Better with Running

In our 250th episode of the Better with Running Podcast! We celebrate this milestone, with a special duo from the run2pb team: dedicated athlete Liam Brandt and his coach, James Telford. In this interview, we explore Liam's running journey, from his humble beginnings in the sport to his impressive progression and training ahead of his debut at the Gold Coast Marathon. Liam speaks candidly about the demanding sessions, the mental fortitude required for solo runs in the dark, and the stark contrast between this solitary training and his background in team sports like football. He opens up about pushing through the "dark places" that every dedicated athlete encounters, offering a raw and honest look at the grind behind the results.Looking ahead, Liam and James give us a look inside the training block and revealing his favourite session. To get to know Liam even better, we put him in the hot seat with a quick-fire round. We find out his preference between Garmin and Coros, the tech debate of iPhone versus Android, and the one bit of life advice he'd give his 18-year-old self. For all the shoe geeks out there, Liam gives us the inside scoop on his shoe rotation for easy days, sessions, and races, and also shares the song he’d put on the soundtrack of his life.To cap off this milestone episode, we make a very exciting announcement. The Better with Running Podcast is thrilled to launch a new partnership with Oat Running Socks! In celebration, every guest who joins us on the show will now receive a free pair of Oat Running's fantastic running socks as a thank you for sharing their story. You can check out their range : https://www.oatrunning.com.au/A huge thank you to all of our listeners for your support over 250 episodes! Here's to the next 250!

In this episode of the Better With Running Podcast, hosts Chris and Zac start the show by touching on listener feedback and a recent incident highlighting poor track etiquette amidst the current "running boom." Chris updates on his elliptical training as he recovers from injury, hoping for a gentle return to running soon, while Zac details his own structured return-to-run program, starting with walk/jogs and feeling positive. They also briefly discuss elliptical machine preferences and inaccuracies.The spotlight then turns t #teamrun2pb athlete and physiotherapist Matt Ridgewell, who shares his inspiring journey to breaking the 3-hour marathon barrier at Noosa with a 2:58:07 finish. Matt recounts his running origins, his professional passion for treating runners, and the personal challenges he overcame—including a stress fracture and significant life events—leading up to his triumphant race. describes his love for both the objective and meditative aspects of running, praises Zacca's coaching, and answers a series of quick-fire questions about his running and future goals before the hosts conclude that Rod Stewart's WR attempt is a bit misguided, as they round out the show with WR Chat.00:00:17: Introduction and 250th episode anticipation. 00:00:56: Listener feedback and previous week's "one percenters" discussion. 00:01:35: Track etiquette issues and "runfluencers." 00:04:49: Chris's elliptical training update. 00:08:16: Discussion on elliptical machine pros and cons. 00:12:50: Zac's return to running program. 00:18:38: Introduction of guest Matt Ridgewell. 00:20:27: Matt's running origin story. 00:21:34: Matt's work as a physiotherapist and experience with running injuries. 00:25:11: What Matt loves about running. 00:28:13: Lead-up to the Noosa Marathon and Matt's sub-3 goal. 00:30:40: Challenges before the Noosa Marathon (floods, travel changes). 00:32:08: Matt describes the Noosa Marathon race experience. 00:33:34: Pacing and group dynamics during the marathon. 00:35:11: The emotional finish and achieving his goal. 00:39:04: Matt discusses being coached by Zac. 00:43:30: Matt's favorite marathon training sessions. 00:45:06: Matt's future running plans. 00:47:46: Quick-fire questions with Matt begin. 01:01:50: World Record Chat: Rod Stewart and the 80+ 100m record.

This episode of Better With Running kicks off with an update from host Chris Armstrong on his calf strain, sustained in a work incident. While still recovering and not yet running, Chris shares his positive progress and hopes for a return to activity soon, The main focus then shifts to a compelling conversation with Andrew "Sos" Sostheim, an integral member of the Run2PB family since 2018. Andrew recounts his running journey, which began in 2014 after his football career, initially to get fit, but quickly evolved into a passion due to the immense physical and mental benefits, including stress management and a sense of accomplishment. He emphasizes the addictive nature of running and the importance of balancing it with other life commitments.Andrew, a busy "Sparky" with three children and active in their sports, shares his love for the sport. He also discusses his recent Run the Gap 12km event and his experience being coached by Matt at Run2PB, along with his favorite training sessions. Andrew passionately advocates for the social side of running, cherishing the camaraderie and banter with fellow runners.A significant part of Andrew's story revolves around his deep community involvement, particularly as a co-event director for the Wimmera River Parkrun. He enthusiastically promotes the positive impact on fostering good habits in children, providing social connections, and offering physical and mental health benefits to the community. His satisfaction comes from volunteering and seeing others achieve their personal bests, noting the significant growth of Wimmera River Parkrun. The episode concludes with a discussion from the WR chat about a "Buffalo Bandit Lacrosse player who ran a half marathon in full kit," and gets the boys posing some challenges Sos's way.

Join us on Better With Running as Chris recounts a training week of highs and lows – the Subi Run, and then an unfortunate calf injury that'll keep him from XCR.Some shout-outs to some fantastic Run2PB race results from past guests. Then, prepare to be inspired by Chris Hillhouse He'll share his journey from humble time trials around a school footy oval to a massive race at the weekend, where he averaged 3:26/km pace for 12k. Chris talks about his motivation and how he honours a great friend, his experience with Run2PB coaching under the guidance of coach Josh Harris, and we hear about his big goals for the future. Chris, a long-time listener, also hangs around for some world record chat, which includes a truly bizarre feat: a marathon run entirely in circles around a lighthouse!

This episode of Better With Running dives deep into the realities of elite running with insights from Australian Marathon Record Holder, Andy Buchanan, talking candidly after his 11th place at the London Marathon. Andy unpacks how he felt with the result and what it was like to be at major marathon. The conversation then shifts to strategic decision-making in an athlete's career, exploring the various factors, from legacy to personal growth, that influence choices about future races like the World Championships. In a more personal segment, Andy reflects on long-term fulfillment beyond race results, and on the expectations that come with being a prominent athlete in Australia and he reveals his future race plans. Andy talks about his approach coming off London and the break The interview concludes with listener questions covering topics such as elite athlete nutrition, cramping, gaming and the hypothetical financial considerations of race prioritization.The show rounds out with a race recap from Chriso over at Hanging Rock and he praises Nora for her outstanding podium finish on the weekend.

Caches Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman catch up on all things running—from the importance of personalised and individual coaching to shining a spotlight on two inspiring athletes from the Run2PB community. Chris is back into the swing of things following his Ballarat Half effort and gives us a snapshot of the past week Zacca and Chriso talk about the importance of personalised coaching and how one size does not fit all, and how generic plans, are doing a disservice to the running community due to the lack pf the flexibility, individual assessment, and ongoing adjustments necessary to account for how a unique runner responds to training, their potential limitations, or unexpected life events, potentially leading to non-optimal progress or increased injury risk.  🎙 #Teamrun2pB Interview with Jono fresh off a PB performance at the Ballarat Marathon, we hear about his success since joining Run2PB in Feb, his marathon build and an injury scare in the final days, Jono speaks about being coached by Zacca and the value of 1:1 support🎙 #Teamrun2pB Interview with Corinne, a Bendigo-based runner who is coached by Elise Beacom, Corinne has 3 kids, business owner and studying and we hear her running journey that includes overcoming some setbacks to most recently running big PBS over the Half and 10k Distance. Corinne takes on the quick Qs that include fav 90s RNB songs, food for the rest of your life, and shoe chat.----Want to be coached to your next PB?Sign up here: www.run2pb.coSubscribe to BWR, leave a rating/review, and tell a mate who’s training for something big.

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman dive deep into the Ballarat Marathon weekend! Chris kicks things off by sharing his personal race recap, detailing his journey from pre-race nerves and invaluable advice from a friend, to his successful race execution and a satisfying 1:22:20 finish. He highlights the supportive atmosphere, effective nutrition strategy, and the mental fortitude gained from running in packs. Zacca then provides his observations and excitement from being at the Ballarat Marathon as a coach.The episode then features two inspiring guest interviews. First up is Steve Pate, who shares his incredible journey leading up to his massive 2:35:02 PB in Ballarat. Steve discusses his dedicated training under coach Matt Davy, the key milestones along the way, and how his race day unfolded. Finally, Alice Wilkinson joins the show to recount her phenomenal sub-3-hour marathon achievement (2:59:21 PB!). Alice talks about her running progression under coach Ben Stolz and her experience conquering the Ballarat course. Tune in for all the race stories.Physiolife x Run2PB Offer: As a valued run2pb member, Physiolife is generously offering an exclusive 15% discount on physiotherapy consultations. To take advantage of this offer, simply mention you are a run2pb member when booking your appointment. Whether you're managing an injury, looking to prevent future issues, or seeking performance-related physio advice, consider reaching out to the experts at Physiolife for more details and bookings via https://physiolife.physio/.Want to join #teamrun2pb? Find out more at www.run2pb.co.

Hosts Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman kick off this Ballarat Marathon focused episode. Chris provides an update on his own training, having run 44kms since the last episode and feeling better with each run. He mentions a mini-session and is looking forward to racing on Sunday, emphasizing that while he's not expecting a fast time, he aims to run a smart race to gain significant benefit and kickstart his year. Zacca shares a brief, memorable encounter he had at yoga and expresses his excitement for the upcoming Ballarat Marathon weekend.Run2PB Athlete Jess Willis joins the show, with coach Matt Davy the begin the chat talking about lessons learned from Ballarat last year and a change in training approaches. Chris asks Coach Matt Davy about the key training principles he has been focusing on with his athletes, specifically preparing for Ballarat. The discussion moves to Jess Willis's personal training journey, touching briefly on what she does for work before delving into her training block for the marathon, the chat explores the dynamic between athlete and coach, Matt highlights what qualities make Jess a particularly coachable athlete. In turn, Jess shares what she values most about Matt's coaching approach. As the episode wraps up, both Jess and Matt share what they are most looking forward to over the Ballarat Marathon weekend. The hosts also provide details about the Run2PB tent that will be at the event, information regarding a shakeout run, and mention the partnership with Physiolife.Physiolife x Run2PB Offer:As a valued run2pb member, Physiolife is generously offering an exclusive 15% discount on physiotherapy consultations.To take advantage of this offer, simply mention you are a run2pb member when booking your appointment.Whether you're managing an injury, looking to prevent future issues, or seeking performance-related physio advice, consider reaching out to the experts at Physiolife, more details and bookings via https://physiolife.physio/More info on joining #teamrun2pb.www.run2pb.co

This week, Chriso and Zacca are joined by returning guest and Run2PB coach, Elise Beacom. They kick things off with a chat about the recent Athletics Australia National Championships, sharing their highlights. Elise then dives deep into her training block as she prepares for the Ballarat Marathon, discussing key sessions, how her body is feeling, and her race day mindset. She also shares valuable insights from her coaching perspective, including recent athlete successes and how coaching influences her own running. Chriso provides an update on his own training week, detailing a strong tempo session and long run, but also discusses managing a recent minor calf tweak.The show finishes with WR Chat, and Truett Hanes runs the Knoxville Marathon in 2:50 in real jeans. Not jeggings. Not joggers. Actual denim, and also runs with only one shoe over the last mile.https://marathonhandbook.com/truett-hanes-runs-knoxville-marathon-in-jeans-and-one-shoe/Want to be coached to your next PB?https://www.run2pb.co/signupGive the podcast a review:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/better-with-running/id1506419354

This episode features two insightful guests:Josh Kelly (#teamrun2pb Athlete)Joined #teamrun2pb in 2018.Shares his personal running journey and progression.Discusses favourite training sessions, shoe choices (easy vs. race days) and navigating niggles.Reflects on his recent Run for the Kids race and experiences with coach Ned Buckell.Answer chriso's questions, including life advice for his younger self and his food he can eat for the rest of his life.Dr. Steven Langdon (Background in Sports Psychology)Returns to offer expert advice on the mental side of running.Topics covered:Managing pre-race nerves for first-timers or PB chasers.Overcoming mental hurdles from past negative race experiences (bad days, DNFs).Techniques for staying mentally strong during the tough final stages of a race.The psychology behind setting stretch goals vs. achievable goals.Strategies to stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your personal running journey.Tune in for practical tips and inspiring stories for your own running!