Emma Mash: Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway

"Feel the fear and do it anyway" has been one of my guiding life motto's. So, when the opportunity to sign up for my first ultra-marathon arose - less than two months away - I embraced the challenge head-on.

I joined the Fractel team in May this year, identifying as many things - a cyclist among them - but not a runner. That perception shifted when I discovered trail running. Within a few months, I found myself toeing the start line at Hounslow in the Blue Mountains, ready for my first race.

During that race, I was struck by the incredible sense of community within trail running. Every interaction on the course felt uplifting, and I crossed the finish line on an unparalleled high. For the first time, I felt like I’d found a sport where my body’s strength and capability were celebrated, regardless of what it looked like. It was empowering, and I suspect many women can relate to this feeling of freedom.

Trail running also taught me the critical importance of proper fuelling - a lesson I hadn’t fully grasped despite over a decade of training in various sports. This newfound appreciation for nutrition, combined with the joy of being out in nature, made trail running an essential part of my weekly routine. Every weekend, I’d head out for a solo trail run, always returning recharged.

Fast forward a couple of months, and I found myself signing up for the Grampians Peaks Trail Ultra (GPT), set on some of my favourite trails in the world.

Race Day: Lessons, Laughter, and a Little Vaseline

Race day dawned, and I was blissfully unaware of what awaited me. In the bathroom before the start, a kind stranger offered me a tub of Vaseline, and I stared at her blankly, not yet understanding the wisdom behind the gesture. Ignoring all the advice I’d been given, I set off in brand-new kit, unsure if I’d even be able to finish the race.

I went into it with two simple goals:

1. To finish.
2. To have fun.

I’m proud to say I achieved both. Along the way, I made a lifelong friend and experienced a race day I’ll never forget. Despite the heatwave in the Grampians, I had an incredible time. The course was technical and challenging, but I felt prepared thanks to years of hiking those trails. The volunteers at the aid stations were nothing short of amazing, my gear held up perfectly, and I felt strong all the way to the finish line.

A Few Words for Aspiring Ultra-Runners

If you’re contemplating an ultra, here’s a quote that a friend recently reminded me of, inspired by Brené Brown: "It’s better to fail than to never enter the arena at all."

So, feel the fear and do it anyway. You might just surprise yourself.