I'm an ultra runner looking to slow down in nature
What happens when the youngest person in the world to run an ultra marathon on all 7 continents needs time to switch off.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Jacqui Bell. I am 28 years old, I live in Brisbane and am an ultra runner. I have over 10 years experience working as a personal trainer, but these days you’ll find me racing in remote places, hosting my running retreats and speaking to companies and organisations about some of my experiences whilst running.
How did you get into running?
When I was younger I played every sport I could fit into my day.
Now that I think about it, all of my favourite sports involve a lot of running—tennis, soccer, basketball, AFL.
Fast forward to 18 years of age, I was travelling a lot and I found running was the easiest way to keep fit; it was cost and time effective and also enabled me to see more of a place.
When I returned from one of my trips, I decided to do the ‘5km a Day in May Challenge’ where you run 5km every day for the month. I found it fun and enjoyed the challenge. From there I just started going further and further. It was never about being fast, I was driven by being outdoors, running with others and the amazing chats you have whilst hiking and running… Everyone feels vulnerable and it really breaks down the barriers to have real conversations.
Now you're the youngest person in the world to run an Ultra Marathon on all seven continents. What drove you to that goal?
I’d run a couple of marathons and 50km races, and I did a 100km hike with my friends, but I didn’t even know what a multi-stage ultra marathon was until I stumbled across it.
I was 22 and at a bit of a standstill in life. I just couldn’t figure out what direction to head. I wasn’t in a good way and saw myself heading down the wrong path. I realised it was up to me to make a change in my life and it was simple - I needed a goal.
The original plan was to run 250 km across the Simpson Desert in Australia. While I was researching how to train for it I stumbled across Racing the Planet’s 4 Desert Grand Slam. Started by ultra marathon legend Dean Karnaze, The 4 Deserts are a six-stage, 250km self-supported footrace across the hottest, windiest, driest and coldest deserts on earth all in one calendar year. The race covers the Namibian Desert in Africa, Gobi Desert in Mongolia, Atacama Desert in Chile and Antarctica. I had my work cut out for me!
All 7 continents weren't on my radar. I just wanted a goal to get me out of the slump of a place I was in! I guess it is true what they say about if you just start heading in a direction, it doesn’t really matter, just start and keep trying and something will stick.
How does running benefit your mental health?
As I mentioned earlier it was never about being fast…In saying that I am still very competitive haha and like to do well in races and always put my best foot forward (excuse the pun). But running, well it just makes me a better person, I feel so good after a run and it puts me in the head space to be my best self for those around me. Multi-stage races are usually 5-6 days long and you’re usually disconnected from all internet and social media, emails, texts etc in this time. It’s so refreshing! Everyone talks to each other… I mean properly talks to each other.
You recently went out to our Ramana cabin in Moogerah, where was your head at before you left?
Honestly I was a bit uptight and stressed. I noticed myself saying to people when they asked me how I was doing - ‘busy, busy, things are hectic’.
I mean, when did being busy become cool? What's the competition we all have with being the busiest, most stressed human?
I love to challenge myself and I don’t take the easy path in life, but I like to pull myself up when I begin to complain about being busy and having a hectic schedule. It’s about finding that balance between working hard and not drowning. I think everyone is very different and we all have to figure out for ourselves what works for us.
Going out to the Unyoked cabin worked wonders! I mean honestly, just 3 days and it felt like an entire weight was lifted off my shoulders. The silence, nature and space allowed me to have that perspective shift I was after.
I slowed down, really dug into how I was doing, took in what was going on around me and began appreciating all the little things again. I loved the little In-Field Guide and all the additional touches!
How did you feel when you got back?
Refreshed, reset and really felt like I was able to have a new perspective on things. Being disconnected in the Unyoked cabin had a number of noticeable effects on me. I found myself reading my book in the sunshine and not worrying about my never ending to-do list. I took a walk without music or my phone and just enjoyed the surroundings. I did yoga in the afternoon sunshine, I stared at the stars in the evening, listened to the fire crackling, and enjoyed a hot chocolate in bed while I was journaling.
Writing about it brings back such fond memories of my few days at Ramana, I keep finding myself reflecting on the wonderful time I had at Moogerah.
What was the highlight of your experience?
The beautiful location of Ramana —I mean C'MON, I laid on the bed and looked directly out at the most beautiful mountain ranges.
The cabin had it all, every little thoughtful detail made the stay everything it was from the fire starters (needed for us rookies haha), to the range of coffee makers, the little lantern, the books, games, yoga mats, rugs… the list could go on and on! It really felt like love, time and thought was put into it. I loved pottering around, I can’t tell you what I specifically did but I was relaxed and in the moment, I got to really be where my feet were!
I recently got a tattoo on my left arm that I look down at frequently. It says ‘BE HERE NOW’ and that is something I am really working on - not running away from anything, not running towards anything - just being.
What's next on the horizon for you?
I am training hard for my next race which is 100km.
I am also hosting a number of running retreats that provide people the opportunity to reset. My goal with the retreats is kinda similar to Unyoked —I want to create an environment for people to disconnect with technology and connect with themselves and others whilst getting out hiking and running in nature. I’m excited to explore more adventures off the beaten track around Australia this year and fingers crossed I would love to check out another Unyoked cabin—Pana and Ashi are definitely on my bucket list!