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