Ina'ilau a Tama'ita'i: Elyse Sene-Lefao.

Elyse Sene-Lefao started running when she realised she was getting breathless after jogging a few metres. She decided to "make the hard not hard anymore" and as a result, has become the first Samoan woman to complete the gruelling 100 kilometres trail run.

Elyse Sene-Lefao at the finish line after conquering the 100 kilometres trail run at the Blue Mountains. (Image supplied).

Elyse told us that she was having some issues with her weight. However, the decision to take up running was mainly the result of not being able to run or jog far without getting absolutely puffed.

She spoke about the 'runner's high' - a release of extreme relaxation after a period of running.

The 100 kilometres trail run is a test of physical and mental fortitude. Elyse says the mental side of the trail run is perhaps more important than the physical. The pain can play tricks with the mind and one has to push through it and avoid quitting at all cost.

Elyse Sene-Lefao is also an accomplished singer having reached the final stages of the TV show 'Voice' in Australia.

She loves singing R&B and Soul and compares her singing to Whitney Houston - "one of the belters," she says.

Malo tauivi Elyse. Ua au ia te 'oe le ina'ilau a tama'ita'i.