Our Approach
Get ready to tear down obstacles of the mind and body because what seems hard now will one day be your warm up. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Start your journey today.Dream it.
We help runners conquer an ultramarathon and have a great ultramarathon experience. We provide runners with confidence, knowledge and support, making the journey to the finish line enjoyable (except for the bits that hurt and the hard bits!).
Build it.
We’ll listen to understand your goal and needs (not ours) and importantly why you want to do an ultra. We’ll create an approach to support your goal and the training opportunities or constraints or you have. Based on you and your life rather than trying to fit your life around your training plan. We’ll help you make sense of your training plan if you already have one, so you’re not overwhelmed or feel bad about missing a session. We’ll do some training runs with you (location/time permitting) to give you first hand experience and make training that bit easier and enjoyable.
We’ll support your development, learning and readiness to tackle that big event. You’ll have tips, a race plan and know the right equipment to help you succeed, enjoy the journey - and the view!
Grow it.
You’ll feel supported, knowledgeable and ready. You’ll learn about yourself and what you’re capable of. Your journey will be challenging, tough, but satisfying. When you complete an ultra you’ll be amazed at the sense of accomplishment, the clarity you’ll have and the confidence you gain.
FAQ’s
Why go Beyond the 42?
There’s so much to experience and learn about yourself Beyond the 42. You’ll be surprised what you’re capable of and how you benefit from the experience. If you’ve done 42.195km, why stop there?
Why is Beyond the 42 different?
Not everyone wants to win or be on the podium. Some people just want to finish. We’ll listen to understand your goal and needs, develop an approach tailored for where and when you can train. We’ll use our experience to arm you with skills and knowledge to get you to that finish line, encouraging you to enjoy the journey!
Can Beyond the 42 help me?
If you’re looking for help and advice on ultra marathons we can help. If you’re overwhelmed we can help. Trying to make sense of your training plan - we can help or develop one that works around you. We’ll teach you about ultra running and our experience will arm you with the skills and knowledge to finish, while enjoying the journey.
I live outside Sydney. Is this a problem?
Depending where you live, we’ll arrange to meet face to face, over the phone or via ZOOM. If you’re not in Australia we can work to suit your time zone.
How do I get started?
Take action and contact us. We’ll meet and understand your needs and goals and how we can help. We want you to feel your ultra is achievable, will be enjoyable, and you’re not overwhelmed.
What if I just want advice?
We’re happy to give you advice to help make your ultra journey enjoyable. See our One Time Consultation. Also see our Basic tips and other helpful stuff.
What does Beyond the 42 offer?
We have packages to conquer your ultra. Our 12 week flexible approach assumes you have a good running base from marathons or reasonable long distances. If you don’t have 12 weeks, we can work around that too!
Do I need to have entered an event?
You don’t need to have entered an event. We can help you choose an event or recommend one based on your goals. If you’ve already entered an event, we’ll help you get ready.
Can you help on the event day?
We’ll help you on event day and answer last minute questions. We’ll even show you how to go to the toilet hygienically! We’ll be on call for your support crew and available afterwards to aid your recovery.
What about Pacing?
We can provide Pacing services in accordance with the event rules if you want a Pacer.
Will you Crew?
We can be part of your Support Crew, using our knowledge and experience to help you and your crew.
A few Tips to get you started
Lift your feet
Sounds obvious but the longer the event the more the need to consciously lift your feet to prevent trips and spills – which can really hurt after 14 hours on the trail and you’re getting tired. Adopt the mantra ‘lift your feet, lift your feet’…especially after hours on the trail.
Pack early and pack well
In your pack use labelled snaplock bags with the air squeezed out for your gear. Gear you’re not likely to use at the bottom of your pack. Hard things in the middle of your pack with soft gear packed around them. Makes it easy for mandatory gear checks to pull out the right thing while others are rifling through their pack, then trying to stuff things back in while you’ve already left the gear check.
Always take the path of least resistance
About to hit the stairs but there’s a track next to the stairs? Use the track. There’s less impact on the legs whether up or down. Keeps your legs fresher for longer.
Fuel early
Ensure you get food and drink into you early in the event when you’d planned to. You’ll feel stronger and more confident for longer. Don’t wait to run out of energy and then reach for the food and drink – it’ll take a while to re-energize, costing you time.
Lost?
Go back to the last point you know you were definitely on the course – even if it’s 10km back. Better to be safe and confident you’re in the right place than to be wandering, wondering, hoping and losing more time.
Enjoy the view
Look through the trees. When it’s safe to lift your gaze from the track, look around and look through the trees into the forest or take in the horizon. You’ll experience the track rather than just running it. You’ll see wondrous sights and make the journey so much more enjoyable.