Jonathan Ash shares his journey from a novice runner to a two time winner of backyard ultras, which has also seen him become the second Australian to run 100 loops in a backyard ultra. He discusses the mental and physical challenges of that format, the importance of learning from past experiences, and the dynamics of crew support in races. Jashy highlights the significance of enjoying the process of running and the unique aspects of backyard ultras, including the mental game and recovery. He reflects on his experiences in various races, including his first 100K in the Blue Mountains and Big's Backyard Ultra World Championships, highlighting the camaraderie and community within the ultra running scene.

I hope you enjoyed this one as much as I did!

Mario Buchs has had an incredible year, completing UTA 100, before going and running Australia's toughest miler the Elephant Race.

Then the adventure of a lifetime going over to Iraq and running 100 miles, in conditions many runners wouldn't be able to comprehend.

He then tops it off by adding a second pin to his Akubra by finishing Coast to Kosci.

In this podcast Mario shares some amazing perspective, and how he made it to where he is on his journey as an ultra runner, Founder of Healthetica Coaching and also the host of a couple of podcasts, Strides and Vibes, as well as the one Percenters Performance Podcast.

One of the most interesting ultra runners you could ever come across, I loved having this chat.

Happy, limitless and free is Tanya Bottomley's motto and it's early in this conversation I learn why that is.

From depressed, down and almost out, to conquering mountains and so much more. Tanya's story is one of pure inspiration, from finding the trails to becoming the first woman to attempt the Southern Seasons Miler Challenge, Tanya's story is one of perseverance and courage.

This was a lot of fun, and shows that sometimes just going out and taking on a challenge can be enough to fill one's heart. As a mindset coach Tanya also gives some interesting insights into the mental game behind her achievements, a must listen for anyone who is into adventures.

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

The world of ultra running changed when Big's Backyard was introduced into the mix, and since then it's seen hundreds of different iterations of the race format take place across the world.

One of Australia's best at the format is Jessica Smith, who was the first woman in Australia to break the 275km mark in the backyard format, which involves running 6.71km on the hour every hour until you can't go anymore.

But she's so much more than her achievements in backyard ultras, Jess is a fantastic ambassador for the sport of ultra running, and like me enjoys talking about what fantastic things are happening in the sport.

You can follow all of her adventures at jess.on.the.run

There aren't many people in the ultra running scene that I can compare myself to, but I really drew a lot of comparisons with Andrea during this conversation.

Her story is one that will inspire a lot of people, and her philosophy on running is one I think many will find themselves nodding and agreeing with.

This isn't your ordinary runners tale, but Andrea also isn't your ordinary runner.

You can find her on instagram at _the_slow_coach.

You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:
patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Every good story starts with a night out on the sauce, and it might've just been the thing that Toby Steele needed to kick start a journey that saw him complete one of Australia's toughest ultras.

I'm proud to call Toby a mate, his passion for this sport is second to none, he absolutely loves ultra and trail running and has worked himself. Still so young, he's one of the true up and coming runners in this sport, shaping the way for others to push themselves and find their own way.

But this isn't just about Coast to Kosci, it's about the future, nutrition, finding a person that supports your goals and of course shoes! I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.

You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:
patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Melina might be one of the most passionate people about trail running you will ever meet, as the Director of the Perth Trail Series, she’s committed to bringing more and more runners to the trails while advocating for preserving the environment and building the community.

This conversation was honestly a complete joy, and I got a completely different perspective of how to approach running on trails, and how we should just completely enjoy it.

You’ll find Melina doing some of her best work on the mic at Perth Trail Series events, getting everyone pumped up and raring to go. Make sure you say hey to Melina if you're over in the west, she’d love to meet you! Woohoo!

You can now support the podcast on Patreon for as little as $2 a month:
patreon.com/ThePeak2SoonPodcast

Kaiti Primrose is a hybrid athlete who has played a number of sports, but found long distance running through the influence of her dad and in 2021 did her first 777 Bravehearts Marathon event.

That year's event provided some of the toughest lessons she will ever face in the sport of running, but it didn't deter Kaiti from coming back, seeing her now raise a total of $50,000 for the Bravhearts Charity.

I caught up with Kaiti ahead of this week's event, and how she's been preparing to once again run seven marathons in seven days in seven different states and territories in Australia.

You can donate to Kaiti's cause here.