The RMA Podcast. Episode 48. Barkley Marathons and other adventures. With Isobel Ross.

On Episode 48 of the RMA Podcast we speak with mum and ultra runner, Isobel Ross. Isobel came to running from mountain biking, where she was after a new adventure that wouldn't leave her broken, yet would still provide her with a challenge. Soon after she ran her first few races she was hooked, and she quickly learnt that she not only had talent for racing in mountains (she won her first ultra at 6 foot track in 4hrs 11 minutes), but she fell in love with running in them, and running a long way.

Isobel is no stranger to long distances, having competed as a 3-time Australian long distance mountain running representative at the World Championships with a best finishing place of 10th female, and first Australian female, and has competed and won some of the worlds toughest ultra mountain marathons, including a Fastest Known Time on the 7 highest peaks in Victoria. Isobel is an incredible, yet humble athlete who has raced all over the globe, including participating in the notorious Barkley Marathons.

In this episode we specifically wanted to chat to Isobel about how she came to running from mountain biking, and what she loved about it, and especially what she loved and learned about herself through the experience of ultra running.

We also chat to her at length about her experience at the coveted Barkley Marathons, where she has not only competed once, but twice! We wanted to know why she chose the Barkley, how she gained her spot on the start line, what her training entailed for such a feat, and what lessons it taught her, along with the interesting characters she met, and we wanted to learn more about the challenging nature of this race - one of the toughest races in the world.

This episode is fun and insightful, and Isobel is so easy to talk to, and makes you want to lace up and run out the door into the mountains! She makes it sounds so easy! Not only does she exude a positive, motivational attitude, she is humble in her approach, allowing herself to learn from others along the way, and share her knowledge and experience as a coach and mentor to many.

You can find out more about Isobel at her website www.peakendurancecoaching.com.au, or on instagram at @isobel.r

This episode is brought to you by fisiocrem Australia.