Welcome to episode 289 of the Better With Running podcast! This week, Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman check in to discuss the grit and grind of high-volume training. Chris shares his post-5k Frenzy reset, logging a lighter 45km week and prepping for his first outing in the new ASICS Superblast 3s. Zacca, meanwhile, continues to stack the bricks with a massive 91km week, highlighted by a sharp 30-minute tempo at 3:35 pace and a controlled 23km long run to keep the engine humming.

The episode hits its stride with the return of fan-favorite Chris Hillhouse for his fourth appearance on the show., Chris is currently deep in a marathon build that mirrors his professional life in landscaping. Just as a premium outdoor space requires meticulous site prep before the final aesthetic touches, Chris has been putting in the heavy "earthworks" of high mileage to support his faster track times. We dive into how his recent training block is finally shifting from the rough-in stage to the finishing phase.

Chris shares a training week and some context around some ups and downs in this marathon block.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a catch-up with Hillhouse without some literal landscaping chat and a few "out of left field" takes. We trade the shovels for spoons as the boys dive into some food and drink chat. The show finishes with some much loved world record chat.

Welcome to Episode 288 of the Better With Running podcast. Your hosts, Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, kick things off with a massive week of training and racing updates. Zac finally joined the "triple-digit club," logging over 100km for the week, Chris, meanwhile, shares his "heavy and sluggish" taper experience leading into the Bendigo 5km Frenzy, where he managed to break the 18-minute barrier (17:56) with a tactical masterclass, starting from the very back of the pack to stay out of trouble before picking his way through the field.

The atmosphere at the Bendigo 5km Frenzy was a major highlight, with the boys praising the unique track-side energy and commentary. A standout "only in local athletics" moment involved Jamie Soares, who realized at the track that his brand-new race shoes were actually two left feet, forcing him to compete in his daily trainers. On the drive home, the post-race vibes reached a peak when Chris spotted a local sprinting down the main road at 3:00/km pace while pushing a shopping trolley—a true testament to the athletic spirit (and occasional chaos) of Bendigo at 9:30 pm.

Returning guest Matt Miller joins the show to discuss his dominant win at the Frenzy, where he clocked a 15:45 PB in his first-ever competitive track race. Matt breaks down the tactical shift of moving with six laps to go to gap the field, proving that his speed is right where it needs to be despite being deep in marathon training. The conversation dives into the transition from high-intensity 5k racing back to the marathon grind, highlighting how these shorter "blowouts" provide a necessary mental break and a physical "ceiling raise" during long aerobic blocks.

The focus then shifts to Matt’s primary target: the Ballarat Marathon. Currently peaking at 105km per week, Matt provides a deep dive into his specific marathon workouts, including a grueling 35km long run featuring 3 x 4km efforts at race pace. . Looking ahead, Matt will use this Sunday's Wangaratta Half Marathon as a final hard stimulus to lock in his goal pace.

Closing out the episode, the trio looks forward to the 2026 XCR season, with Matt expressing his keen interest in representing Bendigo on the cross-country circuit. The episode ends on a lighter note with a heated debate over post-run recovery snacks; specifically, Matt’s controversial admission that he isn't a regular "Icy Pole" consumer. Despite the culinary rift, the boys wrap up with plenty of excitement for the upcoming winter racing schedule and the final weeks of the Ballarat build.

Matt was rewarded for coming on the show with a fresh pair of oats to get his kit sorted.

Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

Welcome to Episode 287 of the Better with Running podcast. Your hosts, Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman, kick things off with a deep dive into their own training blocks. Chris shares the details of a 64km week highlighted by a 6 x 1km intervals and a scenic 90-minute long run through the trails of Benalla. Meanwhile, Zacca is knocking on the door of the triple digits with a massive 99km week, featuring a disciplined 25-minute continuous threshold at 3:41/km and a solid 23km long run alongside training partners Al and Reece.

The heart of the episode is an interview with Dan Casey, an Echuca-based farmer and a long-term Run2PB athlete. Dan is the ultimate "quiet achiever," having spent the last four years methodically chipping away at his PBs under Chris’s guidance. Since 2022, he has managed to shave an incredible 30 minutes off his half marathon time and 8 minutes off his 10km, proving that consistency and sticking to the plan—especially keeping the easy runs easy—is the most effective formula for long-term progression.

Dan also opens up about the "dark side" of the marathon, recounting a harrowing experience at the 2024 Sunshine Coast Marathon where he collapsed at the 35km mark from severe heatstroke. He describes the terrifying moment of waking up in a garden bed with strangers pouring water on him, a sobering story that underscores the importance of hydration and respecting the distance. Despite the setback, Dan remains focused on his 2026 goals.

We wrap up with a round of "Quick Qs," where we learn Dan is a Garmin loyalist and a zooper dooper man. From farm life in Moama to chasing a sub-1:28 half marathon, Dan’s story is a relatable testament to the "everyday athlete" spirit. As a reward for his hard work and for being such a great guest, we’re sending Dan a fresh pair of Oat Socks to keep those feet comfortable during those early morning farm miles.

Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

In episode 286 of the Better With Running podcast, coaches Chris Armstrong and Zacca Newman kick things off by reviewing their latest training blocks while reflecting on the explosive growth of the Bendigo running scene. Chris detailed a week of 73km, highlighted by a 25km long run in testing 80% humidity that left him "pretty cooked". He also shared a lesson in patience from his 10 x 400m track session; after feeling "tense" and struggling for rhythm in the first six reps, he consciously relaxed for the final four, finding that "all of a sudden, the pace came". Zacca, meanwhile, banked 91km for the week, featuring a 21km long run and a demanding "BT" fartlek session.

The episode takes a celebratory turn with the return of Corinne, a standout Run2PB athlete who has become a symbol of "Big Cat Energy" following a year of massive breakthroughs. With a 16-minute half-marathon PB and a blistering 48:54 10km at Ballarat under her belt, Corinne fresh off a return to racing, discusses her journey through injury management, emphasizing the importance of staying consistent and not getting "greedy" with training—a sentiment Chris echoed when describing his shift from "burying himself" in sessions to prioritizing long-term health.

As the "unofficial ambassador" for the Verve running store, Corinne joined the coaches for an essential "shoe chat," offering her perspective on the latest gear and the technical shifts in running footwear. The conversation also touched on her recent 10km run in Bendigo, where the local event saw record-breaking participation with over 3,000 runners. Chris shared his own experience from the weekend, where he acted as a "waiter service" pacer for fellow runner Mel, jokingly describing his role of grabbing drinks from the tables as not exactly "a la carte dining" but a rewarding way to support an athlete and friend.

The episode concludes with an in-depth preview of the Bendigo 5km Frenzy, which Chris describes as "fast, fun, and a little bit chaotic". With Elise and Andy on the mic commentating and races for all abilities it set to be a great night of racing.

Enter the Bendigo Frenzy:

https://www.athleticsbendigo.org.au/events/5k-frenzy-2026/

Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

In episode 285 of the Better With Running podcast, Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman provide a deep dive into their current training blocks before welcoming guest athlete Laura Tomic. Chris shares details on his 66km week, highlighted by a "Moose Fartlek" session consisting of threshold and 5km pace efforts, while Zac reports a strong 83km week. Zac’s progress is particularly notable as he returns to 95% health following a back injury, aided by specific strength work.

The hosts also promote the upcoming International Women’s Day Running Connection on March 1st at George Knott Reserve, a community event featuring Elise Beacom as host, and elite athletes like Jemima Montag and Sarah Klein.

https://www.lovetherun.com.au/iwdrunning

The episode's central focus is an interview with Laura Tomic, a Run2PB athlete coached by James Hansen who has made a stunning return to competitive track and field. After a long hiatus from the sport to raise four children, Laura joined the program in March 2024 and has since achieved remarkable success in middle-distance events.

During the interview, Laura reflects on her journey from being a high-level teenage athlete to rediscovering her passion for the track as a Master’s athlete. She discusses her specific focus on the 800m, 1500m, and steeplechase, events that require a demanding blend of speed and aerobic power. The discussion highlights her recent personal bests, including a 5:19 mile and a sub-5 minute 1500m, as well as her goals for the 2026 season.

The episode concludes with a "Quick Questions" segment where Laura shares her preferences for Garmin over Coros and her appreciation for the track community. As a reward for her contributions and impressive results, she is gifted a pair of Oat Running Socks.

Partner Offer: By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade. Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

Welcome to episode 284 of the Better With Running podcast, hosted by Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman. The show kicks off with the weekly training wrap-up, where Chris shares his 77km week, highlighted by a grueling session of hill repeats transitioned into a 5km threshold. Despite a tiring two-hour long run and a particularly memorable encounter with an oversized dog at Parkrun, Chris managed to maintain his consistency. Zac also shares his progress as he navigates some back management with help from fellow coach James Telford, reporting a much-improved 100-minute long run at Yarra Flats that signaled a positive turn in his recovery.

The heart of the episode features an interview with Drysdale based athlete Dylan Smith, who joined the Run2PB community in early 2025. Dylan discusses his rapid progression under the guidance of coach James Telford, moving from a self-described "post-COVID runner" to a serious competitor hitting major milestones. His transformation is evidenced by his significant PB improvements, including dropping his 5km time from over 22 minutes to a swift 20:11 and shaving nearly seven minutes off his half-marathon best. Dylan reflects on the importance of structured coaching and the community support that has fueled his journey from his first around the block truggle to completing the Sydney Marathon.

Dylan speaks candidly about his motivation for running, which stems from a desire to be a healthy role model for his son. This personal "why" has helped him stay disciplined through the early morning sessions and the inevitable "grind" of marathon training blocks.

The episode wraps up with a signature round of quick-fire questions that reveal Dylan’s life outside of the sport. Listeners get a glimpse into his "cheeky" hobby of gaming, his preference for Garmin over Coros and he shares his current shoe rotation.

To close the show, the coaches offer a special treat for the listeners with a discount for Oat Running socks. By using the code Run2pb20 through the end of March, supporters of the podcast can grab 20% off their next kit upgrade.

Go to www.oatrunning.com.au

The episode kicks off with episode 283, hosted by Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman. Chris reviews his recent 68km for the week. He highlights a "Deeks Quarters" session that felt significantly better than previous attempts due to cooler weather, s. Meanwhile, Zac discusses his 97.5km week, sharing the challenges of managing a back spasm that required specific mobility work, such as "thread the needle" stretches, to regain full breathing capacity during his runs.

Our guest for the week is Andrew Monk, a PE teacher and Director of Boarding at a school. Andrew provides a fascinating look into his lifestyle, balancing a high-stress role supervising 100 students while living on-site with his family. Despite the demands of his career and the windy conditions of rural Western Victoria, Andrew has found a rhythm that allows him to train at a high level. He shares his origin story as a talented junior 800m runner who eventually transitioned to football and then returned to distance running in his late 20s with a renewed focus on longevity.

Since joining Run2PB and working with Coach Brady Threlfall in April 2025, Andrew has seen a staggering progression in his performance. He has shattered his long-standing personal bests, including dropping his 5km time from 17:13 (set back in 2014) to a blistering 15:56, and lowering his marathon mark to 2:42:00. Andrew talks about why he signed up to run2pb and what impact it has had on him as well as detailing some fav training sessions.

In the "Quick Fire" segment, Andrew gives us a glimpse into his gear and preferences, and reveals the soundtrack to his life.

With Thanks to Oat Running Socks

Listeners can use the discount code Runpb15 to their order. Visit www.oatrunning.com.au

In this episode, we welcome back Australian marathon record holder and Olympian Andy Buchanan for a candid conversation about the high-stakes reality of elite distance running. We kick things off with a major update on his body and where he is at with his return to training. After rushing his return for Valencia—an error he likens to putting a "band-aid over a hole in a bucket"—Andy embraces a "humbling" and highly conservative 6-week program set by Patrick Stow, starting with just one-minute jogs at a local oval.

The heart of our discussion explores the "rehabilitation grind" and the psychological toll of the sidelines. Andy reflects on the unique shift in identity that occurs when an Olympian and national record holder is forced to stop moving, admitting he had become perhaps too attached to his record as a part of his personality. He shares how this "injury reset" has demanded a level of long-term patience far beyond the quick mental shift needed after a single race-day disappointment.

Andy talks through where things went off the rails with his return and also whats in place going forward and "it’s okay if you make a mistake, as long as you learn from it".

Finally, Andy talks through the importance of "doing the time" for his injury without taking shortcuts and rounds out the chat with a some advice for those starting marathon blocks.

The show finishes up with a quick update on both Chris and Zacca's training as they continue to stack weeks together.

With thanks to Oat Running our partner,

Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

In this episode of the Better with Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman recap their training, including a race update and gold medal performance from Chriso is revealed! Before welcoming Run2PB coach James Telford and his athlete, Zac Collyer, to discuss a year of remarkable transformations. 

A standout moment in the conversation is Zac’s unconventional entry into the Run2PB program, which included a 3:09 rowing machine marathon—a feat that immediately signaled his high level of mental and physical engine. Before joining James, Zac was following a triathlon-based plan heavily focused on heart rate zones and "double threshold" sessions that weren't yielding the specific results he craved. James recalls their early interactions, noting, "There was a bit of a late night chat... and we sort of agreed that what he was doing possibly wasn't the best thing for him".

Under James’s guidance, Zac’s personal bests have seen a drastic overhaul. He has progressed from a 19:54 5km to a sharp 19:00, dropped his 10km from 44:16 to a sub-40-minute 39:57, and brought his half marathon down to 1:30.

Looking ahead, the team is now targeting the Ballarat Marathon, focusing on consistent volume and specific training to see how Zac can go in his debut marthon. The episode concludes with a "Quick-Fire" round and a special gift from sponsor Oat Running Socks to celebrate Zac’s progress.

Before rounding out the show, James talks about the new clinic setup and sweat testing that is available there in partnership with Ben Stolz. "It’s a good time to get it done, because you can then start training, especially your long runs, with your sodium replacement... it's important to practice how you're hoping to play on the day"

With thanks to Oat Running our partner,

Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week, Run2PB coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by returning guest and "pod veteran" Chris Hillhouse. Fresh off a massive track debut in Hobart, Chris shares his journey from setting PBs on a school footy oval to becoming a 2:38 marathoner. T

The training talk starts with Chris Armstrong navigating a 66km week and a particularly "uncomfortable" set of Deeks Quarters. On the other side of the mic, Zacca is finding serious momentum with a 94km average over the last month. Zac details his BT Fartlek session at Albert Park and continues to build with a spicy long run.

Returning Guest Chris Hillhouse joins the conversation to unpack his recent 16:10 debut in a 5000m track race down in Hobart. This performance marks a significant milestone in a rapid progression that began in May 2024. Coached by Josh Harris. He reflects on his Melbourne Marathon debut, where he crossed the halfway mark feeling strong in 79 minutes before facing the inevitable "wall" and emotional struggle that hits at the 27km mark, he rallied and managed to run 2:38.

Beyond the running stats, the episode explores Chris’s life as a landscaper and the face of "Over the Hill Gardening".

Follow Here: https://www.instagram.com/overthehillgardening/?hl=en

The banter continues as the boys dive into the world of icy pole reviews. Chris shares his thoughts on the infamous Juicee icy poles, giving them a lowly 1/10 for taste.

The episode wraps up with a discussion on a bizarre story from the Hong Kong Marathon, where a runner was disqualified at the 15km mark. Race officials pulled the participant off the course after realizing he was carrying an infant in a front carrier—complete with its own official race bib. The crew discusses the absurdity of the "baby-bouncing" logistics and compares it to more traditional (and legal) pram running.

With thanks to Oat Running our partner,

Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au