Runner Chronicles: Lucy Bartholomew
The Runner Chronicles
We’ve got a new Runner Chronicles, and this time it’s a major one. We had the chance to discuss running with someone who will get you up on your feet—Lucy Bartholomew.
If I told you that a 16-year-old ran an ultra with her dad, you’d call me crazy. Well, call me crazy then. Lucy started trail running at 16 and has since achieved some incredible milestones. She won the Ultra-Trail Australia in 2017 and placed third at Western States 100 in 2018. Some crazy achievements are in her pocket, but what makes her an amazing runner is also her gratitude—a passion for the sport, for the crew around her, and for the opportunities. Lucy is a female runner to look up to.
She shares some amazing tips, stories, and lessons every runner can take to heart—whether you're running a 50K or your first 3K. An inspirational talk that leaves her mark on the world of running and truly shows why she’s successful in so many aspects of her life—and what to do when she’s not.
I don’t expect you to head out and crush 100K after reading this, but I do hope you take something away from it—something that’s already right in front of us but sometimes needs to be reminded to us by the greats.
Lucy, how would you describe yourself as a runner?
To describe myself as a runner, I would only be telling a small part of who I am. I love running; it is a passion that turned into my profession, which is a huge privilege. I have two older brothers spread across each side of the world, and the same is true with my parents. I love travelling and connecting with other humans while moving in fresh air or sharing a meal. I got into running through my Dad, who has always been an avid road runner and was looking for something new and different to do. We found ultra and trail running together and got to navigate the introduction into that world together.
When I was 15 years old, I saw him run his first 100km. I got to crew him along the way and witness the incredible athletic performances of the elites and the other end of the field: humans of different shapes, sizes and colours, all having the best time. After I watched my Dad cross the finish line, we went to bed and then came back to see the final finishers come in the next day; I knew I wanted to be one of those humans holding their medal, knowing they had just been on not only a run but a journey. At 16, I held my own medal after achieving this goal of 100km side by side with my Dad. I loved nearly every step and knew that I wanted running to be a large part of my life, however possible, never realising how large it would be.
Where most trail races have a minimum age of 20 years old, you ran 100km at 16 years old with your dad.
I recall the event as a beautiful moment of being blissfully unaware. I didn't know what running 100km would feel like. We didn't complicate the goal, and my Dad's words on the start line were, “Take it one step at a time”. That's what we did: left foot, right foot, repeat. It was incredible to share this journey with him; he kept me grounded, reminded me to keep eating, and we tapped away at the km’s together and talked about everything and anything that came up.
I don’t believe you can have a more intense bonding experience for a father/daughter. When we crossed that finish line after 12.5 hours together from sunrise to sunset, I knew I wanted to go again, and this time on my own. I returned the following year to finish 2nd place, 3 hours faster, and this time, I didn't question IF I could do this; I wondered HOW fast I could do this.
You are a know runner that follows a plant-based diet.
I made a conscious effort to eat wholly plant-based after my mum moved away when I was 18. After reading about Scott Jurek and other athletes performing with this lifestyle, I was curious. I was mainly interested in the environmental and ethical side of things more than health or performance. There is a lot of interest in diet and food choices, so I share a lot about how I fuel so that people can be inspired to try something different and highlight how easy it can be. I feel good; it works for me.
I think this topic is very individual, and I don't want anyone to feel they NEED to change but maybe WANT to be curious; there is no wrong or right, there is you, and there is food, and there is feeling good and not. My favourite things to eat are burritos, smoothie bowls, and anything with thick sourdough bread. Anything you can have, I can have plant-based these days, so it is really easy to travel and enjoy the world's cuisine without feeling hungry or like you’re missing out.
In ultramarathons, you often have to push through extreme pain and fatigue. How do you manage the psychological challenges during long-distance events?
My mantra for everything in life is, “You have two things you can control: your effort and your attitude, so I focus on controlling them, and everything else will be what it will be”. When things get hard, our brain starts to unravel, and we can spiral into thinking that we can’t endure it. As I have progressed through the last 12 years of running, I have gained confidence from all these testing moments, and they become proud moments where I thought I couldn’t, but I realised I could. The impermanence of everything in life, but mostly running, is beautiful; your feelings will ebb and flow, so give it time to get better or enjoy it while it's great.
You’ve become an advocate for environmental sustainability. How do you incorporate sustainability into your training and racing lifestyle?
I try to do the basics well. I have a passion and love for the world, and so I do my personal best with where I am and what I have. I don't let perfection stop me from progressing as someone who wants to learn how to do better, be educated further, and try to help protect this planet I call my playground.
What’s next for you in your ultrarunning career? Are there any new races or challenges you’re excited about taking on in the near future?
Oh, so many! The list is never-ending and constantly being added to. I have many races and personal projects I would love to sink my teeth into and bring to life. Some of them merge different sports or even different industries. There isn't enough time to do everything, but I will try my best!!
How has your experience with ultrarunning shaped your perspective on life, and how do the lessons you've learned from the sport influence other areas of your day-to-day existence?
There is a saying that goes, “Ultra running is living life in a day”, and it is so true. You learn so much about yourself, what you are truly capable of, and how easy it is to surpass your perceived limits when you have support and people around you. I take my ultra mindset into my everyday life: patience, acceptance, one step at a time, setting goals, checking in and realising that it is a gift to go for a run or live this life, so embrace this time fully.
What legacy do you hope to leave within the ultrarunning community and beyond?
I hope to leave it better in some way. I hope I brought at least one person into this sport and inspired someone to do something that scares them. I hope that a young girl sees me and thinks, “Maybe I can do that,” and does it healthily. I hope my time in this sport is remembered by wearing my heart on my sleeve, caring deeply, and trying hard with a smile.
