FOUR mountain climbs and 105 kilometres from start to finish – that’s what competitors in the forthcoming Scenic Rim Ultra marathon are facing.
And Thagoona’s Julie Byrne, 47, can’t wait to begin
The race on September 25 will take runners across a scenic landscape in a route which will take them up to a point, which is 4,000 metres higher than the starting point about midway between Boonah and Beaudesert.
Julie is well into her preparation for the gruelling event and has been running trails between four to eight hours in places such as Harding’s Paddock and White Rock.
She joins friends who also share an interest in running and together they challenge themselves while “talking about life and unloading everyday challenges”.
“I have always loved running,” Julie said.
“My parents Allen and Lucy Miles were runners so it may just run in the family.
“Long distance running always appealed to me and taking on challenges such as this race takes me through many different journeys both mentally and physically.”
Julie’s first big race was in 2019 when she completed the 50 km Brisbane Guzzler Ultra in nine hours.
Last year she completed the 65km section of the Scenic Rim Ultra Marathon in 15 hours.
Julie admits to being on edge before the race.
“I am very nervous going into it because it is extremely challenging and can be very testing on both your mind and your body.
“My main focus is to get to each of the check points, which are situated every 10 kilometres throughout the race.”
These checkpoints are classed as ‘fuel stops’ and give the runners a chance to take a snack such as fruit and to hydrate.
“I find by focusing on getting to these points you are taking small chunks out of what is a huge race and once I am refuelled, I just set on to reach the next stop.”
What does Julie think about while she spends hours out on her runs?
“I think about my family and my friends, being on the track all alone is a time think and to reflect.
“True crime podcasts and music also get me to the finish line as I sing along to classics from the 80s, 90s and now.”
Some of the major challenges that Julie said she will face are the extreme elevations and the distance of the run.
“It is daunting.
“Though knowing my husband Paul, my two children Lucy and Alex and my parents will be at the finish line motivates me to get to the end,” she said.
“Once I hit that finish line, I know that I am going to feel so tired and in pain but it is uplifting to see people there that you love and to know that you have accomplished such a big race, is very overwhelming.”
Julie said she hopes to complete the race in 22 hours and after completing it she will recover by taking magnesium baths, sleeping and eating.
“You can do anything you want if you just put your mind to it and I am so grateful for the support of my fellow runners and my family this support has prepared me mentally to take on my dream.”
