Wild Runner Coaching Blog

What is it really like to run a Backyard Ultra? In this race report from the Krayzie Midwinter Backyard Ultra (KMBU), I share the highs, the lows, and the lessons from completing 15 laps (100km) while balancing the challenges of living with epilepsy. A story about resilience, problem-solving, and discovering what you're truly capable of.

Once you’re out there, you’re in — no shortcuts, no easy way out. Just you, the trail, and the quiet challenge of seeing how far you can go. The Old Ghost Ultra is not a race to underestimate but it is one that will draw you back time and time again, all 85 kilometres of it.

Kepler Challenge Race report for 2025 Standing on the start line of the Kepler Challenge, I knew just how lucky I was to be there. Simply getting a spot is an achievement in itself. On the day event registrations opened, back in July, I’d been perched in front of my laptop at 6:30am, ethernet cable plugged in like I was preparing for NASA-level operations ...

The night before the Crater Rim Ultra, I was tucked up in bed by 9:30pm with grand plans for a solid pre-race sleep. My 3:45am alarm loomed, so obviously I was still staring at the ceiling at 12:30am, having worked my way through every sleep meditation Spotify could offer. Eventually though, around 1am, sleep found me — three blissful hours of dead-to-the-world rest. Not ideal, but pretty standard for me on race night. Not sure why I expected anything different this time roun

The Old Ghost Ultra is one of New Zealand's most iconic trail ultramarathons, serving up spectacular scenery, relentless climbing and a challenge that tests every part of you. This race report follows my second attempt at the event, where an early leg injury threatened to end my day before it had really begun. Through problem-solving, stubborn determination and more than a little suffering, I discovered just how much strength can be found when you refuse to give up.