In this episode, we sit down just days after running the Great Ocean Road Marathon to unpack the experience — the highs, the struggles, and the reflections that followed.

We break down the race itself, including pace strategy, conditions, and performance — but more importantly, we explore how this event became a reminder of what running means beyond times and splits.

⛰️ In This Episode:

• Race Breakdown
• Pre-race mindset & goals
• The conditions on the day (including wind and pacing)
• Fueling, heart rate, and body feedback
• When things started to unravel — and what we did next
• Lessons from the Road
• How setbacks during the race revealed gaps in training and mindset
• The role of long run distance in marathon prep
• Recognising how checking out mentally can impact physical performance
• How illness and context matter — and why self-compassion is key
• Putting Performance into Perspective
• Using reflection to find growth in disappointment
• Why times don’t tell the full story
• Reframing effort as a win — especially when conditions are stacked against you
• What this means for the next block of training (and Melbourne Marathon in October)

This Month’s Mentors

We share the books, podcasts, and quotes that kept us grounded and inspired during the last month.

🏃‍♂️ Why We Run

At its core, this episode is a reminder that running is about more than a finish time — it's about connection: to yourself, to others, and to something greater.

Whether you’re a marathoner, a weekend jogger, or just someone navigating life’s long roads — we hope this one hits home.

🎤 Got a question or takeaway? Message us @HumanBeingSchool or leave a review to share your thoughts.