In a bid to spark conversation, Emma is preparing to run her first marathon this month - and then back it up with another a fortnight later.

Emma knows this is a big ask physically and mentally but she is driven by a passion to lessen the stigma for mental illness.

Personal struggles with anxiety, depression and suicide of loved ones are issues Emma has always tried to be open in speaking about to help ensure others do not feel alone.

Emma has worked in the fitness industry about 10 years but this time she is speaking up in her personal actions out on the Skipton Rail Trail.

Her efforts will raise money and awareness for national mental health body Beyond Blue.

Running has been a way of coping for Emma, particularly in getting through a "sometimes excruciatingly difficult" year and even when it has not been easy to get out running.

Not fussed about times, Emma is a runner who likely to takes things in her own pace.

When she first started seriously running about seven years ago, Emma remembers her husband asking her where she had run.

Emma, usually a big over-thinker, was a little unsure because she had just gone out and focused on running.

"It pretty much freed my mind," Emma said.

"I might start out running a bit stressed about getting hurt if no-one much is around until I calm down and get in my lovely running headspace....If anything has gone wrong running helps me take time to deal with that."

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Emma started running by training for a Run Ballarat six-kilometre run. The next year Emma trained for Run Ballarat's 12km event then started training for a few more 12km and 15km events.

She has now run more half-marathon (21.1km) events than she says she can count.

Emma's ultimate goal for now is to build up to running the full length of the Skipton rail trail, which is almost 60kms.

Buoyed by others setting out on marathon journeys on the trail in lockdown, Emma is set to run her first marathon distance (42.2km) on November 21 and rest a lot before doing it again.

There will be some friends who join in for patches.

Her husband plans to ride at least half the distance with her and Emma's children have been on the bike for her training runs during home learning.

Follow Emma's double-marathon journey at Your Happy Pace on social media.

Donate via Emma's Ultra Rail Trail Challenge via everydayhero.com.au.

For crisis support: Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 or or beyondblue.org.au.

Help is also available, but not limited, via the following organisations. The key message is you are not alone.