In episode 276 of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman welcome Run2PB Coach Ned Buckell.

Ned brings a high level of academic expertise to his coaching, as he is currently completing his Masters of Exercise Physiology. The episode serves as a deep dive into Ned’s journey, exploring how he transitioned from a competitive junior athlete to a coach who balances scientific principles with real-world experience.

The conversation begins by painting a picture of Ned’s upbringing in a competitive household as the youngest of four boys. Alongside his twin brother, Matt, Ned’s introduction to running started as early as age five with Bendigo Little Athletics and cross-country racing. Listeners get an inside look at the long-standing relationship between the Buckell brothers and their mentor, elite runner Andy Buchanan, who began coaching them in Grade 6. This bond has evolved over moving from a teacher-student dynamic to a professional one where they now work together at the Verve Running.

A significant portion of the show is dedicated to a major turning point in Ned's life: a non-running-related injury that sidelined him for years. In Year 8, Ned contracted a severe staph infection that settled in his hip, leading to a month-long hospital stay, and complications like pneumonia and myocarditis. He shares the raw reality of spending 18 months on crutches and the grueling process of rebuilding muscle and fitness after missing a critical window of his junior career, on top of that after a return we hear about the decision to undergo and hip replacement and how he has been able to return to running after this.

Beyond his personal history, Ned discusses how his academic background in exercise science shapes his approach to coaching both senior and junior athletes. The episode highlights his focus on Strength and Conditioning (S&C) as a non-negotiable tool for performance and injury prevention.

Whether discussing the nuances of tendon stiffness or the mental health benefits of the sport, Ned’s perspective is one of resilience making this episode a must-listen for runners looking to understand the "why" behind their training.