The RMA Podcast. Episode 26. Trail & Ultra Running.The Life, the lessons & empowering women in our sport. With Shona Stevenson.

Shona Stephenson has been one of Australia's best trail and ultra endurance runners, having ranked among the top 10 on the Ultra-Trail World Tour. With over 10 years experience in the health and fitness industry, as an athlete, coach, nutritionist, mentor and personal trainer.    Shona began her journey running after having children when she entered her the City to Surf pushing a pram along its' tough course. Shona didn't love this experience and so her quest began to find a more forgiving surface, and a more enriching experience which led her to the trails, which she instantly fell in love with.    Her passion for trail running, coupled with her talent led her on an incredible journey and subsequent racing career all over the world until her health and personal life caused her to shift her focus to coaching, mentoring and the world of race directing.    It was then that Shona co-founded The Brisbane Trail Ultra, with its focus being to bring a world class event to the shores of Australia much like she had experience in Europe. She has now added the Port Douglas to Cairns Trail Ultra to her portfolio of events.    This episode takes us into the life of an elite athlete; what drives them and motivates them, and in this conversation we discuss how the rise of women in trail running is an ever-growing, evolving and exciting space to be part of. Shona isn't shy when it comes to her passion to support women in our sport, and it is definitely a positive step to have race directors like Shona front and centre in the Trail and Ultra running world.    You can find more about Shona on her website, Ultra Training Australia   You can follow Shona over on instagram at @shonastephensontrailrunner OR You can register for one of her upcoming races at Brisbane Trail Ultra and Cairns to Port Douglas Trail Ultra