information on Triathlon and where to start, head to https://www.triathlon.org.au/Home.htm For more information on Triathlon Pink head to https://www.theeventcrew.com.au/event/triathlon-pink/ This episode was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On Episode 62 of the RMA Podcast we speak with Allirra Jennings, Australia's first Indigenous Woman to finish all Six World Major Marathons. Allirra began her journey with running in 2013 after the death of her Grandmother from Diabetes. Allirra wanted to her story to be different, and so she took her health in her hands, and at 107kg she started running. First it was a shuffle, but the weight dropped off and soon she was running further than she ever thought she could. It was then that she realised that she could run a marathon if she worked hard and got the right support along the way.  She applied for the Indigenous Marathon Project, and was selected to be part of the team to train and work towards the New York Marathon, and in 2014 she crossed her first Marathon finish line. The rest is history.  Since then, Allirra has self-funded and run her way around the world, running at each World major marathon, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, London, Berlin and lastly this April in Boston to claim her Six Star Finisher Medal. Along the way Allirra has learned a lot about herself as a person, and has been a strong leader in her community, paving the way for connection and support for other Indigenous and Non-Indigenous women and men through her own initiatives such as founding the running group, The Darwin Deadly Runners and also a group supporting women running in Katherine, NT along with sharing her story.  Through this conversation you will hear how Allirra's Grandmother Sadie, herself a survivor of the Stolen Generation inspired Allirra's deep connection to her culture, and her memory was instrumental in motivating Allirra to do her best in all that she has done.  This conversation is heartwarming and educational, where we learn and celebrate Allirra's Aboriginal Heritage and and the impact that that first step into a healthier lifestyle had on not only her and her wellbeing, but that of a whole Community.  You can follow Allirra and her journey over on Instagram at @allirra_runs and you can learn more about the Abbot World Major Marathon Series at https://www.worldmarathonmajors.com.   This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

Today on Episode 61 of the Podcast is my chat with young mum, Maddi Wilde! We talk about Maddi's journey to Motherhood at the age of 19; what that looked like for her and the isolation that she felt. Flash forward to now, 7 years later Maddi is mum to 6 and 2 year girls. We chat about how running helped her find community and purpose! We dive into her first experiences running, following in her mothers footsteps who taught her all she knows about running and competing, and the lows of battling post-natal depression after the birth of her daughter. We explore the thrill of entering events and running at her first marathon, and world major in New York! Maddi also talks about her love for AFL and Obstacle course racing which she is passionate about, and how sport has helped her form connections and friendships and given her purpose in her life! This podcast is brought to you by show sponsor, fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 60 we speak with RMA Emma Grey! Emma hails from Central West NSW, and we chat to her about what it is like to live and train in the country compared to the city! We discuss how Emma came to running during lockdown to help cope with the overwhelming job of home schooling, remote working and parenting and to give herself some time for her, and some healthy boundaries around her life.  Emma started by running around her property, then she found parkrun, and then she met an RMA! The rest was a slippery slope! Since Emma started running she has run at numerous events, gotten a coach (Jenny Morris) and has even been on the podium at a few races!  Of course, this is because Emma has talent, but on top of that she enjoys challenging herself and working hard towards the goals that she sets for herself, even when it means running the perimeter of her property, or having to travel away from home to get the training in that she needs due to rural living.  We discuss things like safety, community, the beauty and challenges of her surroundings when running in a rural location, and what she has planned next on her running adventures!  To follow Emma, visit her on instagram over at @emma_grey85. This episode was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

Today on the podcast I have some very special guests, our RMA 'Miler Mums',  Sophie Geraghty, Sarah Grealy, Emma-Rose Maber and Tina Kirwan! All of these amazing women just competed at the 2023 Tarawera Ultramarathon in the 100mile event, and I wanted to pick their brain about how that actually felt! What does it feel like to run 100 miles?. How far is it, and why would you want to do it? What kind of training and experience do you need, and what was Tarawera specifically like as a race destination?!  We answer all these questions and more, including what it was like having your period while running 100miles, and was the course set up for this?, what do you eat and drink and do you sleep?, how do you juggle training for 100 miles while being a mum, and what lessons you learn while running this far in this episode with our amazing mums!  You can find out more about each of our guests over on their socials:  Sophie Geraghty Sarah Grealy Emma-Rose Maber Tina Kirwan And you can find out more and join us at Tarawera Ultramarathon in 2024 here.    This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

In this episode of the RMA Podcast I chat to RMA Coach, mum and ultra runner, Jenny Morris (or Jennifer, as I like to call her in the podcast episode :)) about her experience running the iconic Coast 2 Kosciuszko Ultramarathon. Coast 2 Kosi is the pinnacle of any Australian Ultra Runners dream. This 240km foot race takes you from the coastal township of Eden to the top of the highest point in Australia, Mt Kosciuszko summit, and back down to the finish line at Charlotte Pass. Runners are supported by their Crew along the way, and no year's weather is the same. This year, Jenny had blistering sun, and snow topped summits to contend with, but she made her way to the finish line to be the 6th female finisher in a time of 37:16:54. We discuss her experiences so far that led to her qualifying and toeing the line of her first Coast 2 Kosci experience, the hardships that came along the way, as they would with any 240km journey and how she overcame them, and how she best sums up this epic experience. If you love ultra running, and pushing your boundaries, this is the podcast for you, and it might just leave you asking yourself on your long runs, What would Jenny Morris do? (WWJMD).  You can watch Jenny's video summing up her experience here: https://youtu.be/2Sd8LYIvxh4 You can find out more about Coast 2 Kosi here: https://coasttokosci.com You can follow Jenny over on instagram at @jenruns123 This podcast was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

October marks our 9th Birthday and so I take a little break from our Podcast Hiatus to say "HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY RMA" and to say hello and thank you for all of your ongoing support over the last 9 years. To everyone who has joined, partnered or been a part of our RMA journey over the last 9 years, Thank you. For more head to www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au

Today on the RMA Podcast we chat to Australian Ultra Running Representative, runner and Sydney mum, Simone Hayes about her experience running at the 2022 Western States Endurance Run.  Simone is no stranger to endurance events, having been 'conned' by a friend to enter her first North Face 100 (UTA) some years ago. She never looked back, and since then has forged her way on the tracks and trails of ultra events, year after year, including representing Australia on the world stage at the 24 hour World Championships in France in 2019.  Simone works as dedicated Level 3 Recreational Running Coach and PT at Energy Fitness Gymea where she shares her knowledge and skill with those who love to keep fit and active and challenge themselves also in similar pursuits.  We chat to Simone about her dedication to train and enter ultra events over 100km year after year in order to maintain her qualifiers for the Western States Endurance run, and how it felt when her name was finally pulled out of the ballot in 2021 out of over 66,000 others and years of waiting!  We discuss her training leading in, especially training for the heat, and how it all panned out on race day, what lessons she learnt and what she has in store next.  The Western States Endurance Run is a 100.2-mile (161 km) ultramarathon held on the Sierra Nevada Mountain trails each year in June. The race begins in Olympic Valley and finishes at on a high school athletics track in Auburn, California. The terrain runs through high passes and deep canyons and can record temperatures over 50 degrees while runners ascend 18,090 feet (5500 m) and descend 22,970 feet (7000 m) on their way to the finish line. Runners must finish before the 30-hour time limit for the race receive a bronze belt buckle, or runners finishing under 24 hours receive a silver belt buckle.  You can find out more about Simone at energyfitnessgymea.com.au, follow her on instagram at @energyfitnessgymea or read all about her race at https://energyfitnessgymea.com.au/blog/.  To find out more about Western States Endurance run look here.  You can also find out more about Australian Ultra Running Association (AURA), where Simone is a Committee member striving to entice more women into this amazing sport at https://www.aura.asn.au. This podcast was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia and will be final instalment in Season 2 of the RMA Podcast.

Today on the podcast I am speaking with one of Australia's best Middle Distance Runners, Genevieve Gregson.  Genevieve is a 3x Olympic finalist having competed at the 2012 London, 2016 Rio, and (postponed) 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. She also competed in both the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, and has been a finalist in 2 World Championships, and holds the Australian record for her chosen event, the 3000m steeplechase.   I speak to Genevieve about her journey from her idyllic childhood, growing up on a farm inland from the Gold Coast to her athletic pursuits and sliding door moments, that led her to compete as an athlete on the world stage, to her newest adventure,  motherhood. Genevieve was a talented runner as a teen, and had a passion for the sport from a very young age, and it was her parents that saw potential in her, encouraging her to take on a scholarship in the USA where she could not only study, but develop her running. Against her desires, Genevieve went, and although it took her a long time to come to terms with her situation far from home, family and friends, it was this opportunity that would lead Genevieve to qualify for her first Olympic Games in London in 2012. Not only that, Genevieve managed her way through controversy to earn her spot on the Olympic team that year, having initially being left off due to qualifying late for her position, and Athletics Australia overturning their decision allowing her to compete, which opened up a whole new world and professional running career spanning over 10 years now where Gen has competed in not only one, but two more Olympic Games. We discuss what running meant to her and how she managed training and competing at such a high level, and we talk in depth about her recent devastating injury at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics where she suffered a ruptured Achilles while competing in the final of the 3000m steeplechase. We discuss how this injury devastated her at first, but how she has been able to rehab from her injury reframe what running looks like in her life. It was this catalyst of events that led Genevieve and her husband Ryan to consider starting their family, and amongst rehabbing from her injury, and surgery, they have welcomed a little boy Archer to the world, and out of all the achievements of her life, Archer would be considered one of her greatest.   We discuss her journey to motherhood, through pregnancy and birth, how Gen is managing her life as a new mum, and her hopes for her future as an athlete while navigating her latest quest, parenthood. This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On Episode 24 of the RMA podcast we chat with Sydney Runner, Angela Caithness. Now at age 51, Angela shares with us how she has found her strength through running. In this episode we discuss Angela's background. Born in 1970, Angela grew up on a farm just outside of Devonport Tasmania. She shared an Idyllic childhood in a beautiful location with her sister Caroline and her parents, with views of the snow capped mountains in one direction and over the paddocks in the other direction to the blue sea of Bass Strait.  We discuss the many trauma's that Angela has endured in her life. In January 1990 her dad got hit by a falling tree in a freak accident on their farm, rendering him a quadriplegic. We talk about how this impacted her family, and Angela as a teenager. Tragically, in August 2005 her sister was diagnosed with lung cancer (non smoker) which led to brain cancer. She passed away December 2007, 2 months after her 40th birthday. Her children were 7 and 5. Shortly after that, her father battled bad health and passed away in March 2009, and her mother in the December of the same year. So in 2009 Angela had lost her whole family before she had even turned 40. Angela's running Story didn't start until just before she turned 48 when her kids were all grown up and she could finally do something for herself. Angela used to love to walk her dog at the local oval, but her dog passed away. After that Angela kept walking, and thought she would see if she could run from one light pole to the next. Then she challenged herself to run one or two laps of the oval. Then that Christmas her sister-in-law encouraged her to run around Lake Tuggeranong with her - about 7km's, so she trained herself for that distance and they ended up running 2 laps which was 14km's and her longest run. Then the rest was history. Angela was training and running events. She was training hard for the upcoming Canberra half when the world went into lockdown in March 2020. Lockdown for her meant that she had nothing to do but run. A local friend suggested she join strava and invited her to join RMA. It was here that she learnt so much about running and made an amazing friend, Claire McCleary. In 2021 she finally overcame injury and was feeling fit and strong, and because Angela had turned 50 she got sent a reminder to go for a mammogram as the Breastscreen van was nearby. During this routine scan she discovered she had DCIS - Ductal carcinoma in situ - early stage breast cancer. The following morning she was meeting the breast surgeon, breast doctor and breast care nurse. Angela made the decision to have a lumpectomy and radiation and she kept running when she could as it made her feel normal. She even did the Virtual Dubbo Stampede in between surgery and radiation- a PB OF 1:34:47! Not only that, at the Canberra half marathon this year Angela came first in the 50-59 age group! and 1st Place female at the Western Sydney Marathon half marathon this June! She is showing other women that age and experiences are no barrier to your goals, and that you should chase them and live life to the full!  Angela has learnt that she is stronger than the traumas of her past, and that she has a bright future ahead full of possibility. All you need to do is believe.  You can follow Angela's journey on instagram at @angelacaithness This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On Episode 53 you will meet a vibrant, energetic and fun person, Michelle Dziego. I am not sure that you would ever meet someone so community-minded and passionate about connecting people.  Michelle came to running later in life when she was introduced to parkrun, then RMA. Since then she has found a community of like-minded women to network with and support their running adventures.  As you will hear in this episode, running isn't always about times and pace, but more about the places, people and experiences that it connects us to; something that Michelle has discovered along the way.  Michelle lives in South Australia, and is an integral part of the RMA network there, and volunteers her time as a parkrun Event Ambassador, and an RMA Community Ambassador, regularly gathering the RMA tribe in SA each week for local runs, or volunteering at events around her state with other RMA ladies! You may meet her on the finish line, either dressed up in theme or with her bright friendly smile. She is also studying her Certificate 3 & 4 in Fitness so that she can help and encourage other women to be fit and active!  We chat to Michelle about what running was like for her when she started to now, and what it feels like to be at the back of the pack. You might just discover, that this is the place where most of the magic happens, and the fun begins.  You can follow on Michelle's running adventures on instagram at @mad_about_running or join her in the RMA South Australian network!  This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

Imagine you are out on a beautiful summers day for a run. You are about to embark on an open water swim, the sun is shining, and you are looking around at the breathtaking view around you thinking how lucky you are at this time in your life. Then your phone rings. It's your partner telling you that they have had a serious mountain bike accident on the trails. They then tell you that they can't feel anything... How would you feel? What would you do? Is this the moment that your lives change forever? This is exactly what happened to New Zealand running coach and mentor, Ali Pottinger on the 26th February 2022.  Ali Pottinger and Kerry Suter, both running coaches and founders of Squadrun, a running platform from New Zealand, have helped people achieve their running goals, especially in the trail and ultra space for years. Inseparable, the pair can be found bantering on the finish line of many races, climbing mountains together, or cheering on their runners, and now, side by side learning to live their new normal - a life challenged by disability.  On the morning of the 26th February 2022, Kerry suffered a catastrophic injury while biking in the trails surrounding their home in Rotorua, causing his neck to dislocate and break, impacting his spinal cord and leaving him a Tetraplegic. This resulted in the loss of the use of all four of Kerrys' limbs and torso and catapulted him, and Ali into an unknown life of disability.  So much is shared about someone when they suffer such a traumatic loss, such as what has happened to Kerry, but I wanted to sit down with Ali and get her perspective as a loved one, who has had to go through such a trauma, seeing her partner, once strong and athletic, now broken and scared, and what it feels like to live the reality that life would never be the same as it was before that summers day. Not only that, how she has navigated advocating for Kerry, now as his carer to get the most for him, so that they can live a rich, fulfilling and adventurous life once outside the confines of hospital and rehabilitation.  Not only this, I wanted Ali's perspective on how she has navigated this trauma, along with the excitement, and at times uncertainty, of the future ahead for their growing family, as Ali and Kerry share the journey to parenthood, expecting their first baby together; a pregnancy which they discovered only weeks before the accident. As you will hear in this episode, this couple don't give up easily, and just like any good ultra, hard work and dedication can lead to some pretty amazing outcomes, and although the journey to the finish line is traversed along high mountains and low valleys, the community that we share the trail with is valued most of all. This community; the Global running community, has rallied along-side our friends Ali and Kerry to help them financially navigate their road ahead. You can also donate at the links below, to show your support.  Australia: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kerry-ali-when-they-need-us-squadrun   New Zealand: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kerry-and-alis-toughest-trail-run You can find out more about Ali on Instagram at @ali.pottinger and check out more about Squadrun at squad.run.  This podcast was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

In Episode 51 we speak with RMA Sydney Community Ambassador and mum of three, Natasha Hammond! We chat to Natasha about her journey to running, running through pregnancy, life as a busy mum, business owner and philanthropist, and how running has connected her with community. We discuss her humanitarian work, and how this has stemmed from the legacy that her father instilled in her from his humble beginnings in Australia as a refugee from Russia.  We discuss what running challenges were sparked in Natasha's life, and the joy that it brings when she accomplishes the goals that she sets for herself, such as her recent completion of the Larapinta Stage Race in Alice Springs. Running brings so much joy and connection, and on this episode, we learn how this connection through not only the running community, but with discovering one's self brings passion to our lives. You can find more information about helping the Ukrainian appeals as discussed in this episode at https://ukrainians.org.au/welcome/ This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 50 of the RMA Podcast we have a very special guest, RMA Community Ambassador for Brisbane, Nicole Jukes.  Nicole is a single mum of three kids, Amity 10, Jack 8, and Max who is in Heaven. In 2010 Nicole was a first time parent, and then she wasn't. You see, Nicole and her then partner were preparing to be parents of their first baby. It was then at her 20 week scan they were told that there was something wrong with their little son's heart. It was too small for a diagnosis at that point, so they had to wait a further 6 weeks to have a better look, and after an agonising wait, at 26 weeks whilst still in the womb their little baby Max was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This is a condition where the left side of the heart is grossly undergrown and cannot pump blood correctly. It is a fatal diagnosis.  They were given three choices that day. They could terminate their son, however they would need a special court order due to the term of their pregnancy. They could choose to carry him full term and when Max was born they could take an emergency helicopter to Melbourne and Max would have three open heart surgeries in the first year of his life, however this would only be enough to keep him palliative, and after that he would need a heart transplant that they were told would likely never come. The third option was to let Max continue to grow in Nicole's belly until he was ready to be born and he could live out his natural life with no interventions, and spend the time they could with him, possibly a few weeks. To make this choice as a parent, of how your child will die is something no one would ever wish on anyone, but that was the choice they were making, and whatever option they chose would mean they would be saying goodbye to Max.  They chose to let Max continue to grow inside Nicole, knowing that while he was in utero, he was still with them. As you can imagine, enduring a pregnancy when you know the child inside you is inevitably going to die is something that would be unimaginable. People would ask Nicole about her unborn baby, and she would have to apologise to them and explain to them that when he is born, he is going to die.  Max decided to meet them at 33 weeks and was a natural birth. They didn't get to hold him as he was taken away immediately and put on life-support in the neonatal ICU. On day two he was taken off life support, and it was then that Nicole and her partner got to hold Max as he took his final breaths.  When Nicole left the hospital without her baby, she wanted to scream to every single person she passed, "Do you know what just happened to me? Do you know my baby died?!".  You never really recover from a loss so great, but what Nicole did is something even greater. At one point she decided to make a choice. She could define herself as the woman who lost her child, or she could get up. She chose to get up. She decided it would be selfish of her to not go out and live her best life, because Max didn't get the chance to.  Since then, and after 2015 when Nicole's sister coaxed her into her first 5k at parkrun, Nicole has run countless kilometres in living out her why. Her why has become ultra running, particularly the 'backyard ultra format', and she believes the whole reason she chose that is because you have to 'get up'. You need to get up out of the chair every hour and start the next lap. If you choose not to you are out. She chooses to endure the suffering and the pain because Max gave her the gift of unbreakability. She suffered through the worst pain imaginable and she didn't break. She wants to know "if that didn't break her, then what will?". How far can she go until she breaks? Nicole has had great success as an ultra runner, having recently broken the female record at the Dead Cow Gully in 2022 of 201kms and 30 laps! It is her passion and purpose to share her love of this ultra format with those that will listen, while supporting and encouraging women into the

On Episode 49 of The RMA podcast I chat to 59 year old runner and mum, Jill McClintock! We chat about all things running, how this entered Jills life and how running led her to a deep bond with her dog Harry!  We discuss the companionship that Harry gives to Jill and how this lasting relationship has kept Jill running for many years and the bond that they share!  For any canine lovers out there, this is a great story about how running creates connection and motivation and how our adventures can be shared with those we love, even the animal kind!  You can find out more about the adventures of Harry the Hoverdog and his owner Jill over at instagram @harryhoverdog This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On Episode 48 of the RMA Podcast we speak with mum and ultra runner, Isobel Ross. Isobel came to running from mountain biking, where she was after a new adventure that wouldn't leave her broken, yet would still provide her with a challenge. Soon after she ran her first few races she was hooked, and she quickly learnt that she not only had talent for racing in mountains (she won her first ultra at 6 foot track in 4hrs 11 minutes), but she fell in love with running in them, and running a long way.  Isobel is no stranger to long distances, having competed as a 3-time Australian long distance mountain running representative at the World Championships with a best finishing place of 10th female, and first Australian female, and has competed and won some of the worlds toughest ultra mountain marathons, including a Fastest Known Time on the 7 highest peaks in Victoria. Isobel is an incredible, yet humble athlete who has raced all over the globe, including participating in the notorious Barkley Marathons.  In this episode we specifically wanted to chat to Isobel about how she came to running from mountain biking, and what she loved about it, and especially what she loved and learned about herself through the experience of ultra running.  We also chat to her at length about her experience at the coveted Barkley Marathons, where she has not only competed once, but twice! We wanted to know why she chose the Barkley, how she gained her spot on the start line, what her training entailed for such a feat, and what lessons it taught her, along with the interesting characters she met, and we wanted to learn more about the challenging nature of this race - one of the toughest races in the world.  This episode is fun and insightful, and Isobel is so easy to talk to, and makes you want to lace up and run out the door into the mountains! She makes it sounds so easy! Not only does she exude a positive, motivational attitude, she is humble in her approach, allowing herself to learn from others along the way, and share her knowledge and experience as a coach and mentor to many. You can find out more about Isobel at her website www.peakendurancecoaching.com.au, or on instagram at @isobel.r   This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On episode 47 of the RMA podcast we speak with an incredible woman, Heather Hawkins. Heather is just like you and I. She is an everyday mum of two children, but she has been on some incredible adventures after finding herself diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the age of 41 in 2007.  Five years post diagnosis, after the shock and subsequent treatment for her cancer, Heather took up running by training for her first fun run, the 4k Mothers Day Classic in 2012. After finishing the race, Heather knew that her love of running had only just begun, and she started to seek out her next adventure.  Since that day, Heather has run all over the world. She has completed 6 Half marathons, over 20 marathons and 6 ultramarathons, including her first marathon in 2015 at the North Pole Marathon, where she placed 1st Female! She has run the World Marathon Challenge, which is 7 marathons in 7 continents in 7 days, she has trekked 1700kms in 5 months across Nepal, Run the Volcano marathon in Chile, competed in the toughest foot race on earth; the Marathon De Sables (a 250km ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert in Morocco), and run The Track, a 520km race from Alice Springs to Uluru.  As you have guessed by now, Heather likes a good challenge!  Not only does Heather do these things to challenge herself, she does them with immense gratitude for a second chance at life, and to fully immerse herself in adventure and joyful moments.  On top of this, Heather is an Ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Australia, The Can Too Foundation, ANZGOG and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation, and through her adventurous pursuits she tirelessly raises much needed awareness and funds for cancer research.  Heather has also published a memoir, "Adventurous Spirit", by Murdoch Books documenting much of her life and some of her incredible adventures. You can follow Heather over at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHawkinsAdventurousSpirit Instagram: @heather_adventurousspirit    or follow her North Pole Marathon experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifFm6sreznY  or her Adventurous Spirit YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAS6C6soR8kVLdT3WBMoL9w/videos   Follow the below link Link to Ovarian Cancer Australia for signs and symptoms and support for Ovarian Cancer: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/   And for her memoir "Adventurous Sprirt" click the link below: Paperback: https://www.booktopia.com.au/adventurous-spirit-heather-hawkins/prod9781760522803.html   Ebook: https://www.booktopia.com.au/adventurous-spirit-heather-hawkins/ebook/9781760639105.html   Audiobook: https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Biographies-Memoirs/Adventurous-Spirit-Audiobook/B074XF4TG1/ref=a_search_c4_1_1_srTtl?qid=1513154234&sr=1-1   This episode was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 46 of the RMA podcast we discuss all things trail running safety. With so many RMA being in love with the outdoors and trail running, we thought it would be a great idea to bring to light the things you need to consider when heading out on the trails in order to keep yourself and others safe.  Our guest on this episode is Tova Gallagher, a mum, runner, explorer and qualified Aviation Officer with the NSW Rural Fire Service. We discuss how Tova's early years in endurance horse riding led her to her adventures to date with trail and ultra running, orienteering and rogaining, and how the love of the sport helped her pursue her passion in the Rural Fire Service, working her way up to her dream job as part of the Aviation Rescue Crew.  Tova started her years as a viriologist, and has worked as a PT, life coach and now you will see her flying around the country in helicopters and making a difference to people's lives in their most vulnerable moments.  Tova shares with us valuable lessons in trail safety. We discuss the risks that we need to consider when we are planning any adventure long or short on the trails, what gear we should always carry with us, and the best protocols to follow should we need emergency assistance due to injury or getting lost or caught in an unforeseen situation.  This is an important conversation for any trail runner, hiker or adventure lover, and we are so thankful that we get to share this important information which could save yours or someone else's life.  This episode is brought to you by Fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 45, on the week of International women's day 2022 we interview one of our favourite RMA ladies, Katie Wood. Katie is an RMA volunteer admin for South Australia and has been on the RMA journey for quite a few years now.  Having begun her running journey to get fit and challenge herself, running has taken Katie all over, and to some amazing places around the world, where she has met the challenges set before her, shared in some incredible running moments and formed bonds with some beautiful people she now considers her closest friends.  In this episode we discuss the challenge of starting out, and how consistency and commitment were her drivers in her passionate pursuit of her running goals, and that with a little bit of patience, hard work and of course fun on the side, you can achieve things you never thought possible, and grow in ways you never imagined.  This is one everyday woman's story, just like you and I, and Katie represents just one woman like so many in our network who stumbled upon running, and it changed her life!    You can follow on Katies journey on instagram at @katie.wood.runs.  This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On episode 44 of the RMA Podcast we talk about Grey Area Drinking. In 2017 RMA, Sarah Rusbatch was just like many other working running mums. She lived a busy life with her family in Perth, and tried to juggle all of the things. She considered herself fit and active, yet she had a problem with alcohol. She didn't really know it at the time, but alcohol was ruling most of her days, thoughts, and emotions, as she used it as a way to cope with her busy schedule and active social life. She was by no means an alcoholic, but it was a constant in her life, and started to control her everyday, and affected her wellbeing and her family.  One day Sarah saw a post in RMA about a book on drinking, "This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace which helped to change her perspective on how alcohol was slowly filtering into her every day and making her different to the person that she wanted to be. After that Sarah took control, and went on a journey of self discovery, and sobriety. She changed her relationship with alcohol, and in the process became a Grey Area Drinking coach herself. She has since helped thousands of women overcome this adversity in their lives in a powerful way through her network, the "Women's Wellbeing Collective" over on Facebook, and has created programs aimed at helping women take back control of their own lives.  This is a powerful story of self awareness and change, and the opportunity to influence a collective powerful way. We hope this episode helps you to question how alcohol might play a role in your life, and if this is something that you need to change.  You can follow Sarah's journey and her programs at www.sarahrusbatch.com or join her Facebook network at the Women's Wellbeing Collective.    You can get the book This Naked Mind here.... https://thisnakedmind.com/this-naked-mind-book/  This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.    RMA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Dharawal people. We pay this respect to the Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people listening today.

Running to Pay The Rent.  . Episode 43 of the RMA podcast is my proudest episode so far. I’ve wanted to tell this story, and I’ve found the perfect guest to share it. In this episode I talk to Janelle Da Silva. A multi-disciplinary artist, runner, philanthropist and racial literacy educator, among many other things. We discuss how racism formed part of Janelle’s every day growing up as a woman of colour in the suburbs of Melbourne, and how her experience, combined with her love of running helped shape her passion to create change for the lives of indigenous children. Through her campaign, “RunBitxhRun”, Janelle has helped raise over $80,000 so far to support educational opportunities for indigenous children living in remote communities through the Cathy Freeman Foundation. In this episode we talk about her experiences, and how together we can do so much to change the Australia that we live in, most importantly by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we run, live and enjoy, and by having robust conversations, like this one, to help us understand the wrongs of the past, and the hope for our future.    You can find out more about Janelle on www.janelledasilva.com in the coming weeks, or over at her TEDx Talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O40_NCImGZQ   And, have a listen to her spoken poem, RunBitxhRun at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0R3LAFhZOd4   Also, you can follow on and support the Cathy Freeman foundation in your own endeavours at https://www.cathyfreemanfoundation.org.au   This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.    RMA acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is recorded, the Dharawal people. We pay this respect to the Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal people listening today.

On episode 42 of the podcast we chat with Sunshine Coast mum, Reesha Lewis. Reesha is a new name on the trail and ultra running circuit. In what seemed like her coming out of nowhere, Reesha has been turning heads with her stellar performances in the last 18 months at some of Australia's best ultra races, breaking records and gracing podiums. But it wasn't always all trophies and podiums for Reesha. You see, only 6 years ago Reesha was extremely unhealthy, weighing in at 142kg.  On New Years day those 6 years ago, Reesha's family and friends convinced her to climb a mountain. It was when Reesha got to the top, hot, bothered, out of breath and feeling defeated, that she knew that her lifestyle had to change. Not only that, she fell in love with the mountain, and all that it gave to her.  Reesha then swapped her drinking, partying, and poor eating for climbing the mountain whenever she could, mostly in the dark hours of the early morning accompanied by her mother, shedding kilogram after kilogram, until she had lost 75kg, and formed a love of exercise and good nutrition, and a much healthier lifestyle for herself and her family. She took up mountain running and boxing, and excelled at both of them, and when covid hit, gave ultra running a go, winning her first 50k. She then went on to podium at countless more, breaking the women's long standing record this year at the 2021 Blackall100 in her first 100k race.  I chat with Reesha about what made her make the change from her unhealthy lifestyle, to now, and how training and competing in events makes her feel alive, and gives her a sense of accomplishment that she thrives on.  Reesha shares with us how all women can achieve great things, they just need to start, and be consistent, and believe that they have the ability to chase their dreams.  You can follow Reesha over on instagram @reeshalewis This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On episode 41 of the RMA Podcast we speak with our second male guest, Runs of the World, commonly known as Run Down Under founder, Travis Ireland.  I talk with Travis about his journey into running, and most importantly the catalyst of events that led to the formation of Run Down Under, a hugely successful running platform and app that takes you on a running journey around Australia and beyond!  Travis openly shares about his battle with a gambling addiction that ultimately led him to question his life choices, leading him down a path to a healthier and happier lifestyle. It was during this journey that Travis used his energy for good, to not only help others but himself form positive connections and goals to help him on the road to freedom from his addiction when he created Run Down Under.  Since its conception in 2014, Run Down Under has evolved to now be called Runs of the World and includes maps of Australia, New Zealand, Uk, Ireland, Europe and the USA and has attracted over 9,000 members this year alone! I talk to Travis about how Run Down Under and running in general helps him and others, especially men, with mental health and wellbeing. How running can break down barriers and form important connections, and how having positive motivating goals like what Runs of the World provides can create an active, healthier more connected society.  To find out more about Runs of the World and how you can get involved visit www.runsoftheworld.com and get moving! This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 40 of the RMA Podcast I sit down with world class trail and ultra runner, Lucy Bartholomew. I wanted to tell the story of Lucy’s amazing talent for trail and ultra running from such a young age, but more importantly, I wanted to tell the story about how running can eb and flow, and how you can almost lose your love of running when you aren’t true to yourself. This is the story of a woman who rose to the top of the trail and ultra running world, and then had time to (either forced or otherwise) think about what running really meant to her, where, how, and who with she wanted to spend her footsteps, and the message that she wanted to share with the world about how running can challenge you, bring you joy, strip you back, and change you. Running has formed just part of Lucy's story which is a rich tapestry, however it was when Lucy was faced with the realities of her story that she had to question just where running fit, who she was and who she wanted to be. Running can be for everyone, it doesn’t matter about winning, what size you are, where you have come from, or where you have been, and as Lucy shares in this podcast you can let your footsteps tell your story, and above all don’t lose the love of yourself. In this episode we not only discuss the highs and lows of Lucy's journey, but we chat about her recent film by Bryan Hynes "Running Out" which is available now via runningoutmovie.com. In the film you will see the real, raw, vulnerable and honest Lucy as she traverses the 230+km Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory Australia. As Lucy moves through the landscape solo, and at times afraid of the footsteps ahead, what she leaves behind on the trail, and what she discovers about herself on the journey may be the best lessons of yer life so far.  You can follow Lucy and her continuing story on instagram at @lucy_bartholomew This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia and The Bare Creek Trail Run.

On this episode of the RMA podcast we chat to 4 x Olympic and commonwealth games medalist and swimmer, Libby Trickett! We chat to Libby about her career in sport, her struggles finding her passions out of the pool after retirement, and her journey to motherhood and beyond.  We discuss the highs of her sporting career, and the crushing lows of finding her identity after retirement, navigating motherhood and struggles with post natal depression. We also chat about Libby's running journey and how being active and healthy is part of her wholistic approach to her life. This conversation is for every woman who navigates the waters of life, and about seeking out what brings us joy and fulfilment, whilst juggling the balls that life throws at us, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.  It is about building character through setbacks, seeking opportunities that light us up, and dipping our toes into experiences that take us out of our comfort zones.  We talk about how to harness our fears to try new things, and how to not take ourselves too seriously when things fail, and that its important to find the humour in our everyday lives.  We openly share our thoughts on normalising conversations around mental health, and if you are struggling with your mental health, where and how to seek support.    Libby has moved on from her glory days in the pool to finding her passion in the mental health space, studying counselling, whilst juggling parenting, dabbling in podcasting on her podcast, "All That Glitters", and is now an author of a beautiful memoir, Beneath the Surface.  You can follow along Libby's journey over on instagram at @libby_trickett  This podcast is brought to you by Fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 38 of the RMA Podcast we talk to Brisbane mum, Sandra Ehlers about her experience as a foster carer. Sandra was 15 when her parents fostered a friend of hers from her local school. She saw firsthand the difference foster care could make in a child's life. The kindness and love that was given was so easy, and so effortless for her parents. Later in life as a grown woman with children of her own Sandra and her husband decided after a few miscarriages that they needed to find another avenue of adding to their family. The stress the family all went through each time their pregnancy failed was enormous. They had love to give and Sandra knew first hand that there was vulnerable children out there that needed love and safety.  She wanted to help and give that love she ached to give to children that needed it most.   As a foster carer. Sandra and her family believe foster care works best when the work as a team. They work with the families and eventually even become THE family together for the children. The process to become foster carers was long and arduous, as it should be, and we discuss this in this episode. The process is there for a good reason, to keep our most vulnerable children from further harm. Sandras first placement was an emergency placement, the first of many. Her goal was always to help families. Sandra imagined she would love them and keep them safe until their families were in a position to care for them again, and its been quiet the journey. Over the course of 10 years they have had 31 children aged from 5 hours old -11 come to their home. Some for just a few days and others weeks, months and years. Making a difference is a powerful thing. Being kind isn’t hard. Its free and is appreciated by so many. Sandra started running purely cause she couldn’t keep up with the little ones she had in her care. It made her realise how unhealthy she had become, and so she lost 44 kg over the course of a year, becoming a healthier version of herself for her family and those in her care. She loves to involve the children in her care in an active lifestyle, and in turn some of them love to run too.  This is a story of one mother who had a whole lot of love to give, and gave it in the most generous of ways.    To find out more about foster care you can visit:  NSW QLD VIC TAS NT SA WA This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 36. of the RMA Podcast we chat with dual Olympian, 4 x times Commonwealth Games representative, mum, humanitarian, public speaker and soon to be author, Eloise Wellings.  On this episode of the podcast we dive into Eloise's journey with running from her roots as she ran along-side her mum on the trails around her local national park, to the tracks of little athletics, and onto the world stage as she advanced in her athletic career to pursue her dream of one day becoming an Olympian.  Having qualified for her first Olympic Games at the tender age of 16, for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Eloise was struck down with what would be the start of a long journey with bone stress injury after bone stress injury that would plague her career; one of the the results of abuse on her body with an eating disorder as a teen.  It was then that Eloise found faith, and along-side that purpose, and her journey to heal her body and her mind fortified her desire to continue on the path to Olympic glory. That she did, along-side support from those she trusted most around her, resulting in qualifying and competing in two Olympic Games, her first in London in 2012 where she felt the joy and fulfilment of her dream,  and again in Rio in 2016, where she had the performance of her career, running in the 5,000m and 10,000m Olympic final.  But this story is more than just about running, it's about allowing your path to take you to experiences and people that can not only change your trajectory, but the world, and it was a chance meeting while Eloise was rehabilitating her injury in the USA that she met and formed a bond with Ugandan athlete, and former child soldier, Julius Achon. Through this connection she heard Julius' harrowing story, and the plight of the people of Uganda, and it changed Eloises perspective on what was important, and how running, and her new found purpose could fulfil the needs of the people in Uganda, and impact their health and sustainability, by empowering communities to overcome poverty. Not long after, The Love Mercy Foundation was born.  The Love Mercy Foundation exists to see communities in northern Uganda thriving independently, by increasing access to health care, clean water, food security and income generation. They do this through projects such as cents for seeds, well worth it (the water project), the maternity project, along-side supporting their health centre, the Kristina Health Centre which opened in 2012.  Running Mums Australia helped to found The Mother Run two years running now which supports the maternity project every May around Mothers day. So far the centre has delivered over 300 babies safely and the Mother Run has funded a much needed incubator for the clinic, however they require our ongoing support and funds to meet the needs of the ever-increasing demand for their services to expecting women and mothers.  In this episode we also talk to Eloise about motherhood and what this means to her, and the impact that she wants her journey to have on her children.  Eloise also speaks publicly at schools and corporate groups about unlocking an olympian mindset, and is soon to release her first book, a memoir titled "One more try".  To follow Eloise's journey, as she now moves up to the marathon and beyond, and continues the pursuit of her best, you can find her at @elzywellings on instagram.  To support the work of The Love Mercy Foundation, particularly the maternity project, head to https://love-mercy-maternity-ward-2021.raisely.com/  or lovemercyfoundation.org This podcast was brought to you by fisiocrem Australia .

On Episode 35 we talk all things parkrun. If you have been running for a while you might have heard of parkrun. parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world. parkrun began in October 2004, with the first ever event in Bushy park, Teddington, UK, after its founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt was sidelined by injury and decided to gather his local running mates to do a 5k time trial. Not only was this the start of something special, the premise behind why parkrun started still exists today; social connection.  Fast forward to 2010, Australian, Tim Oberg stumbled upon his first parkrun event while living and working in the UK. He heard about this local phenomenon, and somewhere that he could take his beloved dog for a Saturday run. From his first step at parkrun, Tim knew that this concept was something that might take hold in Australia, and that quite possibly, it could be the start of a new life for him and his family.  With the blessing from its' founder, on Tims return to Australia, he set up the first parkrun event in April 2nd 2011 at Main Beach on the Gold Coast, QLD.  Fast forward 10 years later to today, parkrun is now a global gathering around the world every Saturday morning, forming one of the most impactful global health initiatives spanning countries and generations, enabling communities to connect with each other in an active and healthy way, not only through running or walking, but through volunteering and being a part of a weekly community event. parkrun has evolved over time to include not only large city events, but most importantly, impacting communities through the wellbeing that it brings, such as correctional facilities and jails, and small regional communities. The parkrun community continues to grow all the time, but it has always remained based on the simple, basic principles formed from the start: weekly, free, 5k, for everyone, and forever. We sit down with Tim and discuss the story behind what led him to bring parkrun to Australia, the highs and lows of the journey,  how parkrun is making an impact on our nation and beyond, and we talk about how sometimes people are put in places that they never knew would make such an impact on the world; and how Tim was one of those people that has been chosen to direct this mission.   To find out more about parkrun visit https://www.parkrun.com.au   This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

With women's participation in trail running on the rise over the past few years, so many women would have heard about one of the most sought after trail running events on The Australian running calendar - Ultra-Trail Australia.  With entries opening THIS THURSDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2021, we thought it would be good to give you a bonus episode, a little chat with RMA coaches Nicole Bunyon, Jenny Morris and Jody Mullen about their UTA experiences, and what you can expect at this event, and how much we are looking forward to supporting you at UTA 2022 with our newly created RMA Training package.  We discuss how we found UTA, what motivated us to compete or complete our chosen distances, and what are some of the barriers that women face when signing up to these events, and how we navigated them ourselves. We are excited to join you in your journey to Ultra-Trail Australia in 2022.   Our newly created UTA RMA training package for 2022 will be available Wednesday 15th September at 9am and we have had a great response so far!   💥 💥💥 Don’t forget Ultra-Trail Australia 2022 entries open on 16th September for the 2022 event which take place between 12th-15th May, 2022. With an 11k, 22k, 50k & 100k on offer. Secure your spot on the start line at www.ultratrailaustralia.com.au.     What will you get in our RMA UTA Training Package?   ⛰ A 16 week online training plan for UTA50 or UTA22 . ⛰ Access to a private RMA UTA Facebook group to meet up and train with other ladies. . ⛰ 10% off RMA 2021 AND 2022 membership to the member program.(valid until 31st May 2022) . ⛰ 10% off RMA merchandise (or 20% if you are an existing member …until 31st May 2022) . 15% off in store or online with our program partner @bluemtnsrunningco to get all your gear for race day + an extra perk! . ⛰ Free webinars leading into the UTA race with your coaches Nicole Bunyon and Jenny Morris. . ⛰ Good vibes for being a part of something amazing . If this interest you, we will have this program ready for purchase before entries to UTA open on 15th September, so keep your eyes peeled on the RMA website.   Cost is $230 inclusive of GST (10% off for current members of the benefit program) and the program will run from January 2022. . Who is it for? Anyone who has a heart for adventure, and wants to work hard and play in the mountains ⛰ . You don’t need to have run UTA before. Our 50k program will start working on a prior base of a 2 hour long run by January and our 22k program a base of 1 hour, and the program can be done anywhere in Australia! . If you would like to chat base training, or one on one online coaching, our RMA coaches will be happy to assist! Get in touch! . See you on the trails ⛰🍃🏃‍♀️   #runningmumsaustralia #rmauta2022   To find out or join the package visit: https://runningmumsaustralia.com.au/rma-uta-2022-training-package/

On episode 34 we discuss issues around infertility, a condition which affects so many Australian women. We chat with Kelly McManus, from Sydney about her long journey to becoming a mother.  We talk to Kelly about the struggles she and her partner went through to become parents. We discuss the financial, physical, emotional and spiritual burden of the rollercoaster highs and lows of fertility treatment, and the joy of finally becoming mum and dad 8 years later to their little girl Niamh.  Kelly, an avid runner and triathlete, talks to us about her journey through IVF and the processes that involved, whilst maintaining an active healthy lifestyle. We chat about the modifications that she made, and her thoughts on remaining active through pregnancy, and of course it's benefits, where Kelly continued to run right through her pregnancy up until when Niamh was born.  Kelly shares with us about what becoming a mother has meant to her, and how she loves to spend time being active outdoors with her little babe.  To follow more of Kelly's journey, and her musings and insights you can find her on instagram at @kelly_runs_and_eats or on her blog https://kellyrunsandeats.wordpress.com where she has also shared much of her story.    Fore more information on IVF as referred to in our chat,  please head to https://www.yourivfsuccess.com.au.   This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia and Lava Tribe  Girls Active Wear.  As a special deal from Lava Tribe, Listeners of the podcast can use the code SHIP FREE RMA for free shipping Australia wide with no minimums.

In Episode 33 of the RMA Podcast we chat to RMA Ambassador and four-time olympian, Lisa Weightman about her latest experience of the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games during the COVID-19 pandemic.  We dive deep with Lisa about how she navigated the trials of training for this extended olympic campaign, the challenges of the long Victorian lockdown, and the ever changing goal posts of training, the inability to race due to the pandemic, managing performance and anxiety surrounding the ever changing landscape around Australia and the world, and the uncertainty of qualification and competition culminating in the Tokyo 2020 olympic marathon.  Lisa shares candidly with us her thoughts around the differences of this, her fourth olympic campaign compared to those in her past, particularly around the loneliness of these games as her experience, and her thankfulness that in these uncertain times, when the world has been surrounded by a cloud of despair, the Olympics gave us the hope that we longed for, where athletes could showcase their resilience and resolve in striving for their best on the world stage, in a place where the world comes together, united as one.  Lisa shares with us her thoughts on the race itself in the gruelling heat, her Tokyo Olympic Games experience, hotel quarantine, what she is working towards moving forward post games, how running doesn't soley define us, and what she is looking forward to most after such a long time away from her loved ones.  You can continue to follow Lisa's journey over on her instagram at @lisaweightman or on her website. www.lisaweightman.com. This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia and Lava Tribe  Girls Active Wear.  As a special deal from Lava Tribe, Listeners of the podcast can use the code SHIP FREE RMA for free shipping Australia wide with no minimums.

On episode 32 of the RMA podcast I speak with long time RMA member Harmony Waite. Harmony talks with us about her journey into running, particularly after becoming a mum and her rise into ultra running. We talk about what she loves about endurance events and how they not only test her ability and strengths, but how they challenge her, and what she loves most about the adventures she embarks on.  We talk at length about running the kind of ultras that Harmony enjoys; 100 milers and 200 milers and why this is her distance of choice. We also dive into the issues one faces when they take on such a challenge.  Many would think this episode is about an elite runner, however the opposite is true. Harmony is your everyday mum, sometimes at the back end of the pack, raising two children in the suburbs of Perth, and we chat about combining her love of ultra running with raising children. We also chat about the influence that Harmony has had on her children, with her daughter's interest in particular in joining Harmony on some of her grand adventures and forming her own.  In this episode we learn more about 200 mile races, and in particular Delirious West 200 miler and Irrational South 200 miler that Harmony competed in which you can find more information about at ultraserieswa.com.au.   You can follow Harmony and her adventures on instagram @harm_run_y   This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia  Hurting Sucks. Especially in Ultra Running. This episode is also brought to you by Lava Tribe Girls Activewear. To encourage your daughter to be active, enjoy free shipping when you use code SHIP FREE RMA at checkout for free shipping Australia wide.

On episode 31 (Part 2 of the Running for premature babies podcast) we talk to Running for Premature Babies Founder and Director, Sophie Smith. 15 years ago Sophie and her late husband Ash were excited to be expecting the first of their children, triplet boys. At 21 weeks Sophie went into early labour. 5 days later her first born son Henry was born at 21 weeks. Henry lived for one precious hour and died in Sophies arms. It was expected that her next two babies would be born within 24 hours, but they defied the odds and Evan and Jasper were finally born at 24 weeks where they were told that the boys would have a 50% chance of survival.  Sophie shares with us the highs and lows of what those 82 heart-breaking days were like for her; the 58 days that she spent in the neonatal intensive care unit watching on as Evan and Jaspers fought for their lives. At 10 days old Evan became very ill with a brain haemorrhage and was removed from his life support and died in Sophies arms.  Jasper fought on and they had some wonderful bonding times together until at 58 days his lungs collapsed and, once again her precious child died again in her arms.  We discuss the impact this time had on the life of her and her husband Ash and how this led them to found Running For Premature Babies. Since then, thousands of people have run for the cause, raising more than $4 million for lifesaving neonatal equipment and research giving thousands of premature babies a better chance of survival.  The Running for Premature Babies Foundation is a registered Australian Charity supporting neonatal units in hospitals around the country. You can support the work of Running for Premature Babies anytime by creating your own challenge, donating or by participating in their upcoming Premmie Marathon Challenge in the RMA Team this November.    You can follow Running for Premature Babies on Facebook  or on instagram. @runningforprems   This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On Episode 30 of the RMA podcast, our 1 year anniversary special, we are talking about running for premature babies! We interview Proud running mumma and RMA Ambassador, Amy O’Halloran who is mum to two darling premature babies, her first born Henry, who came at 34weeks and Jemima who entered the world at 33 weeks gestation!   I chat to Amy about her silent struggle with the guilt and the trauma she faced being a first time mum, under going emergency c sections, and traumatic births (where she couldn’t even hold her baby Jemima before she was taken away), to living in the hospital, the trauma and fear around having a premature baby and leaving to go home without them.   We talk about the guilt that weighed heavily leaving Amy feeling as though she had failed Henry and Jemima, which eventually led her to being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and postpartum depression. Today Amy is so proud of both Henry and Jemima and that she is their mum!   I also chat to my mum, Judy Schulstad, about her experience having two premature babies (myself and my sister) 44 years ago, and compare the differences and similarities in the motherhood journey to giving birth to a premature baby, and how she handled the news that I might indeed die.   This podcast is part 1 in our series where we are raising awareness and support for the Running for Premature Babies Foundation. In part 2, which will air in a fortnight we talk to its’ founder, Sophie Smith about the legacy she has built along side her late husband Ash in the memory of her beautiful baby boys, now sleeping, Henry, Jasper and Evan, and how we can support families of premature babies through our footsteps.   For more information on the Running For Premature Babies Foundation visit www.runningforprematurebabies.com   This episode of the RMA Podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On episode 29 of The RMA Podcast we speak with mum, runner and all round beautiful spirit, Samantha O'Farrell. I met Sam a few years ago when she was part of our local RMA sisterhood and instantly fell in love with her infectious love for life. Not long after we met, Samantha was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and began her journey through treatment.  Fast forward only a few short years, Samantha has now been given just weeks to live and I sit down with her for a really raw and heartfelt conversation about life; Sam's life, what she has learnt through her adventures along the way, how running served her, and how we should examine our own lives and what should really be important to us.  Sam gives us insight into focusing on the now, not only when your time here is short, but how we can truly be alive through every moment that we are given on earth.  One thing resounds in this podcast and that is that NOW is what we have and NOW is everything.  This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

On this episode of The RMA podcast I speak with Running mum from Northern Qld, Angela McKenzie (Furneaux). Angela is a triathlete who was introduced to the world of triathlon as a child and has been competing ever since.   Back in 2018 while Angela was training for her Ironman, she was tragically hit by a vehicle while training on her local country road. This left Angela with devastating injuries which led Angela on a journey to rehabilitation over the last three years. She had to teach herself to walk again, and how to be again. To be a parent, a worker and a friend and also deal with the consequences that come out of such a traumatic experience.   In this episode we touch on the specifics of Angela’s accident that day and her experiences of her rehabilitation and what it was like to lace up and compete again in her most beloved event, Ironman.   We also talk to Angela about navigating training and competing in triathlon as a shift worker as a paramedic and a nurse, and her journey as a single parent in the early years. This episode is a testament to the strength of the pursuit of purpose even in the face of adversity, and how belief in oneself can overcome the greatest of odds.   You can follow Angela and her journey over on Instagram at @angela__mckenzie .   This podcast episode is brought to you by fisiocremaustralia

In this episode of the RMA podcast we talk again to one of our favourite guests, RMA Ambassador and lover of adventures, Michelle Hooper.    Michelle isn't new to the podcast, having been interviewed on episode 8 about her self-supported adventure on the Cape to Cape track in WA. This time I chat to Michelle about her most recent adventure in May 2021 traversing a supported attempt of the Larapinta Trail in Alice Springs, Northern Territory.    We Talk about what the 230k or so journey, (which actually eventuated in 254k over 76 hours) taught Michelle, how she navigated around her preparation, training and COVID-19 hiccups to the realisation of her dream. We dive into the lessons learned along the way and the meaning behind the adventures she embarks on, and what she learns about herself when she chases those feelings of truly being alive in her pursuits.   We discuss all things that go with such an undertaking, like logistics of forming a trusted crew, what to draw on when things get tough and how to push through pain, how to keep moving on little to no sleep, to the fun of hallucinations, needing to use the bathroom on the trail and the surroundings we find ourselves in that light our soul on fire.   This project, although Michelle's dream, also highlights the culmination of team effort and camaraderie when people with a common goal come together, and the magic that they can create when everyone is on the same page.   I hope you love this insight into chasing adventurous pursuits, and I am sure it won't be the last time we share about them where Michelle is concerned.   You can follow Michelle and her adventures over on instagram at @mish_hooper and look out for the film by Marco Noe ( @_mnfilm on instagram) birthed out of this project which will hopefully be out later in the year.     You can read more about the Larapinta Trail at www.larapintatrail.com.au.

Shona Stephenson has been one of Australia's best trail and ultra endurance runners, having ranked among the top 10 on the Ultra-Trail World Tour. With over 10 years experience in the health and fitness industry, as an athlete, coach, nutritionist, mentor and personal trainer.    Shona began her journey running after having children when she entered her the City to Surf pushing a pram along its' tough course. Shona didn't love this experience and so her quest began to find a more forgiving surface, and a more enriching experience which led her to the trails, which she instantly fell in love with.    Her passion for trail running, coupled with her talent led her on an incredible journey and subsequent racing career all over the world until her health and personal life caused her to shift her focus to coaching, mentoring and the world of race directing.    It was then that Shona co-founded The Brisbane Trail Ultra, with its focus being to bring a world class event to the shores of Australia much like she had experience in Europe. She has now added the Port Douglas to Cairns Trail Ultra to her portfolio of events.    This episode takes us into the life of an elite athlete; what drives them and motivates them, and in this conversation we discuss how the rise of women in trail running is an ever-growing, evolving and exciting space to be part of. Shona isn't shy when it comes to her passion to support women in our sport, and it is definitely a positive step to have race directors like Shona front and centre in the Trail and Ultra running world.    You can find more about Shona on her website, Ultra Training Australia   You can follow Shona over on instagram at @shonastephensontrailrunner OR You can register for one of her upcoming races at Brisbane Trail Ultra and Cairns to Port Douglas Trail Ultra

Today on the podcast we chat to serving police officer, runner and mum Melissa Dinneen. Mel resides in Melbourne where she is wife to Steve Dinneen from well known running group Dinneen Runners, and together they have three beautiful children.   Last year, during the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, at only 25 weeks pregnant with their third baby, Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump in her left breast. In this episode we discuss Mel’s running journey from struggling first time mum to now, and how her breast cancer diagnosis both shocked and challenged their family. We discuss Mel’s thoughts on her mortality, going through treatment, which she continues to do so, and the safe arrival of her baby girl Emerson. We chat about the messy parts of having cancer, the support of others, and the strength that one finds inside them when they need to fight for the one thing they hold dear; their family.   This conversation is one of resilience and hope and the power of community in action.    You can follow along Mel's journey as she continues to share the highs and lows of her battle over on instagram at @darebinrunningmumma and you can connect with Dinneen runners at @dineenrunners or via email at dinneenrunners@gmail.com.   This episode is proudly brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

In this episode of the podcast we speak to Mother, Olympian, author and Dr, Jana Pittman. Jana is one of Australia's most well know athletic personalities and had a long athletic career, particularly of note in 400m & 400m hurdles events and loved running for her country. The country watched Jana from her junior years at her first Olympic Games in the year 2000 in Sydney at the young age of 17, to the many championship races, winning 4 Commonwealth Championship medals, two world titles, (the second of which she won after giving birth to her son only 8 months earlier), to enduring injury and scrutiny, until she finally changed lanes and competed in her third Olympic Games in the Bobsled women's event at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. This made Jana the only Australian woman in history to compete in both the summer and winter Olympic Games.   There is no denying that Jana had drive from an early age to perform and succeed and succeed she did, both on and off the sporting field.    Early on sport is what defined Jana, however her true passion lay in her desire to for medicine, to become a doctor and to raise a family, both of those accomplishments she so openly shares with us in this episode.    In this episode Jana shares the highs and lows of her journey, the dreams and setbacks that come with pursuing your passions and the everyday failings of parenthood.    You can find out more about Jana and her achievements and current pursuits at www.janapittman.com   You can also follow Jana on her socials at @janapittmanofficial on instagram and you can buy Jana's autobiography Just another hurdle via her website or at most online book stores like Booktopia. This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.

Sophie Brown is an Accredited Practising Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist and elite ultra-marathon runner. It is her job, and passion, to help athletes in their pursuit of optimal nutrition, whether you're an amateur or more serious competitor. In this episode we deep dive into the world of nutritional advice and what is required from an athlete's perspective to optimise training and performance. We talk about nutrition and how it can play a big role both pre and post performance, and during different phases of womanhood such as pregnancy,  per-menopause and menopause.  We discuss the role of nutrition for healthy lifestyle and performance and how lack of adequate nutrition can lead to reduced performance and stress on the body.  This episode is packed full of great advice from a qualified professional. Sophie is based on Sydney's Northern Beaches and offers online consultations. She assists athletes of all ability levels with diet advice and meal planning to fit with their training and competition schedules.   You can find out more about Sophie at https://www.therunningdietitian.com  and If you are seeking nutrition advice from a Dietitian with an understanding from the athlete's perspective, Sophie would love to hear from you.  You can email her at sophie@diethealthfitness.com.au You can find Sophie on instagram @therunningdietitian This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.  ​

In episode 22 we talk to RMA Amanda Richardson. Amanda is an Aussie mum to two boys and currently lives in Toronto, Canada where she moved three years ago for her husbands work. I talk to Amanda about what it was like to move to the other side of the world with a young family and the isolation in which that experience brought her. You see, Amanda initially couldn't find the same connections that RMA gave her through running with women here in Australia, and it was during this isolation, when times really got tough that Amanda along with some local women formed their own running community, Chix Run the Six. This new established network of running women was formed to help engage, inspire and encourage women to live big, chase goals and be connected, just like we do here at RMA. Although in it's infancy, Amanda and her tribe are making waves in Toronto and creating a wonderful community which was much needed, especially during a global pandemic, and I wanted to dive in and learn more about what made Amanda start this group and the similarities that both our networks share.    We also chat things to do with motherhood, and importantly the catalyst to Amanda's running journey, when she was battling post natal depression and anxiety and her doctor prescribed running as a form of stress release and exercise to help her through this difficult time. I am sure many can relate. In those early days any run with a baby in the pram was an accomplishment for the day, and her consistent runs improved her mental and physical health, and she was able to set herself some small goals. Fast forward to Amanda meeting some mums at her local school (RMA Ambassador Ana Croger one of them) that her whole journey changed, and those goals turned into big plans including running half marathons, marathons and world majors.    Amanda is infectious in her attitude, and although living abroad can seem isolating, she has turned this experience around and is in-turn creating her own story and the story for hundreds of others and we are really excited to partner as sisters across the globe with Chix Run the Six and support this initiative, especially with our RMA sister Amanda at the helm.    You can find Amanda on instagram where she chats all things life, running, parenthood and plant-based nutrition at @plantbasedmotherrunner or you can follow Chix Run the Six at @chixrunthe6ix   This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia    We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to. And we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Mel lives in Canberra and is Mum to Willoughby (8) and Eloise (5) and wife to Jonathan. She is a plant fuelled, runner and nature lover and is passionate about sharing her love of adventure with the RMA tribe and her family. Mel has been active and involved in sport all her life, most significantly ballet and hockey. Running had always been a part of her training schedule but Mel never actually considered herself a runner. In late 2013 (8 months after giving birth), Mel started running as a way to restore her fitness and to share her love of the outdoors with Willoughby. In 2015, Mel ran through her second pregnancy until a week before Eloise’s birth (Feb 2016) and shared her journey through an RMA blog. She credits her active pregnancy for her “perfect” labour and recovery. Through her running journey Mel has met some of the most inspiring and supportive women. She is passionate about connecting with these wonderful women, fostering relationships, building networks and encouraging women to believe in themselves, their abilities and potential. Mel hopes that through her role as RMA ambassador she can continue to encourage and support every running mum to take on challenges, chase their dreams and create an empowering village.   You can follow Mel on instagram at @Runmumsb or you can read about her journey on the RMA website below: Pregnancy files part 1. Pregnancy files part 2. Pregnancy files part 3.  Pregnancy files part 4.  Pregnancy files part 5.    As mentioned in the podcast, you can find the Epic Runs of the World book here.    This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia    We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to. And we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Julianna Nagy is from Hungary, she is an accountant by profession, runs her own bookkeeping practice, is married, a mum of one almost teen, lives with her family in Sydney and loves the life Downunder. When she is not working or navigating daily life, you can find her whipping up a delicious dessert but more often than not, running with her friends and exploring the beautiful trails of her new home far away from home. She loves travelling and to be outdoors just as much as to snuggle up and read a good book. She and her family are keen to adopt the Australian culture and habits while staying true to their own at the same time. She is grateful for the opportunities they’ve got from their new country and they are proud Australians, eager to contribute to their local community. In this episode we chat to Julianna about migrating to her new island home, Australia from Hungary in 2013. We discuss the challenges and differences of our culture and how her and her family navigated that time, and how finding connection in the running community was the catalyst to finding community and a place to belong, along with a new found passion and love for the Australian landscape and challenging one-self to adventures to fuel life's lessons.  This is a beautiful story of embracing life's adventures and getting out of your comfort zone and creating the life you want.  You can follow Julianna on instagram at @shannahrunna or her business at @horizonaccounts or https://www.horizonaccounts.com.au   We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to, and we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.   This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia

On episode 19 of the RMA podcast we speak with runner and RMA coach Jenny Morris!  Jenny’s’ running journey began in 2012 entering her first and only event, City to Surf. From there her first half marathon in 2013 turned into her first full marathon in 2014. Now Jen has completed far too many marathons and ultras to count. Running is her passion, with now coaching complementing that passion for the last 3.5years. Jennys new focus is on the longer running journey and pushing her body to the unknown. Her love for sport is made that much better watching the success of her friends and athletes whom she is fortunate enough to see succeed in their own journey. She has completed several 100km Ultras, and her first miler in 2019. Jenny primarily loves the longer stuff, being out in nature, but uses the road and track to pick up her pace when needed.  Jenny has been coaching runners since 2017 with a passionate dedication to achieving success and meeting goals and expectations of her clients. Jenny is approachable and listens to what you need. Together she can adapt a training plan that works into your busy lives and schedule. Jenny is also a Level 2 Intermediate Recreational Running Coach (Athletics Australia). You can follow Jenny on instagram at @Jenruns123 or you can find out more about Jenny and her coaching here.    This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.   We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to. And we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

This week on the RMA podcast the tables are turned when RMA Ambassador, Ana Croger interviews Founder of Running Mums Australia, Nicole Bunyon.  This episode discusses some of Nicoles own story and background, the beginnings of RMA, how it all began, what makes it special and how Nicole Bunyon's journey has been shaped along the way. We talk about the challenges, the triumphs, the lessons and the vision that is as strong today as the day RMA was founded. We discuss what success is and we candidly chat about the lessons, trials and gratitude that comes from being immersed in your purpose. We invite you to sit down and learn more about Nicole and her story, and you may just find a bit of your own journey woven into the tapestry.  You can follow more of Nicole's story where she shares on instagram @nicbunyonrma or @thisbeautifulrun or of course @runningmumsaustralia    This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia   We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to. And we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Jody Mullen came to Australia from Chicago illinois in 2013. Having grown up in the USA all her life, we talk about what it was like living and training in the USA, her experience of her first marathon and the transition moving to a new country. We discuss how Jody continued her running journey by making new connections in Australia. We discuss how running unites us and we also talk about Jody's journey with a devastating injury (External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis) which has changed her running journey, and her perspective on running in general. We talk about the emotions that come, and navigating acceptance and change when one's journey is forced onto another path. Jody is a running coach, and an RMA coach and we also chat about how this change in perspective has enhanced her love for working with women in our sport to support them on their journeys which has been the most refreshing time of all.  You can follow Jody and her journey on: Instagram: @jodym_312  Her coaching page: here. Email: jodymullen@hotmail.com or to find more about coaching on The RMA website: https://www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au/rma-online-coaching/   We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional and rightful custodians of all the places where this podcast is created and listened to. And we pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.

Kylee Davie and her husband Marcus live in Tasmania, and have 3 children Jordan, Jakob and Veronika. In 2008 when Kylee was 36 weeks pregnant with Veronika, her OBGYN noticed her yet to be born baby had a severe brain abnormality. Kylee shares parts of their families journey with Veronika who lives with complex multiple disabilities, how they started running and their drive to get busy living. Kylee’s direction in life changed following the arrival of Veronika, as she was immersed into the world of disability. Kylee passionately advocates for Veronika, and others in turn with the strong belief that Veronika’s life will not be defined by her diagnosis, but focuses on Veronika’s strengths and passions. Kylee and Veronika are regulars at parkrun, and have participated in many fun runs about Hobart including running for chocolate in the half marathon at Cadbury in 2020. Veronika was invited to become an ambassador for Heart and Soles Virtual running in 2019 and enjoys getting out and participating in virtual runs. Kylee is the engine as she pushes Veronika in the running chair, while Veronika signs she wants to go faster! You can follow Kylee and Veronika’s journey as they get busy living on: Facebook Veronika. Our ups and downs with cerebral palsy   Instagram @veronikawillwalk

Hanny Allston is a well known Australian trail, sky runner and ultra runner, orienteer world Champion, coach, tour guide, author, podcaster, speaker, business woman and owner of Find Your feet trail store in Tasmania.  In this podcast we share some of her story from growing up on a farm as a child, competing in her racing career on the world stage,  navigating grief and trauma in her life, and overcoming an eating disorder, to becoming an adult and learning what made her heart sing.  We discuss how we can perform and live wilder, how we perceive success, and how we can live a life where we can truly find our authentic self in our passions and adventures. This podcast also goes into Hanny’s feelings on motherhood as she prepares to enter this space as a first time mum in the coming months. This podcast will be a two-part series. This is PART 2.    Hanny is an author of two books.   The Trail Running Guidebook and her most recent memoir “Finding My Feet, My story”. You can purchase these at www.findyourfeet.com.au or www.hannyallston.com.au.   As listeners of the RMA podcast you can take advantage of 20% off at www.findyourfeet.com.au for the month of December 2020 by using the code LISTENWILDER.   May this podcast help you to as Hanny says BE WILDER. PLAY WILDER. PERFORM WILDER.   You can also follow Hanny on Instagram at @hanny.allston You can view the Find Your Feet Australia store at @findyourfeet And Wilder Trails at @wilder_trails This podcast episode is sponsored by fisiocrem Australia and Find Your Feet.

Hanny Allston is a well known Australian trail, sky runner and ultra runner, orienteer world Champion, coach, tour guide, author, podcaster, speaker, business woman and owner of Find Your feet trail store in Tasmania.  In this podcast we share some of her story from growing up on a farm as a child, competing in her racing career on the world stage,  navigating grief and trauma in her life, and overcoming an eating disorder, to becoming an adult and learning what made her heart sing.  We discuss how we can perform and live wilder, how we perceive success, and how we can live a life where we can truly find our authentic self in our passions and adventures. This podcast also goes into Hanny’s feelings on motherhood as she prepares to enter this space as a first time mum in the coming months. This podcast will be a two-part series. This is PART 1.    Hanny is an author of two books.   The Trail Running Guidebook and her most recent memoir “Finding My Feet, My story”. You can purchase these at www.findyourfeet.com.au or www.hannyallston.com.au.   As listeners of the RMA podcast you can take advantage of 20% off at www.findyourfeet.com.au for the month of December 2020 by using the code LISTENWILDER.   May this podcast help you to as Hanny says BE WILDER. PLAY WILDER. PERFORM WILDER.   You can also follow Hanny on Instagram at @hanny.allston You can view the Find Your Feet Australia store at @findyourfeet And Wilder Trails at @wilder_trails This podcast episode is sponsored by fisiocrem Australia and Find Your Feet.

On episode 13 of The RMA Podcast we talk to Olympic hurdler Schulstad (nee' Edwards). Debbi is an an Australian woman, mother, writer, coach and remedial & sports massage therapist. Debbi, is a mother to 12 year old twins, and wife to Craig. She began training for hurdles as a 15 year old and made her first Australian team at 20, placing 7th in the final at the 1998 Commonwealth Games. Two years later she competed in the 100m hurdles at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Debbi is 1 of only 4 Australians who have represented Australia in the Women’s 100m hurdles at an Olympic Games in the last 30 years. After retiring early from sport due to injuries, Debbi became a Remedial and Sports Massage Therapist making her way back into Australian Athletics Teams as massage therapist. She has since been on 12 Australian teams ranging from World Cross Country teams World Juniors to Olympic Games and World Championships. Debbi is currently getting back into athletics coaching to hopefully help and mentor the next generation of athletes. In this podcast we talk to Debbi about life after high performance sport. Debbi has kindly offered to share her perspective, one that I have been fascinated to watch on what it is like to transition from high performance sports-person to retirement. Often, like in Debbi's experience, this is due to injury and the immediate feelings of loss and grief are often unspoken, as is the journey to finding oneself.  High performance sport entangles so much of an athlete's being, and as we discuss in this episode when this is taken away from you, you can experience a deep loss and longing, and period of trying to find out who you really are. Debbi shares this experience with us, along with stories from her time in sport to the pinnacle of her career on the start line of the 2000 Olympic Games. We also discuss her transition to motherhood, and her role now in sport where she works as a Remedial & Sports Massage Therapist for her own business, and Athletics Australia at many major competitions around the globe, her role now as a coach and mentor and also what she loves to do now that she has found more of who she is out of the sporting arena.  You can follow Debbi on instagram at: @southwestsportsperformance (Coaching and Massage) @debbischulstadwriter (writing musings) @debbischulstad (personal page)

On episode 12 of The RMA Podcast I talk to two amazing women, Mery Jones and Sandi Faddy. Mery and Sandi reside in Brisbane, Qld and are a mum and daughter duo! In this episode we talk about Sandi’s upbringing in a low socio-economic family home in country Moree in QLD, her meeting her husband and having children, and then a few years later packing up her children in their family van and fleeing her husband due to domestic violence for a better life with basically just the clothing on their backs.   We discuss Sandi’s experience raising four children as a single mother, from living in a refuge to starting her own life-journey heading to university to study, and finding employment, and creating a new existence with goals that she had set for herself.   We talk about Sandi’s journey which led to running, after wanting to lose some weight which she had gained after putting her children and their commitments first for such a long time, and then subsequently her experience of running and racing, particularly the marathons and ultra’s that she loves, even at the ripe age of 60 years.   We talk to Mery about what it was like growing up watching her mothers’ resilience, and how a special connection formed together due to the desire to spend time together when Mery had her daughter,  and how this connection, something that has brought them closer as mum and daughter, has also fuelled their passion for the sport that they love.   This conversation goes deep into Mery and Sandi's life experience, yet it celebrates that no matter where you come from, no matter what you have been through, if you believe in your convictions, have a strong commitment to being your best and achieve your dreams, you can.   It also celebrates the power of connection. That when we connect with those we love through a shared experience, we can build on our passions and desires, and the outcomes of our experience are so much richer. You can follow Mery and Sandi on instagram at @runderful.mery and @runfaddyrun

On this episode of The RMA Podcast we speak to Jessica Stenson (Trengove). Jessica is one of Australia’s greatest runners, particularly over the marathon distance, having competed in many major competitions around the world since her debut Marathon in Nagoya Japan in March 2012 where she earned a spot on her first Olympic team.                       In this conversation we chat to Jess about her side-step from a traditional sporting pathway like netball to running in her early 20’s. We discuss her journey to qualifying and competing in her first Olympic games in London in 2012, through to claiming the prized Bronze medal in the marathon at the Glasgow commonwealth games in 2014, and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 as well as her second Olympic experience in Rio in 2016.   We talk to Jess about her rise in the sport, and how becoming a first-time mum in 2019 has changed her perspective on the sport that she loves. We discuss the challenges of motherhood through her own shared experience, from returning to training and competing after birth, sleep deprivation and its’ impact, to breastfeeding before and after competition. We talk to Jess about what she loves about motherhood, her relationship with her new body, and what she is looking forward to as she combines both her loves, motherhood and running into the future.   We also chat about the story behind Rundies undies - a sports underwear business that Jess started with her husband (Dylan Stenson) and brother (Jack Trengove) in 2016 with invaluable support and feedback from the RMA community.   Rundies are offering a 20% off discount for listeners for the month of November using code: RMAPOD.   This conversation is fun and candid and you will love hearing how Jess has navigated this time becoming a mum along with juggling training and competing to be her best as both as a mum, and an athlete.   You can follow Jess at:   Instagram @jess_tren @jsten_art   Facebook: Jessica Trengove Twitter: @JessTrengove

In 2018 Sarah Terrill had just run her 3rd half marathon at the Run Melbourne festival when she noticed a blister on the back of her shoulder. This blister was actually a mole and she showed showed her father who was a plastic surgeon for over 40 years. Sarah’s dad saw this mole and he was quite alarmed and sent her off to a specialist. This mole was actually an aggressive malignant melanoma. Sarah had had all the necessary treatment required for this melanoma initially, however fast forward to 2020, Sarah had some signs that there may be something major wrong. Sarah’s melanoma had spread to her spine, lungs and brain. Sarah was now diagnosed with Stage 4 Malignant Melanoma.   During this episode we talk to Sarah about her journey battling stage 4 melanoma. We talk about what it is like living with cancer and how she shares that experience with those she loves. We talk to Sarah about her journey as a runner, and also the things she looks forward to the most in life, especially when you feel like your days are numbered.   This conversation will leave you inspired and make you question your own choices around sun safety and together create awareness around how to avoid skin cancer.   To find out more about skin cancer, signs to look out for and how to protect yourself from skin cancer head to:   Melanoma Institute Australia  www.melanoma.org.au One of the peak bodies overseeing fundraising and research in Australia.    Melanoma Patients Australia 1300 884 450 www.melanomapatients.org.au Absolutely incredible support network for patients and carers dealing with melanoma at any stage, volunteer based, not for profit organisation, with state-based monthly meetings, recently created a nurse phone line. Definitely a place to go.   Cancer Council 131120 www.cancer.org.au Again, super comprehensive content with details on different cancers, treatments, and an excellent resource on talking to kids about cancer Also www.cancercouncilshop.org.au that has approved sunscreen, hats, shirts, sunglasses etc for sale.    This podcast is brought to you by fisiocrem massage gel.  Fisiocrem has been helping Running Mums Australia to achievetheir running goals for years now and ease those post-trainingmuscular aches and pains. Hurting sucks and fisiocrem has our back. To shop fisiocrem head to www.fisiocrem.com.au

On Episode 9 of The RMA Podcast we talk to WA RMA Ambassador, mum of 5 and Ultra runner Emma Luscombe. We talk to Emma about the experience of losing fourth child, her baby girl Evie at 37 weeks due to stillbirth in 2009, and how this has shaped her journey moving forward as a mum and also as a runner.   Emma has been an RMA Ambassador for a long time now and as you will hear in this conversation Emma loves ultra running. Emma talks to us about her journey and experiences running ultras and the lessons that she has learned along the way, the strength she has gained from her past experiences and how she draws on that strength when competing and training. We talk about her funny race experiences, along with the hardships of life, and we also dive into the excitement of her latest adventure, The Delirious West 200 miler in 2021 which she is currently training for.  Emma shows us that your journey can ride the highs and the lows, but that you can get back up after setbacks and keep going. She also shows us that the journey doesn't have to be perfect, you just have to believe in yourself and have a go, and you can achieve amazing things, even after heartbreak. This story is real, raw and inspiring for every woman.   You can follow Emma on instagram at @justanotherultrarunner or on Facebook at Emma- Just another ultra runner.

On this episode of The RMA Podcast we talk to mum of two and amateur trail runner Michelle Hooper. In the light of the recent lockdowns at the beginning of the year, and subsequently event after event being cancelled or changed to another time, Michelle decided to set herself a goal of running the fastest known self-supported time on the Cape to Cape Track in WA.   The Cape to Cape track runs roughly 135km from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, in South West WA. The track covers around 30km of beach running, clifftop or inland sandy trails with some tricky slow rock sections and a 4WD track.   Michelle needed to run under 26 hours to complete the fastest known self-supported time, and she did just that completing 134km in 25hours 49minutes 49 seconds to claim the new self-supported FKT. Not only did she complete her goal, she raised over $3,500 for the Perth Childrens Foundation in the process.    We talk to Michelle about her journey from her first parkrun only 18 months ago to completing this recent achievement, and in this episode we discuss how to really embrace the adventures that life throws at us, and that although we can't control what is going on around us in our world, we can control our mindset and create our own adventures. Throughout this episode we discuss how finding joy in the planning and process of your own adventures can be the most rewarding experience of all.   We dive right into training with two young children and navigating the risks along the way while planning for this great adventure. We talk to Michelle about what she learned about herself on this journey and how it has changed her attitude towards running and trail running in general.   This conversation will leave you questioning why you lace up, and what brings you the most joy in the adventures you embrace, and maybe if you think a little differently, and be bold enough to try new adventures you may be surprised by the places you will go.   You can follow Michelle and her adventures on instagram at @shell.runs or find out more about her FKT here.    As discussed in this episode, you can find Michelle's choice of trail nutrition on instagram at @eatnosht.anz.

On episode 7 of The RMA podcast we chat to Run Against Violence co-founder Kirrily Dear about the beginnings of Run Against Violence, its impact and how we can be involved. This is an inspiring story how one women heard the call, acted, and now the catalyst for change has spread far and wide through the power of community to make a difference against family violence in Australia.   In this discussion we talk about how Run Against Violence has evolved from 2014 when Kirrily undertook the White Ribbon Ultramarathon, an 860km journey through regional NSW to bring awareness to the massive issue of domestic violence in communities across Australia.  We then dive into the 2017 Steps Together Ultra Marathon journey, where Kirrily ran 1300km from Broken Hill to Sydney to give a voice to the often silent victims of family violence, and how this time the campaign was widely supported by the creation of a virtual challenge where teams virtually raced Kirrily along the course to the steps of the Sydney Opera House finish line.   We talk to Kirrily about the reason why she started on this journey, and what she learned about herself along the way.    The impact from Run Against Violence continues to grow each year, as the virtual challenge now sits on the yearly race calendar for people to spread awareness in our nation, and help drive impact for change against family violence.    To find out more visit www.runagainstviolence.com or on instagram @runagainstviolence  And you can contact Kirrily at @Kirrilydear or at www.kirrilydear.com

When Geraldine Bilston met her partner she was very much in love and thought that her relationship would end up being the fairy tale romance she always dreamed of. However flash forward a couple of years later with a young two year old daughter, Geraldine realised after enduring many experiences and changes in her partners behaviour that she was in the midst of a family violence relationship. Over a long time deliberating whether to stay or to leave, and being fearful of what that actually meant for her and her young daughter, one night her partner became physically violent towards her. This wasn’t the first time he had been violent, however this time Geraldine realised she needed to escape this situation, not only for herself, but for her young child. In this conversation with Geraldine we discuss the effects of living in a family violence situation. We talk about Geraldine’s experiences and the effect that this had on her relationships with those around her, including her perpetrator and her daughter Katie. We discuss the barriers for women and men seeking assistance who are in a family violence relationship and where you can get help if this is you or someone that you love. This conversation is really important, as the incidence of family violence in Australia is still so high, and through our collective voices, and sharing these stories we can make a difference. We wanted to launch this podcast this week due to the Run Against Violence campaign which kicks off yesterday 30th August. We wanted our voices to be heard along-side that campaign. It is only when we raise our voices in this way that others can hear and see what women and men who are in the midst of family violence are going through, and how collectively we can make a difference. Please share this conversation with those that you know and love.   If you find this conversation difficult, or if there is someone in your family or network that you know that is dealing with family violence, please contact:   Nation wide assistance; https://www.1800respect.org.au/ or Find the below support services at the following link: https://www.dss.gov.au/women/help-is-here-campaign   Victoria specialist service; https://www.safesteps.org.au/   NSW specialist service; NSW Domestic Violence Helpline   NT specialist service; Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Shelter 8945 2284 (24 hours)   QLD specialist service; DVConnect   South Australia specialist service; Domestic Violence Crisis Line   Tasmania specialist service; Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line   Western Australia specialist service; Domestic Violence Helpline   Legal services (Australia-wide) Family Violence Law Help Specialist Domestic Violence Units (DVUs)   MensLine Australia MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns, including issues of violence.   Men’s Referral Service The Men’s Referral Service is a men’s family violence telephone counselling, information and referral service for men using or at risk of using violent or controlling behaviour.   Geraldine joined RMA in 2014, ran first half marathon at the Gold Coast in 2014, and full marathon in Melbourne also in 2014. Geraldine left an abusive relationship in early 2015, and has been working and volunteering as a family violence advocate for the past 3 and a half years. In in January 2020 Geraldine joined the Victorian Government’s Victim Survivor Advisory Council, and was appointed Deputy Chair in May 2020. (https://www.vic.gov.au/voices-change-meet-our-vsac-members )   Geraldine has appeared on ABC’s “You Can’t Ask That” in 2019, and ABC’s Q & A in March 2020.   You can find out more about Geraldine on Instagram @gez_bilston or on her website https://geraldinebilston.com/   To find out more about Run Against Violence, please head to https://www.runagainstviolence.com

Lisa Weightman is a household name of female distance running both on the international stage, and locally in Australia. Having spent half her life participating in Athletics, namely the marathon, some of Lisa’s achievements include participation at 3 Olympic games, Beijing (2008), London (2012) and Rio (2016), 2019 World championships (marathon), and two Commonwealth games medals; 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games bronze medal (marathon), 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold Coast silver medal (marathon). Lisa has 2 top 20 IAAF World Cross Country finishes and a team bronze medal to her name, and has placed in the top 8 in 3 World Major marathons in the past 2 years.   Lisa resides in Melbourne and is a mum to Pete, wife to her training partner Lachlan. When she isn’t running or mummying, she is a Transformation Consultant and Program Manager at IBM. Lisa is a valued Ambassador of Running Mums Australia, a performance coach and a motivational speaker.   During this conversation we discuss the Covid-19 lockdown and it's impact on training and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic games, how Lisa rose to Olympic standard competition from a child who loved to run, the highs and lows of the journey, and her relationship with her training partner and husband Lachlan. We also talk about balancing a corporate career and a career in sport and the support of women in sport at the highest level right down to her connection with everyday mums in RMA. We Also talk about her greatest love of all, motherhood.    Lisa’s personal bests are: -5,000m 15:51 (2009) -10,000m 31:55 (2019, Sydney Harbour 10k Course Record, Masters World Record) -Half Marathon 68:48 (2019, Sunshine Coast Course Record, Masters World Record and Australian All-Comers Record) -Marathon 2:25:15 (5th place at the 2017 London Marathon)   You can find more information on Lisa at her website, www.lisaweightman.com or on Instagram @lisaweightman

On Episode 4 of The RMA Podcast I talk to two amazing women, Tammy Watson from QLD and Natalee Cunningham from Perth. We discuss how connection, passion and purpose brought these women together to form Run4Blue, a virtual event sweeping our nation which aims to provide funds, awareness and support to our past and present police officers and families through Police Legacy Australia. We discuss their journey to finding running, their chance connection through RMA, and how this evolved into creating the vehicle of Run4blue and the impact that it has on community. We also discuss Tammy and her cancer journey, and how running not only unites us, but gives us purpose. We also discuss how connection often takes us on a journey that you never thought you may travel, but sometimes it leads to the greatest adventure.     For more information on Run4blue and to donate or register for their next event, head to: @run4blue_au on instagram Run4blue on facebook or their website www.run4blue.net

This week on the RMA podcast, I talk to Luisa Bianchi about the beginnings of RMA, the scaffold of support that saw it materialise, and the experience of entering single parenthood, yet kicking goals in the process. We discuss how not losing our identity and dreams helps us build the resilience and strength to move forward in any situation. A conversation for all single parents who want to keep moving forward, and develop resilience and courage.

In this episode of the RMA podcast I talk to RMA Ambassador, Brisbane mum of 3, runner, lawyer and sporting executive Ana Croger. We chat about all things motherhood, finding running, being a role model for our kids, women in leadership in sport, and how Ana went from her first steps to running the world and completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors. In this episode we discover that it isn't always about the dreams that we accomplish, but the places, adventures and people that we meet along the way make all the difference to enrich our experience.     To find out more about Ana and her world marathon majors experiences at Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, London, Chicago and New York, head to the RMA website, www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au and search Ana Croger.    To ask Ana a question or follow her journey, you can find her on instagram at @analovestorun

In this first episode of the RMA podcast founder of Running Mums Australia, Nicole Bunyon shares this new exciting chapter of starting the RMA podcast to highlight the many amazing stories in the RMA network of women who have an inspiring story to tell. We are excited to have you on this journey with us. To contact me if you have a story you would love featured, email me at runningmumsaustralia@gmail.com. For more information on RMA and what our network offers head to www.runningmumsaustralia.com.au