Interview - Anna McKenna (AUS)
Read time 4 minutes
Introduction
Anna McKenna (AUS, Sponsored by 2XU) is one of Australia’s most exciting trail athletes. After winning one of Australia’s most notable races in 2022, UTA-100 by UTMB in the Blue Mountains, she has been climbing new heights on the global race stage, in an extremely competitive field. She is also Australia’s trail sweetheart, often seen on the race live streams hugging competitors at the finish line after battling it out under conditions most couldn’t fathom. Most recently, after her win taking out the 42km SkyRace in Buffalo Stampede, Bright Victoria (SingleTrack). Her energy is infectious, how she shows up like this after running 120kms every week is beyond us. You can follow along with the rest of the GO-ANNAS on her Instagram @AnnasMcKenna.
Interview
Read time 5 minutes
Let’s start at the beginning. How did you get into trail running?
I relocated to Sydney for work in the airlines, and shortly after I was stood down due to the pandemic. I had linked up with a group of friends I had made and began to run with them. They went on a 100km trail run, but I decided that if I could just make it to 42km that would be a huge success, because I had never run that far before. I made it to 42km and called it a day and watched my crazy friends run on. They then had this idea to run from Coogee to Scarborough Pub which is about 74km. Seemed like a fun day out, and I brought a peanut butter sandwich and a packet of almonds, thinking that would be enough. I had no idea what I was in for or how important nutrition was. I absolutely suffered the last part of the run and had to borrow a few salt tablets along the way. After that, I was sort of hooked on spending the day out running and trying to work out how to master this sport. I did a few longer runs, got a coach, and eventually signed up for my first ultra race.
How has trail running changed your life?
This is a big question, because it has definitely changed my life. I never knew what it was like to be passionate about something until I took up running. I have left some incredible ‘careers paths’ to ensure that I have the flexibility to chase my goals within trail running.
What are the 3 things you wish you knew straight away when you started trail running?
Nutrition is key
I will roll my ankles a lot
Recovery is just as important
What is your proudest trail running achievement so far?
My proudest moment in trail running is having the courage to go overseas and race in Canyons Endurance run. I went over to America by myself and found someone to crew me once I arrived. I just really wanted to see how I stacked up against some of the great runners overseas. I had a great day and finished 4th place. I learned a lot that day.
What is your favourite kind of trail to run?
I love running, so I naturally love runnable trails with some good long smooth climbing.
What is your favourite trail you have ever run, and why?
My favourite race overseas is in America at Canyons Endurance Run. The community in Auburn, California is unreal. They attract a good competitive field, and the team who organise the event are so great. My favourite race in Australia is Buffalo Stampede in Bright Victoria.
What does your typical weekly training schedule look like?
My coach Jonathan Wyatt creates my training program. Each week is about 150 km with a medium interval session and a longer tempo session among a whole lot of easy running during the week. Jono also incorporates strength training in the gym and recovery sessions in the pool swimming.
Let’s chat nutrition, what is your go-to stack for, let’s say, a long training run?
Nutrition is so important, and I would say the hardest part of all of this. I aim to have 75 grams of carbs an hour at least during my long runs. A typical hour on my long run will be 2 gels and a minimum of 500ml of water, with some kind of carbohydrate mix in my water that I am also sipping on. I like to set a notification reminder on my watch every 20 mins to remind myself to keep fueling, because it can be easy to forget, and before you know it an hour has passed and you haven't consumed anything.
Any gear or apparel you swear by?
If it is a cold morning, I love starting my runs with the 2XU arm sleeves. They are easy to take off once you warm up and light to carry if you need. I have also been living in the 2XU Form Stash Hi-Rise Bike Shorts. I race in them, I train in them, and hangout in them. They have great pockets to hide a gel in, they are quick drying and flexible, yet offer firm muscle support. They also come in great colours which is a bonus!
What is your preferred road training shoe and trail race shoe at the moment?
My favourite shoe is, well I have two sorry but it is the the Craft Nordalite Ultra and CTM Ultra 3. They are hybrid shoes, so they are designed for road and trail!
What up and coming trail running athletes are standing out for you at the moment, and why?
Georgina Campbell, she just came 2nd in the Buffalo Stampede 42km race. She is coached by her partner Blake Hose and has been putting in the work. She is definitely one to watch in the future. She is a great descender on the trails, but even more importantly, she is also a great human!
Read the feature story inspired by Anna McKenna on The thing about doing hard things here.
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Happy, safe trails everyone.