1.    Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into running?

I grew up in London, UK. I started running as a teen. I did a bit of track running, but I often got injured and I had no idea about strength training! In my 20's, I ran the occasional road race. My times were quite decent but I struggled to commit to a training routine. I first tried trail running when I moved to Cape Town to study my Masters in 2019. At the time, I was obsessed with sport climbing,. It was only after I had my daughter in 2021, that the love for trail running really took a grip! I was mainly motivated by the chance to take a break from mom-life and be alone with my thoughts!

2. What motivates you to lace up your shoes and hit the trail every day?

Running early in the morning gives me a lot of mental clarity and inner peace that I carry with me into the day. Sometimes it can be hard to get up in the dark but I remind myself that if I don't get up, I won't get to run and that gets me out of bed.

3. What distance races do you mostly enter?

I have the most experience running races in the 40 to 60km distance, however over the past two years I have started taking on 100km races and, I must say, I love the longer distances. Racing for longer means that there are so many unknowns, and you have to problem solve. There are so many highs and lows and that just makes the experience even more special. In 2026, I am planning to push further into the longer distances as I plan to take on my first 100 miler.

4. How do you handle the mental and physical challenges that come with being a long-distance runner?

The mind is a very powerful muscle and so much of long distance running is realising that you can control your own mental narrative by planning ahead of time how you will counter negative thought patterns when they come up. I love using mantras during races. Sometimes mantras can help to block out all the other 'noise' in your head. My favourite mantra is 'Leah is my power.' Leah is my daughter, and this mantra is about the inner strength I have gained in my matrescence (the process of becoming a mother). 

When I'm training I also try to give myself some grace when I have bad days. Us women's hormonal cycles fluctuate hugely over the month. Some days running (and life!) feel much harder. If a run doesn't go to plan, I try not to dwell on it.

5. What do you hope to achieve in your running career, both in the short term and long term?

My big goal for 2026 is the Ultra Trail Cape Town 100 miler. This race has been a dream for me for a few years now, and I am excited to give it a try. In the long term, I would love to travel to take on trail races such as the Le Grand Raid de La Réunion and Ultra Trail Mont Blanc.

6, How do you balance your training schedule with other aspects of your life, such as work or family commitments?

I have recently completed my PhD and balancing family life, studies and training was challenging, although having more flexibility as a student helped. I am also lucky to have a very supportive partner who understands how important running is to me.

7. What has been the most memorable race or running experience of your career so far, and why?

Running the Cederberg Traverse 110km was my favourite running experience so far. I know these mountains well, but their beauty never fails to stop me  in my tracks. Some of my friends surprised me at the halfway aid station in the middle of the night, which was really special. And crossing the finish line in first place, holding my daughter's hand is a memory I will treasure.

8. How do you approach setting goals for yourself, and what steps do you take to achieve them?

Most of my goals start out as dreams.  I hear about a race and think, I want to do that one day! It changes from a dream to a goal when it starts to feel achievable. I like to choose goals that give me nervous butterflies but that I believe I can do. Building up the distances slowly has been an important strategy for me in ultra running. 

9. Can you share some insights into your training regimen and any specific workouts or techniques that have been particularly effective for you?

Hill workouts have been a crucial backbone of my running training. I am coached by Linda Doke who gives me many different types of hill sessions from sprints, to endurance repeats, to technical hill repeats on the mountain! I find that unlike speed training, which I have to be careful with, my body can tolerate high intensity in hill repeats quite well.

10. How do you stay focused and maintain a positive mindset during tough times or setbacks in your running journey?

Dealing with injuries and other setbacks can be really hard and mentally challenging. I find that injuries often occur at times of mental stress which can make it extra difficult. Doing other activities such as yoga, hiking, rock-climbing, strength-training can sometimes be an option. I also try to use these times to focus on other elements of my life such as my family, friends and work.