Chriso and Zacca kick off by reflecting on their recent experience at the Cruden Farm XCR event, where the mud, technical terrain, and ditches provided a notoriously challenging cross-country test. The duo share a recap of navigating the course's relentless switchbacks and even discusses the surreal experience of running through a landscape so "cooked" that the beautiful scenery only became apparent in post-race photos.

This week’s featured guest is Run2PB athlete and Diamond Valley Athletics Club (DVAC) member, Dylan Littlejohn. A seasoned runner of 12 years, Dylan joins the show to discuss his recent running journey, including his impressive 2:44 personal best at the Ballarat Marathon. Dylanis now focused on his next major goal: the Valencia Marathon later this year.

Dylan opens up about his evolution as a marathoner, candidly admitting that his early approach involved "hammering" the final 12km after an easy start—a strategy that led to some memorable blowups before he began working with the Run2PB coaching structure. He credits coach Jonny Squire with helping him increase his weekly training volume and providing the accountability necessary to stay consistent with his sessions, even when life (and occasional illness) gets in the way.

The conversation takes a delightful turn as the group explores Dylans life outside of running. From his and his wife’s wine label, Littlejohn Wines (the Rosé is highly recommended!), to their rather unique travel companions—two rainbow lorikeets. Dylan also shares his philosophy on maintaining balance, including his habit of enjoying a glass of red wine, even during his marathon training blocks.

Finally, the hosts and Dylan dive into his experience with the XCR circuit and the camaraderie he has found within DVAC. Having joined the club at 35, Jonny discusses the humility that comes with training alongside younger, faster athletes and how that speed work has been a secret weapon in improving his marathon performance. Be sure to tune in for the full interview, including the quick-fire questions.

Finally, this episode is brought to you in partnership with Oat Running Socks. Dylan is rewarded for jumping on the show with a pair, you can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au

The Better With Running podcast officially hits a major milestone with its 300th episode. To celebrate, host Chris Armstrong is joined by Run2PB coaches Zac Newman, alongside the show's OG host & Run2PB Co-Founder Matty Davey, and the "King of Podcasting, Run2PB Co-Founder, Brady Threlfall. The group reflects on the journey since the podcast's inception in 2020

Reflecting on the evolution of Run2PB, the team highlights that while the business has scaled from four coaches to a team of 22 since 2018, their foundational philosophy remains unchanged. They emphasize that coaching is a 50/50 split between programming and deep, human communication. In an era increasingly dominated by AI platforms, the coaches argue that their personalized, human-to-human approach—celebrating successes and debriefing with their athletes—is more critical and relevant than ever before.

The team also discusses the challenges of being a credible voice in the crowded online running space. Brady notes that social media has created an environment where influencers without deep experience often provide training advice. Consequently, Run2PB prioritizes recruiting coaches who possess years of tangible, "real-world" running experience and empathy. This commitment extends beyond digital coaching, as the team has grown their community through in-person event involvement, such as the Ballarat Marathon and "Sweat vs. Steam," bridging the gap between recreational runners and the club running scene.

This weeks #teamrun2pb athlete feature is Matt Ridgewell, who shares his evolution from a runner who "hated" his first marathon to a highly disciplined, sub-3-hour athlete. As a physiotherapist, Matt has successfully blended his professional expertise with his running goals. Zac praises Matt as the "dream athlete" for being exceptionally coachable and patient, noting that his success is a direct result of his consistency in training—even when it involves tackling 18km marathon-effort sessions alone on a highway in the dark before work.

The conversation turns lighthearted during a quick-fire Q&A Matt shares his experiences balancing training with a young family, crediting much of his success to his wife’s support. The hosts also share humorous anecdotes from the road, including Matt’s experience being "called out" on a local community Facebook page for running in the dark. Matt also enlightens the boys on adding eggs to smoothies

Finally, this episode is brought to you in partnership with Oat Running Socks. Andrew is rewarded for jumping on the show with a pair, you can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au

Welcome to episode 299 of the Better with Running podcast, where hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are officially entering the "nervous 299s."

The update segment provides a global look at the Run2PB community, which continues to expand rapidly. Athletes are delivering impressive results in events ranging from Cape Town to Thailand, and the team is particularly excited about a new race entry in Norway. Additionally, the hosts shared a crucial update regarding the "Sweat vs. Steam" event; with the date locked for November 15, the planning team is working hard to ensure this year’s iteration offers an even larger, more vibrant carnival atmosphere for all participants.

The episode also features a detailed race recap of the St. Anne’s Winery XCR. Chris managed to navigate the 8km course in 31:36, noting that his improved confidence on the descents was a direct result of consistent strength training and the reliable grip of his ON cross-country spikes, which helped him avoid the pitfalls of previous years. Meanwhile, Zac finished with a time of 29:42, though he admitted it was a grueling effort to find any sort of rhythm on a course defined by relentless, undulating hills; he even poked fun at his decision to race in a pair of vintage Nike Zoom Streak 6s that may be nearing their tenth birthday.

This week’s main feature is an interview with Tom Marr, a dedicated Run2PB athlete who joined the team in 2022. Fresh off a career-best 31:51 performance at the Launceston 10, Tom reflects on his unconventional path to the sport, which began with a swimming background before shifting entirely to running. He also provides fascinating insight into his recent year-long experience living in a small coastal village in Scotland, where he was struck by the incredible depth and passion of the local club running scene.

A central theme of Tom’s interview is the value of accountability in training, particularly since he started working with coach Josh Harris. Tom highlights how this partnership has been a game-changer for his performance, noting that having a structured plan removes the mental load and allows him to focus entirely on the execution of each session.

The episode concludes with a lively "Quick Qs" segment, where Tom shares some of his personal favorites and lessons learned along the way. Beyond his preference for long threshold sessions, he underscores the importance of patience, noting that he has learned the hard way that running injuries often require more time and care than those sustained in swimming.

This week on Better With Running, Chris and Zac dive into a massive week of preparation. The boys discuss their upcoming trip to Bendigo for XCR, The conversation also shifts to celebrate the incredible achievement of Chris Nicholson, who recently notched his 500th Parkrun with an unforgettable performance featuring multiple costume changes, including a tutu.

In their training recap, Chris admits to a “death march” of a week, totaling 70km with a grinding 5x2 minute session and a 90-minute long run that tested his mental resolve. On the other side of the country, Zac reports a productive 103km week, highlighted by a controlled 32-minute threshold session and a high-quality long run with James Telford that reminded him why he loves training in a group setting.

The highlight of the episode is an interview with their first-ever guest from South Africa, Davide Del Fante. Based in Cape Town, Davide shares his journey from trail running and mountain biking to the road racing scene, which has exploded in popularity in recent years. Davide reflects on his progression from his first sub-3:00 marathon attempt in 2015 to his recent success under coach Andy Buchanan, where he successfully ticked off his major goal of breaking 2:30.

Davide gives listeners a fascinating look at the running culture in Cape Town, Throughout the chat, the group explores Davide’s transition from a casual runner to a dedicated marathoner and looks ahead at what drives his continued pursuit of personal bests on the road.

Episode 297 of the Better With Running podcast kicks off with hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman catching up on their respective training weeks. Chris highlights a productive 70km week, despite a rather clumsy long run where he tripped over a bin while attempting to dispose of a gel, resulting in a scraped shoulder. Meanwhile, Zac reflects on his busy week of racing, specifically his experience at the Jells Park relays. He shares his thoughts on the challenging, hilly nature of the course and the unique, high-intensity environment of cross-country relay racing, which served as a refreshing, old-school contrast to standard road races.

The heart of this episode features an interview with New Zealand-based athlete Casey Thorby. Casey provides a look into his journey as a runner, discussing his transition from being a self-taught athlete to working under the guidance of coach Andy Buchanan. A significant portion of their conversation focuses on the importance of consistency and the specific adjustments Casey has made to his training. He notes that one of the most impactful changes has been slowing down his easy runs, which has significantly improved his recovery and allowed him to maintain his demanding lifestyle as a builder.

Casey also recounts his recent experiences training in Bendigo, where he spent time with Buchanan’s training group. He explains that seeing the group’s approach firsthand helped him realize that elite performance isn't necessarily about complex, specialized training, but rather about adhering to a simple, consistent, and structured plan.

To round out the discussion, we hear about Casey’s recent victory at the Hawks Bay 10km, where he clocked a 32:19. Casey shares his satisfaction with the win and the practical application of his recent training blocks. The episode concludes with the hosts and Casey discussing his future goals for 2026, including his ambitions in the half-marathon and marathon distances, as well as some lighthearted quick fire qs.

In this episode of the Better with Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman open the show by breaking down their recent performances at the Albert Park 5km. Zacca celebrates a successful return to the racing scene with a sharp 16:25, while Chris reflects on a consistent string of improvements. Despite a 5:00 AM start and a chaotic, aggressive opening 400 meters, Chris clocked a 17:45—a significant jump from his recent outings in Albury and Bendigo.

The spotlight then shifts to the newest addition to the Run2PB coaching ranks, Nikki Curry. With a background as a Physiotherapist and a mother of two, Nikki brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and lived experience to the team. She shares her journey of growing up in a running-centric household and later rediscovering her passion for the sport after starting a family. Her recent results speak for themselves, highlighted by a massive performance leap that saw her move from a 2:54 marathoner to an elite 2:41 personal best, culminating in a 6th-place finish at the 2025 Melbourne Marathon.

As a coach, Nikki details how her elite-level experience and medical background allow her to communicate effectively with athletes facing setbacks or injuries. Nikki’s philosophy is rooted in helping runners of all levels unlock their potential through structured coaching, a journey she knows firsthand is made easier with the right support system and a bit of fun along the way.

The episode wraps up with a signature quick-fire round, offering a lighter look at Nikki’s life outside of the sport. From her current shoe rotation and"soundtrack of her life" plus her preferred way to eat a potato, listeners get a full picture of the person behind the 2:41 marathon time.

Whether you are a parent balancing training with a career or a runner looking to shave minutes off your PB, this episode provides a blueprint for finding balance and high performance in equal measure.

For more Coaching details: https://www.run2pb.co/coach-nikki

The most recent episode of the Better With Running podcast features Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman discussing their latest training updates and a special interview with Canadian athlete Tony Conforti. Zacca is preparing for his return to racing at Albert Park this weekend, Meanwhile, Chris is in a recovery phase, logging a recovery week of 32km for the week with a focus on strength work and after his recent efforts at the Ballarat Marathon.

This weeks guest isTony Conforti, he shares his remarkable journey of improvement since joining Run2PB with Coach Brady Threlfall at the helm. Starting with a marathon personal best of 3:50, Tony has since shaved nearly 50 minutes off that time, most recently clocking a 3:01:02 at the Georgina Spring Fling Marathon. He discussed the challenges of training through one of the harshest Canadian winters in decades, often running in temperatures between -15°C and -25°C. Tony attributes much of his success to being a "student of the sport," maintaining high discipline, and working closely with his coach.

During the interview, Tony detailed his race execution and fueling strategy, noting that he consumed approximately 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour using Precision Fuel & Hydration gels. He reflected on the valuable lessons learned from a previous race in Toronto, where aggressive pacing in hot and humid conditions led to a difficult finish. This experience helped him remain in control during his latest marathon, where he felt he was "actually racing" rather than just surviving the final kilometers.

The conversation also touched on Tony’s background in rugby and Muay Thai, and how his interest in running grew from a fitness requirement into a passion for progression. As a father with a second child on the way, he balances his training and has a prue joy for it. Looking ahead to the remainder of 2026, Tony aims to continue his trend of spring and fall marathons while potentially incorporating shorter distances to work on his speed.

In episode 294 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman reflect on a massive weekend of racing at the Ballarat Marathon and Half Marathon. Chris shares his personal success in the half marathon, where he clocked a time of 1:21:34—a one-minute improvement from the previous year. He attributes this success to a psychological shift encouraged by his best friend, Lauren, who challenged him to abandon his conservative racing nature and take aggressive risks early on. This strategy forced him to dig deep during a "pain cave" at 18 kilometers, where he found perspective by reflecting on the grit his friend showed during childbirth, ultimately helping him grind out the final 12 minutes of the race.

The episode features returning guest Rory Flanagan, a beloved figure in the Run2PB community who recently secured a marathon PB of 2:40:46 in Ballarat. Rory discusses his background as a former 400-meter runner and soccer player who rediscovered running during COVID, eventually teaming up with coach Benny Stoltz. Despite an "ideal-less" preparation marked by a 10-week Achilles flare-up and missed long runs due to work, Rory managed to peak on race day, supported by an "entourage" on bikes revving him up around the lake.

Rory also provides a spirited update on the Choccy Milk Run Club (CMRC) in Bendigo, describing the group as a mix of "geriatric old men" who provide essential social relief and humor. . The camaraderie was on full display in Ballarat, highlighted by a humorous CMRC sign on the course that provided much-needed laughs during the grueling second lap.

The technical side of racing is explored through Rory’s experiences with gear and environmental conditions. He notes the strong winds in Ballarat, which at one point made his race bib feel like a "spinnaker" pulling him sideways, though he rated the overall conditions as a manageable 6 out of 10 compared to previous "howling" half marathons.

Looking ahead, Rory is setting his sights on the Chicago Marathon in October. He plans to embrace a shorter marathon block while continuing to integrate cross-training on the bike to manage his physical longevity. Zac and Chris express their excitement for his journey, noting that the "crowd support on another level" in U.S. marathons will be a transformative experience for him as he continues to chase sub-2:40.

With thanks to Oat Running Socks for their support of this episode. Check out www.oatrunning.com.au and use the code Run2PB15 for 15% off you order.

In episode 293 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman check in for a final look at the training logs before the highly anticipated Ballarat Marathon. Chris shares insights into a 63km week focused on recovery and body maintenance, featuring a 4 x 2km session designed to touch on half-marathon and 10km efforts while prioritizing longevity. Meanwhile, Zac continues his momentum, "cracking the ton" with a 102km week that included sharp interval work around the Yarra and Albert Park, capped off by a steady 90-minute long run at 4:22/km.

The heart of this episode features the return of Charles Jacobson, a three-time guest who first joined the show back on episode 146. Since returning to the sport in 2019, Charles has undergone a remarkable transformation under the guidance of coach Andy Buchanan. Having once targeted the sub-3-hour barrier, Charles now enters race week with a 2:52 PB and a string of impressive lead-up performances, including a 17:42 at the Bendigo 5km Frenzy and consistent 120-130km training weeks. We hear about his race prep, the taper jitters and how he plans on celebrating the day!

Good luck to everyone heading to Ballarat this weekend!

With thanks to Oat Running Socks for their support of this episode. Check out www.oatrunning.com.au and use the code Run2PB15 for 15% off you order.

Welcome to episode 292 of the Better With Running Podcast! Host Chris Armstrong is joined by fellow Run2PB coaches Andy Buchanan and Zac Newman . Andy returns to the show to catch us up on his transition from spectator to commentator at the recent 5K Frenzy. While he enjoyed giving back to the local track community, Andy admits he may have gone a bit "rogue" on the mic—at one point discussing lamps—while working alongside the professional Elise Beacom/

The boys dive deep into their training weeks as they prepare for the upcoming XCR season. Chris is finding his stride with his biggest volume in a year, crediting his consistency to following Andy’s conservative coaching. Zac has also hit a significant milestone, cracking the "ton" with a 103km week that included a spicy long run at Yarra Flats.

Andy shares his own massive 153km week, highlighted by a track session of 2km, 700m, and 500m reps followed by a 34km long run. The conversation touches on his build back and race plans for 2026 along with the lthe status of Andy's pride and joy—his new lawn. Andy provides some tips for people preparing for ballarat as the tapers commence and talks through some experiences he has had leading into marathons.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Oat Running Socks. check out their range at www.oatrunning.com.au

You can score some using the run2pb discount code : Run2pb15, for 15% off the range visit www.oatrunning.com.au