Karen Mickle

State: Victoria

Sporting Accomplishments: By the end of 2017 I will have completed 27 marathons and 15 ultra-marathons. 2017 has been a successful year being 1 st Female in the 87km Tarawerra Trail Ultramarathon and the Tan Marathon, Melbourne. I have also placed 3 rd Female in the Great Ocean Road Ultramarathon (60km) and the Maroondah Dam Trail Marathon.

How did you get into your sport: I started running regularly about 10 years ago, mainly just for fitness and fun and to lose some weight. I started to get serious after my first marathon and the amazing experience I had. I enjoyed seeing how far I could push both my body and mind. In 2012 (after only doing 3 marathons) I ran a marathon each calendar month. After that the next progression was ultramarathons and trail races.

Hardest thing about your sport: Trying to balance work/social life with training day in day out, rain, hail or shine.

What does your regular training week consist of:

100-150kms plus of running, 1- 2 gym/strength sessions per week

Sunday– Long run of 30 – 60km depending on where I am at in my build up.

Monday: Recovery run, up to 60 mins

Tuesday PM – Intervals with warm up / cool down 10-18K all up.

Wednesday PM – Mid week long run (up to 2 hours)

Thursday PM – tempo or hills + wu/cd – 10-23 km

Friday: Strength and/or easy run (~50 mins)

Saturday AM – Easy run (30mins) + gym; PM – Easy run (45 min)

How do you keep motivated: Setting new goals and looking for new and exciting challenges keeps me wanting to push myself further. I also have a great group of training buddies I run with each week. I remind myself that “I don’t have to run…I GET to run”.

Goals (Future Plans and Career expectations): Short term - Set marathon and 100km PBs. Long term: Would love to run a qualifying time for 100km World Championships and to run UTMB.

Best piece of advice you have been given: Run the first half of the race with your head, the second half with your heart.