Peak2Soon

**Trigger Warning**  This piece discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. 

For help in a crisis call 000. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

Alison To is an ultra runner inspiring many through her sheer determination which she shares on her instagram ali_runs_an_ultra. But her story is one that's been a rollercoaster, 

Many will relate to Alison using running as a form of release, and she's not shy to share the mental challenges and depression that she's faced, but she does so with a sprinkling of humour throughout. 

Truth is she's an absolute joy who has a big heart. A proud woman of asian heritage, she's breaking down cultural stereotypes as she prepares for her next big challenge in the Race Across Scotland.

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

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

James Sieber is the 2023 Archie winner down at Mt Buller, but his journey to this point is one of great interest.

Born into a family of skiiers, James gave up the sport and moved down under with his now wife Shivonne. This chat was a lot of fun, talking about technical downhill running, the Victorian Alpine region and winning blocks of wood!

James is a down to earth guy who is now giving back to the sport as a coach and it was a lot of fun to talk about his journey so far on the Peak2Soon Podcast, I know you'll all get a lot out of this one.

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

Maree Connor's story is simply incredible, after being faced with the difficult situation of requiring major back surgery, since then she's made just about every post a winner.

An incredibly strong willed individual, Maree has completed and won some of Australia's toughest ultras including back-to-back victories in the Coast to Kosci.

She loves talking about running as much as me, so this was a true joy to chat about Maree's journey, the iconic beer selfies and her dream of one day representing Australia.

All this just weeks out from the biggest race of her life at Badwater 135. If you want to support Maree as she becomes the 20th Aussie to race at Badwater, you can donate below which is the fundraiser her friends started to help her realise her dream of racing in the world's toughest ultra:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-toughest-foot-race-on-the-planet

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

What more can you say about Cassie Cohen? Already building such an impressive ultra running resume that others could only dream about, and she's still in her 20s.

But it's her humble nature and ability to overcome adversity that will continue to win her admirers. I learnt a lot in this chat with Cassie, and thoroughly enjoyed her deep insight into her ultra running journey in the last couple of years, and the challenges that have come from training for big races while working on tiny pacific island nations.

She's a gem and such a positive force in the sport, I can wait to see what she does in the near future.

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

Joe Ward is one of the leading ultra runners in Australia. 

Just last week he took first place down in Coburg at the Victorian 24 Hour Track Championship, which doubled as the AURA 24 Hour National Championship.

On top of his incredible achievements on the track, he's also a Coast to Kosci champion and holds the Fastest Known Time running from Brisbane to Sydney.

It's an incredible listen from a man who has been on a long journey of self discovery. He shares a lot of tips and tricks and some quotes, as well as a lot of love for his coach Martin Fryer and mindset coach Claudine Chicheportiche, this is a must listen for anyone who is looking to push their limits!

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

This is an unedited insight into the mindset of the World's Best Ultra Runner, that wants to break the 48-hour world record this weekend in Canberra.

Camille Herron is an absolute joy, and while being a champion runner, she's also a champion person. I was able to go out and have a chat to Camille, hit record on the laptop and get an incredible insight into how the world's best prepares for a 48-hour race.

Not even the thunder and lightning outside could deter Camille's spirit, this was a lot of fun and I'm thankful for Conor organising the opportunity to speak to Camille. We're all pushing for Camille to break the world record this weekend!

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

Allicia Heron is an incredible ultra athlete who most recently broke the Australian Women's 48-hour record in Taipei posting an incredible 361.160 kilometres.

It follows a whirlwind couple of months where she placed third at the Asia and Oceania Pacific 24-hour event in India, being part of an incredible Australian team that took gold for the women, before turning it around for a second placing behind Maree Connor at Coast to Kosci.

Allicia shares her insights following the race in Taipei as well as how she balances life as a working mum, with being one of Australia's premier ultra runners. It's an insightful chat that was a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy!

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