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Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Nicole, a lawyer, mum, ultra runner, Master of Law student, and founder of BYU Australia – home of the Backyard Ultra race calendar for Australia.
Nicole’s sport is the Backyard Ultra. The BYU format was designed by Lazarus Lake (creator of Barkley Marathons) and consists of a 6.7km look every hour on the hour until only one person is left standing. Nicole says, ‘‘This format has made its way all over the world and is fast becoming THE ultra format.’’
Nicole’s biggest achievement to date is being the first and currently the only Australian female to ever win a backyard Ultra Worldwide. She achieved this at the States of Origin Backyard Ultra 2022 hosted by AAA racing. Nicole has also set the female course record at Dead Cow Gully Backyard Ultra 2022, which stands as her personal backyard Ultra PB.
Nicole’s main focus over the last couple of years has been trying to perfect the BYU format. Most of her training is specifically focused on the BYU format. She has been preparing both physically and mentally. Nicole says, ‘‘Physical fitness will only get you so far in a backyard ultra. At the end of the day, if you want to go long, you need the mental toughness to get you there.’’
When asked about who supports and motivates her Nicole says, “my run group, RunCo, and coach Andy Dey, my crew woman and best friend, Leah, and my long run partner, Jason as well as the BYU Australia Community. The BYU community is extremely motivating and supportive. It is a really special group where we have created a space for anyone interested in this format to get advice and inspiration from beginners to seasoned Backyard Ultra runners. Everyone cheers each other on and celebrates everyone’s achievements, no matter what they are.
I couldn’t do what I do without these people! But what particularly motivates me is the opportunity to get better, reach my personal goals and outdo myself.”
When asked about her biggest weaknesses and what she is doing to improve it, Nicole say’s, ”My biggest weakness at the moment is my lack of strength training. My coach is always on my case about it, and it features on my plan each week, but I don’t always get to it. I am trying to find the time to priorities it. I have a big 2023 coming up and focusing on strength and recovery is going to play a huge role in keeping me physically able to show up.”
NICOLE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
After a tough session, Nicole says, ‘‘I massage my legs before bed so I always wake up feeling ready to go again with no muscle fatigue or soreness.’’
”The first and currently the only Australian female to ever win a Backyard Ultra worldwide.’’
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Christie, a sports dietitian and age-group Australian representative triathlete. She’s recently become a triathlon coach, as a result of loving all things swim-bike-run. “I’ve competed in three x age group triathlon world champs and came second in 2019 at Multisport WC in standard duathlon (10km run/40km ride/5km run). I wasn’t the greatest runner when I was younger, but now I love it!”
Christie has been doing long course racing for the past few years and is now getting back into the Olympic/standard distance racing. Her
biggest achievement was coaching herself through a trail marathon in Portugal and then completing an Ironman triathlon. Christie says, “one of the key factors attributed to completing these events was listening to my body to help balance fatigue and minimise injury, to help push further each time.”
Christie is planning to run the 12km distance again at this year’s fisiocrem GC50 Run Festival. She placed 3rd overall last year and is attempting to hit a new PB time. “I’ve come off half ironman training, so now I’m focusing on some speed with my favourite intervals (2:3 on/off)”. Her current schedule includes hill running, interval training, the correct nutrition and park runs.
CHRISTIE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“My top recovery tip is to eat! Fuelling before and after training or exercise is so important. Particularly when training everyday or double session days, if you’re managing injury or are getting older. My favourite post training fuel is a milky coffee and egg muffin, or a banana berry milk smoothie.”
“My internal drive helps me push and see what I’m actually capable of doing. Stretching and doing yoga is one of my biggest weaknesses. Which is the first thing that seems to go when time is poor. I’m trying to schedule it into the calendar and get it ticked off. I might need to add a yoga session into my fisiocrem application time.” When asked about who supports and motivates her Christie says, “My husband, my little puppy (Millie), my family and close friends. Someone is always at my events to cheer me on, and that’s the best.”
Meet fisiocrem’s father and son athlete duo, Brian and Mark Upton. Brian has been living on the sunny Gold Coast since 1998, while Mark resides along the east coast in Wollongong, NSW. Brian’s obtained 35 years experience in the hospitality industry down in Victoria as a General Manager of hotels and properties. Mark is married man with 3 amazing kids: Harrison, Grave and William, also currently working as a General Manager within a resort in Wollongong.
Mark says “I’ve always been active and love pushing the boundaries to what my mind and body can do including competing in marathons, short and long-distance triathlons and 3 Ironman races.”
They both have an extreme passion for triathlons. Brian has the most triathlon experience, spanning nearly 40 years. Our team welcomes the pair every year at the fisiocrem GC30 Main Beach and fisiocrem GC50 Run Festival. When racing together, they always seem to share a healthy passion when giving it their all.
Brian was diagnosed with prostate cancer 4 years ago and suffered countless operations, chemotherapy and radiation for a 6-month period. He’s an extremely determined and resilient individual as he completed the Gold Coast Marathon after 34 days post treatment.
This year marked 4 years since Brian’s successful cancer battle and joined Mark in the Gold Coast Marathon to reach a staggering 63km over the whole weekend. Also raising much needed funds for the Shakeitup Parkinson’s Foundation, as Brian’s wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 5 years ago.
Brian and Mark are preparing themselves for the Bravehearts 777 Marathon series during June/July next year. They will both compete against each other across 7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days.
Mark: “One of my biggest weaknesses is saying no to a challenge. As a triathlete I find the hardest and most difficult part of the race to be the swimming leg”. Brian: “Swimming has always been my biggest weakness. I’ve tried for years to improve my strokes, but found better form in riding and running during competition.”
When asked about who supports and motivates Mark, he said “my amazing wife and kids motivate me everyday, along with my 71 year-old father who still pushes the limits.” When Brian was asked the same question, he mentioned “my amazing son and five grandchildren continue to support my crazy hobbies.”
BRIAN AND MARK’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“Hot/cold magnesium pools, consistent sleep, and giving yourself a good massage before and after a race.”
“My motto is ‘anything is possible’. This has pushed all my life achievements forward and helped me keep a positive attitude throughout.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Noelle, a 37 year-old Canadian who started running five years ago before moving to Australia. She was that person who always said “no way I’ll ever be a runner, I’m just not good at it”. Noelle enjoys running as it helps with her overall health and well-being. It wasn’t until her partner introduced her into this world and suggested a 5km race. “I felt like a huge puzzle piece of who I was had been found and put into place.”
Noelle has a pure passion for running. Noelle says, “there is no other feeling like running, whether it be on a treadmill, road or trail running. I find myself settling into a calm and happy state, that I’ve never felt.’’ Running has taken priority in her life, after growing up with other sports such as horseback riding and hiking.
One of her biggest personal achievements came when she ran her first 10km race after suffering a big health scare. “Due to my chronic anemia, I was unable to walk for 3 months. I smiled the whole way through!”
“One of my biggest weaknesses is self doubt. Self doubt can lead to lack of motivation resulting in a struggle to follow training plans.” When Noelle experiences self doubt, she sits down and writes her “why”, reminding herself why she runs, who she is because of it and the personal growth she has achieved from it.
When asked about who supports and motivates her Noelle says, “My partner and the running community around me. I feel incredibly blessed to have stumbled into this world. The support and care each person offers is like no other sport I’ve been involved with.”
NOELLE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“Light stretching exercises, staying hydrated and giving yourself a good massage.”
“We are capable of so much more than we realise. When we prioritise our health and focus on realistic goals anything can happen.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Sarah, a mother of two girls who started running about five years ago for nothing more than to improve her mental health and fitness. Now she’s completed multiple Ultra-marathons. “When I started running I could barely make it around the block without stopping. My first goal was to be able to run 10kms non-stop and my love of running has escalated from there.”
Sarah’s passion and love is with trail running. Sarah says, “I’m lucky to live so close to many beautiful trails on the Toowoomba escarpment. It makes a great training ground for ultra running due to the variety of
terrain and the number of challenging hills to climb up and down.
Nothing beats the vibe of a trail running event and you won’t find a friendlier bunch of humans. I was hooked after the first race.’’
One of her biggest personal achievements would be running her first Ultra back in 2020 at the Brisbane Trail Ultra completing the 60km race distance. Sarah says, ‘‘Even though it was a tough day out and I absolutely wanted to quit, I kept on moving and managed to still come in under my goal time.’’
Sarah is currently training for the Ultra-Trail Australia 50km race event. This event is set to be held in October within the heart of the stunning Blue Mountains of NSW. She is also embarking on her first 100km running race at the Ultra-Trail Kosciusko this December. Sarah is getting in as much trail time as possible, specifically focusing on the type of terrain for each race. “100kms is a big step up for me and a bit scary but exciting all the same. For both races I’ll be trying to prepare my body as best I can.”
“One of my biggest weaknesses has been constantly comparing myself to others. The more I have learnt to embrace where I’m at in my own journey and focus on the training that’s best for me and my goals, the better I’ve performed (and it’s also meant less injury!). It’s wonderful to support others and draw inspiration from their achievements but don’t lose touch of your own ‘why’.”
When asked about who supports and motivates her Sarah says, “My two girls are my biggest motivation. I want to show them that if you work hard and believe in yourself, anything is possible. They are amazing runners themselves and they inspire me everyday with their determination and strength.”
“A little self-belief goes a long way. You’re capable of so much more than you ever think.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Steph, a full-time working Mum who enjoys running for fun. Steph started running back in 2017 as part of a CrossFit challenge, which then lead her to finish a half marathon in 2018 and many more milestones including: two full marathons, a 30km and 25km race distance.
For Steph, running hasn’t always been putting on a pair of shoes and running. She is also a diabetic who is on insulin. Ensuring blood sugar levels are within an appropriate range, is always a challenge when out on a run. This results in Steph always needing to carry her own fuel supply and drinks whilst on course. As Steph now works from home permanently, she has found that getting out and running at 4am most days helps her mental health.
One of her biggest personal achievements would be passing on her passion of running to her daughter. Steph says, ‘‘We should celebrate runners no matter what pace or distance that they run.”
Steph is currently training for her third Marathon, participating in the Gold Coast Marathon this July. This year she has enlisted the help of a fantastic coach Kel Walker from My Run Team. Kel has provided an online training plan, that Steph has been following since February, with great achievements and results thus far.
This year, the fisiocrem GC30 was part of the bigger plan for Steph’s event season. It was one of her longer runs within her training schedule. Steph says, “Not every run has to be a race, you have to trust the process and the people in your corner.”
When asked about who supports and motivates her, Steph says, ““My daughter. Who at most parkrun events will come back to find me and get me sprinting to the finish line with her.’’
STEPH’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
”The 80/20 rule (80% easy training effort / 20% difficult training effort) have a great fitness coach in your corner, and of course apply fisiocrem daily.”
”We don’t have to win every race, we just have to try our hardest and be the best that we can be.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Ando, an avid runner who moved to Australia back in 2004 from Brazil. Ando has faced living with Guillian Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks his nerves. Doctor’s found out in 2005 that he was born with this condition, the main symptoms include: weakness and tingling in your extremities leading to a whole body paralysation.
Ando never thought he would love running as much as he does. No other sport compares to his passion for running.
One of his biggest personal achievements was overcoming setbacks, running 50km and placing top 5 in the Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA) 2018. The same year as the UTA, Ando produced a time of 2:37 per km at the Melbourne Marathon.
Ando says, ‘‘I should never have walked again, and there I was top 5 in one of the most prestigious ultra-races in Australia.” It’s proven that everything is possible.
Coming first isn’t the goal, but being satisfied with his performance is of more importance. Ando hopes that his story and love for running can motivate more people to get out there and work hard, don’t give up and believe in the dream.
Last year Ando came third at the fisiocrem GC50, 50km race event. This year he is currently training for the fisiocrem GC30 Main Beach on the 29th of May. He is aiming to pace the marathon at 4:10 per km and high-five anyone who runs past. His coach (Kylie Weise) plans a daily program based on running data, so he will reach his full potential.
When asked about who supports and motivates him, Ando says, “Life. The challenges it puts in front of me everyday motivates me more than anything else. Also, my past, my kids, my family and fiance. They all motivate me to get out of bed at 4:20 am to do what I love.’’ He’s really fortunate to have some good quality friends (Joe, Andrew, Mick and Eddie) supporting and training with him everyday
ANDO’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
”Get a fitness coach, listen to your body, and practice active recovery.”
”I think when you love something, and you don’t mind working very hard, you are able to achieve beautiful dreams.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Letti. With 27 year’s experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, coach and soigneur with Elite and Professional Cycling. She has been very fortunate to travel the world doing what she loves, attending multiple world cup events, Commonwealth games and the Olympics. Letti changed her career in her mid-40’s becoming a police officer with South Australia Police. She now works as a State Crime Assessor and as a Health & Wellbeing Officer, which allows her to develop and deliver fitness and mental health initiatives.
Letti’s passion and love is with cycling, but other activities she enjoys include Pilates, weight training, running & swimming.
One of her biggest personal achievements was overcoming a ruptured hamstring, which resulted in her having to relearn how to use her leg and walk properly again.
Letti said, ‘‘it was devastating. I went from performing incredibly well, to not being able to stand within seconds. Soul destroying’’. Ongoing secondary issues including dual achilles tendinopathy have plagued Letti ever since, but she has learned how to plan and build those foundations back up, and she is starting to progress back up through the cycling ranks.
This year, Letti took on a 24hr cycling team relay race. The event, Revolve 24 is played out on a motorsport track, the aim is to win by clocking up the most laps in the 24hrs. Letti achieved this by breaking it down into small chunks: taking it one lap at a time. Letti will continue to race E-sports and IRL cycling series to continue to improve herself so she gets back up to B grade riding ability.
Letti adapted her fitness goals and routine during covid by holding fitness classes online as well as partaking in cycling events via Zwift & Zoom. Letti entered into the virtual world of Zwift cycling and created a social group, that partake in social rides, team time trials and individual race opportunities.
When asked about who motivates and supports her, Letti says, “I am heavily involved in a Zwift virtual and IRL (in real life) cycling community – The QueenBee Ladies. Beginning just prior to the pandemic, three other women and I, entered into the virtual world of Zwift cycling and created a social group of nine. That has since grown to now more than 1500 worldwide, three social rides, team time trials and individual racing opportunities, meet ups, the occasional IRL meet up – the most recent being in London. Heaps of social banter via Facebook and IG accounts, and now emerging into IRL events. These women have some amazing stories, are incredibly supportive and genuinely care about members achievements. They give me strength and encouragement by the truck load. My husband, Andrew, has been incredible. Since injuring myself, he has been there listening to my frustrations as well as encouraging, and celebrating my little goal successes. He keeps me in check and on track, particularly in my lowest and most vulnerable moments.”
LETTI’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
”Regular massage, stretches and of course, fisiocrem.”
”My biggest achievement so far has been overcoming a ruptured hamstring, resulting in having to relearn how to use my leg.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Sheree, a happily married mum with two adult kids. Sheree turned her life around and took up running and fitness when she retired after 33 years in the work force. 7 years later, Sheree feels like something is now missing if she has not been for a run.
Sheree started with road running and then discovered trail running, which is now her passion.
Sheree said ”I love trail running and especially competing in ultra-distances, my other passion is parkrun and trying to complete all of the challenges. Currently working on the alphabet challenge”.
One of her biggest personal achievements was in competing in the 100km Surf Coast century trail event.
Sheree said ‘‘It was a big mental challenge to keep training not knowing if the event would be postponed again or cancelled.’’
This year, Sheree is taking on the Ultra Trail Australia 100km event in May. In the lead up to the event, Sheree’s training will vary from trail terrain, including hills, single trails, and lots of stair climbs, in order to prepare herself for the elevation on the event trail. Sheree is also doing a lot of strength work to avoid injuries along the way.
Sheree struggled with training during Covid, as many event dates kept moving. This meant that Sheree’s training plans had to continually change, resulting in some very long training plans in the end, which then left hardly any recovery time before the next event. When all the gyms were closed down Sheree had to push herself to do strength workouts at home, she found this a struggle at times to stay motivated.
When asked about who motivates and supports her, Sheree says, “My number 1 supporter is my husband and I am so lucky to also have a great group of friends that I train with most days!”
SHEREE’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“If you are sore after a big event, it’s best to keep moving with easy recovery walks for the next week.”
“My biggest achievement so far has been completing in the 100km Surf Coast Century Trail event.”
Meet Mel Reber, single mother of two on a journey for a healthier and happier life. Mel, a fisiocrem sponsored athlete, discovered the love of running and lost 50kg!
She started with a healthy eating plan and walking 1-2 km a day, increasing the distance slowly. A month later Mel participated in her first parkrun and joined a gym. Six months later she completed her first 10 km event.
“I couldn’t believe it when I finished and was a ‘runner’ considering where I had been just 6 months earlier.”
“At the end of 2018 I was at my goal weight of 80kg which is a 50kg loss from 2013, 25kg loss from the beginning of the year.”
At the start of 2019 Mel completed her first half marathon and by the end of the year she had discovered trail running was her passion and completed Blackall 100 50k ultramarathon in Queensland.
When asked about what motivates her, Mel says “My kids are ultimately my motivation, they drive me to be a better version of myself. I want to show them that being active should be a natural part of life.”
“I also have so many people surrounding me who are constantly kicking goals and making me want to push harder to achieve mine. I have an amazing tribe supporting me.”
“2022 is starting off slow and steady due to my recovery from surgery. So the year is all about getting stronger and fitter and working up to my big goal of tackling the Sunshine Coast half marathon in August and chasing my PB set in 2019.
MEL’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“My biggest tip is regular stretching! Also, listen to your body, apply fisiocrem and have rest days.”
“I just believed in myself and never gave up”
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