Sam & Katie catch up with Matt McKenzie from the Good Good Running Instagram podcast 🎙️

Matt’s progression has been rapid — from a COVID runner in the Netherlands to running 2:38:14 at Gold Coast and building into one of the stronger recreational marathoners in the country. After starting out with a 3:30 fundraiser marathon in 2021, he dropped a huge PB to 2:57 at Gold Coast before linking up with Dave McNeill in 2023. Since then the focus has been consistency, controlled training and avoiding the overcooking that used to derail blocks.

We recap his Ballarat Marathon where he ran 2:39 in tough conditions — close to his PB but with the feeling there’s still more there. Rather than sitting on the result, Matt’s already moved on mentally and is heading into Gold Coast with a “send it” mindset, planning to roll the dice with the 2:35 pace group six weeks after Ballarat.

The episode also dives into the rise of Good Good Running — from post-run beers at Brew Loops to somehow interviewing names like Eliud Kipchoge, Andy Buchanan and Sinead Diver. Matt shares the story of nearly missing his Kipchoge interview because his phone was on 1% battery and he didn’t realise he actually had media access 😅

Katie gives an update on her meniscus injury and gradual return to running, while Sam unpacks the Shellharbour Marathon DNF, ankle issues and trying to rebuild confidence heading into Wollongong Running Festival and Harbour 10. There’s also discussion around MeteoPace, Queensland humidity, marathon pacing, running influencer culture and the state of Strava.

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Big episode covering marathon progression, podcast growth, injuries, training philosophy and why sometimes the best thing you can do is just keep showing up consistently.