In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with Australian trail running star Lucy Bartholomew to explore what it really takes to stay in love with the sport while chasing big goals.
Lucy shares the story behind her rise through the trail scene, the role her family has played in keeping her grounded, and why balance matters just as much as grit when you are training, travelling, and racing at the highest level.
They unpack the emotional rollercoaster of UTMB, from unpredictable weather and course changes to the mental battle of the pain cave, plus what consistency looks like when life is busy and motivation comes and goes. Lucy also reflects on the magic of trail running community, the beauty of training in wild places, and what surprised her most about stepping into Ironman events.
🏃 Follow Lucy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucy_bartholomew
🎙️ Hosted by
Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures: www.bestlifeadventures.com
Wild Earth Australia: www.wildearth.com.au
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lucy Bartholomew
02:58 Finding Balance in Life and Sport
09:05 The Role of Family in Athletic Development
11:56 Breaking into the Racing Scene
15:07 The Importance of Support and Opportunity
18:03 Training in Diverse Environments
21:07 The Power of Storytelling in Sports
23:52 Engaging with the Community and Inspiring Others
28:55 Navigating the Trail Running Journey
32:19 Understanding the Risks of Trail Running
35:05 The Evolution of a Trail Runner
39:04 Embracing the Pain Cave
41:29 The Role of Community in Trail Running
43:43 The Path to Chamonix and UTMB
46:07 Preparing for the UTMB Experience
53:20 Adapting to Race Conditions
54:48 Learning from Experience
55:28 The Importance of Basics
56:53 Overcoming Low Points
59:37 Highs of Racing
01:01:28 Mutual Respect in Competition
01:04:22 Exploring New Challenges
01:06:46 Community in Endurance Sports
01:08:09 The Joy of Finishing
01:10:49 Gear Preferences and Technology
01:12:12 Future Aspirations
