Better with Running

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. TThe 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=enThe 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

The show opens with hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman discussing the brutal Victorian heatwave that saw temperatures soaring above 40 degrees. Amidst these challenging conditions, they take a moment to acknowledge Run2PB athlete and CFA volunteer Josh Kelly for his tireless work on the front lines fighting regional fires. TIn their weekly training catch-ups, Chris details a productive 72km week highlighted by a demanding interval session. Meanwhile, Zac reflects on his biggest volume week in years, clocking 90km. The heart of the episode features Run2PB athlete Anthony Tasmoen and his coach, Jonny Squire. Anthony recounts his rapid progression since joining the program in May 2025, moving from a self-guided 1:52 half marathon to a stellar 1:39 at the Melbourne Marathon. He also details his recent success at the Sweat vs. Steam event, where he clocked a 45:43 10k. Anthony explains how moving away from a generic watch-based plan allowed him to reach new levels of performance he hadn't previously thought possible.Jonny Squire provides a coaching deep dive into Anthony’s transition to personalized programming. A key takeaway from their partnership is the commitment to the "long game.. The conversation then shifts to Jonny’s own training as he reflects on his return from the Berlin Marathon and a recent stint at Falls Creek. He describes the atmosphere of the high-altitude training camp, sharing observations from the famous 1km reps day and the inspiration drawn from seeing running legends like Steve Moneghetti maintaining the "Tower Run" tradition.The episode concludes with a mention of the Sweat Testing Session that is available at Physiolife Alphington, you can register for the Feb 7th Session which will be held by Run2PB Coaches Ben Stolz and James Telford.Book Via Bio here: https://www.instagram.com/physiolifealphington/https://www.instagram.com/p/DTeJex_E2od/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==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

To kick off the new year, episode 278 of the Better With Running podcast begins with a catch-up between coaches Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, followed by a detailed interview with athlete Matt Watts and his coach, Forest Robinson.The episode opens with Chris and Zac discussing the challenges of the current Australian heatwave, which has forced many local runners to adjust their training significantly. Chris shares that he recently completed a session of 8 x 1km reps, averaging 3:29 per rep, with a particularly strong final effort of 3:19. He felt much smoother than in previous months, noting that he spent two hours recovering as a "vegetable" after a sweltering 25km long run. Meanwhile, Zac is making steady progress in his "rebuild" phase, hitting back-to-back 80km weeks and finding his rhythm again at Albert Park. He averaged 3:30s during a recent 6-minute interval and is starting to contemplate a return to road racing,This weeks run2pb guest interview is with Matt Watts who describes his relatively recent and rapid progression from a team sports background in footy and cricket to marathon running. After a long hiatus from fitness, he returned to activity via a "Couch to 5K" program, initially motivated by a desire to be a healthy role model for his young daughter. His progression was swift; he went from completing a 27-minute 5K to training for his first marathon in his hometown of Ballarat. Matt reflects on his early experiences as a "cookie-cutter" plan user, explaining that while those generic programs got him started, he eventually reached a plateau where he needed more structure and personal accountability.A major theme of the interview is the transformative effect of working with coach Forest Robinson. Matt explains that the biggest shift from "Old Matt" to "New Matt" is the move away from chasing arbitrary numbers to trusting a long-term developmental process. Forest chats about, focusing on building Matt’s volume safely and keep easy runs easy. Matt has embraced this new structure, finding that having a coach in his corner has changed his perspective on training blocks, turning them into sustainable journeys rather than just countdowns to a single race 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

In this episode of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman welcome back Run2PB athlete and Bendigo Bat, Kate Clarke to share her remarkable transformation. Since beginning her journey with Run2PB, Kate has achieved staggering progress under the guidance of Coach Chris, shaving 25 minutes off her half-marathon PB, 10 minutes off her 10km, and recently breaking the 25-minute barrier for the 5km at Albert Park. Her journey has seen her hit recently 50km-per-week athlete which highlights the power of structured training and a dedicated mindset.Beyond the garmin, Kate discusses the vital role running plays in balancing her high-pressure career as an event producer. Often working 12-to-16-hour days on her feet, she relies on her morning miles for mental clarity and essential "me-time." Kate has also become a fixture in the Athletics Victoria (AV) community and also created a tradition of themed baking. From "yo-yo" shortbreads for Ballarat to her famous brownies for Burnley.A major key to Kate’s recent performance jump was her work with nutritionist Jessica Rothwell. She shares the "game-changing" realisation that she needed to view fueling as "adding another meal" to support both her training and her demanding job. We also get an insight into her "chaotic" but lovable training partner—Alfie the Labradoodle. . She also reflects on the electric atmosphere of the Sydney Marathon weekend, where she joined the 10km event while supporting her friend Looking ahead to 2026, Kate and Chris emphasize the importance of keeping the "fun" in the process. After a season of massive breakthroughs, she is currently embracing a period of "running, not racing" as she prepares for the next XCR calendar. Her story is a testament to how structured coaching, proper fueling, and connecting with the running community can lead to improvements both on the road and in daily life.

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.

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman, start the show with a brief update from chrisos training and talk about the turf war on socials about callipos vs zooper doopers.They then welcome back Run2PB Athlete Stephen Pate, he returns to discuss a phenomenal year of running, culminating in a massive three-minute personal best at the Melbourne Marathon 2025, clocking a 2:31:54. This follows a strong performance at the Ballarat Marathon and a 10k PB earlier in the year. Stephen shares insights into his training consistency through the winter, describing the mental side of the build as a "slog," yet acknowledging it felt better than his previous block. He credits his longevity and injury-free string of three marathon builds to cautiously increasing volume and the structure provided by his coach and training groups like the Ninch Track Club, which offer essential accountability and social support.We get a detailed breakdown of his Melbourne Marathon race, revealing he was "seduced" into running with a massive 20-person pack, which included the lead female, for critical shelter and pacing efficiency in the first half. The mental crucible arrived around the 26-30km mark, a dark patch where he battled "inner voices" of self-doubt. He shares the raw self-talk and mental strategies he used to shut down the negativity and find his rhythm again, contrasting this intense focus with his less-stressed pre-race mindset compared to Ballarat. Steven's strong finish, where he passed multiple runners, is attributed to his consistent training and repeated hill work, which primed his legs for the taxing final kilometers.Stephen confirms his dietary consistency, sticking to his famed steak poké bowls while maintaining a generally gluten-free approach, with the occasional pizza as a running fuel. We also hear about his preferred ASICS shoe rotation, favoring the Superblast for everyday miles and the Meta Speed Edge for races. Looking ahead, he is taking a short break to chase shorter-course PBs before shifting his full focus to training for the notoriously challenging, hilly Boston Marathon courseWith 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 weeks episode of the Better With Running Podcast features Run2PB Coach Ben Stolz and athlete Shaun White, return to the show to recap Shaun's spectacular 2025 running season. Following a strategic focus on speed development, Shaun achieved a string of major Personal Bests (PBs), including significant improvements in the 3K, 5K (15:25), 10K (32:02), and Half Marathon. This performance surge was a deliberate part of Coach Stolz's plan to boost Shaun's foundational speed and power, setting the stage for a strong marathon attempt at Berlin Marathon, with tough conditions, we hear about how that all went down, including his fuel plans,and some training partners, who left Chriso speechless with the carb intake!Reflecting on his breakout season, Shaun and Ben highlighted several key takeaways for listeners. Shaun credits his success to consistency in training and adding strength training, which he had previously avoided for 20 years. He strongly encourages other marathon runners to "back themselves in" and focus on getting quicker at shorter distances like the 3K and 5K, asserting that this speed and confidence naturally translate into better marathon performances. The episode also touches on his shoe rotation.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

The episode kicks off with the hosts', touching on the ridiculously short two-day first test match in cricket and the start of the summer, which prompts nostalgic recollections of childhood ice creams, including Zac's lament over paying nearly $5 for a Calipo. In their running weeks recap, Chris reports a managed 39K week, focusing on recovery from a rolled ankle and a heat-impacted progressive long run, while Zac celebrates a strong 66K week—his highest volume since February—which included an important strength-building.This weeks run2pb guest athlete is James Cousins, a dedicated Run2PB athlete who joined in 2023 via a referral from the Inside Running Podcast, starting with Coach Sophie Fitt before moving to Coach Brady. James has been "thriving" under Brady’s guidance, with the coach noting he is "very dedicated and diligent, a smart trainer who understands the purpose of workouts." This discipline has translated into serious results, including smashing his personal bests to a fantastic 1:23:25 Half Marathon and a 37:28 10K. The discussion with James begins with his Origin Story and the topics that shaped his running journey. The hosts dive into his initial spark for the sport, the significant setback of recovering from a snapped clavicle in a bike accident, and the mental and physical process of transitioning from surgery to the marathon start line. he hosts also draw a comparison between his sign-up PBs (3:17 Marathon, 1:29 Half) and his recent breakthroughs, asking him to walk listeners through what "clicked" to achieve such drastic time drops.James discusses the most significant benefits and differences he’s experienced since moving to a structured coaching environment with Brady, and his philosophy when approaching a tough session, explaining what makes him a "smart trainer." Looking to the future, the hosts challenge James on whether he is currently leaning more towards the speed of the 5K/10K or the endurance challenge of the marathon as he chases the sub-3 goal. The episode concludes with a series of quick-fire questions, covering everything from his current shoe rotation and favourite race he's done so far, to his preference between Ice Cream or Gelato .With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

In this episode, coaches Chris Armstrong (and Zacca Newman kick off with a race report from Chris's Sweat Vs Steam 10k. Chris finished in a solid 37:37, but recounts the chaos of the starting pack where he "was getting absolutely swamped, elbowed, kicked in the back of the legs by people who confused the 10K with an 800". His biggest challenge, however, came five minutes in when he planted his left foot in a pothole, and it "just crunched" , making a noise like "bubble wrap". The pain subsided, allowing him to finish a strong, even-paced race. It wasn't until after he had finished, and was feeling "pretty cooked, pretty delirious," The event was touted as a success with a massive effort from the run2pb community supporting the event and volunteers assisting, with $14338 being raised for Echuca Regional Health.This weeks Run2PB athlete is Matt Miller, a 25-year-old business owner and former golfer who only began running seriously in January 2025. Fresh off apodium at the Sweat Vs Steam race. Despite his short time in the sport, Matt has posted impressive PBs, including a Marathon time of 2:40:22 at Gold Coast in July 2025, and a recent 5k PB of 16:03. The discussion covers his rapid progression, his background in golf, and his ambitious targets for 2026, which include the Ballarat and Melbourne Marathons and competing in XCR.A key focus of the conversation is what Matt has learned from Chris's coaching, especially concerning his training structure. Matt shares that "without doubt, the biggest thing is being consistent" , admitting his training was "so sporadic"   Matt also reveals his enjoyment of interval sessions that he "wouldn't have thought to do anything like that"  The episode wraps up with a fun quick-fire round of questions.With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on Better With Running, RUN2PB athlete Mel Townsend joins Chriso and Zacca for a discussion on her incredible versatility. Mel's running career began as a high school star before she transitioned to the US collegiate scene, competing for Northern Arizona University (NAU).We hear about her college running days and now transitioning to the trail running world.Mel's 2025 season has been a massive success, marked by a conscious goal to race more, competing in twelve eventsand As a member of the Singletrack Team, she has thrived on the trails. Mel shares her passion for trail running, calling it "almost like a combination of all my hobbies outside of running combined, and then running as well." She also provides a candid look into the mental demands of ultra-racing, describing the experience as a "rollercoaster of emotions, of exhaustion, happiness, anger, sad, because there's so much time in your own head."Mel talks about her goals for 2026 and takes on the quick questions, and reveals her garmin is still going strong!

In this week's episode of the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman welcome back fellow Run2PB coach Forest Robinson for an honest and detailed conversation about navigating high-volume marathon training and his coaching time at Run2PB so far.Chris talks through his week and offers a sincere apology. After years of good-natured mockery and "slanderous comments" about swimming pools, Chris admits he was "incredibly wrong." Following a recovery dip on a hot day, he confessed that the leisurely pool time was "absolutely magnificent", whilst Zacca continues to put down some consistent weeks.The spotlight turns to Forest Robinson, who provides an in-depth update on his focused training block for the upcoming Valencia Marathon. After an unpredictable racing season, Forrest is laser-focused on his major target and gives listeners an exclusive look into his preparation, detailing a brutal 3x15 minute session. Beyond his own running, Forrest shares his rewarding journey since officially joining the Run2PB coaching community in July. He reflects on the challenges and joys of personalizing training plans for a diverse stable of athletes, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach that considers every runner's life demands, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving for consistent, healthy running.With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

The legendary Brady Threlfall returns to the podcast alongside Chris and Zac for a massive episode!Special guest Brady Threlfall joins the boys to discuss treating his first significant injury (hip and pelvis stress reaction) as a much-needed mental and physical 'reset' to his plans to come back stronger.Plus, Brady gives a full, behind-the-scenes breakdown on the massive effort to revive the historic Sweat vs. Steam fun run, detailing the logistical and organisational challenges and his passion for keeping the Echuca Moama community event alive.Finally, the show checks in with returning guest Jess Willis, fresh off a huge 2:46:02 PB at the Melbourne Marathon. Jess shares the challenges of her tricky training block, including illness and a foot injury, and reveals the coach-recommended "life hack" (involving Voltaren and Gladwrap) that got her back on the start line.With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman dive into a comprehensive Melbourne Marathon special, reflecting on the huge turnout of over 105 Run2PB athletes on the road. The episode features candid interviews with two athletes who achieved phenomenal success despite huge challenges. First, Liam Beecroft breaks down his 2-minute PB, going from 2:37 to 2:35:36. Liam recounts his dramatic final race week, which included a bad bike crash just days before the marathon He details how sheer willpower and a focused mindset allowed him to push past the bone bruising to execute his race plan. Liam also settles the important debate about race day attire and reveals what he was wearing on the course.Next, Fraser Pope and his coach, James Telford, discuss Fraser's incredible 2:56:57 marathon time. Fraser shares his background, contrasting his old football warm-up (a single lap) with the dedication required to run sub-3 hours. Coach Telford explains their strategic approach to recovering from the Gold Coast Marathon only 14 weeks prior:. This measured approach allowed Fraser to execute a "metronomically" consistent race, proving that patience and trust in the process can lead to strong, back-to-back marathon finishes. The episode closes with appreciation for the running community that powered the day.With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by Australian marathon record holder, olympian r and fellow Run2PB coach, Andy Buchanan, for a Melbourne Marathon race week special. Chris shares his latest training, detailing a 72km week capped off by a challenging progression session (2 x Mile, 2 x 800m, Mile, 800m) where he started conservatively and made each rep progressively faster. This segment naturally leads into a discussion about coaching philosophy, with Andy stressing that success is found in consistently putting in and absorbing the work, not overcomplicating a single session, a lesson he's imparted to Chris over the last five years.The conversation takes a serious turn as Andy reflects on his planned World Championships campaign. He recounts a "blur" of travel and training, including a challenging heat prep camp in Cairns and his impressive win at the Sunny Coast Half. Andy addresses the inevitable follow-up question regarding the setback, offering his perspective on what went wrong and how he mentally reset after the disappointment. With the focus now firmly on the future, Andy details the strategic balancing act of his Valencia build, and how he will attack it. The episode concludes with invaluable insights for all the athletes lining up at the Melbourne Marathon.With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

his week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by returning guest Chris Hillhouse, just two weeks out from his debut at the Melbourne Marathon. Chris Armstrong kicks off the show with his training update, logging a solid 75kms and crushing a 7x1km session with reps dropping into the 3:19/km range,Returning to the show this week is Chris Hillhouse, a self-employed gardener, is an athlete who has made a transformative shift from running a self-devised half marathon that left him unable to walk for two weeks, to a 73min man under the guidance of run2pb coach Josh Harris.The interview delves into Chris’s unique journey, beginning with a quick recap of his progression from a novice runner to a competitive athlete. They discuss how he manages the significant challenge of balancing the physical demands of his gardening job with hitting key marathon sessions and long runs. Chris emphasizes the value of the structure provided by his coach, Josh Harris, noting that it's a huge relief to "just open Final Surge and here's what I'm doing today," allowing him to eliminate mental fatigue. This contrasts sharply with his early "self-devised" approach, highlighting the mental and physical shift required for a successful debut.Finally, the discussion focuses on the Melbourne Marathon debut itself. Chris shares some of the big workouts he’s tackled, which his coach confirms have prepared him perfectly, carrying early-season form into the final taper. They discuss his race strategy, including his target time before wrapping up with a look at his race day gear and a profound question: what will success truly look like for him when he crosses the finish line at the Melbourne Cricket Ground?With thanks to Oat Running our partner, Chris will be gifted some Oat Running Socks.Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by Run2PB athlete Jamie Soares, an electrician, father, and a dedicated runner who just smashed his 10km PB over the weekend. He has been coached by Brady Threlfall since January and he shares his unique journey, detailing how he balances his demanding job as an electrician and family commitments with a young daughter to find time to train. The conversation dives into his running progression and PBs, including his recent time of 36:39 at the Run Prix 10km. Jamie offers a great recap of the race and discusses what it's like being coached by Brady and the lessons he's learned.The episode wraps up with a fun quick-fire round where Jamie reveals his favorite training sessions and answers a series of questions that give listeners a peek into his personality and life outside of running. This show is in partnership with ⁠Oat Running Socks.⁠Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by returning guest and Run2PB coach, physiotherapist James Telford, for a deep dive into the most challenging part of an athlete's journey: injury. Chris shares his personal update, having a solid 73km week which included a key workout and a 90-minute long run on his new favorite race shoe, the Asics Megablast. He talks about the satisfaction of putting four weeks of consistent training The conversation with James Telford starts with the relatable dilemma every runner faces—a slight niggle that can escalate into a full-blown injury. They explore the psychological factors that make runners hide pain. James and the hosts discuss the critical importance of a coach's role in creating a safe, non-judgmental space for communication.The discussion provides practical advice for both athletes and coaches. He emphasizes the coach's role as a "hub," connecting the athlete to the right professionals—not playing doctor, but facilitating a collaborative process of rehabilitation. This includes setting new, short-term goals, like milestones in physical therapy, to provide a positive psychological focus during the recovery processThis show is in partnership with ⁠Oat Running Socks.⁠Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au

This week on the Better With Running podcast, hosts Chris Armstrong and Zac Newman are joined by athlete Rory Flanagan and his coach, Ben Stolz, for an insightful conversation on marathon preparation. The main interview features Rory Flanagan, who is in the final stages of his build for the Berlin Marathon. Rory and his coach, Ben Stolz, discuss the training block, highlighting Rory's consistent 95-100km weeks that have been key to his progress. Rory talks about his meticulous race preparation, including his fueling strategy and the importance of sweat testing.. Beyond the race, Rory shares the emotional drive behind his effort: his fundraising campaign for Haplo-insufficiency Syndrome with the Mefties Run Club. Support Rory Here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-my-berlin-marathon-run-for-meftiesSweat Testing with Ben : https://www.benstolzmyotherapy.com/general-8This show is in partnership with ⁠Oat Running Socks.⁠Listeners of the show can get a a 15% discount using "run2pb15" at the check out. Visit www⁠.oatrunning.com.au