Introducing our June runner profile, the last female standing at Australian Masters Backyard Ultra, Liv Compton!
I first met Liv at Dead Cow Gully in 2022 and I remember seeing her lap after lap looking so strong and determined and I thought, “I need to know who this woman is!” so at some point around the 100km mark I introduced myself and told her how good she was looking. Since that race, I have watched Liv go from strength to strength in this format.
Liv is a mum of two and says she is lucky to live in one of the most beautiful spots in Australia and she has to pinch herself sometimes. She spends a lot of time on the water either fishing, snorkelling or swimming at Whitehaven Beach. She was introduced to F45 in October last year and got hooked. Building strength and mixing up her workouts have been a game changer for her. Perhaps her secret weapon…
How long have you been running and why did you start?
I started running when I was 13. I come from a family of runners, and it was an easy choice to start. My mum took me on my first runs. My dad was also a runner. We used to compete a lot, and my competitiveness and stubbornness definitely comes from him. Endurance from my mum. But my running hero has always been my granddad. He became a world champion (in his age group) at 800meters (2.02.4) when he was in his 40s.
Have you done a Backyard Ultra?
I have done 4 officials ones. The first one I did was when dead cow was cancelled 2021. We organised a backyard ultra with people from the running club. I completed 12 loops. I did AAA Racing’s Wild Bunch same year and did 15 loops at Oxley Creek Common, the team event which we won with Fruit Loops with Julie Stone, Annabelle Carey and Kirsty Ferguson. With my deferred entry I did Dead Cow Gully in 2022 and achieved 18 loops with Andrea Farley and then in August 2022 at Clint Eastwood I did 25 loops and joined the backyard hundred-mile club.
What draws you to the backyard ultra format?
I found the format fascinating the first time I heard about it many years ago. I joined the Whitsunday Running Club around the time @Chris Murphy broke the Australian record and all of a sudden we were all running loops. I love that no one is ever in the lead. I am very competitive. In a backyard ultra you don’t need to run fast, which makes me more at ease and relaxed. I am not the chattiest one on the course, but I love how social it is. I leave the talking to Kirsty.
If you could do any race in the world what would it be?
I don’t love trails, or big hills, but probably UTMB because of the scenery and being European. I am very drawn to do a 24 hour track run as I can be pretty speedy and it actually has an end.
What is your greatest running moment to date?
100% breaking 24 hours with Kirsty at Clint Eastwood. My running wife and partner in crime. The magic number I didn’t think was achievable a year ago. I know we have a few female runners in Australia that can do 50+ loops if we work together. I think crossing a finish line is magical every time. So I have no idea why I keep signing up for races with no finish line.
What has been your worst running experience?
No bad experiences only lessons learned.
If you could share a course with any runner/athlete, who would it be?
My granddad, but he is 94 now and can’t run anymore. He still thinks he could beat me over 800m. I’ve heard a couple of times I could be Lucy Bartholomew’s mum/older sister so maybe her. Not sure if I could keep up but could at least get a selfie together.
What advice would you give to a new runner thinking about doing a backyard ultra?
Have a crew! I’ve been fortunate to have some awesome crew members, Annabelle, Julie, Aimee Sulzberger and Megan Waugh. They get experience doing these things just like us.
What inspires you to stay motivated?
All the hard work pays off in the end. We got a red heeler puppy last year and he doesn’t let me skip a run. When I am tired and don’t want to run, I don’t really have a choice.
What do you think about during long run?
I tend to get a lot of negative thoughts. Wanting to quit all the time. It helps having a running partner to chat with or a good audiobook/podcast. This is something I am aiming to work on. Building mental strength.
For you, running is like…?
An addiction. A good one I guess.
What is your next race?
Airlie Beach Marathon in 3 weeks and Bali Marathon end of August. I am turning 40 in August and a family holiday to Bali including a marathon is the perfect present. Whitsunday Trail Fest in September is an awesome event, and I recommend everyone who wants to visit paradise should join.
Do you have the support of your family and friends of your running?
Yes, but they all think I am a little bit crazy. My husband works 7/7 and had to take a week off work so I could go to the masters. My best friends are in the running club. We all have different goals and support each other.
Have you ever hallucinated in a race?
No, would probably scare me.
What is your favourite fuel during a race?
During Australian Masters I had my normal brekkie both mornings (over a few loops). Overnight I had weetbix with almond milk, Happy Way vanilla protein powder with natural yoghurt, peanut butter, chia seeds and topped with blueberries. Tailwind every loop, in the chair or on course. Love apricot bars and oranges!
How important is mental strength compared to physical strength in a race?
Just as important, if not even more. Physically I was the fittest I have ever been. I dropped about 10 kg from last BYU with increasing ks and averaging five F45 sessions. My fastest loop was loop 34. My body could easily have kept going, but my mind told me to stop (I was cold, tired, felt for my crew and last woman standing).
What is the toughest part for you in an ultra?
Negative thoughts and getting bored.
How do you balance your running and training with your competing priorities?
I am a mum of two, a 7 year old boy and 11 year old daughter. Working full time, and husband who is away 50% of the time. Balance is extremely hard. I don’t want to offend anyone, but fitting everything in is hard for working mums. It is a lifestyle. A normal day I get up 4.20am to go to the gym, do a run, before I get home to get the kids up ready for school. I am pretty sure my neighbourhood think I am crazy for running loops around the duck pond to be close to my kids.
Do you have a special goal for 2023?
Marathon PB. I love running fast, and training for ultras has made me faster. Also, a half marathon if have time later this year.
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Thanks Liv for sharing with us! Your growth in this sport in such a short period has been sensational to watch. You are an inspiration to mums and women across Australia. Keep doing what you are doing and I have no doubt you will be surpassing 50 yards!
