Better with Running

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.

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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/

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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:

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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

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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.
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