Wild Chats with Ben Southall
Join host Ben Southall for Wild Chats, a weekly series that dives deep into the world of adventure. Every Friday, we bring you trail runners, hikers, travelers, and explorers sharing their most inspiring and wildest stories from around the globe.
Whether you're chasing ultra-running dreams, planning your next big trek, or simply looking for a spark of adventure, Wild Chats delivers firsthand insights from those who live and breathe the outdoors.
🎙 New episodes every Friday!
Presented by Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia
Wild Chats with Ben Southall
From Local to Global: Buha Bali’s Ultra Running Journey
In this episode of Wild Chats, Ben Southall sits down with ultra runner Buha Bali, whose journey has taken her from local races in Australia to competing on the world stage at the prestigious UTMB in Chamonix.
Buha opens up about the highs and lows of ultra running—how training, community support, and sheer determination play a role in preparing for some of the toughest endurance events on the planet. They dive into the mental and physical challenges of racing in the Alps, the importance of gear and technique, and the transformative moments found on the trails of the Pyrenees and beyond.
She reflects on the pre-race atmosphere, the nerves before the start line, and the resilience needed to overcome both physical and mental hurdles mid-race. Buha also shares her aspirations for future adventures and the lessons she’s carrying forward from Chamonix.
This is a conversation about perseverance, growth, and the love of pushing limits in the wild.
Hosted by Ben Southall from Best Life Adventures & Wild Earth Australia.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the World of Ultra Running
02:43 The Journey to UTMB: From Local to Global
05:44 The Competitive Mindset: Embracing Opportunities
08:22 Preparing for the UTMB: Training and Challenges
11:30 The Role of Community in Trail Running
14:20 Training for the Alps: Overcoming Elevation Challenges
17:11 The Importance of Technique: Using Poles Effectively
20:01 Building a Support Network: The Role of Mentors
22:44 Choosing the Right Race: Finding Your Sweet Spot
25:44 Experiencing the UTMB: The Atmosphere and Community
28:52 Reality Check: Training in the Pyrenees
32:46 Facing the Challenges of Altitude
36:09 Understanding the Mountain's Power
38:02 Experiencing the Terrain and Conditions
39:45 Arrival in Chamonix: The Calm Before the Race
42:15 The Build-Up to the Race Day
47:07 Nerves and Pre-Race Rituals
50:41 The Journey to the Start Line
52:23 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth
55:33 The Emotional Journey of Racing
59:27 Overcoming Adversity in Extreme Conditions
01:05:04 The Finish Line: Triumph and Reflection
01:09:16 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Training