In this powerful Brisbane-local episode, we sit down with Nicole Jukes – the first (and still only) Australian female to win a Backyard Ultra worldwide. Nicole opens up about her rapid rise from a 2015 10 km starter to ultra distances, her record-breaking 201 km at Dead Cow Gully (30 laps, female record 2022), her win at the States of Origin Last One Standing, and how the relentless “get up every hour” format of backyard ultras mirrors life’s toughest moments.
As a qualified lawyer, Master of Law student, single mum of two, neurodivergent runner, and founder of BYU Australia (bringing backyard events Down Under), Nicole shares raw insights on juggling full-time work, parenting, grief recovery, and ultra training. We dive into mental strength strategies, efficient pacing for long-haul endurance, coaching tips for shift workers/mums/perimenopausal women/injured athletes, and why she believes we’re all capable of far more than we imagine.
Whether you’re chasing your first ultra, navigating life balance, or just need inspiration to “choose to get up,” Nicole’s story delivers grit, heart, and practical wisdom.
Key Topics & Timestamps (Adjust based on actual recording timestamps)
00:00 – Intro & Welcome to the Flying RuNR Podcast
02:00 – Updates from the Marathon Mates
10:40 – News Update
15.45 – Welcome Nicole Jukes
18:57 – How Not running Tokyo in 2020 turned Nicole to Backyard Ultras
26:50 – Building Mental Toughness
32:10 – Common running mistakes
40:00 – How the hell do you run a BackYard Yltra
47:00 – The Fast 7
49:46 – Lucia’s Tip
Guest Bio – Nicole Jukes
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Brisbane-based ultra runner & accredited Advanced Running Coach
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First Australian female Backyard Ultra winner (States of Origin 2022)
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Founder of BYU Australia & Nicole Jukes Coaching
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Fisiocrem-sponsored athlete, Running Mums Australia ambassador
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Lawyer, Master of Law student, mum of two, neurodivergent
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Website: nicolejukescoaching.com.au
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Instagram: @nicolejukescoaching
Links & Resources Mentioned
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Nicole’s Coaching Site: https://www.nicolejukescoaching.com.au (book personalised plans or speaking gigs)
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BYU Australia: Follow backyard events in QLD/AUS
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Previous Nicole interviews for deeper dives:
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Running Deep Podcast – “From Grief to Glory” (2023)
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RMA Podcast Ep 50 – “Choosing to Get Up” (2022)
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Backyard Ultra Podcast (2022 recap)
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Talking Tempo Ep 17
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Dead Cow Gully Documentary (YouTube) for visual context on her record
Call to Action
If Nicole’s story fired you up, smash that subscribe/follow button, drop a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify (mention “Brisbane ultra inspo” for extra love), and share your biggest takeaway on Instagram – tag @flyingrunrpodcast and @nicolejukescoaching for a repost!
Running Mums Australia crew – this one’s for you. Working parents, lawyers, neurodivergent runners – Nicole proves you can chase big goals without dropping the balls that matter.
Thanks for tuning in, Brisbane runners. Keep flying – and keep getting up. 🚀
Hosts: Marathon Mates
Produced by: The Flying ruNR Podcast
Music: Your Pace & Glory
Recorded: March 2026, Brisbane, QLD
Wherever you are, run your race at your pace
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