Australia
Since starting with Mile 27 around 3 years ago Rosemary has moved from marathons to ultra marathons. She has competed in a number of 100 milers in both the UK and the US, plus the infamous Marathon De Sables in Morocco, where she was a guide runner for a blind athlete. A big jump up from a road marathon, but Rosemary has handled it all with apparent ease, although she will have other thoughts on that! She gives back to the sport regularly spending time clearing trails in the US and helping Blind Dave (as he is known) train and compete and possibly enjoys a post race wine as much as she enjoys finishing a race , but it’s always richly deserved!
She is also the reason Mile 27 has a large U.A.E runner base as she was the first runner from the area who then brought in others to the Mile 27 team.
Rosemary encounters more wildlife on her runs than any other Mile 27 athlete from snakes and spiders , wild boar and deer to Armadillos and alligators – yes you read that right – certainly keeps her training runs interesting !
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RUNNING ULTRAMARATHONS?
My first was Two Oceans, 56km in March 2013.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN THE SPORT?
After Dubai marathon, I was sitting with a group of friends. Only one of us had run ultras at the time and proposed a fun trip to South Africa to run with a few days wine tasting afterwards. It was the last bit that sold it to me!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE RACE?
South Downs Way 100 miles in the UK.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM A RACE SO FAR?
Running next to alligators in Brazos Bend Park and thinking of the briefing advice – if you want to overtake an alligator, don’t jump over it!
WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ULTRAMARATHON ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Finishing Marathon des Sables this year with two of my friends, one of whom is blind and needed us to guide him. MdS was always for superhumans or so I thought!
WHAT IS ON YOUR RACING BUCKETLIST?
Festival des Templiers
Western States
West Highland Way
Run Rabbit Run
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT FROM ULTRAMARATHONS? WHAT HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU ABOUT LIFE AND YOURSELF?
I can achieve far more than I ever thought I could and just need to go one step at a time. Rather than always thinking of the big picture, sometimes you just have to get to the next aid station. Things can seem really bad, the only option may appear to be to quit but if you keep plodding on, they can all turn around and get so much better. Life is a big adventure and there is so much fun to be had, so many beautiful places to see, if we can just find the right vehicle. For me, ultra-running is it.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF TRAINING?
Getting out for a long run on some trails and exploring new places, especially when I am able to do this with friends around the world.
HOW DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE BENEFITED FROM TRAINING WITH MILE 27?
The advice from Andy has always worked and so I trust his programmes to provide me with the training I need. It takes away the worry of wondering if I have done enough/too much or the right kind of training. Having access, not only to the individually tailored programme but also to feedback and advice, backing this up, is something I really appreciate and I feel the support makes a big difference to me.
WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE A FELLOW ATHLETE TO HELP THEM ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE OF RUNNING AN ULTRA MORE?
Have fun, enjoy the experience, the people and the scenery. Where else would you rather be than at that place at that time? We are so lucky to be able to do what we do so appreciate it.
WHAT IS YOUR NEXT RACE?
There are a few and can’t miss any out as am excited about them all…
Brecons Ultra 46ish miles
Bandera 100km
Rocky Raccoon 100miles (both part of the Tejas 300)
Monument Valley 50miles
Tuscany Crossing 100km