Pushing extreme limits

For a decade, Roger and his mates have pushed their limits in various ultra-endurance events, from obstacle courses to his favourite – the punishing 100km races.

Gearing up for these events demands dedication, with Roger and his friends following a rigorous training regimen.

“You’re never fully prepared,” he said.

“I think the reason we do it is probably more to challenge ourselves, to see what we’re made of because we’re not athletes.

“People often ask, why do you do it, but you don’t really know what you’re made of until you try something outside your comfort zone, and I find there’s no growth when you stay in your comfort zone.”

Over the past 10 years, Roger has competed in more races than he can count. Countless medals hang on the wall of his home office, marking the momentous achievements he’s made.

Some of the events he’s participated in include the Tough Mudder, an obstacle course through mud, Spartan Race and the Oxfam 100km, but one race he’s done stands out as a favourite.

“There’s this race called Hut 2 Hut, it's based in Mt Buller, and it’s a 100 kilometre event that starts and finishes in Mt Buller,” Roger said.

“It has something like, maybe four and a half thousand metres of elevation in it, so that was probably the hardest one that I’ve done.”

Roger and his mates maintain a rigorous training schedule, attending VIPT sessions twice-weekly for conditioning training. Additionally, Roger dedicates five days a week to strength training at Derrimut Gym.

In the lead-up to an ultra-running event, Roger ups the intensity of his workouts.

“When I’m doing an ultra, I’ll be doing some really long runs, 20 and 30km runs, those sorts of things,” Roger said.

“You have to spend a lot of time training for it.”

When he's not hitting the track, Roger loves spending time with his three kids and partner.

While they share his love for fitness, the 100km ultra-marathons remain Roger's personal challenge – for now.

“I’ve always been a fairly active person, and I think back when I was a kid, my dad was quite active, and I’d see him go for runs,” he said.

“I guess as a child, you do what your parents do a little bit subconsciously.

“The kids come to my events, and some of the best, most memorable moments are when they meet me at the finish line, and they cross the finish line with me.”

They’re his own personal cheer squad.

While these events take a lot of strength and endurance, what motivates Roger is knowing he’s doing these events with his best mates.

“I wouldn’t be doing this if I hadn’t been involved with my friends doing it,” he said.

“While (these runs) are not extreme, in my view, they’re challenging, and when we challenge ourselves, we ask ourselves what we’re made of.”

This story originally featured in Betty & Don Magazine 2024. Find the full magazine, here: https://www.sheppnews.com.au/features-and-magazines/betty-don-magazine-2024/