GET TO KNOW YOUR 100K WORLD TEAM – BARBARA FIEBERG

GET TO KNOW YOUR 100K WORLD TEAM – BARBARA FIEBERG

Kate Dzienis • Jul 26, 2018

There’s always a seeming connection between cycling and running – if you’re not training for triathlons, you’re at the very least cross training between the two, always utilising the skills to improve on your chosen venture.

Barbara Fieberg from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA came to enjoy running through years of cycling, and in particular after touring from Sydney to Perth back in 2000, when she discovered that her body was much more capable than her mind led her to believe. But it took her a decade to finally take up running on a more serious note after she moved to the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie.

“I started running late in life, I’d always disliked track and field as a child, even in my 20s,” she says.

“In 2011, I ran my first race – the half marathon in Esperance; after that, my running buddy Grant Wholey managed to convince that I’d be able to run even further, so I registered for the 6 Inch Ultra (47km) in December of that year.

“Needless to say, after I finished the course, I was hooked!

“Since then, I’ve competed in 20 marathons and 24 ultra marathons, and am still wondering how far my body might be able to carry me.

“At the moment, the 100km distance is the furthest I’ve run, but who knows?

“My running is still improving thanks to my coach Andy DuBois from Mile 27.”

Fieberg doesn’t admit to having a favoured distance on the road or trail, but currently is enjoying the 100km following her podium finish at the Gold Coast 100k at the Sports Super Centre.

“My qualifying event for the World 100k Team was the Gold Coast 100k that I ran on 10 June of this year,” she explains.

“I finished in 9:51:39, and was third overall female behind fellow team member Emilie Tan (I claimed second National Championship female); a lot of people would say it’s crazy to run around in circles, but I like it because I can break the race into smaller bits which are easier to swallow.”


Fieberg’s training plan from here until the World Championships in Croatia this September will be all about listening to her coach, who she trusts 100%, and she’s currently averaging about 100km per week – which will go up very soon in preparation for the race.


“My coach knows me well enough to know when to push it a bit further,” she says.


“But other parts of my strategy moving forward include trying to get enough sleep, good nutrition – all those things everyone should be doing anyway to stay healthy.


“I’ll be especially preparing my mind for the big day though, and this will be achieved during all my long runs.”


At 49-years-young, Fieberg believes her age has never, nor will it ever be, a factor for her racing.


“I started running late, and I don’t have a running pedigree; neither am I blessed with a great running talent,” she admits.


“It would make my day if I’d be able to inspire the odd runner out there to pursue his or her dreams, so dream high and go for it!


“Don’t let negative thoughts limit you.


“The ultra running and running community is so supportive, and there’s so much to gain from the sport on every level.


“I’m just so incredibly proud to be a part of it.”


Pictured (feature): Barbara Fieberg racing at this year’s Margaret River Ultra Race on 5 May. Photograph – Supplied.

Pictured (above): Fieberg racing at the now defunct Kep Ultra. Photograph – Supplied. 

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