Introducing our February athlete, Holly Ranson!
I only became aware of Holly recently after her introduction to Backyard Ultras at Hysterical Carnage in 2022 where she was one of five people left standing when the race was stopped due to dangerous weather. Since then I have developed a pretty serious girl crush on her as I have gotten to know more about her. Did you know Holly was recently the first Australian female to run 24 parkruns in 24 hours? Did you know last year Holly ran 136.722kms in a 12 hour race breaking the Australian 12 hour record? But what is more incredible is that Holly is achieving these things seemingly by accident because she doesn’t set out to break these records, they simply happen in the course of her doing what she loves and I love that.
Outside of running, Holly does cycling and goes to the gym all year round. She sails in summer and plays netball in winter. Holly is an on-call firefighter with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and she is currently writing a thesis on firefighter’s nutrition for her Masters in Science through Bond University. Work-wise she is a dietitian; she works three days a week in community health and owns her own private practice through which she does 1:1 consulting and online coaching for cyclists, triathletes and runners.
Not only an incredible athlete but a highly intelligent and driven person and one of my personal “people to watch” in the backyard ultra scene this year. I think she is going to bring some incredible moments to this format and I for one cannot wait to see what unfolds!
Enough of me loving on Holly. Let’s get to know her more…
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I have been running on and off since I was about 18 (16 years ago). I started because my boyfriend at the time was a runner, but I was very injury prone so ended up switching to cycling for several years. I’ve gradually transitioned back into running over the last few years.
Have you done a Backyard Ultra?
I’ve started one backyard ultra. Unfortunately, mother nature won that one with Hysterical Carnage 2022 being called off after lap 30.
What draws you to the backyard ultra format?
There is so much more to it than just a running race. You don’t have to be the best or fastest runner to win, but you have to be extremely mentally tough and also excellent at managing your nutrition, hydration, fatigue etc. It’s an organisational and logistical challenge and it’s also more of a team event than a normal running race as your support crew is such an integral part of your success – it’s almost a competition between support crews as to who can manage their runner the best!
If you could do any race in the world what would it be?
The original 100 miler, Western States.
What is your greatest running moment to date?
I’ve had so many great moments in running that it’s hard to pick just one. Top two -standing on top of the West MacDonnell ranges during the West Macs Monster trail run feeling like this tiny being alone in such a vast, awesome landscape; and the moment I realised I was going to break the Australian record in the 12 hour in December 2022.
What has been your worst running experience?
Without a doubt the moment I heard Hysterical Carnage was being called off after 30 laps with 5 runners left.
If you could share a course with any runner/athlete, who would it be?
Novak Djokovic- I’d love him to impart on me even a fraction of the mental strength he must have to stay true to himself and his values and still be the GOAT despite millions of haters.
What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Just give it a go, it’s about the most social and least threatening ultra running format you could hope to start with – you get to see your support crew every 6.7kms and sit down for a rest and something to eat; no carrying a pack; and very little chance of getting lost on the course!
What inspires you to stay motivated?
Mostly just because I love running! Also the amazing places you get to go and people you meet along the way. And of course to see how far I can push myself.
What do you think about during long runs?
Anything and everything. Work (unfortunately). My thesis (sometimes I have lightbulb moments and have to hope I don’t forget the idea before I get home). My to-do list (that’s always a long thought). Lots of mental arithmetic trying to work out how far I can run and how fast I have to do it in order to be home in time to shower before my next client. Figuring out how to shut my mind up and be present with my running is a work in progress!
For you, running is like…?
Playing truant from school. You literally get to shirk all responsibility – you can’t be working, studying, answering the phone, helping someone, washing the dishes or watering the garden when you’re out running!
What is your next race?
Gone Nuts 101km trail race in north-west Tasmania on March 4.
Do you have the support of your family and friends of your running?
Hell yes! When Hysterical Carnage was called off I had about 20 friends there who had come to watch and support me, and many more following online from all over Australia. The other competitors were jealous of my cheer squad headed up by my 7 and 4-year old niece and nephew, who made signs and sat on a street corner cheering and running up and down the street with me. My partner Nic had got inspirational quotes from lots of my friends who couldn’t be there on the day, which he used to inspire me when things were getting tough.
Have you ever hallucinated in a race?
No, I’m still looking forward to this experience!
What is your favourite fuel during a race?
I don’t know if I have a favourite – just whatever I feel like at the time. The 6am hash browns after 20 hours at the backyard ultra were a definite winner.
How important is mental strength compared to physical strength in a race?
I think it’s much more important, as your mind will tell you to stop way before your body needs to. However, I think that if you strengthen your body, your mind will be more confident in your ability to push your physical limits.
What is the toughest part for you in an ultra?
Navigation!! I am hopeless – almost guaranteed to miss a trail marker and go get myself some bonus km’s. Guess that’s why the backyard ultra format suits me! I also hate the cold, after living in Darwin and Queensland for years, I start shivering when the temperature drops below 20! So you won’t find me signing up to any races where there might be snow etc.
How do you balance your running and training with your competing priorities?
I set my own training program, so I only really program what I believe is do-able around everything else. Then I prioritize my training, so if something has to give, it is always sleep, study, housework or socializing – never training!
Do you have a special goal for 2023?
Courtney Dauwalter’s backyard ultra record.
Thanks so much for sharing with us Holly! Something tells me you will be ticking off that 2023 goal and I cannot wait to watch it! Good luck at Gone Nuts!
