Jodie
“Embrace who you are. Life has far too many stresses, don’t add criticing yourself to them.”
Jodie is a passionate trail runner who is drawn to nature. She is her happiest when she’s exploring the world on her own two feet. She is also remarkably determined, which is evident in the documentary Running the Roof, where Jodie (joined by two friends) runs 400km across Tajikistan - one of the most remote places on earth - through severe temperature and elevation changes, rough terrain, and with an injury. Though she is still working to prove herself as an athlete, her endurance - both mental and physical - are undeniable. She is strong-willed and always up for an adventure. This is her story.
Jodie, trail running (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
J: I grew up chasing butterflies around the garden, exploring for crystals in the nearby quarry and skipping barefoot across rock pools in search of interesting sea creatures. My name is Jodie Gauld and in my 28 years, I don't remember a time when I wasn't running or full of wonder for the outdoors.
Now, I work full time as a project manager for a sports and well being software company. Then every moment in between, I aim to play outdoors. Mainly I'm a runner. I prefer trail running and travel the world with friends, seeking out new paths to explore and take on races that take you through deserts or over mountains for over 100 miles or over multiple days.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
J: Stubborn, sensitive, caring, protective, like hearted, nature lover, eco concious and a fun-seeker.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
J: To be so passionate about something... Ultra trail running and it's community.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
J: I'm really proud to have completed an events called TDS which snakes from Italy back to the Chamonix Valley, France.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
J: Embrace who you are. Life has far too many stresses, don't add criticing yourself to them.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
J: I didn't think I had an opinion until you asked this question, so I'm sure there's more but I realise one thing in my subconscious. To me it's always meant that I've had to prove myself. In sport, in relationships, work, you name it, we all can relate. I think what I really should say is that I'm confident in my sport, career and more... "But" I'm too sensitive to the patronising and doubt, it's something I'd like to overcome and I think that's why I keep taking on tougher endurance events in a endless bid to prove myself.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
J: Courtney Dauwalter inspires me, she is so humberly (not sure that's a word!) brilliant competing and outright winning endurance events in a male dominated sport, all the while being super chill and supportive of all involved. I'd say thank you for breaking stereotypes and boundaries for everyone in sport and beyond.