Welcome to UTA Staff Diaries, a space to celebrate the personal running journeys of our team and where you can get a peek into the world of Up There Athletics through their eyes—the products they’re loving, the shoes in their rotation, the races in their calendar and so on.
After training for Melbourne Marathon last year, our Marketing Manager Nat took some time off the pavement and went back to the trails, tackling Warburton Trail Fest, Run Forest and most recently, Wonderfalls Trail Run. She couldn't stay away for too long though, and we caught up with her as she gears up towards her first 10k race.
Hi Nat, tell us a bit about your next race. The distance, why you chose it, the goal you have in mind.
After training for my first Marathon last year, I wanted to focus on shorter distances and more trail running. I haven’t raced a 10k before and thought it would be a fun distance to have a go. I’m much more comfortable tackling a bit of mud and trails than hitting the track, but it’s always good to do something different. I’d love to run anything between 45min - 50min, I feel like that’s achievable!
What have been your favourite products recently—the shoes you always reach for, the brands that you feel good in, your running staples?
I’ve been doing most of my runs in the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper’s. I’ve been running in On for many years (it’s the first pair of running shoes I ever bought) and truly believe this is their best update in a while. I love that I can wear them for a long run or a track session.
My other staple is a good sports bra, and I love the OG Racer Back Bra from District Vision—I’ve got 3 pairs! It’s medium support and not restrictive, the cut feels great and works well with most of my running tops, plus the colours are always beautiful.
You’ve completed your run, what are you doing immediately after?
Getting all the beverages! My current obsession post-run is an ice-cold glass of orange juice followed by a Flat White. I tend to finish my runs around Collingwood, so Ageyo is my go-to for the perfect cup of coffee (and Tiramisu takeaway for later in the day).
Once I’m home, I must shower straight away and put on cosy socks, the new Literary Sport merino socks are divine. I then lie down on the floor (it has to be the floor!) for at least an hour doing absolutely nothing (maybe some Strava scrolling).
Are there any products you have your eye on for Race Day?
I tried the SOAR Marathon Shorts in store last weekend and they felt so comfortable, plus they come with pockets for gels/phone—essential. I’m also intrigued by ASICS' Metaspeeds, everyone seems to love them and I’m a big fan of Novablasts, so it would be fun to wear ASICS on race day.
Anything you’ve been listening to on your runs recently?
If I’m running for less than an hour, I try to just listen to my thoughts, but anything longer than that I go for the latest episode of The Rest is History or Deep Read with Phoebe Lovatt. I’ve also been listening to a lot of trickpony, Parisian producer Bauke Top and Acopia.
Any final special mentions?
The entire team is obsessed with the latest drop from Literary Sport for a reason—the colours, the patterns and the fabrication are truly special, their Tartan Jacket is on my wishlist. I also take Pillar Zinc + Vitamin C religiously, especially during Winter and Spring months. I have absolutely no time to for the Flu.
