Lessons from the Road: Supporting Ultra-Endurance Athlete Fran Hurndall Across Australia

Dr Ben Davidson

Over the past 16 days, I’ve had the privilege of supporting ultra-distance runner Fran Hurndall as she undertakes the incredible challenge of running across the width of Australia, raising funds to support survivors of domestic violence. Covering thousands of kilometres in extreme conditions brings a unique set of clinical, logistical, and human challenges. Here are a few key lessons I’ve learned on the road as a sports chiropractor:

1. Improvisation is Essential

You simply can’t bring every tool, tape, cream, or support device on a journey like this. In hindsight, I’d swap a few things in my kit—but those limitations encouraged creative problem-solving. One of the most memorable solutions involved constructing an arch support using about 15 layers of foam padding and strapping a metatarsal pad to Fran’s slides—then taping the slides to her feet—so she could continue running on what was arguably the world’s biggest and angriest heel blister. That morning, even walking seemed uncertain.

2. Less Is More

When managing biomechanical load, especially over ultra distances, you can’t eliminate forces—only redistribute them. With the volume of kilometres involved, the risk of overloading a different tissue while trying to offload another increases significantly. That’s why any intervention—whether it’s a heel lift, tape application, or even changing shoes—needs to be done conservatively and only when necessary.

3. Know Your Scope

As healthcare professionals, our instinct is to help. But in high-pressure, remote settings like this one, it’s critical to know when to ask for support. On several occasions, I reached out to other professionals rather than let ego get in the way. Prioritising Fran’s health and the success of the mission meant recognising when collaboration was the best call.

4. The Power of Optimism

The human mind is powerful—it’s always working to protect us. On missions like this, it can begin to signal fatigue, pain, or even thoughts of stopping as a form of self-preservation. This is where optimism makes a real difference. As a team, we consistently reinforced belief in Fran’s ability and the purpose behind her mission. That belief—shared and genuine—had a tangible impact, helping her push through both physical and mental limits.

My time on this incredible journey has now come to a close, and I’m excited to be back at Lakelands Health and Performance from next week. Fran continues her run under the expert care of another sports chiropractor, Dayne, and I’ll be sharing updates on her progress via my socials as she heads toward Sydney.

If you haven’t already, please consider supporting Fran’s cause at:
👉 www.reachoutspeakupchallenge.com.au

Dr Ben Davidson