Isobel Bespalov North Face 100

Isobel Bespalov North Face 100

Magellan GPS is thrilled to announce it will be supporting trail running titleholder Isobel Bespalov as she battles to improve her place in the 100km leg at this year's North Face 100 – Australia's leading ultra-marathon event. Isobel who only became passionate about running seven years ago while trying to get back in shape after having kids, now has a plethora of running achievements under her belt - she has represented Australia three times in the discipline of Long Distance Mountain Running and last year alone clocked up first place at the Macedon Range 50K trail race and at the Victorian 6 hour and 50k Track Championship race.

'We are so excited to be getting behind Isobel at this year's North Face 100 – what's incredible is that even though she is a champion runner, most of us can relate to her. Isobel juggles a full-time job as a teacher, has kids and hadn't had any professional training when she started out. At Magellan we strongly believe that it's never too late to give fitness activities a go, whether it's running, cycling or swimming, Isobel is proof that it's never too late to get started and get to the top of your game – which is why we had to get behind her," Noeleen Lechner, marketing and communication manager, Magellan Australia.

Isobel's success has led her to believe trail running is a sport most people can have a go at, and enjoy.

'It wasn't until I entered a trail event for the first time that I realised I was actually good at the sport. You don't need any special knowledge to give trail running a go, just a love for the bush and the outdoors. Having the right equipment is also important to stay motivated – now I am using the Magellan Switch Up to help me stay on track. Not only does it measure calories and distance, the Activity Pacer on the device also instructs you on your pace and how hard you need to push yourself to reach your goals" said Isobel.

Isobel's tips for trail running beginners:
Navigating tricky terrain: If you are worried about your footing on tricky trails, always look a metre ahead –works a treat.
Strength training: If you want to be good at running, running alone isn't enough – other activities such as weights and mountain biking can also help. Participating in more than one type of training or sporting activity can condition a range of muscles in the body rather than just a targeted group, which helps with muscle growth and reduces chances of injury. The Magellan Switch Up also makes this easy as it has a high sensitive GPS receiver and multisport mounting kit that makes it simple for athletes to track all their activity such as running, swimming or cycling as one workout and can log transition times in the process.
Running in different environments: To keep up leg speed, it is important to train up and down hills, as well as on road and trails so you exercise different muscle groups.
Join a trail running group: The trail running community is very inviting, look out for trail running or running groups in your community. Training with others is fun, you will learn from others and you'll also have extra support.

However if you want to be at the top of your game in this sport it doesn't come easy. To keep at her level, Isobel wakes up at 4am, every day, trains 12-15 hours a week and runs upwards of an impressive 130kms most weeks.

The North Face 100 takes place in the visually breathtaking Blue Mountains every year and consists of a 100km run and a 50km leg. This year the North Face 100 will occur on 18-19th May 2013. For more information about The North Face 100 or to go to www.thenorthface100.com.au

Magellan is a leading portable GPS navigation consumer electronics company. Founded in 1986 and with over 200 key patents in GPS technology, Magellan is recognised as an industry innovator and leader. MiTAC International Corp, which also owns Navman Technology, bought Magellan in December 2008. MiTAC International is a leading worldwide maker of wireless communications products and one of Business Week's top 100 Global IT companies. In 2011, MiTAC Australia Pty Ltd trading as Navman Technology took over the sales, marketing and distribution of Magellan outdoor GPS products and in 2012 launched a multi-sport range of fitness devices, the Magellan Switch and Switch Up. For more information visit www.magellangps.com.au or the Magellan Australia/New Zealand Facebook page.