The Trail Runners Experience
By Daniel Farrugia
Hosted by Daniel Farrugia and Ashley Druve
The Trail Runners Experience Feb 20, 2019
# 85 ft. Lara Hamilton
Lara Hamilton is an Australian distance runner, producer/vocalist, and digital growth hacker who discovered her passion for trail running while training as a nordic and cross-country skier. She was part of the Boise State University Track/XC Team from 2019 to 2021 but now focuses on trail-based sports. Lara has traveled the world for both sport and adventure and has found a balance between her trail running pursuits and her successful career.
Lara and I have a wide ranging discussion in today's episode covering her amazing career, living and training at altitude, opera singing, and the dangers of running on treadmills.
Listen in as Lara prepares to embark on her 2023 race campaign, starting with UTA 22 in Sydney then off to the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Austria.
Follow Lara on Instagram @lara_hamilton
or check out her website https://larahamilton.com/
Credits
Podcast Host: Daniel Farrugia
Guest: Lara Hamilton
Music
'The Podcast Intro' - Music Unlimited (via Pixabay)
Support The Trail Runners Experience Podcast by sharing this episode with everyone you know. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Legend has it, if you leave a kind review you will automatically qualify for UTMB*
Coaching
If you are looking for a coach to get you into the running shape of your life email Daniel Farrugia - distancerunnersunlimited@gmail.com
*not guaranteed
If you've read this far down the show notes, congratulations! Have a lovely day :)
#84 ft. Fraser Darcy
He's a runner, rock climber, sailor, sea kayaker, back country skier and all round outdoors-man and he also happens to be a really awesome guy and now he is the 2023 Australian Mountain Running Champion. His name is Fraser Darcy and he joins the podcast live from the unofficial capital of the majestic Flinders Ranges, Quorn, South Australia. We talk about Fraser's outstanding running performances and how his love for the outdoors has helped him become such an incredible runner. Now, this passion now takes Fraser to the pinnacle of world mountain running in Austria in August 2023 as he competes in the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships.
Listen in and support this outstanding South Aussie athlete as he represents Australia on the big stage wearing the 'Green & Gold'. Go get 'em Fraser!
Check out Fraser's awesome sponsors here:
Fraser's blog is full of great info and race reports, I highly recommend it:
Credits
Podcast Host: Daniel Farrugia
Guest: Fraser Darcy
Music
'The Podcast Intro' - Music Unlimited (via Pixabay)
Support The Trail Runners Experience Podcast by sharing this episode with everyone you know. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Coaching
If you are looking for a coach to get you into the running shape of your life email Daniel Farrugia - distancerunnersunlimited@gmail.com
#83 ft. Matt Allbeury
Trail runner Matt Allbeury joins the podcast for an excellent chat about his most audacious running goal - running 1000kms in 30 days through the Swiss Alps from Zurich to Trieste as part of his Project Alp Run where he is supporting Trees For The Future - an organisation that aims to 'break the cycle of hunger, poverty, and environmental destruction' by planting trees and reestablishing landscapes in developing communities throughout the world.
We talk about Matt's journey to running and what brought him to such an incredible place in his running life. In this wide ranging discussing we talk about everything from martial arts (another of Matt's passions) to philosophy to how to defend yourself if attacked by a bear in the wild (something that is a very real threat on Matt's epic journey).
I always enjoy my conversations on this podcast but I must say that I feel extremely inspired by Matt as a person and by this incredible feat he is about to undertake. I would love to see people support Project Alp Run and Trees For The Future. The planet is at stake.
Be inspired.
Support Matt Allbeury below. Click the links, change the world...
Project Alp Run https://www.projectalprun.com
Trees For The Future https://trees.org
Credits
Podcast Host: Daniel Farrugia
Guest: Matt Albeury
Music
'The Podcast Intro' - Music Unlimited (via Pixabay)
Support The Trail Runners Experience Podcast by sharing this episode with everyone you know. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
Coaching
If you are looking for a coach to get you into the running shape of your life email Daniel Farrugia - distancerunnersunlimited@gmail.com
Sidejog 3: Hash anyone?
We explore the weird and wonderful world of Hash House Harriers. This was a Happy and Hilarious episode to record. Enjoy.
Music:
"Funky Burger" by The Mountain
pixabay.com/music/search/Funky%20Burger/
Sidejog 2: I'm walkin' here!
In today's Sidejog we take a "walk" down memory lane and talk about the most popular sport in the Western World throughout the 1900s - Pedestrianism.
Music by The Mountain - 'Funky Burger' (Pixabay)
#82 ft. Toby Durnall
Welcome to part 2 of the Toby Durnall Experience. Listen to episode #75 for part 1.
Toby rejoins the podcast almost a year after his first appearance to talk all about Marathon De Sables and UTMB. No spoilers. Just listen to the episode to hear from a very inspiring man!
#81 ft. Dannielle Vanderhuel
Dannielle Vanderhuel joins the podcast to talk about that wonderful and crazy sport called trail running. Her recent success shows that she's pretty damn good at it too. Dannielle has numerous wins under her belt including Yurrebilla, Five Peaks and Run Adelaide Hundred just to name a few. It was awesome fun talking with Dannielle. Hope you enjoy.
And I know there is no such thing as a 'bubbling metropolis'.... I'm human :)
#80 ft. Nathan Pearce
Nathan Pearce runs into this episode of the Trail Runners Experience at break-neck speed and makes history by becoming the fastest athlete to ever grace the ears of TRE listeners. Fresh from his run scintillating run at the Golden ticket race at the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, NSW, Nathan unpacks his training and racing starting from humble beginnings at Little Athletics to the heady heights of racing at the World Mountain Running championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and how he came to truly enjoy running. He has built a running resume that would be the envy of many. Nathan is equal parts talented and humble so it was an absolute pleasure conversing with him. I hope you enjoy this chat us much as I did.
Credits:
Music by Music_Unlimited from Pixabay
Sidejog: Cheaters be cheatin'!
Kate rejoins the podcast as we launch this new side project of the Trail Runners Experience called 'Sidejog'. It is a fun informal look at the world of running. In this episode we discuss the greatest marathon cheat of all time - Rosie Ruiz.
Enjoy!
Credits:
Music by The_Mountain from Pixabay
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosie_Ruiz
https://youtu.be/jf07fcP7YYc
#79 ft. Steve Brennan
Join me as I dive into the world of mountain running with Melbourne based coach, Steve Brennan. Steve is a highly experienced runner and coaches a squad of seriously fast runners. Together we discuss the similarities and differences between various disciplines, from cross country to Fell running to marathon running to mountain and sky running. Steve lays out some coaching gold with some excellent training tips to become a better hill runner and shares his passion for the sport of running.
Credits:
Podcast intro - Music by Music_Unlimited from Pixabay
#78 Zone training, Nutrition and more
#77 ft. Adelaide 6 Day Race, The Wild announcement and training cake 🍰
#76 ft. Yurrebilla 2022
#75 ft. Toby Durnall (1 of 3)
After a very long hiatus, The Trail Runners Experience is back featuring new interviews! This season will take on a new approach with most of the interviewees being athletes who are coached by me (Coach Daniel Farrugia) so that you the listener may gain an insight into what it takes to prepare for endurance races of all kinds.
The Toby Durnall Experience Part 1
In this first part we learn about Toby. We find out how he came to be a runner and build up to his first 50km ultra less than two years ago to now (March 2022) as he prepares to embark on two of the biggest and most prestigious ultras on the planet - The Marathon des Sables (250km) and then Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (170km). How does Toby feel as he stands on the precipice of such huge races? Well, you'll have to listen in to find out.
#74 ft. Malcolm Law
Malcolm made an incredibly inspiring film about his 50 in 50 challenge. Buy it here
vimeo.com/ondemand/fiftythemovie
And he has a book which you can buy here
www.penguin.com.au/books/one-step-beyond-9781742539041
#73 ft. Sonja Jansen returns!
Sonja Jansen returns to the podcast after her blistering world class run at the 2021 Adelaide 24 hour where she covered more than 233km for a huge outright win, female course record and fell just 5km short of the national record. Listen in as we discuss the last few months of her incredible running career and find out what it takes to run with such class and humility while juggling work, family and lockdown.
#72 ft. Matthew Woodman and Tamas Lorincz
In this special episode I catch up with two of my athletes, Matthew and Tamas after they recently completed the monumental Irrational S.O.U.T.H 200 miler. Both men ran, walked and crawled from Murray Bridge to Clare in South Australia in cold wet conditions over 320 kilometres. In this coaching catch-up, we discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of this huge effort and find out what worked and didn't work with regards to training program, nutrition, pacing strategy and much more.
Enjoy this special episode of the Trail Runners Experience and don't forget to leave a review of the podcast on Apple podcasts.
#71 ft. Ben Hockings
Ben Hockings - the Great Uncle of trail running in South Australia - returns to The Trail Runners Experience to discuss his Race Directing career, his new and unique ultra series (The Ultra Hard Series), the reasons why he has decided to hang up the race directing hat and running in general. Ben has a wide range of interests when it comes to running so we went for a bit of an exploration of those interests in this conversation. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Ultra Hard Series here: https://ultrahard.com.au/
#70 ft. Rebecca Hunt
Rebecca Hunt returns to the podcast 50 episodes after her first appearance on the Trail Runners Experience, this time as host of her very own awesome podcast called Tales From The Midpack. In this special crossover episode we discuss all things 2020 and give a thumbs up or thumbs down to various running related gear or experiences. Have a listen to this episode and then go listen to Rebecca's excellent podcast where you will hear conversations with real people doing massive things.
https://talesfromthemidpack.wordpress.com/podcasts/
#69 ft. Brett Crosby
Brett from Adelaide Trail Runners joins the podcast to talk about this newly formed venture that aims to bring some new and interesting events to the Adelaide area. The Summer Trail Series (created by Ben Hockings of Ultra Runners SA) is the first exciting event to take place and Brett speaks of his excitement and nervousness at launching this fantastic trail running enterprise. Listen in to hear about the varied and interesting courses on offer for the 2020/21 Summer Trail Series.
If you want to know more about Adelaide Trail Runners go here - https://www.adelaidetrailrunners.com.au/
#68 ft. Jessica Schluter
Jessica Schluter is a two time winner of the Blackall 100, Australian representative at the World Trail Running Championships 100 and has performed extremely well at a high level in Australian ultras for a number of years. It really is amazing how friendships form on the trail. I met Jess during the Ultra Easy 100km in New Zealand in January 2020 and in today's episode we recap that incredible race experience as well explore her training, racing and what it is that she hates about running (spoiler alert: she doesn't hate anything about running). Enjoy.
#67 ft. Hayley Teale
Hayley Teale is one incredible athlete. With a list of ultra wins longer than my arm, Hayley shares her joy of running and her approach to training in today's episode. A true lover of trails with a knack for dominating the uphills, Hayley is a proponent of strength training and doesn't mind a few hill repeats. This is a must listen for anyone wondering how to get better on the hills and also because Hayley is very entertaining and friendly. Wrap your ears around it!!
#66 ft. Sonja Jansen
Frequently finishing on top of the podium, Sonja Jansen is a fantastic athlete, an aerospace engineer, a wife, a mother and much more. In this episode we dive into what makes Sonja tick and how she has become one of South Australia's top ultra athletes. Wrap your ears around this episode if you want to hear an inspiring story from a truly incredible woman.
#65 ft. Kym Williams
With over 60 ultras and 35 Marathons under his belt Kym Williams knows a thing or two about running long distances and finding his limits. A stalwart of the South Australian running community for several decades Kym shares his insights in today's podcast episode, just days after completing his 9th Heysen 105, demonstrating humility, appreciation for the trail and ultra community and a deep determination to push on until the very end.
#64 ft. Tamas Lorincz
After a long hiatus The Trail Runners Experience is back with an incredibly inspirational man to kick things off. Tamas tells the story of his fascinating journey across the planet, from Germany to Iraq to Dubai and finally to Adelaide. Tamas shares the lessons of his successes and failures in running as he continues to grow into a positive force in the ultra running community. Listen in as he details his experience at the 2020 Irrational South 200 mile (fat ass edition).
#63 ft. Beau Miles
Father, husband, adventurer, runner, kayaker, Youtuber, PhD, story teller, lumberjack and human bean, Beau Miles joins The Trail Runners Experience for a in-depth conversation about his simply breathtaking adventures including his 650km run along the Australian Alpine Walking Track, kayaking around the Southern tip of Africa and eating his body-weight in Beans to name but a few adventures. An amazing chat with an amazing man. Not to be missed!
Coaching Roundtable 4
The latest installment of the Coaching Roundtable featuring Ashley Druve, Isobel Ross and Daniel Farrugia sees our coaches grappling with some big questions in this new world. We discuss goals - both short term and long term, and the power of the taper for rest, recovery and performance. As always we cover things in as much detail as possible and we will probably leave the conversation with more questions than answers but we had fun and hope you you do too.
Stay safe,
Stay kind,
Peace.
#62 ft. Ina Schapiro
Ina Schapiro returns to the podcast to share some valuable perspectives and tips on how runners can stay safe and be responsible during the Covid 19 pandemic. As a doctor who works in Accident and Emergency in a large public hospital, Ina is quite literally on the front line of this global pandemic. She also happens to be one of Daniel's awesome athletes.
#61 ft. Steve Tripp
Our Kiwi friend Steve Tripp joins the fun on the podcast as we share our favourite races of all time and discuss the adventures and true joys of running.
Note: There is little, to know talk of Covid 19 in today's episode. Its all about running!!
#60 ft. Andy Blow
Former elite triathlete and founder of Precision Hydration Andy Blow joins the Trail Runners Experience to talk all things sweat and hydration. Ash, Daniel and Andy deep dive on hydration in this episode, so take notes.
If you want to try out some of the awesome products available from Precision Hydration go here: precisionhydration.com and put it in the CODE TRAILRUNNERSEXPERIENCE at the checkout to get 15% off your first order.
Also, as a super amazing special offer to listeners of the Trail Runners Experience, the team at Precision Hydration are giving you all 50% off their Science of Hydration course with TrainingPeaks. Go to this link https://trainingpeaks-university.thinkific.com/courses/science-of-endurance-hydration and use the code SWEAT-H6YF. Amazing opportunity to get educated.
#59 ft. Cam Munro
In today's episode we talk all things 'Last One Standing' with one of the best in the game, Cam Munro. Cam is an accomplished ultra runner who has been hitting the LOS race scene hard and has even qualified for the prestigious Big Backyard Ultra in Tennessee hosted by the legendary Lazarus Lake. Cam gives some incredible insight into his training and what it takes to push yourself beyond the limits.
Enjoy!
Coaching Roundtable 3
This special episode of the Coaching Roundtable talks about the biggest news in the world at the moment - Coronavirus (Covid 19). Ashley, Daniel and Isobel talk about how this global pandemic is impacting the running community and wider community and what we can and should do. Keep running, be kind, stay safe and wash your hands.
Get the facts about Covid 19 here:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.health.gov.au/
And have a laugh for no reason here:
https://youtu.be/lcZmISpjQXI
#58 ft. Brodie Sharpe
Brodie Sharpe from the Run Smarter Podcast joins The Trail Runners Experience to talk about common running injuries and how runners might avoid getting injured in the first place. Brodie is a qualified and practicing physiotherapist (and a passionate runner) with a wealth of knowledge when it comes to runners bodies.
In our weekly training talk Ashley and Daniel discuss their low mileage weeks and how this will help them both as they move forward with their training.
#57 ft. Robbie and Sarah Wickham
In today's episode Daniel interviews Adelaide trail/ultra runners Robbie and Sarah Wickham. Robbie and Sarah share their incredible story of their passion for the trails and their unique trail wedding at the Oscar's Hut 2 Hut last year plus amazing experiences at numerous ultras all around the world.
In this weeks training chat Ashley recovers quickly from his most recent cancer treatment and Daniel has a recovery week.
#56 ft. Simone Brick
Sensational Simone Brick returns to The Trail Runners Experience and talks about her busy life balancing work, study and a huge training load. She goes into detail about recovering from her recent injury and then building up to some of her finest running performances to date.
Ash and Daniel Talk about there respective running weeks and Ash takes a bath.
Coaching Roundtable 2
In this episode of the Coaching Roundtable the coaches discuss have a wide ranging discussion. Ashley asks about Macrocycles, Mesocycles and Microcycles, Isobel asks about recovery between big races and Daniel wants to know how everyone builds mental toughness.
Don't forget to join the Coaching Roundtable facebook group to join the converstaion https://www.facebook.com/groups/269507017357124/
#55 ft. Chris Ord
Journalist, photographer, videographer, editor, producer, trail guide, event manager and all round adventure lover Chris Ord joins the conversation to talk about his fascinating life as an outdoors-man and the epic Oscars Hut 2 Hut that was run over the weekend. In this wide ranging discussion we talk in depth about all the things that Chris loves including the trails, beer appreciation and the community that makes trail running so awesome.
In our training update, Ashley recovers well from his latest treatment and has started cranking more quality mileage and Daniel has sore glutes.
#54 ft. Andre Laboy
This week's episode features a fantastic conversation with Andre Laboy. Andre is the head of product at Vdot02, the coaching platform Daniel uses to coach his numerous athletes. Andre is a very accomplished athlete and coach in is his own right and gives us a great insight into his running story and how he approaches coaching using Vdot02.
In our training catch-up, Ashley unpacks the enormous amount of running he has been doing and we find out if he can continue running a marathon a day while Daniel recovers from a minor cold and starts to step up his training for the Hubert 100 mile race in May.
Coaching Roundtable 1
In the first OFFICIAL episode of our Coaching Roundtable, Daniel Farrugia, Isobel Ross and Ashley Druve dive head first into three running related questions. This monthly collaboration will cover training, racing, gear, nutrition, hydration, mental preparation and much more.
In this week's episode we discuss, strength training (and when to do it), downhill running (and how to get better at it) and sweaty shoes (gross!)
Enjoy.
Join the conversation by becoming a member of our Facebook group - Coaching Rountable.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/269507017357124/
#53 ft. Terry Davis
In this episode Daniel recaps his Ultra Easy's 100km race in New Zealand that he ran over the weekend and Ash discusses his battles with the heat and humidity in Qld.
Daniel interviews race director of the Northburn 100, Mount Difficulty Ascent and of course the Ultra Easy, Terry Davis. Listen in as Terry and Daniel get into some detail about the best running events in New Zealand and what constitutes a 'good honest ultra'.
If you want to run in some of New Zealand's most incredible races check the links below.
https://cavalcade.co.nz/2018/08/20/the-garston-gutbuster/
https://www.northburn100.co.nz/
https://mtdifficultyascent.com/
https://theultraeasy100.nz/
#52 ft. Lauren and Kieran Rooke
Today's episode sees Ashley and Daniel square off about tapering for races as Daniel prepares to jet off for New Zealand for his 100km race, The Ultra Easy. We cover Ashley's training week and the postponement of his epic Sea 2 Snowy adventure due to the ongoing bush fire crisis in many parts of Australia.
Daniel talks to today's guests, Lauren and Kieran Rooke, two of South Australia's best trail runners. Have a listen to this fun, informal discussion.
#51 ft. Isobel Ross again
Isobel Ross returns to the podcast to share her experience at the Great Southern Endurance run and her preparations for her next race - the legendary Barkley Marathons. Ash and Daniel share their training updates and go into detail on numerous training topics with Isobel, including using hiking poles, finding the balance between uphill and flat running plus many more.
#50 Christmas Special ft. Jenna Brook and Tim &Laura Cole
Merry Christmas trail runners! In this epic DOUBLE Header final episode of The Trail Runners Experience for 2019, Ashley and Daniel recap their year of running and discuss future plans and the best things about running and trail running in particular.
You get two interviews this week. Talk about value!
Listen in as Ashley and Daniel talk to Jenna Brook, the mastermind behind an exciting new event in Australia's Simpson Desert - The Simpson Desert Ultra. An event to add to your 2020 running calendar. Jenna also happens to be a pretty handy ultra runner having run from the top of Australia to the bottom just for kicks!
In the second interview of this Christmas Special, we meet the race directors behind the Guzzler ultra in Queensland, Tim and Laura Cole, a husband and wife team who somehow manage to balance parental duties between training, organising races and operating a trail running shop in Brisbane.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make The Trail Runners Experience podcast what it is today. May you have an excellent Christmas and New Year break and get ready to make 2020 your best running year yet!
See you in January 2020!
#49 ft. Jacqui Bell
Jacqui Bell is the youngest person to run an ultra marathon on all seven continents. She is an ambitious ultra runner and motivational speaker who works hard to achieve her goals. Listen to her inspiring story in this episode.
Ashley and Daniel talk about their training and Ash unveils his next big adventure. Check out his website here: http://www.sea2snowy.run/
Check out Jacqui's website below: http://jacqui-bell.com/
#48 ft. Cecilia Mattas
The newest 'Flying Finn', Cecilia Mattas takes us through her fantastic victory at the Blackall 50 and her rise to trail running dominance. Listen in to hear the first (and maybe last) Trail Trivia where Ashley takes on the Cecilia in a no holds barred battle of wits.
Also, Ashley and Daniel recap their training week, Ash highlights an interesting development in his cancer treatment and Daniel retells his encounter with Australia's most feared predator... Drop Bears!
#47 ft. Brett Standring
Blackall 100 race director, ultra runner and all round top bloke, joins Ashley and Daniel in his post-Blackall 100 2019 interview and talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of race directing.
Ashley and Daniel also go into a bit too much detail about a rather 'crappy' but relevant topic, and Daniel talks about his Heysen 105 recovery and the lead up to the next race on his schedule.
Check out the Run Queensland website here http://www.runqld.com.au/
#46 ft. Lauren Shay
Also, Daniel recaps his run at the 2019 Heysen 105 held in South Australia at the weekend. Did he get a pb or did he blow up in spectacular fashion? You will have to listen to find out.
# 45 ft. Shona Stephenson
Trail running legend and race director of the Brisbane Trail Ultra Shona Stephenson regales us with her epic running career and tales from the trails. Check out the link below to find out more about Shona's race:
https://www.facebook.com/brisbanetrailultra/?eid=ARDBXs4w-BEH5Ny3_lspOBUiUGdiwDhv8pm9dWB9DUdmWNq2ifTI3lNSBByYFaXJYzyHDghCIWjFkyL3&fref=tag
Or here for her PT business:
http://outdoorptbrisbane.com.au/meet-your-personal-trainer/
For 10% off all your Infinit nutrition products go to the following link and put 'DRU' at the checkout:
https://www.infinitnutrition.com.au/
#44 ft. Amanda and Joel Stetler
Amanda and Joel Stetler are an incredibly inspiring couple from the USA. In this episode they share their passion for running and the harrowing challenges of Joel's cancer diagnosis as they prepare to run one of the world's most iconic marathons, The New York City Marathon. Prepare to be inspired.
If you are inspired by Joel and Amanda's story and would like to make a difference please go to the link below to read more about Joel's story and make a donation.
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/brave-like-gabe-nyc-2019/amandastetler
#43 ft. Alun Davies
In this episode we get inside the mind of race director and running coach, Alun Davies. Join us as Alun gives an interesting insight into the challenges and rewards of being an ultra RD.
Check out Alun's awesome events at the this link: https://www.aaaracing.com.au/