On the Run – Tash Fraser

Tash Fraser, Winner of the 2017 Two Bays Trail Race 56km and Australian 50km World Championship Representative. In a recent post-race interview (which was cut a little short) Tash explained a little more about her Ultra Running motivation and her exciting plans for the year ahead. So in type form here it is in full.

After previously placing 3rd, 2nd (twice) and now winning the event, what did you do differently leading up to the 2017 race?

I had two big changes, one was taking a step back for a while and focusing on improving some of my times in shorter events (got my parkrun down to 18:20 and half marathon down to 80:36) just to really get some leg speed back. I also made a switch to an OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) diet/lifestyle after suffering some health concerns that really knocked me around mentally and physically. I was really lucky to get in touch with the guys at Vespapower.com as their guidance was invaluable!

What have you done for recovery since race day? 

Just kept moving! I’m a big believer in active recovery so I’ll do some easy jogs and leave the watch at home for a while. I don’t do ice baths ever (ugh) but nothing beats running cold water over your legs in the shower! 

What did you do for fuelling during the race on Sunday?

I had a mixture of Vespa, 2 gels and some coke

 What draws you towards the tough sport of Ultra Running?

I’ve always been a bit of a shy and anxious person and discovered that running was a brilliant outlet for that late in my teenage years. I gradually realised that the longer I ran the better I felt and the more confidence I developed to interact with people.

Why do you always come back for another run at Two Bays?

Two Bays is the whole package for a trail event! The scenery is amazing, the volunteers are so enthusiastic and motivating! It is an event that has such an exciting build up and gets the whole ultra-community talking.

What is coming up for you in 2017?

I will be competing at the Great Ocean Road 60k in May and making an attempt on the Woman’s 50k treadmill World Record on the 29th of July.

A World Record Attempts?! What is the goal and how do you plan to prepare for it?

The current record is 3:51:25 so my aim will be to break that and raise fund for River’s Gift (SIDS research) in the process.

Once I’m recovered from Great Ocean Road 60km, I will be focusing on some more treadmill runs and working on picking up some leg speed again.

What are your other passions outside of running?

Apart from yoga my passions all dwell in the running domain. I am a River’s Gift coach and honestly, nothing makes me happier than helping others to discover the addictive nature of running. A lot of people just don’t realise what they are capable of and if I can safely guide them to that light bulb moment it makes me one happy girl!

Is there one particular piece of advice which has helped you during your Ultra Running career to date?

I think the advice which helped the most came from a yoga class and that was that pain is inevitable in life but you can choose not to fixate and get emotional about it.

Tash can be found on Facebook at @natasha.fraser.92