JUST like many Australians all over the country, Miah Noble took up a new hobby during the pandemic.
What started as a way to move her body and support her mental health, will now see the 20-year-old from Port Macquarie head to Spain in September to represent Australia at the World Trail Running Championships.
Held in Canfranc in the Pyrenees mountains, Miah will compete in the 46km trail event which will take her on a journey of over 3,600 metres of elevation gain.
“The trail will be steep, technical, and at high altitude,” Miah told News Of The Area.
“It’s definitely going to be one of the most challenging courses I’ve ever run, but I’m excited to experience that landscape, run alongside some of the world’s best, and represent Australia on the start line.”
Discovering trail running in the last 18 months after moving down to Victoria, Miah felt something shift within her as she grew fond of the terrain, the mountains, and the wildness of the trails.
Through consistent training, racing, learning, and listening to her body, Miah has competed in some key trail races over the past year, including her very first 50km ultra.
“My first 50km ultra was a really big moment for me – not just physically, but emotionally,” said Miah.
“It pushed me in every way, and it taught me that I’m stronger than I thought.
“Finishing that race was about so much more than the distance.”
While the wildness of the terrain is part of the appeal for Miah, it can be a source of worry for her mum, Michelle.
“She’s out there for hours at a time, sometimes in remote and challenging conditions, and as a mum, that brings some natural worry,” Michelle told News Of The Area.
“But at the same time, I trust Miah deeply.
“I’ve seen how grounded and present she is in herself and in nature.
“I know she’s not alone out there, even when she’s running solo; the trail running community is extraordinary.”
Miah joined Port Macquarie parkrun following COVID, where she met many encouraging people in the local running community.
Over time, the distances covered began to grow, leading to a training schedule that shifts to suit the seasons and the races she is preparing for.
“A typical week includes a mix of trail runs, long runs, recovery runs, and strength or mobility sessions,” said Miah.
“Recently I have also been including lots of swimming and bike riding to increase strength and endurance and I also focus a lot on nutrition and recovery.
“Things like stretching, rest days, and fuelling well are just as important as the running itself.”
Michelle said she was “honoured to witness” her daughter’s journey in the sport.
“What I admire most is that she’s doing this for herself,” she said.
“She’s not chasing praise or perfection, she’s following something that feels real and purposeful.
“Her connection to trail running has a physical, emotional, and spiritual depth to it. It supports her, challenges her, and allows her to grow in ways that extend well beyond the race results.
“To watch your child discover something that helps them come home to themselves, that’s a powerful thing.”
Fundraising is currently underway to support Miah on her journey to Spain.
To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-miah-get-to-the-world-trail-running-championships.
By Rikki WALLER
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