The RMA Podcast. Episode 8. Finding joy in your own adventures with Michelle Hooper.

On this episode of The RMA Podcast we talk to mum of two and amateur trail runner Michelle Hooper. In the light of the recent lockdowns at the beginning of the year, and subsequently event after event being cancelled or changed to another time, Michelle decided to set herself a goal of running the fastest known self-supported time on the Cape to Cape Track in WA.

The Cape to Cape track runs roughly 135km from Cape Leeuwin to Cape Naturaliste, in South West WA. The track covers around 30km of beach running, clifftop or inland sandy trails with some tricky slow rock sections and a 4WD track.

Michelle needed to run under 26 hours to complete the fastest known self-supported time, and she did just that completing 134km in 25hours 49minutes 49 seconds to claim the new self-supported FKT. Not only did she complete her goal, she raised over $3,500 for the Perth Childrens Foundation in the process.

We talk to Michelle about her journey from her first parkrun only 18 months ago to completing this recent achievement, and in this episode we discuss how to really embrace the adventures that life throws at us, and that although we can't control what is going on around us in our world, we can control our mindset and create our own adventures. Throughout this episode we discuss how finding joy in the planning and process of your own adventures can be the most rewarding experience of all.

We dive right into training with two young children and navigating the risks along the way while planning for this great adventure. We talk to Michelle about what she learned about herself on this journey and how it has changed her attitude towards running and trail running in general.

This conversation will leave you questioning why you lace up, and what brings you the most joy in the adventures you embrace, and maybe if you think a little differently, and be bold enough to try new adventures you may be surprised by the places you will go.

You can follow Michelle and her adventures on instagram at @shell.runs or find out more about her FKT here.

As discussed in this episode, you can find Michelle's choice of trail nutrition on instagram at @eatnosht.anz.