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Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Mark, a father of two girls and a training consultant within the meat industry.
Mark’s favourite sport is a combination of running and cycling. He loves variety, adventures, and meeting different people while staying fit. His goal with his fitness journey is “to inspire as many people as possible.” Mark encourages everyone to get out there and have some fun!
Mark’s most significant fitness achievement has been training for his first marathon in 2020 and completing his first ultra-marathon just four weeks later. It may sound crazy, but he finds it incredible what our bodies can accomplish. “I’m grateful for my coach, who helped me realise my limits and what goals I can reach.”
Mark is an active person who prefers to train toward a goal. This year, he was aiming to participate in the Peaks Challenge Falls Creek, which unfortunately got cancelled. But, he recently won fisiocrem’s Gold Coast Marathon Grand prize and he says, “I am excited to participate in my second marathon this year.”
When asked about who supports and motivates him Mark says, “My wife and two young daughters. They allow me to chase my goals and do what I love. I hope my fitness journey will inspire them to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
MARK’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“I believe nothing beats a good night’s sleep to recharge for the next day.”
“I want to inspire as many people as possible to have fun while running.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Mark, just an ordinary athlete living his extraordinary life through the running community.
Mark’s main sport is running, which has taken over as his top activity! He is constantly on the hunt for more events to enter and to represent the purple army in anyway he can. Mark says, “I love the community spirit, engagement and accomplishment of park runs.”
Mark’s biggest achievement to date was completing the fisiocrem River Run, after suffering a serious knee injury the year prior. He mentioned, “I stupidly competed in the event and suffered my first and only ‘Did Not Finish’ result. So coming back from that setback at last year’s event crushed the demons that haunted me.”
One of Mark’s biggest weaknesses is to “keep pushing through the tough part of the run.” He understands that to improve this he needs to “learn to pace the first part of the run and stretch the effort over the whole run.”
As Mark plans for the 2023 calendar, he wants to keep enjoying the excitement of racing and crossing each finish line again and again. Although his eyes are set on completing the Kakoda track in Papua New Guinea for his 50th birthday. Mark says, “I’m not setting any expectations for myself and just enjoying the thrills.”
When asked about who supports and motivates him Mark says, “My partner Karena, along with the love and support from my running tribe, which is second to none.”
MARK’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“My top recovery tip is to consume quality nutrition and getting enough rest is the most important thing for recovery.’’
“No matter what your running abilities or difficulties may be, we run together.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Carly, a devoted mum of two who works in the education sector and is also a director of her local park run. Carly began running in 2015, as she’s not very coordinated “it was also a way of managing my anxiety.” She worked her way up from struggling to run 100m to having now completed multiple marathons and ultramarathons.
Carly’s biggest achievement to date is completing a 50km Ultra Marathon during her house renovations! After her race was rescheduled, she also had to face working/parenting obstacles to overcome in order to complete the race. She mentioned, “it was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done.” All the early morning runs followed by long workdays, saw Carly conquer her Ultra Marathon goal!
One of Carly’s biggest weaknesses is her strength training. She says, “It seems to be the first thing I drop when I have limited time and have to set myself a goal to incorporate strength sessions into my future training plans.”
Carly always sets herself a goal to achieve each year. Her 2023 goal is to complete another Ultra Marathon and break the 50km+ distance. Carly says, “I want to see how capable I am both physically and mentally.” Carly will hire a coach to improve her physical strength.
When asked about who supports and motivates her Carly says, “My two boys, along with my husband support me in all aspects of life. They remind me that running makes me a better mum because it’s an outlet to de-stress.”
CARLY’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“My top recovery tip is having a nice hot shower and long stretch before bed to improve your recovery.”
“I follow a lot of athletes on social media and take inspiration from them.”
Meet fisiocrem sponsored athlete Chelsea, a mum of four working in retail. Chelsea found her feet with running back in 2020, after
losing 60kg to improve her overall health.
Chelsea absolutely loves all types of terrains, but mostly enjoys climbing the muddy mountains during her adventurous trail runs in nature. Chelsea says, “It’s a big relief for me in my mind and helps me refresh and reflect.”
Chelsea’s biggest achievement is running her first Half Marathon back in 2020, followed by her first Ultra Marathon (50km) at the annual Blackall event. Chelsea says, “this was the hardest mental challenge I’ve ever faced, while my mind felt destroyed with all the emotions.” Chelsea has now completed a total of four Ultra Marathons (50km). Her 2023 goals are to tackle more difficult mountain terrains on various trail runs, complete more night runs, and step out of her comfort zone. She wants to become the best version of herself by limiting any self-doubt.
CHELSEA’S TOP RECOVERY TIPS
“My top recovery tip is having a nice yoga stretch before bed to improve your recovery.”
“I absolutely love showing myself what I’m capable of and turning the impossible into reality. Stretching and strength are my biggest weaknesses. I have now found an amazing physiotherapist that helps me navigate my way through injuries, helping get me back on track. When asked about who supports and motivates her; Chelsea says, “My family, friends, and myself all motivate me to be the best I can be.
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.”
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