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/signup

Give the podcast a review:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/better-with-running/id1506419354

This episode features two insightful guests:

1. 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.

2. 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!

In this packed episode of the Better with Running podcast, Chriso and Zac bring you all the latest from their training weeks before diving into two exciting guest interviews with Sam Clifford and #TeamRun2PB athlete Stephen Van Rees.

Special Guest: Sam Clifford

This week, we welcome a rising star in Australian distance running, Sam Clifford. A member of Team Tempo, Sam had a breakout 2024 season, which included, a Burnie 10k Win - 28:17 and Zatopek 10 2nd- 28:29, most recently he ran a massive 5000m PB at Maurie Plant Meet - 13:25, moving to 2nd on the Tasmanian All-Time list

Topics Covered:

• Sam’s incredible progression this season and his standout results.

• What it was like to race in front of 10,000 fans at Lakeside Stadium.

• Breaking through at the elite level and learning to handle nerves and expectations.

• Mental strategies: visualization, mantras, and staying focused during tough moments.

• Pre-race rituals and post-race celebrations.

• If he could go on a long run with any runner—past or present—who would it be?

In this weeks epiosde of Better with Running Podcast, the show starts with a recap of Chriso's 80k Week including a tough "Buchanan Fartlek" (5 sets of 4 min threshold, 1 min hard, 1 min easy) and a challenging 2-hour long run. Chriso talks us through his latest Shokz headphones and how they are a game changer for him.

#TeamRun2PB Interview: Pooja Bhuller

• Chriso and Zacca welcome #teamrun2pb athlete Pooja Bhuller to discuss her inspiring running journey.
• Hear how Pooja started running during COVID, her progression to marathons, and the story behind her recent 18:42 5k PB.
• Pooja shares her experience being coached by Eliza and her favourite training sessions.

• Pooja looks forward to her running goals for 2025.

Quick Fire Q&A Highlights

• Tech Choice: Garmin or Coros? Apple or Android?
• Location Love: Sydney or Melbourne?
• Footwear: Insights into Pooja's shoe choices for different types of runs.
• Wisdom for Younger Self: One piece of life advice for 18-year-old Pooja.
• Gear Wishlist: The next piece of running kit Pooja has her eye on.
• Dream Race & Everyday Fuel: Pooja reveals her dream race destination and the one food she could eat forever.

Show Links:

Be coached to your next PB, join run2pb.

https://www.run2pb.co/

This week on the Better with Running Podcast, Chriso and Zacca are back with 2 Run2PB Coaches to discuss their own running and coaching updates.

The first guest is Jonny Squire, who recently joined the Run2PB Coaching team, the boys dive into Jonny's transition to Run2PB coach, highlighting how his physio background shapes his athlete load management. He shares his Ballarat Marathon training and the unbelievable story of his stolen Superblasts—a running mystery unfolding!

The next guest is James Hansen, Zacca sits down with James to recaps his recent win at the Adelaide 5000m Invitational, discussing his current training and season goals. Then, the conversation shift gears to his coaching philosophy, revealing his key messaging to athletes and his focus on mental fortitude.

Give the lads a review as requested ;)

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/better-with-running/id1506419354

You can be coached by Run2PB Here:

https://www.run2pb.co/ongoingcoachingsignup

This week on the Better with Running Podcast,  Chris hits a 75km training week, featuring a challenging 10 x 800m session on the road. He keeps building for his Half at Ballarat where he will join a large contingent of Run2PB athletes next month, Zacca received unfavorable results from his recent scan, indicating an injury setback, Chris offers up some ideas to keep him motivated in the gym!

Friend of the Show, Richie Egan joins the boys for a chat about his "Bloody Far 200km Run for Butterfly" on Saturday, March 15th, to raise funds for the Butterfly Foundation, a charity of personal significance. We here about the origins of this ambitious run, Richie's preparation, and what you can expect to see if you come down to support or watch this weekend.

Interview: Andy Buchanan,  Run2PB Coach and Australian Marathon Record Holder, comes back to the show for another chat detailing his current training ahead of London Marathon, he also answers some listener questions on his nutrition, strength work and training philosophies as a coach. Andy offers up a candid and open discussion on how he is tracking in 2025 so far.

Show Links:

Details about Richie Egans Bloody Far Run for Butterfly

https://www.justgiving.com/page/richies-bloody-far-200km-run-for-butterfly?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Follow On IG: https://www.instagram.com/richie_egan100/

Foundation: https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/
National Helpline 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEST/AEDT) on 1800 33 4673.
--
Andy Buchanan

Follow his Strava & Instagram
Shop or Visit Verve www.ververunning.com.au
--
Be coached by Run2PB
www.run2pb.co

First up, Zacca and Chriso share some training updates, Chriso hits a solid 72km week, whilst Zacca is still in limbo with his return to running!

Our #teamrun2pb interview this week features  Run2PB OG Luke Millard. Luke's journey is a testament to the power of consistent training. Since joining Run2PB in August 2019 under the guidance of Andy Buchanan, Luke has slashed his 10k PB to an impressive 36:17, become a multiple sub-3-hour marathoner, proudly represented the Bendigo Bats, and teamed up with his Coach in launching Verve Running.

In this interview, we explore the depth of Luke's running journey. He shares some favourite training workouts and what it like to be coached by Andy Buchanan. We also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Verve Running. Discover the story behind the store and how it's becoming a hub for the local running community.

Straight off the back of a massive 10K PB, we welcome back Norah Armstrong to the show for a detailed race recap. Norah jumps onto give an in depth analysis of the 10k event, providing insights and perspectives alongside coach Chriso and settles the score on a few issues.

This week on the Better With Running Podcast, Chriso recaps a solid training week, featuring some 3k reps while also addressing Garmin Connect issues, a spicy long run that nearly broke strava and pre-pacing gig nerves. Zacca updated listeners on his ongoing injury, expressing uncertainty about his recovery. 

The podcast then features an interview with Jess Jason, Run2PB's new online trail/road coach, we hear about her extensive running experience across track, road, and trail, sharing her running journey and coaching philosophy.

The show finishes with some world-record chat

https://runningmagazine.ca/the-scene/swedens-polar-ice-half-marathon-ends-in-barefoot-world-record/

You can sign up to be coached by Jess here https://www.run2pb.co/coach-jess 

https://www.run2pb.co/trail-ultra-coaching

This week's Better with Running Podcast features training updates from Chriso and Zacca. Chriso is back in action, sharing his training progress and VIP backstage experience. Zacca, however, has hit a roadblock with his form, experiencing a niggle that requires a break and reset.

We also celebrate two #teamrun2pb athletes who achieved PBs at the Port Fairy Marathon Festival. First up is Laura Malady, coached by Elise Beacom, who finished 4th female in an impressive 3:22. Laura discusses her marathon build-up, race day experience, and the origin of the training block's mythical "Griffin" theme.

Our second guest is Scott Barclay, who initially worked with Gemma Maini in 2018, then transitioned to triathlon. Now coached by James Hansen, Scott recently achieved a half marathon PB. He shares his running journey, how he balances it with football umpiring, and his plans for the Ballarat Marathon. Scott also answers quick questions and educates listeners on the Australian delicacy, the battered sav.

Finally, there is a promotion for a free Melbourne event supporting women's safety and connection through running, coinciding with International Women's Day.

The event will feature two run2pb coaches, Elise Beacom and Sophie Fitt. For more information, visit https://www.lovetherun.com.au/iwdrunning