Professional ultra runner Lucy Bartholomew ran her first 100k at Surf Coast Century when she was 16. Not because she wanted to be someone, or become someone. She just wanted to run it. And she did – with her dad right there on her shoulder.

In this conversation, we talk about the “Ned effect” era, where runners are taking on big challenges to become known, rather than having a more intrinsic motivation. We discuss body image issues which are rife in running and made worse now by social media, and the hardships Lucy faced finding her identity as a young athlete in the public eye. We also ponder whether awareness around eating disorders and under fuelling is getting through to the next wave of runners in the running boom.

Hearing Lucy speak will make you want to run trails! She has a contagious positive energy that you can’t help but be inspired by. Lucy is currently in Chamonix where she’s preparing for her third Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) at the end of August. She hopes to better her 10th place performances from the past two years.

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Lucy Bartholomew is one of Australia’s most accomplished ultramarathon and endurance athletes. She’s earned podium finishes at several major races, including Ultra‑Trail Australia and the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. She is one of few women to complete both the Ultra‑Trail du Mont‑Blanc and the Ironman World Championship in the same year (and she did it twice – in 2023 and 2024). A Salomon-sponsored athlete, Lucy is also a coach, creator, and passionate advocate for trail running and women’s health.

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This episode is sponsored by Mikro Coffee Roasters. Head to Mikro.coffee and use code RUNWITHIT10 for 10% off.

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Follow us on Instagram:

@lucy_bartholomew

@runwithit.pod

@elisebeacom

@mikrocoffeeroasters

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Intro/outro music by Dan Beacom

Graphic design by Kate Scheer